Scary movie season has officially arrived! From childhood classics to modern-day favourites, what’s your top Halloween movie? Do you think you’ll find it in the following list? See for yourself! Don’t be scared…
Now, as October approaches, nights grow longer, the days get darker, and the chills set in, making it the perfect time for cozy spooky movie nights. Except, there are so many movies to choose from; where do you start? Here's your guide to the top spooky / Halloween-y movies ever made, mentioned by your teachers! So, gather up all that candy — I mean, uh, healthy snacks, turn off the lights, lock your doors, and settle in for the best of the best Halloween movies. Mwah-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa!
WARNING: Some of the following trailers and movies may not be suitable for all audiences. If you are not fond of scary and mildly violent films plus content, please be careful!
10. Fright Night (1985)
Mentioned by: Mr. Morson
Horror/Thriller | Rated R | 1h 46 mins | Ratings: 92% on Rotten Tomatoes
In its release year, this movie was a star, becoming the second highest-grossing horror film made.
Written + directed by Tom Holland (not the Spiderman Tom Holland), the original Fright Night follows a young horror fan, Charley Brewster, who discovers that his neighbor is a vampire. When his friends, girlfriend, family and even the cops don’t believe him, he has no other choice but to turn to the only person who could help after many strange events occur. Will his washed-up television vampire killer help him? Or will everyone die?
9. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
Mentioned by: Mr.Hayes
Animation/Comedy | Age 4+ | 25 mins | Ratings: 95% on Rotten Tomatoes
"Hey, aren't you going to wait and greet the Great Pumpkin?” - Linus.
This is a true classic the whole family can enjoy! For more than 50 years, Snoopy and his gang have brought people of all ages into the Halloween spirit. Want something Halloween-y but 100% fear-free! It’s right here! Made in 1966, the animated special features Charlie and his friends trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples and awaiting the Great Pumpkin!
8. The Shining (1980)
Mentioned by: Mr. Sperduti
Horror/Mystery | Rated R | 2h 26 mins | Ratings: 84% on Rotten Tomatoes
In this ultra-scary movie, author Jack Torrance accepts a job as a caretaker for an isolated hotel in the hopes of improving his skills as a writer. However, his son can see the ghosts that are haunting the hotel thanks to his psychic abilities. When the family becomes trapped in the hotel due to a snowstorm, Jack becomes more and more influenced by the ghosts and grows progressively insane. What is the extent of his insanity? And how will the others survive? Maybe you should find that out…
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street
(2010) (Remake 0f Original).
Mentioned by: Mr. Kittl
Horror/Drama/Slasher | Rated R | 1h 35 mins | Ratings: 75% on Google
Kids who don't even watch scary movies have heard of Freddy Krueger! Remember that scary saying we all heard as children, "One, two, Freddy's coming for you”? Yep! That’s Freddy Krueger!
Almost a decade before Scream was made, the original Nightmare on Elm Street was the most popular movie to exist! Based on many opinions, the remade version is three times better! In this movie, a group of young neighbourhood friends begin to have the same dream of a horribly deformed creepy man named Freddy. After being killed by their parents, Freddy decides to haunt the kids by stalking and killing them in their sleep. The man terrorizes them in their dreams, and the only escape is to wake up! DON’T FALL ASLEEP! The captivating plot and storyline will definitely leave you scared to fall asleep too.
6. Pet Sematary (2019) (Remake 0f Original).
Original Movie Mentioned by: Mr.Reigner
Horror/Thriller/Mystery | Rated R | 1h 41 mins | Ratings: 72% on Google
The '80s classic and its remake follows a family who’s moved from Boston to a rural town with their young children. As they explore the woods near their new home, the couple finds a mysterious burial ground of evil forces. What do they find there? And what will they do when things get worse in their safe place called home?
5. The Ring (2002)
Mentioned by: Mr. Norah and Mr. Sperduti
Horror/Thriller | Rated R | 1h 55 mins | Ratings: 74% on Rotten Tomatoes
This is the movie that made everyone afraid of their TVs for a brief period of time in the early 2000s. That’s right! It’s The Ring! Four teenagers die after watching a mysterious video, motivating journalist and reporter, Rachel Kelly, to investigate the film. As a result, she finds herself fighting for her life as the clock continues to tick! Will she run out of time?
4. The Amityville Horror (2005) (Remake 0f Original).
Mentioned by: Mr. Robillard
Horror/Thriller/Drama | Rated R| 1h 30 mins | Ratings: 83% on Google
The Amityville Horror is a movie based on the true crimes of Ronald DeFeo Jr. The movie follows George and his wife, Kathy, moving into a beautiful new house in the small town of Amityville, New York. After moving in with the kids, they find out the house’s low price is thanks to its disturbing history. The former owner murdered his family after seemingly being possessed by the devil. Having discovered the place is haunted, the couple searches for a priest to get rid of the evil spirits. But, will that work?
3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) (Remake 0f Original).
Original Movie Mentioned by: Mr. Bolton and Mr. Robillard
Horror/Slasher | Rated R [some realistic violence *warning*] | 1h 38 mins | Ratings: 86% on Google
In this 2003 remake of the 1974 classic, a group of friends travelling through Texas are chased by a serial killer… Yup! That’s all! Now, it sounds like nothing, but a lot goes on throughout the film, making it impossible to complete. Trust me… Although the 2003 remake is amazingly filmed, Tobe Hooper's original 1973 movie also does a fantastic job of spooking its viewers! So whichever one you choose to watch, let’s hope you can finish it!
2. Exorcist (1973)
Mentioned by: Mr. Spina, Mr. Morson and Mr. Robillard
Horror/Supernatural | Rated R | 2h 12 mins | Ratings: 83% on Rotten Tomatoes
Despite being released almost forty years ago, The Exorcist is still one of the scariest movies ever made. The Exorcist is a must-see for anyone who calls themselves an expert in scary movies! This famous paranormal horror from 1973 is based loosely on actual events. Loosely. Reassuring, right?
The Exorcist follows the demonic possession of a young girl and her mother's attempts to save her through—you guessed it—exorcisms.
NUMBER 1. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Mentioned by: Mr. Sylvestre
Horror/Found footage | Rated R | 1h 21 mins | Ratings: 86% on Rotten Tomatoes
Ranked number 1 on the list, we have the one and only: Blair Witch Project! The movie that popularized the concept of "found footage" horror follows a trio of ghost-hunting film students who get lost and disappear in the woods while investigating the haunted Blair Witch. After the three students disappear, there's just one item found: their camera. What was captured? Where are they now? Can you find them?
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - Mentioned by: Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Sylvestre
Friday the 13th movie series (1st movie: 1980) - Mentioned by: Mr. Younan and Mr. Robillard
Hocus Pocus (1993) - Mentioned by: Ms. Marra and Mr. Sperduti
Stephen King's Cujo (1983) - Mentioned by Mr. Reigner and Mr. Sylvestre
Halloweentown (1998) - Mentioned by Ms. Sawchuk
Hey! Before you leave, are your doors locked? You would want to check that out... Bwah-ha-ha!