Halloween is upon us and that means trips with the kids to corn mazes and haunted houses, shopping for pumpkins, and buying treats.
In other words, if you have young children, Halloween means family time.
What better way to celebrate our haunted month than will some creepy movies? Pop up some corn instead of wandering through a field of it and sit back with the family while you all get into the Halloween spirit.
We also have suggestions for those with older children or none at all!
“Super Monsters Save Halloween”
If you have tiny ones in the house (age 3+), this is the movie to rent (at Netflix). It’s especially suited for the ones who may feel a bit nervous about Halloween. The Super Monsters “… help a friend see there is nothing to be afraid of,” according to the Netflix description. Rated TV-Y.
“Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest”
Although it’s recommended for pre-schoolers (but not rated), if your child scares easily, you may want to opt for another movie. “Cute but my 4 and 1/2-year-old son was scared by the no noggin [headless scarecrow] and brought it up twice at bedtime,” according to one parent reviewer with several others saying the same. Read more reviews at commonsensemedia.org.
“Nightmare Before Christmas”
The film “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which is recommended for children aged 7 and older, tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween, and his journey through the door into Christmas Town. There, he makes the decision to forgo his customary Halloween celebrations in favor of those associated with the month of December instead. This one is a hit with the kids. Graded as a PG.
“The Lady Vanishes”
Enjoy the more traditional scary stories? In this film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1938, the plot revolves around the disappearance of a young woman’s traveling companion, the denial of the other passengers that her traveling companion ever existed, and the young woman’s effort to determine what took place. No rating.
“Rosemary’s Baby”
A young woman who is pregnant has the unsettling feeling that there is something about the unborn child that is not quite right. All hell breaks loose as she and her husband move into their new apartment, which is located in a building with a reputation for being haunted and tenants who are eccentric. The moment Rosemary gives birth, all of the hidden details are brought to light. This timeless film from 1968 features Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes in starring roles. Rated as Mature
“Dracula”
Released in 1931, this is the Dracula that forever cemented the dastardly bloodsucker in America’s psyche. The midnight ride through the fog is worth the price of admission. No rating.
“Scream”
Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Neve Campbell, and Drew Barrymore feature in the iconic horror film directed by Wes Craven and released in 1996. The protagonist of the film is a high school student in California who finds himself at the center of a murder investigation involving the shadowy figure known only as Ghostface. This one is not appropriate for children as it is what is known as a “slasher flick.” In addition, it has a rating of R.
“Silence of the Lambs”
It was terrifying in 1991, and it continues to be terrifying today, thanks to the performances of Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, who both won Academy Awards for their work. The former portrays Hannibal Lecter, a fan of fava beans, Chianti, and human flesh, while the latter plays a role in toying with the psyche of FBI agent Clarissa Starling, played by Foster. Rated as Mature
