October is officially here and that means the Halloween season is in full effect. It doesn't matter that part of the country is still dealing with sweltering heat because the pumpkin patches will open soon and the Halloween decorations are coming out.
Another tell-tale sign that it is the Spooky Season and people everywhere are seeking thrills: Halloween movies are everywhere.
Frankly, I am not complaining. I loved ABC Family's "13 Nights of Halloween" while growing up.
Now, it's even better. Free-form (the new but not better version of ABC Family) launched "31 Nights of Halloween," playing some fun and freaky chillers all month long. So, what movies are the best to get you in the mood this Spooky Season?
1. Practical Magic
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star in this movie as Sally and Gillian Owens, magical sisters born into a family of witches. When Gillian's evil boyfriend suddenly dies, the sisters and their magical aunts get involved in some pretty witchy business.
2. Halloween Town
This movie was part of the reason I loved Halloween when I was younger. If you didn't watch all three (we can forget the fourth one) at least once a year during your childhood, you really missed out. Oldest sister Marnie and her younger siblings get a big surprise when their grandmother comes to visit and reveals that not only are they witches but from the magical town of Halloweentown. Plus it starred the late Debbie Reynolds, so we need to appreciate her in all her glory.
3. Beetlejuice
The movie stars Geena Davis and Adam Maitland as the young couple, Barbara and Adam Maitland. After they die, they become trapped in their house and try to scare away the nearly moved in Deetzes. After their efforts fail, Beetlejuice comes to "help" scare the family away. Here's a tip, if Tim Burton directed it, then its perfect for Halloween.
4. Hocus Pocus
GiphyA cult-classic, right? Well, unfortunately, I am late to the party since I have yet to see the movie. However, I have heard great things. Apparently a teenager named Max accidentally releases three evil witches. Now Max and his friends have to steal a spellbook and turn the coven into mortals.
5. Edward Scissorhands
A scientist builds a "human," Edward but dies before he can finish Edward's hands, leaving him with scissor blades. He is then taken in by a suburban family but still treated as an outcast. The mere fact that this movie was directed and produced by Tim Burton makes it the perfect film for Halloween. Fair warning, if you are an easy crier then you will lose it during this movie.
6. Casper Meets Wendy
GiphyWhen Wendy and her aunts escape the evil warlock Desmond, she meets Casper the Friendly Ghost, who is on vacation with his troublesome uncles. Wendy and Casper become friends and team up to take Desmond down. Frankly, I like this movie much more than the original Casper, but this one has Hilary Duff.
7. The Addams Family
Yes, they are creepy and they're spooky, which makes "The Addams Family" a very fitting Halloween movie. This film is about a man claiming to be Fester, Gomez's brother, returning to the family with questions about what is real and what is made up.
8. Zombieland
GiphyAfter a virus turns people into zombies, four survivors -- Tallahassee played by Woody Harrelson, Columbus played by Jesse Eisenberg, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) -- follow a list of rules to avoid getting killed by zombies. This spooky season is the best time to watch the movie before seeing the most recent installation, "Zombieland: Double Tap."
9. A Quiet Place
A mysterious creature that hunts by sound? Yeah, that's not terrifying at all. I don't know how I would feel or even live in a world where even the smallest whisper could cost me my life. How long would you last? However, this thriller makes for a perfect movie for this Halloween.
10. Disney's The Haunted Mansion
GiphyNot a personal favorite but a Halloween necessity for those who like it. In truth, I still don't like this movie and can't stand the ride at Disney but if it gets you into the fall spirit, who am I to complain?
11. The Craft
It's the typical 90's drama. Think the precursor to Mean Girls but with magic powers. When a telekinetic girl becomes friends with three outcasts and wannabe witches, some spells and curses backfire with creepy consequences. Friends, witches, and spells make the perfect combination for a Halloween flick!
12. Matilda
Not a movie you usually associate with Halloween, but still filled with plenty of magic, frights, and laughs. If you don't know Matilda, where have you been? You can't go wrong with this sweet movie this frightful season.
13. Double Double Toil and Trouble
This was the first Halloween movie I was allowed to see and it did not disappoint. It probably sealed the deal on loving all Olsen movies. If you're like me and are a sucker for Olsen Twins movies, this one is the perfect one for this Halloween season.
