Urchin’s Halloween Movies to Spook Your Socks Off!!!
Do you feel that… that cold, haunting wind? That concerning rustle of leaves? That consistent yapper about pumpkin spice… Halloween is almost here! This is the season to be spooky and, oh boy, do I have the king-sized Reese's Cup for you. A list of movies that combine Halloween camp with Hallow’s Eve horror.
The criteria for these movies is a mix of different things; spooky yet witty humor, what makes it a perfect Halloween movie, and how fun it is to watch with friends.
And before we get into the list: I have put down where you can watch the movies as well as a link to the website “DoesTheDogDie.com” which will run down any sensitive moments in the film that you may want to try and avoid. If you are looking for perfect descriptions of these movies this is NOT the place for that, so take my campy and possibly terrine taste in movies with a grain of salt. Now, onto the list!
5. Halloweentown (1998)
CAN WATCH: Disney+
This 4 film Disney Channel original series starts with a spooky kitsch classic. Halloweentown is a movie that radiates what it's like to be a child during Halloween with fun monsters, magic, and a love for fantasy. Aside from the silly plot and lesson on the importance of family, this movie has a lot going for it. I find the unsung star of the film to be the designs of the residents of Halloweentown, as well as the set design. Both do a good job of making not only the titular Halloweentown feel whimsical but also realistic and believable. Considering most of the movie's special effects are practical, it's a pretty big deal how well it captures the spooky yet playful take on the holiday. Not many Halloween movies made for kids hit the bullseye in terms of what that nostalgic night feels like for a child, but this movie is the utter essence of that.
4. Scary godmother: Halloween Spooktacular (2003)
Can watch: Youtube (Free)
NOW I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING - if you know this movie you know it's an absolute mess of an animated film; one could say that it’s downright ugly. Yes, it is! But this is my list, so sit down. This movie is a Halloween cult classic. The stupid humor and awful animation give it a “so bad it's good” quality that I think makes for an enjoyable watch-through. Similar to Halloween Town, the Scary Godmother captures that age of childhood where Halloween feels real. While the demographic for this movie is mainly children, the movie still has jokes that even an adult can find hilarious. A good children's movie should contain moments that cater to all ages. Scary Godmother knocks that ball out of the park. A lot of bits hold up well for children, but some jokes benefit from an older audience. If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted movie to watch that's quick and free, this is the one.
3. ELVIRA: MISTRESS OF THE DARK (1988)
CAN WATCH: Tubi, Amazon Prime Video
All hail this classic camp queen! The renowned horror hostess, Elvira, takes center stage in this classic film. In comparison to the other movies in this list, you could argue that the themes of this movie aren't explicitly Halloween. However, it would be a disservice to you, and me, to not add this movie to your watch list. Elvira’s character is created with perfection. She’s witty, and goth, and has a timeless kind of sex appeal. All of these are on full display throughout the movie. The humor in this movie is incredibly smart, no punch line is out of line and no joke feels overdone (even if a lot of the humor comes from how big Elvira's boobs are). Some jokes in the movie are so clever you’ll miss ‘em till the next Halloween. If you are looking for a movie with a female lead who owns her sexuality, has fun in a town that wants her dead, and is a good stinkin’ time- this is the one. Truly, I can not recommend this movie enough.
2. NIGHT OF THE DEMONS (1988)
CAN WATCH: Tubi, Shudder
Night Of The Demons is an example of a classic, “so bad it's good”, campy horror movie. This movie is about a strange time, but an enjoyable one at that. As an 80’s demonic horror movie, however, it follows the basic concept of annoying teens going into a place they shouldn't go to and pissing off spirits. What makes this movie special is the characters in it. The main goth girl and hot pink bimbo duo, Angelne and Suzane make for fun and witty characters that stop at nothing to give a quick memorable quote before dancing to Bauhaus or rubbing lipstick all over their faces. The two of them make for the perfect demonic antagonists. While most of the other characters in this movie suffer from “stupid teen in a horror movie” syndrome, they are there to act as bait for Suzanne and Angelne as they turn everyone they invite to their Halloween party into monsters. If you are going into Night Of The Demons expecting a horror masterpiece, I don't think this is what you’ll find. However, if you gather some friends, and allow yourself to enter the absurdity of this movie, you’ll have a good time.
1. TRICK R TREAT (2007)
CAN WATCH: Amazon Prime Video (COSTS MONEY)
A lot of the movies here are pretty accessible, most of them requiring one subscription service or a search on 123movie, but if you have a few bucks to spare this is a film that is worth the 5-dollar rental price. This movie is one I try my best to watch every Halloween because if there’s one slasher that’s based around a holiday that goes off, it’s this one. Without spoiling too much, the film acts as an anthology of a bunch of stories that all take place on Halloween with each story focusing on the rules of the spooky-flavored holiday. Each one never feels too long and is full of twists and turns. What makes this movie special is how it’s also able to connect each different storyline. This helps worldbuild around the small suburban town, while also emphasizing points of interest. The movie isn't a total slasher, but the small pumpkin-headed killer, Sam, makes for the perfect slasher villain and silent narrator to the rules of Halloween. This movie is 100% a spooky staple, and while it may be a bitch to get your hands on, you won't regret it!
