31 Days of Halloween: Full of Screams, Murder, and Classics

story: Maya Stoffer

An MQ-approved movie recommendation list for students to choose from whether they’re looking for something to watch during spooky season or want Halloween nostalgia in other seasons. The list includes more family-friendly movies that are great for all Halloween enthusiasts and more classic horror films. Enjoy!

“Scooby Doo on Zombie Island” (1998)

To start off the list, this is a classic Scooby Doo film that connects with the younger generation. This selection is also great for families and younger children, yet provides nostalgia for older generations.

“Casper” (1995)

This is another family-friendly movie about a friendly ghost. It’s also considered a classic animated children’s movie. It really gets you in the Halloween spirit without being too scary.

“The Little Vampire” (2000)

This comedic horror movie based on the children’s book series of the same name is about a nine-year-old boy that befriends a young vampire named Rudolph.

“Monster House” (2006)

With low-budget animation, this movie portrays a story of three children trying to prove there is an evil force inside a neighborhood house in order to stop the force from harming trick-or-treaters.

“Frankenstein” (1931)

Based on the Mary Shelley novel, this classic movie contains one of the most well-known monsters within the realm of Halloween. Although the special effects may not seem as real now, it was a pioneer in the horror movie franchise.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)

With the three iconic witches, a magical cat and teenage lead, this movie is sure to lure you in with its spooky vibes.

“Clue” (1985)

Although not necessarily considered a Halloween movie, this board game-based film involves murder and mystery, two vital components of most horror films.

“The Sixth Sense” (1999)

The line “I see dead people” comes from this iconic horror film, directed by M. Night Shyamalan. This psychological thriller is good if you’re looking for a creepy movie with a good twist.

“Poltergeist” (1982)

Another eerie thriller on our list, Poltergeist’s plot follows a family whose home is haunted by a notso-friendly ghost that turns their house into a supernatural nightmare.

“Scream” (1996)

Drew Barrymore and Neve Campbell star in Wes Craven’s campy horror movie, which revitalised the slasher horror genre in the late 90’s. It’s both funny and scary, with unpredictable twists and turns throughout.

“Conjuring” (2013)

Based on a true story, this flick centers around a couple and their children that deal with a supernatural presence and try to banish it from their home.

“Psycho” (1960)

This old Alfred Hitchcock film is about the notorious Norman Bates, and an unsuspecting visitor to his motel who discovers the horrors within it. Hitchcock’s film is credited with the inspiration for the modern horror genre.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)

This classic slasher horror film details the origin of the notorious Jason. Despite being an older film, it’s still creepy and captures the unsettling vibes of a secluded summer camp.

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

Time to take a break from all of the gory slasher movies! This is another family-friendly movie about a hotel run by an endearing group of monsters.

“Coraline” (2009)

Although this is another kids’ movie, it is still just as haunting as others on this list. Tim Burton’s animated film features an unhappy little girl named Coraline, who falls upon an alternate universe that may not be quite as perfect as it seems.

“Ghostbusters” (1984)

“Who are you going to call?” This Halloween movie with the memorable line is perfect for those interested in ghosts but with more of an element of comedy than horror.

“Beetlejuice” (1998)

A classic movie about a couple that dies in a car accident and are stuck haunting their home as a new, obnoxious family moves in. Both comical and scary, this makes for a great Halloween movie.

“Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)

This slasher film with the well-known villain, Freddy Krueger, is a top pick for the month of October. This one can keep you up for hours, afraid to fall asleep.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007)

Although this is a musical, it features a murderous barber and a theme of revenge; perfect for the month of October.

“Addams Family” (1991)

Based off the cartoon and old TV show of the same name, this movie is similar to its predecessors, but with more innuendos and an older Wednesday and Pugsley. It is more of a comedy than horror film, but is still a great vibe for the spooky season.

“The Shining” (1980)

Taking place in an ordinary hotel, this movie is everything but ordinary. Based on the Stephen King novel, it revolves around a family acting as a caretaker for the Overlook Hotel, yet the longer they stay the more disturbing it becomes there.

“It” (2017)

Although this is a new movie, it has potential to become a classic for our generation as it’s a movie beyond the jumpscare. It has scary moments, but also features friendship, bravery and romance.

“Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

This classic horror movie brings us the infamous cannibal, Hannibal Lecter. Although this is wellknown it still holds psychological plot twists and can haunt you hours after it’s over.

“Corpse Bride” (2005)

After a listing of intense horror movies, it’s time to relax and watch an animated Tim Burton movie about a young man and his accidental ghost bride. It has catchy songs and loveable main characters that can draw you in no matter what age you are.

“Halloweentown” (1998)

A classic family movie in which a young girl discovers she comes from a line of witches and visits her grandmother’s hometown of “Halloweentown.” This film, and all its sequels, are nostalgic of childhood Halloweens.

“Dracula” (1931)

Another movie that served as a gateway for other horror movie monsters. Dracula is the well-known vampire and is portrayed by Bela Lugosi in this film.

“Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

With catchy songs, a likeable main character and romance, this movie is sure to catch your attention. This movie is great for both fall and the start of winter as it merges Christmas and Halloween seamlessly.

“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)

This movie contains everything great about the Peanuts gang, while also getting you in the festive mood of Halloween and pumpkin picking. It’s a short, but classic film many will remember from childhood.

“HALLOWEEN” (1978)

With the title being Halloween, this movie does not fail to impress classic horror movie fanatics, and is a perfect way to round out a season of spooky flicks.