It's only September, but in my book, that basically means it's part one of a spooky season. I'm a Halloween and fall fanatic. I try as early as I can to get in the spirit by buying Halloween decor as soon as it hits the shelves and pulling out my sweaters from under my bed. Another way I get in the spirit is putting on a good scary or Halloween movie. Here are some of my favorites that I highly recommend watching if you're as ready as I am to get hauntingly ready for fall!
1. The Phantom Of The Opera (2004)
If you're a fan of musicals, you'll definitely love this one. It's not too scary, but it definitely has a good dark aesthetic to fit into the fall season. The music is amazing. It gives me chills every time I finish the film. Don't let the Rotten Tomatoes rating fool you (34%?? Seriously??). It's a phenomenal feature that is probably one of the best Broadway-to-film remakes I have ever seen.
2. It (1990)
If you're wanting to see the 2017 version in theaters, I highly recommend watching this version first. Technically it's not a film. It's a two-part series based on the Stephen King novel. Even so, it's probably one of the best horror films I've ever seen. One of my favorite actors, Tim Curry, plays the part of Pennywise the clown and does a fantastic job at making you uncomfortable as creepy clowns should.
3. Halloween (1978)
Halloween has had lots of other films made as continuation of the original story and remakes. But this one is definitely the best one out of all of them, since it's the original. The famous horror icon Micheal Myers stars in his own film as a deraged murderer with a knife. The main music theme to the film will haunt you for years.
4. The Ring (2002)
This is by far my top favorite horror film. Another famous horror icon stars in this movie, Samara. It scared me as a kid and it still scares me to this day. At the same time, the movie has a sad backstory and a gripping plot.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993)
I can't write a Halloween movie recommendation list without including the most iconic Halloween film! I haven't met a single person that hates this film. It's fun and friendly for all ages and definitely gets you in the Halloween mood just two minutes into watching it.
6. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
One of my favorite non-Disney animated films. This one is done by Sony Animation. It even has a sequel that is just as good as the first one. Not only that, but Disney Channel aquired the rights to make a TV shows based off of it. I have yet to watch it, but it goes to show that Disney has to have a little part in everything. That's for another article.
7. Mom's Got A Date With A Vampire (2000)
Here's a good throwback film, especially if you grew up loving the Disney Channel Original Movies. It's a little corny, but definitely has that good Halloween vibe to it.
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
One of Tim Burton's greatest achievements, this cult classic is a great to enjoy all the way to December. It has a great balance of the Halloween and Christmas aesthetic where you can enjoy it anytime from fall to winter! Just try not to get addicted, because the high amount of merchandise is easy to make your wallet empty.
9. Halloweentown (1998)
Another Disney Channel Original Movie, this one has a really good 90's aesthetic to it. Even though it was a TV film, I find it to be just as iconic as Hocus Pocus. Just like Hotel Transylvania, the sequel is just as good as the original as well.
10. Monster House (2006)
This is another family-friendly film with good humor and animation. In this film, the house is more than haunted. It's... (Dr. Frankenstein voice) alive!
11. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Here's another one of Tim Burton's greatest fims ever made. It's not scary, nor does it have a Halloween theme to it, but it has a good dark aesthetic you may be looking for during October. It has a lot of heart. It will make you cry, feel warm inside, and angry. But it is a wonderful film.
