Halloween Movie Countdown

In this article I am going to countdown my Halloween favorites from when I was a kid. My goal is to leave you with one or two gems for your own Halloween movie countdown. Lets jump in shall we...

# 10 Halloweentown 1998

Halloweentown was the first of four Disney Channel Original Movies released between 1998 and 2006. The film follows a young girl on her journey between the mortal world and Halloweentown, which can only be accessible on Halloween day until midnight. In Halloweentown you meet a fun group of characters and learn why the girl and her siblings have been under strict rules to never go out for Halloween and how Halloweentown came to be. Overall, just a really fun tale for the whole family. With great visuals and light humor, its not surprising why it was a hit and produced three sequels.

#9 Ernest Scared Stupid 1991

Ernest Scared Stupid is a horror comedy film starring Jim Varney. This is the fifth film to feature the character of Ernest. On this journey he must save a small town from an army of trolls with the help of the town trick-or-treaters. Overall it is just a fun slap stick comedy for the whole family, hopefully you're already familiar with Ernest, but if not, why not pop in this classic and introduce yourself!?

#8 Double Double Toil and Trouble 1993

Double Double Toil and Trouble was a made-for-television film starring the ever so popular Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. With their family in trouble and learning of a magical curse placed on their Great Aunt, the two must go on an adventure to break the curse and save their family. Overall, it is a cute movie that would put any family into the Halloween spirit.

#7 Casper 1995

Casper is a family friendly tale of a haunted mansion in Maine. When a ghost communicator moves into the mansion and brings his teenage daughter along, Casper quickly develops feelings for her. The two develop a relationship that is complicated by his current state, as well as his trouble-making ghostly uncles who are trying to drive the living family out of the mansion. Overall, it is a sweet tale of young romance.

#6 The Goonies 1985

This film follows a group of young adults on a quest to locate lost treasure. When they embark on the adventure that has them traveling through an underground labyrinth with traps, skeletons, and a group of bad guys close on their trail, this cult classic is all around fun for everyone.

#5 The Frighteners 1996

The Frighteners is a horror comedy film that follows an architect who has developed supernatural powers to communicate with the dead after his wife's murder. He uses this ability to scam people by having his ghost buddies perform “hauntings” that he will then exercise for a fee. All is well until a mass murderer appears who is able to harm both the living and the dead! Both frightening and funny, this is a great film more for pre-teens and adults.

#4 Beetlejuice 1988

Beetlejuice is a comedy fantasy film with a horror element. When a couple has an accident, they begin haunting their former residence to scare away the gaudy new home owners. With no luck, they elicit the help of an unknowingly crude ghost with an agenda of escaping the netherworld to wreak havoc in our realm! With this film's unique style and humor, it will make a great addition to your Halloween movie night! 

# 3 The Witches 1990

The Witches is a film based on the novel of the same name by Ronald Dahl. The film follows a young boy who travels with his Grandmother on holiday. The boy, who is fascinated with dark tales, overhears a group of witches hatching a plan to turn all children into mice. With the help of his Grandmother he must now foil their plan. The film is easily enjoyed by adults because of how incredibly creepy it is. (Watch a trailer, these witches are U-G-L-Y). As a child this was a terrifying movie! This story is sure to get you into the Halloween spirit.

#2 Hocus Pocus 1993

Hocus Pocus is a comedy fantasy film that takes place in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. Three witches are resurrected from the dead when a love struck teenager lights a magical candle to impress his classmate. With the help of a black cat, his little sister, and his school crush the three must stop the witches from completing an ancient spell. With an outstanding cast, great humor, and a fun Halloween tale it is easy to see why this makes number two on our countdown!

#1 The Halloween Tree 1993

The Halloween Tree is a film based on the novel of the same name by Ray Bradbury. Although the film started out as an animated television film produced by Hanna-Barbera, I first watched it on VHS as a kid. This movie was hauntingly beautiful with fantastic artwork and story telling. The film tells the tale of a group of friends on a journey through time chasing the spirit of another close friend who was taken away in an ambulance. Overall a wonderful tale of friendship as well as a lesson into the traditions of Halloween, how could this not be number one on the list!?