Halloween movies scare and delight viewers
As Halloween approaches, many movie lovers are turning to their favorite spooky movies to get into the spirit of the season. The best Halloween movies bring with them the feeling of cool temperatures, falling leaves, and full moon nights, along with a healthy dose of fear. A movie is the perfect way to celebrate the weeks leading up to Halloween, whether alone or with friends and family.
For viewers who love to be scared, there are numerous Halloween-themed movies. Perhaps the best known, and the scariest, is the appropriately titled “Halloween.” The original “Halloween” movie, which was released in 1978, tells the story of a psychotic killer who terrorizes a group of teenagers. Starring a young Jamie Lee Curtis, the film is filled with suspense and tense silences designed to scare viewers. In “Halloween,” Tony Moran stars as murderer Michael Myers, a deranged young man who has escaped from a mental institution 15 years after murdering his sister. On Halloween night, he returns to his hometown and begins killing unsuspecting teenagers. In a terrifying ending, Jamie Lee Curtis’ character Laurie fights for her life as Michael relentlessly pursues her. The movie ends with a terrifying twist that will leave viewers feeling uneasy for hours.
“Halloween” is widely considered the first film in the modern slasher tradition. It was made on a tight filming schedule on a small budget and uses considerably less violence and gore than the films it inspired. The horror in “Halloween” is less visual and more cerebral, with scenes designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The movie inspired an entire “Halloween” franchise. A good dose of horror can be found in the seven sequels to the original “Halloween”: “Halloween II”, “Halloween III: Season of the Witch”, “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers”, “Halloween 5: The La Revenge of Michael Myers”, “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers”, “Halloween H20: 20 Years Later” and “Halloween: Resurrection”. In 2007, the filmmakers remade the first “Halloween” using the original title. A sequel to the remake, “Halloween II,” was released in 2009. Most viewers still consider the original movie to be one of the best Halloween movies ever made.
There are countless movies for families with children who want to celebrate Halloween in a less terrifying way. One of the loveliest is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” The animated film follows the Peanuts characters as they enjoy the Halloween festivities. Linus is worried about the Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown has trouble trick-or-treating. The film is sweet, short and appropriate for all audiences.
Another animated movie that is equally enjoyable for children and adults is “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This Tim Burton film is made in the director’s unique style, with dark and gloomy scenes and creative characters. The story follows Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town as they try to combine Christmas and Halloween, with mixed results. The film is visually stunning and contains enough adult-appropriate humor to entertain viewers of all ages.
For adults or families with older children, the 1993 movie “Hocus Pocus” is sure to set the mood for Halloween. The story begins in old Salem, where three witches are cursed to temporary death, and fast forwards to the present day. When a teenager, Max, accidentally wakes up the witches on Halloween night, he must find a way to defeat them and save the town. The film is packed with high-energy action sequences, spooky night scenes, an abundance of Halloween costumes, and a healthy dose of magic. Older audience members will enjoy watching Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bette Midler as the three witches.
Families will also enjoy the movie “Casper,” which was released in 1995. The movie stars Bill Pullman, teen heartthrob Devon Sawa, and a young Christina Ricci. “Casper” puts a whimsical spin on the idea of a haunted house and is more endearing than terrifying. The plot follows a father and daughter who move into an old mansion, only to discover that it already has inhabitants, four ghosts with big personalities. As the father and daughter deal with their new roommates, they grow closer and develop a better relationship. With several haunting scenes that are entertaining and an abundance of romance, “Casper” is an ideal choice for family night.
When it comes to Halloween movies, most options are either enchanting or terrifying. Viewers looking to celebrate the darker aspects of the season will find satisfaction in Halloween-themed horror movies, while less adventurous viewers will be happier with family-friendly movies. From blood and gore to friendly ghosts, Halloween movies are sure to bring out the spirit of the season.