Halloween would not be Halloween without seeing a few spooky films in October. As a huge Claymation fan, I couldn’t help but notice that several of my beloved go-to Halloween movies happen to be stop-motion animation. It also occurred to me that Claymation films appear more often than not to have a horror element. Something about the movement of clay, and the creativity that goes behind creating sets and puppets, lends itself in becoming creepy in the most artistic and satisfying way possible. Given how often stop-motion animation and Halloween movies intersect I’ve compiled a list of some favorites you should definitely check out this Halloween season.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This film is arguable a classic, and its popularity really opened the door for the genre of our modern creepy Claymation films. While the film holds onto two holiday themes, I argue that while you totally have an excuse to watch the movie twice a year, this is more of a Halloween than Christmas movie. There are more monsters seen than winter wonders, and even Christmas elements often have a scary twist. But hey, that’s why we’re here, isn’t it?
2. Coraline (2009)
Wow, a wonderland that sucks in children and slowly disintegrates into a nightmare in order to take their sole, means this is probably the creepiest movie on this list. From Coraline’s sass, the wholesome sidekick Wybie, and the evil other-mother this movie is always a favorite, Halloween or otherwise.
3. Frankenweenie (2012)
Personally I love when well-known cultural elements are told retold in a creative way. Frankenstein but with a boy’s beloved dog that passed? Sign me up! Tim Burton keeps the entire film in 1950s style black-and-while and adds in other classic monster references through Victor’s classmates and their science experiments.
4. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Wallace and Gromit are an amazing duo, and I’m so glad that with four short-films they got to have a feature-length one as well. While a great comedy, it’s hard to deny the Halloween element in a story that has a giant rabbit monster lurking at night under reference to a werewolf. The film also has a great twist in the mystery plot, and I would be lying if I said the romance between Wallace and Lady Tottington didn’t make me happy-sigh every time they were on screen. Yes, see it this October for the Halloween elements, but also watch it for just being an outstanding film anyway.
5. Corpse Bride (2005)
Everything about this film is hauntingly beautiful. The music is emotionally stirring, the color choices have purposeful poetry behind them, and the character’s personalities—Victor’s nervous clumsiness, and Emily’s wistful appreciation of freedom—create something you just want to hold onto. This film is classic Tim Burton, and classic Danny Elfman creating a tangible world. It’s a completely different but fair second helping to what was created in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
6. ParaNorman (2012)
With his ability to see ghosts, Norman must save his town from a witch’s curse, and an uprise of zombies. This is the classic story of a boy who doesn’t fit in, but then must use what sets him apart to save those who ostracized him. Its offbeat humor save the film from being too clique however. That and the film’s ability to not take itself too seriously.
7. Vincent (1982)
This short is an outlier of the list, not being feature-length or from at least 2005 (the other exception "The Nighmare Before Christmas.") I thought it was important to include however, as it’s at the root to Tim Burton’s career and what began a legacy of films. The story is narrated by Vincent Price, and told through a delightful rhyme scheme found in many children’s books. It has a back-and-forth between reality and a child’s imagination. It’s witty, surprising, and basically everything you’ve ever wanted.
