10. Goosebumps
Nothing compares to the 90's horror stories of R.L. Stine, so when I heard about a live-action movie based on the series, I was a little unsure about it. Surprisingly, this Goosebumps film was well-done: Jack Black leads the charge with a quirky story and plenty of laughs. In the film, tween Zach Cooper has a mega-crush on his neighbour Hannah, but he can’t quite figure out Hannah’s super overprotective Dad. As it turns out, Hannah’s Dad is actually the real R.L. Stine, and he has some pretty big secrets to hide. Can the unlikely crew save the town from certain disaster?
9. Corpse Bride
I love this film so much. It’s emotional and spooky at the same time. It includes some beautiful songs, and just like any other Tim Burton film the soundtrack is magical.
Victor is a living man who has been arranged to marry Victoria. After running out on his wedding rehearsal, Victor practises his vows in the woods alone. Without realising, he accidentally marries a corpse bride who has been waiting for marriage.
Emily was murdered by her Husband-to-be the day of her wedding. She vowed to wait until ‘her true love come set her free’. This just happened to be Victor, wrong time and place.
The use of colour is very clever – dark and grey for the living world where Victor is reserved and forced into this marriage, then colourful and musical down in the underworld when you can visibly see Victor open up around Emily. Tim Burton used stop-motion to create this film, just like ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
It’s definitely one of Tim Burton's greatest films. It’s not too scary, and I think anyone that watches it will instantly fall in love!!
8. The Addams Family
Everyone has heard of this family. This dark comedy will speak to both adults and children. The actors in this were definitely chosen well and make this film worth watching. The Addams Family started in the 60’s with their own TV series. There have been a lot of adaptations ever since, but I think this version will always be the best. I remember watching this for the first time and just loving it.
I wouldn’t say there is anything scary about this film. A completely Gothic family that make you embrace your own quirks, what more could you want?
7. Frankenweenie
In this black & white animated film, a boy named Victor loses his beloved dog, Sparky, he's killed by a car, so he sets about bringing him back to life by harnessing the electricity from a lightning storm. But is blackmailed into sharing the resurrection secret, resulting in reanimated mayhem. Some sad themes relating to deceased pets. If you've ever lost a dog this will pull on your heart strings. Such a great film.
6. The Haunted Mansion
Starring Eddie Murphy and Marsha Thomason as Husband and Wife Estate Agent team, they get an opportunity to sell a huge mansion. But when they get there they realise the mansion is haunted by lots of different spirits with lots of different motives.
I think it’s one of Disney's best live-action movies. Plus Eddie Murphy was the perfect choice to play Jim Evers. You should all definitely check this film out. I had to include a couple of Disney films on this list because who doesn't love Disney??
5. Ghostbusters
It wouldn’t be a family-friendly Halloween list without mentioning the original Ghostbusters film. It's a classic, and anyone that has seen this fantastic film knows "Who ya gonna call??"
The film is pretty much self explanatory but if you've seen the remake then you'll kind of get the idea. This one will always be my favourite film. We always used to sit down together and watch it.
4. Casper
Christina Ricci stars as Kathleen Harvey, the daughter of ghost therapist Dr. James Harvey. She's recruited by the friendliest ghost of all time to help him handle some unfinished business. Casper soon falls in love with the girl, but can anything really happen between them??
I really like this film it's so easy to watch and understand but let's face it we all love Casper.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
What a classic! Is it a Halloween or a Christmas film? Could be either. This is such a fantastic film. I have to admit I enjoy watching this film both around Halloween and Christmas. Tim Burton is most definitely a genius in the film department. I’m very grateful for his visions, they’re nothing short of magnificent and i love that they're all dark and slightly quirky.
In the town of Halloween, all sorts of creepy and scary creatures are celebrating Halloween night, including the ‘King of Halloween’, Jack Skellington. Jack then seems to have some sort of epiphany, there’s got to be more to life than just Halloween, right? After a walk, Jack stumbles across the doors to all the other holidays we celebrate, including Christmas Town. Once returning to Halloween Town, Jack decides to take over Christmas. Doesn’t really go to plan.
2. Hotel Transylvania
Ah, Hotel Transylvania. This fun film has become one of our favourites for Halloween. My son can't get enough of it.
Dracula is about to throw his daughter, Mavis, her 118th birthday party at his monster-only hotel. An unknowing human stumbles across the party whilst backpacking, and Mavis takes a liking to him. Dracula becomes overprotective over his only daughter but learns a vital life lesson.
I just think it is a feel-good film with humour that teaches children it doesn't matter how different you are you will be accepted and loved no matter what. I really recommend this film, especially if you have younger children.
1. Hocus Pocus
No Halloween film pick list is complete without my all time favourite Halloween film out there! I absolutely love this and have to admit I don't just watch this on Halloween. It's pretty much an all year round film for me.
After moving to Salem, teenager Max Dennison explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their new friend, Allison. After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
This film is full of laughs and the cast is fantastic! you can't have anyone else playing the Sanderson sisters.
What do you think of my top picks?? Have you seen any of these?? What do you think??
Lots of Love
