Staff Picks: Halloween Movies

by Lauren D’Ambra

The Addams Family (1991): Duh duh duh duh snap snap duh duh duh duh snap snap Oh
come on, I know you sang it too! And if you have no idea what I’m referring to, you should
definitely watch The Addams Family! Based on a series of comics and a TV show of the same
name, The Addams Family follows the shenanigans of a kooky and creepy family living in the
modern world. I also highly recommend watching the original TV show for even more Addams
family fun. snap snap!

Clue (1985): Okay, okay, it’s not your typical Halloween movie, but c’mon, a fancy dinner party
turned murder mystery in an old gothic mansion? It practically screams spooky season! Based
on the board game of the same name, Clue is easily one of the funniest and most plot twist
driven films out there. Plus, just like the game, it has multiple endings that all work with the plot,
so good luck figuring out who the murderer is!

E.T. (1982): In this 80s Halloween classic, a young boy, Elliot, befriends a crash-landed alien
currently on the run from the government. Elliot and his siblings hide E.T. and eventually
undertake a risky scheme to help E.T. go home. All of the action takes place on Halloween
night, and you’ll appreciate the Halloween backdrop as E.T. makes his escape. This is also the
movie that made the Reese’s Pieces candy popular, so if you’re a big peanut butter and
chocolate fan (like me!) you’re obligated to watch.

Ghostbusters (1984 or 2016): Yes, I included both versions and no, I don’t accept criticism
regarding the 2016 version because it was great. Either way, both movies center around a team
of scientists who set out to stop a ghost invasion in New York City. Both movies are comedies
too, so if you’re looking for something fun to watch, Ghostbusters is it! A continuation of the
1985 version, called Ghostbusters: Afterlife, is coming out in November, so now is also a good
time to catch up on the series.

Halloweentown (1998): After a young girl sees her grandmother using magic, she discovers that
she too is a witch and follows her grandmother to a magical place called Halloweentown, a town
where it’s Halloween time year round. Unfortunately, behind all of the giant pumpkins and fun
decorations, something evil is lurking and it’s up to the witches to stop it. Maybe watch this one
after you’ve finished a scarier movie!

Hocus Pocus (1993): “I put a spell on you” and insist you watch this Halloween classic! Hocus
Pocus takes place on Halloween night in Salem, Massachusetts where a high schooler named
Max lights a cursed candle and brings back The Sanderson Sisters, the town’s most notorious,
and evil, witches. Now Max, his younger sister Dani, and Max’s friend Allsion have to figure out
a way to get rid of the sisters before it’s too late. Moral of the story: don’t go breaking into
museums and lighting candles made by witches, you never know who might turn up!

Psycho (1960): Every wonder why almost all horror movie soundtracks use those “shrieking”
strings in their music? This is the film that started it all! An Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho, was
groundbreaking in establishing the slasher genre of horror, as well as the film that’s solely
responsible for framing motels in the creepiest way possible. It’s a great movie, but I highly recommend not showering immediately after watching it…

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Honestly, any Tim Burton movie could have been
listed here since they all give off spooky vibes, but The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic.
The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the king of Halloween Town, and his accidental
discovery of a place called Christmas Town. When he tries to bring Christmas to Halloween
Town, chaos ensues. It’s also a Danny Elfman conducted musical, so be ready to sing along!

The Shining (1980): This is probably the scariest movie on this list, but it’s another horror classic
and it takes place just an hour and change away from Mines, so why not? Based on a Stephen
King novel of the same name, The Shining tells the story of a family who moves into a
supposedly troubled Colorado hotel for the winter. Things go awry as strange things occur in
room 237 and the father slowly begins to descend into madness. After you watch it, you can go
check out The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park!

The Sixth Sense (1999): Okay, if you haven’t seen this thriller/horror movie classic, you’re
missing out! This movie follows the story of a young boy who confides in his therapist that he
can see dead people. The boy learns to come to terms with his ability, and even figures out a
way to help the living, but not all is as it seems. Trust me, the twist at the ending will leave you
absolutely floored!

Young Frankenstein (1974): If you sit down to watch Young Frankenstein expecting classic monster movie action this Halloween, you’ll surely be disappointed, but if you’re looking for a comedic twist on a classic monster movie, look no further. Like many other Mel Brooks films, Young Frankenstein is a parody film based on Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein and follows an American grandson of the infamous Dr. Frankenstein, played by Gene Wilder, who moves to Transylvania to continue his grandfather’s work. Filmed in black and white, Yong Frankenstein is a great pick if you’re looking for something more comical to watch.