10 Halloween (ish) movies to watch before October 31

Boo! Just kidding. Even if it's not that night yet, I know you feel a little halloweenish. We all do. It’s just something in the bone-chilling air. So it’s time for the most exciting Halloween movies to watch in these “brrr” evenings.

So here is my list of the movies I planned to see until November 31. And I invite you to join me, if you dare.

1.  Jumanji (1995)

Even this word only, makes me hear that sound. I bet you know what I mean. If you don’t, then I recommend you to find out why this story has millions of fans. No spoilers but Jumanji (again that sound, do you hear it?) will make your blood cold a few times, even if it's not a classic spooky movie. With the release of the film, many criticized Jumanji to be presented for a family watch, but it turned out to be too scary for children. Even Robin Williams (who plays one of the main roles in it) wouldn't let his kids watch it.

2. Focus Pocus (1993)

A legendary Halloween movie like Miracle on 34th street for Christmas. And yes, I'm guilty of never watching it before. But I'm going to correct this misunderstanding. As a black-humor comedy with all favorite elements of the classic horror film as a black cat, an old mansion, and hook-nosed witches, the film will be especially interesting for children, but thanks to its special humor, Focus Pocus will also be interesting for adults. Oh, by the way, did you know that after filming the film, actress Sarah Jessica Parker began to study her pedigree and learned that her great-great-grandmother lived in Salem. Moreover, she was recognized as a witch but miraculously escaped being burned. To see it now is even more exciting, isn’t it?

3. Oculus (2013)

I watched this film once already back in 2014, and let me tell you, my hands are still shaking while I am tapping about it. If you want to be afraid of all the mirrors in the house for a couple of nights, you're welcome to watch it. The movie keeps you on your toes with classic thriller clichés with elements of horror, such as an overpowering musical score, sudden appearances of lost souls, screams, and blood.

4. Crimson Peak (2015)

The house that towers over the city is in disrepute. With the arrival of winter, it is buried in bloody snow... Back to the times I watched it a couple of years ago, I might say that it's not the scariest movie (more a psychological thriller with horror elements), but the story is exciting till the end, and the Victorian era is rendered amazingly. 

By the way, director Guillermo del Toro claims that one of the inspirations for the film was a real supernatural event that happened to him. While searching for a location for the Hobbit trilogy, he and some of the production members stayed overnight at a haunted hotel in New Zealand. Del Toro is sure that one night, after midnight, he could hear murder sounds, including whimpering and screaming, emanating from a vent leading to an empty bathroom. So, there is a scene with a ghost in the bathroom in the film. Okay, okay, no more spoilers. Watch and see.

5. IT (2017)

By far, one of the best horror movies I've ever seen. How did I get it? I didn't finish watching it. The concept with a killer clown who feeds on fears and becomes them, well, I admit it's scary as hell. Some moments are cute, some are funny, and the young actors are so good, but that clown… No. Just no. If you are also as chicken as I am, I recommend at least try it, as the story is so great. Oh, and if you’ll pass this level, there are also IT2, so enjoy, boys and girls.

6. Annabelle (2014)

What scares me more than psychotic clowns dragging children down the drain are dolls in cute dresses with a dead look and knives in their little glass hands. And doll in this movie, well, I wouldn’t be happy with such a present. And that’s why I never watched it, but I want to give it a chance. By the way, the history of Annabelle also contains 3 films, so it can be a really intense movie night.

7. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

The movie by Tim Burton can’t be a bad idea for Halloween apriori and if the main character is portrayed by Johnny Depp, It’s even much better. We all heard the story about the Headless Horseman and wondering It’s not as scary as IT or Annabelle, but it’s quite an exciting story with love, betrayal, terror, dark forest, thick fog, comedy, and a headless guy. A great choice for an easy, slightly intimidating evening viewing before Halloween.

8. Dark Shadows (2012)

As we come to Johnny Depp, let’s stay with him for a while. His filmography consists of a couple of films that can fill up your Halloween movie collection, but Dark Shadows are something special. The film is not scary at all, as it’s a comedy. It’s funny, ridiculous, drammatic, but with the vampire in the center of events, it becomes exactly what you need in that spooky time. And the cast, in addition to Johnny Depp, pleases Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Grace Moretz, and others.

Interesting fact, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Michelle Pfeiffer are big fans of the original Dark Shadows film (1966), and there are many Easter eggs in the modern film. Tracey Curtis and Linda Curtis, the daughter of 1966 Dark Shadows creator Dan Curtis, were consultants on the 2012 film.

9. Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (2005)

Since we're talking about Tim Burton, who is almost the father of Halloween because of his stunning, sometimes terrifying movies, I can't help but recommend watching the Corpse Bride cartoon to watch.

It is a unique example of a multigraph since the entire cartoon is shot frame by frame - every movement of the doll - every new frame. Just imagine filming 109 million frames! To shoot only how the bride blinks, it took 28 frames. About 2 minutes of the cartoon was filmed per week. Insane! I mean, only Tim Burton is genius enough to make something awesome. This painting is worth your attention if only because it is unique.

Besides, it perfectly captures the Halloween spirit, as if inviting you to visit the Sleepy Hollow again. Dark but colorful, the cartoon is filled with Victorian architecture, an ominous spirit of death, and the personal struggles of the main characters.

10. Hotel Transylvania (2012)

If Corpse Bride is not something that all children may be excited about, the Hotel Transylvania is one of the best cartoons for a family watch. Dracula, Frankenstein, Tutankhamon, witches, werewolves, bigfoots, and… a human? Definitely not fit. Will not spoil it for you, but the cartoon is hilarious and just great for Halloween night.

So, that’s it. The list of my top 10 Halloween movies that I hoped to have time to ̶w̶i̶t̶c̶h̶ watch before October 31. If you have suggestions on how to expand my list, and what to watch - don’t hesitate to leave a comment.