Get into the spooky mood with some of these classic halloween inspired films…
Casper:
Starting with the absolute classic film that I watched countless times as a kid. Starring Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman, it is a film that is filled with laughs, mild frights and a surprising amount of heart that keeps the audience thoroughly engaged from start to finish.
Beetlejuice:
This one is perhaps better suited for those with teenagers as some of the humour is a little bit crude in places. Tim Burton’s classic film is certainly quirky, imaginative and filled with plenty of fun along the way as well with plenty of attention to detail in terms of the frights, the costumes and special effects.
The Addams Family Values:
Of course the original Aadams Family film is equally great, but this is the one that I can recall seeing the most around Halloween time! The suitably dark themed wedding, the numerous sibling rivalry attempts to get rid of a baby, a serial killer and of course the Addams family home itself, there is plenty of chaos amongst the mild frights that makes it a delight to watch!
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl:
Undead pirates, undead monkey, a suitably spooky atmosphere throughout as well as the sense of adventure (oh and a curse of course…) that is on display throughout, makes the first film in the series ideal Halloween viewing!
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit:
Goodness me, no one can bring the Halloween spirit with such joy and humour in quite the same way that Wallace & Gromit do as the duo hunt down a mysterious Were-Rabbit, not realising the true culprit of the vegetable thief that they are trying to capture is a little bit closer to home…Plenty of jokes for both adults and kids to enjoy this is perfect Halloween viewing for families!
Scooby Doo:
I remember watching this live action take on the classic cartoon, which of course famously features Mystery Inc solving a range of mysterious involving monsters and ghosts. It is actually hard to imagine a cast better put together to bring these beloved characters to life – even if the story feels a little bit cringeworthy these days it still has plenty of spookiness to it that keeps audiences invested in the outcome.
Bedknobs & Broomsticks:
With plenty of magic, this is a really gentle film that celebrates the power and joy in witchcraft – a perfect introduction to witches and what they are capable. It features an utterly glorious performance from Angela Lansbury who is definitely the funnest witch to grace our screens!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:
In all honesty, any of the Harry Potter films could have made this list but I have opted for the Prisoner of Azkaban. This is because from the third film onwards, there is a much darker and atmospheric tone that is complete contrast from the earlier films, reflecting the tone of the story perfectly. Whether it is the introduction of the terrifying dementors, or finding out more about werewolves, there is a suitably spooky quality to this film that is perfect for Halloween.
The Witches:
If there was a film that ever put the chills down my spine as a child, it was this film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book, featuring a brilliant Anjelica Houston as the Grand High Witch. It captures the very essence of the story beautifully and has really stood the test of time (I find myself still trying to use the many way in which you can discover a witch that Dahl suggested to this very day!).
The Haunted Mansion
Simple, good natured fun in the company of a family and a whole host of ghosts in a haunted mansion – what could possibly go wrong right? It is impossible to resist because of the mystery that lies at the centre of it to ensure younger audiences attention from start to finish – there are also some lovely special effects to enjoy too!