There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than watching festive movies; and Halloween gives rise to some of the best and spookiest flicks. Here are the top 18!:
1. "Halloweentown"
Growing up in the '90s, "Halloweentown" was one of the most popular movies on Disney Channel. This film always makes me particularly excited for autumn and Halloween. The sequels are also fun to watch!
2. "Hocus Pocus"
Three hilarious witches try to terrorize kids; yup it sounds like Halloween to me! I was a witch for my first few Halloweens. Side note: visiting Salem, Mass. is a great way to learn more about the history of witches!
3. "Beetlejuice"
"Beetlejuice" will always have that creepy Halloween feel to it. This one is definitely a classic, one that you should watch even if it's not for a scary occasion.
4. "Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone"
Don't make yourself crazy by trying to watch all of the "Harry Potter" films in one night. The first one will always be my favorite because it introduces Harry and his background--and it is enough to put you in Halloween mode! It will surely bring back many memories, and it won't be as scary as other movies on this list.
5. "Scream"
Current Fox show "Scream Queens" and "Scream" have similar plot lines considering both involve someone dressing up in a costume/mask and killing people. It is fun to watch, especially on a night like Halloween when you might see the mask while trick-or-treating or attending a party.
6. "Child's Play" (1988)
Chucky will seriously be the death of me. This is one I have to watch with another person, and with the lights on.
7. "Corpse Bride"
Johnny Depp stars in this Tim Burton cartoon about a man marrying a corpse (hint: the title of the film).
8. "The Shining"
Jack Nicholson stars in this crazy thriller that has an unforgettably horrifying ending. This film will put you at the edge of your seat--which is SO Halloween.
9. "The Others"
Grace (played by Nicole Kidman) lives in a house of darkness because her kids have a photosensitivity disease that causes harm when sun hits them. If that isn't a recipe for something spooky I don't know what is.
10. "Black Swan"
This sociological thriller starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis will really make you think--and might also really make you scared.
11. "Psycho"
The famous Alfred Hitchcock writes and directs this legendary thriller. If you've never seen it. you've surely heard of it; shower/murder scene ring a bell?
12. "Shutter Island"
Leonardo DiCaprio and Michelle Williams star in "Shutter Island", a flick about a federal Marshal (Leo) who tries to find a missing prisoner on Shutter Island (where a government-run mental institution for the criminally insane resides). I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say (and you'll just have to trust): WATCH THIS!
13. "Prisoners"
"Prisoners" is a very dark film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A little plot hint: imagine that your child (imagine that you're a parent, first) was kidnapped and you are 99 percent sure you know who the perpetrator is--and he is still on the loose.
14. "V for Vendetta"
Not going to lie, I used to be terribly afraid of this mask when I was little.
15. "Silence of the Lambs"
There's nothing more chilling than the infamous Hannibal winking at you. Anthony Hopkins and Jodi Foster both star in this dark film that I promise you will give you goosebumps.
16. "Mommie Dearest"
"Mommie Dearest" is a film based on the life of famous actress Joan Crawford, who takes in two orphans. After being fired from MGM, her behavior turns abusive towards her daughter.
17. "Dawn of the Dead"
If you are a zombie for Halloween you must watch "Dawn of the Dead."
18. "Twitches" (Disney)
I want to end my list with one of my favorite Halloween films brought to us by Disney Channel which I think a lot of people have forgotten about. "Twitches", starring Tia and Tamera Mowry, is a film about sisterhood and the use of this sisterhood to save a kingdom from evil.
