8 Classic Films To Watch on Halloween That Aren't "Monster Movies"
Start writing a post

8 Classic Films To Watch on Halloween That Aren't "Monster Movies"

You can just skip the "usuals" starring Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Mummy (trust me)

145
8 Classic Films To Watch on Halloween That Aren't "Monster Movies"

If you're looking for a Halloween classic to watch at home, skip the usuals with Karloff, Lugosi, and Chaney—a.k.a. Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Phantom of the Opera. Don't get me wrong—their legendary films are captivating, but they only depict one side of this spooky holiday!

Some of my films of choice represent the mischievous side of Halloween with magic spells and harmless tricks, while others are psychological thrillers that paint a picture of the dark, overwhelmingly suspenseful side of the scariest day of the year. And others are just downright creepy, with distinct cinematic styles that differ from Universal's classic "monster movies."

Give them a watch, if you dare...

"I Married a Witch" (1942)

dialnfornoir.tumblr.com

Before there was "Bewitched," audiences got a taste of a romantic comedy involving the hijinks of witchcraft with 1942's "I Married a Witch." If you enjoyed the classic TV show from the 1950s, or even "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" with Melissa Joan Hart, then Veronica Lake will leave you totally spellbound— in more ways than one...✨


Where to watch it: Available to rent on various video-on-demand platforms.

"Gaslight" (1944)

Tough Roast Beef - tumblr

If your experience watching "Gaslight" ends up being anything like mine, you'll feel tension growing tighter through your body as the dark suspense of the film builds on and on. Perfect for Halloween, you'll find that the film's gothic, almost Poe-like elements only amplify an already creepy tale of a sociopath (Boyer) and the wife who he conditions to believe that she's slowly going insane (Bergman.)


Where to watch it: Available to rent on various video-on-demand platforms.

"Cat People" (1942)

GIPHY

Part horror film, part psychological thriller— and it will give you goosebumps from start to finish!


Where to watch it: Available to rent on various video-on-demand platforms.

"The Haunted House" (1921)

GIPHY

"The Haunted House" plays out like a classic episode of "Scooby-Doo Where Are You!": local criminals pose as monsters in an abandoned location. The movie, starring the very talented Buster Keaton is a silent short—but like many of his feature-length films, it's a genuinely hilarious gem that relies solely on comedy through pantomime.

In other words, even though it's a silent movie, don't knock it 'till you try it!


Where to watch it: Since the film is in the public domain, you can watch it for free on YouTube.

"Bell, Book, and Candle" (1958)

GIPHY

Speaking of "Bewitched," show creator Sol Saks admitted that he thought inspiration from "I Married a Witch", and "Bell, Book and Candle," which starred Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart in 1958. "Bell, Book and Candle" is a romantic comedy with the same playful spirit as both works, but is balanced out with melodramatic elements. Novak's Gillian Holroyd lives her life believing that her heart is her Achilles' Heel—meaning that if she falls in love, she loses her powers for good.


Where to watch it: Gotta resort to good old-fashioned DVD's for this one...borrow it from a local library perhaps?

"What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962)

GIPHY

If you've already watched "Feud: Bette and Joan," then you HAVE to watch "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" But you should also watch it because it's also unlike other horror thriller films you've seen before—and it's totally fun for Halloween.

Watch as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis shine in a chilling tale of what happens when a decades-long sister rivalry turns sour. (And as you may already know, this is the film that cemented the legend of Crawford and Davis' real-life feud...)


Where to watch it: Available to rent on various video-on-demand platforms.

"The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920)

GIPHY

If you're a fan of Tim Burton and his films, then you might want to check out the German expressionist films that appear to have influenced his work. Among the films that employed the (sometimes creepy and bizarre) visual styles of German Expressionism is one that just happens to be a fun treat for Halloween: the 1920 silent film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari."

Just like Burton's films, the use of lighting and shadows (and sometimes even settings) were masterfully designed to represent the dark, twisted psychology of the film's maniacal killer, Cesare. Plus, you may notice that Cesare, with his dark, spiky locks, bears a striking resemblance to another character we all know and love...


Where to watch it: The film is included in the catalog for Amazon Prime Video subscriptions, but since it's also in the public domain, you can watch it for free on YouTube.

"Psycho" (1960)

GIPHY

Everyone is familiar with the iconic shower scene in 1960's "Psycho," but that's only a small piece in the movie's larger puzzle—a movie that is definitely guaranteed to give you chills on Halloween night. (Plus, if you've never watched an Alfred Hitchcock film before, you're certainly in for a treat my friend…)

Where to watch it: You can find it, along with a number of other Hitchock films, on Shudder, AMC's subscription service exclusively dedicated to the horror genre (which I had no idea existed until now...) It's also available to rent on various video-on-demand platforms.

What is your favorite classic movie to watch during the Halloween season? 🎃 👻 Tweet me your go-to movie picks @missjulia1207!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Golden retriever sat on the sand with ocean in the background
Photo by Justin Aikin on Unsplash

Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore my dog. I am constantly talking about my love for her. I attribute many of my dog's amazing qualities to her breed. She is a purebred Golden Retriever, and because of this I am a self-proclaimed expert on why these are the best pets a family could have. Here are 11 reasons why Goldens are the undisputed best dog breed in the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Boyfriend's Christmas Wishlist: 23 Best Gift Ideas for Her

Here are the gifts I would like to ask my boyfriend for to make this season unforgettable.

82519
Young woman opening a Christmas gift

Recently, an article on Total Sorority Move called 23 Things My Boyfriend Better Not Get Me For Christmas, was going around on social media. I hope the author of this was kidding or using digital sarcasm, but I am still repulsed and shocked by the lack of appreciation throughout this article. I would like to represent the girlfriends out there who disagree with her standpoint -- the girlfriends who would be more than happy to receive any of these gifts from their boyfriends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Two teenage girls smiling

The 2000s were a time that many young adults today can look back on, joyfully reminisce and somewhat cringe at the trends and the fads that we all used to love and adore. Here's a list of things from the golden 2000s that will have one feeling nostalgic about all of those times.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

7410
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
woman in white tank top and orange jacket holding a bible
Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Life is hard. There is no surprise there. It’s confusing and scary and hectic, but there are some amazing qualities, too. Sometimes you feel alone and don’t know what to do. School gets in the way of what you want to do or you’re dropping friends you thought you trusted. Everyone has their moments. Everyone has felt in the lowest place and couldn’t find the strength to get back up. But I want to help with that. Here are 10 Bible verses I hope will brighten your day, or at least make you feel stronger and happier.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments