Welcome foolish mortals to the best time of the year ... Halloween! Not only is it filled with candy, fall scents and pumpkin-spiced everything, but it also brings one of America's greatest pastimes, Halloween movies. From the tame to the terrifying, October brings some true cinematic masterpieces that are sure to leave you in a festive mood.
1. "Halloweentown" (1998)
We can start a little mild with this Disney Channel classic. Not only does this movie have one of the greats, Debbie Reynolds, but it also is one of the best Halloween movies ever. It also has several sequels if you're feeling extra festive.
2. "Edward Scissorhands" (1990)
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton go together like Halloween and horror. In one of his best performances ever, Johnny Depp dazzles as Edward Scissorhands. For an added bonus this film has Depp and Winona Ryder, which hits you right in the feels.
3. "Hocus Pocus" (1993)
I don't know about you, but when I was little this one freaked me out. The cast is fantastic and it is the perfect blend of family-friendly and scary. An added bonus is that they just announced they're doing a new one. What a time to be alive people.
4. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984)
As one of the most famous horror characters ever, Freddy Kruger will be sure to terrify your nightmares after this one. How can you resist a young Johnny Depp?! And I am talking about the original people.
5. "The Addams Family" (1991)
The Addams Family effortlessly combines the dark and twisted with some heart. Although our favorite spooky family does have some interesting moments, you can't help but love them!
6. "Halloween" (1978)
What better Halloween movie to watch than Halloween itself. Michael Myers has become one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history, and for good reason. This one is definitely creepy so get ready to hide under the covers.
7. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
If you need a definition of the best ofboth worlds, look no further than The Nightmare Before Christmas as it combines Halloween AND Christmas. With catchy tunes, memorable characters, and that Tim Burton touch, it's no surprise as to why this has become a classic.
8. "The Conjuring" (2013) & "The Conjuring 2" (2016)
Easily some of the best, and most terrifying, horror movies ever, The Conjuring films are everything that you want in a scary movie. From the characters, both the demons and the protagonists, to the storyline, to the settings, these movies do not disappoint. And for an added spooky factor, they are both based on true stories. Let that sink in for a second.
9. "Casper" (1995)
How can you not love Casper? This movie just warms your heart and puts a smile on your face. Plus it's perfect if you want that Halloween spirit but aren't in the mood to sleep with your lights on.
10. "The Shining" (1980)
This one isn't necessarily that scary, but it is the ultimate psychological thriller. And Jack Nicholson's performance is superb. If you watch this movie for just the "Here's Johnny" scene alone, you're in for a treat.
11. "Beetlejuice" (1988)
There are amazing performance all around with this one. Tim Burton again doesn't disappoint as Beetlejuice is one the perfect Halloween movies! If you don't watch this one in October do you even do Halloween...
12. "The Exorcist" (1973)
As the only horror movie to win an Academy Award ever, it only makes sense that The Exorcist is a phenomenal movie. The terror builds slowly, but by the end it hits hard and doesn't stop until the credits start rolling. Get ready to scream, and maybe close your eyes if you're a little squeamish.
13. "It" (2017)
You may never look at a sewer the same way again if you're brave enough to see the new remake of Stephen King's It. I personally did not find this movie terrifying, but I will admit that there were a couple scenes that had me full-out screaming. Not only is Bill Skarsgård phenomenal as Pennywise, but the kids in this film are also stupendous and really bring a lot of comedy to this dark film.
Get comfortable and watch some of these if you dare. Fair warning, you may be sleeping with the lights on for a while. Happy Halloween!
