HEADS UP THIS IS A LONG POST!!!

Ever find yourself saying, “I really wish I could find a list of horror/thriller films by this particular actor/director/production house”?  Well you are in for a treat! (No tricks!)   I have compiled lists of all the major actors, directors, and production houses of the horror/thriller genre that I could think of. (Once again this isn’t exhaustive, even though I am exhausted!)  So as many as I could think of all in one place, feel free to copy and paste to a word document and hit print, to cross off what you’ve seen! However, I didn’t include the pumpkin scale… not only would this not get posted before Halloween of 2018 but I also haven’t seen the majority of these films so I have no idea where they would fall on the scale. A lot of these titles (except perhaps for the films from 1920s – 1950s) will be in the 4+, 5+, and P+ scale ranges. These titles are in no particular order. The groupings are by how I thought of them, and the titles are in order of how I found them (so if I obtained the titles from a best to worst list, or a most popular title list they won’t be in chronological or title order).

Information obtained from IMBD.com unless otherwise noted.

Here We Go!

If your idea of Halloween fun is watching a movie marathon of a particular creature, spooky element, or theme well here’s some lists for you. Once again these lists are not exhaustive just what I know fits into each particular category. These will be helpful if you aren’t personally familiar with a bunch of movies from each sub- horror genre. These titles are broken down into what type of film you might be looking for, however there are many included titles that I don’t consider Halloween films. Some titles will appear multiple times depending on content.

As with part one these titles will have a “pumpkin scale number” next to them noted as [1-5P]. My personal recommendations and favorites from each category are denoted with an asterisk *.  Titles are organized alphabetically amongst each category however categories are in order of how I thought of them.

Enjoy!

Animated/Claymation Films :

(Other than these titles every other film on all other lists in this particular post are live action)

• Book of Life (2014) [1P] {About Day of the Dead}
• Coco (2018) [1P] {About Day of the Dead}*
• Corpse Bride (2005) [1P]
• Frankenweenie (2012) [1P]
• Halloween Tree (1993) [1P] {also includes some Day of the Dead}
• It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966) [1P]*
• Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) [1P]
• Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) [1P] { This is now often listed more as the Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad} *
• Mad Monster Party (1967) [1P] {I only use this one for background because it’s LONG, animation is great though}
• Monster House (2006) [1P]
• Mickey’s House of Villains (2001) [1P] {this has multiple Disney shorts some classics}*
• Nightmare Before Christmas {Although I argue this a Christmas movie} [1P]*
• Paranorman (2012) [1P]
• Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular (2003) [1P] *
• Scary Godmother: Revenge of Jimmy (2005) [1P]
• Scooby Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
• Scooby Doo on Zombie Island (1998) [1P]
• Winnie the Pooh: Frankenpooh and Spookable Pooh (1999) [1P] {this is a combo disc for me}

Funny, Spoof-y, or just Goofy:

• Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) [2P] * {They did a few other “meet the” and spooky spoofs but in my opinion, this is the best one}
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) [2P]
• Comedy of Terrors (1963) [2P]
• Dracula Dead and Loving it (1995) [2P]
• Elvira Mistress of the Dark (1987) [2P] *
• Hold That Ghost (1941) [2P] {This is an Abbott and Costello}
• Love at First Bite (1979) [2P]
• Once Bitten (1985) [2P]
• Shadow of the Vampire (2000) [3P]
• Shaun of the Dead (2004) [4P] {more funny than horrifying but lots of gore}
• Teen Wolf (1985) [2P]
• Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010) [4P] * {more funny than horrifying but lots of gore}
• What We Do In the Shadows (2014) [3P]
• Young Frankenstein (1974) [2P] *

 

Creepy, Kooky, Spooky:

(Think odd, gothic, quirky, possibly humorous. Probably has a catchy track you would include on a Halloween Playlist.)

• Addams Family (1991) [2P] * {The beginning is at Christmas time just fyi}
• Addams Family Values (1993) [2P]* {Personally I watch at Thanksgiving due to the featured play, I know I’m strange}
• Beetlejuice (1988) [2P]
• Comedy of Terrors (1963) [2P] *
• Edward Scissorhands (1990) [2P]
• Elvira Mistress of the Dark (1987) [2P] *
• Ghostbusters (1984) [2P] *
• Ghostbusters 2 (1989) [2P]
• Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016) [2P]*
• Monster Squad (1987) [2P]* {once again debate on if this was made for kids, I lean towards made for adults}
• Monster House (2006) [1P]
• The Raven (1963) [2P]
• Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) [3P]
• Scooby Doo (2002) [1P]
• Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)* [1P]

 

Gothic Romance:

(Movies that a major plot point is Love/Romance… doesn’t mean it ends well)

• Casper (1995) [1P]*
• Crimson Peak (2015) [3P]
• Corpse Bride (2005) [1P]
• The Crow (1994) [2P]*
• Edward Scissorhands (1990) [2P]
• Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988) [2P] *
• Ghost (1990) [3P]
• Love at First Bite (1979) [2P]
• Phantom of the Opera (2004) [2P]
• Rebecca (1940) [2P] *

Classic Ghosts/Hauntings:

• Beetlejuice (1988) [2P]
• Casper (1990s) [1P] *
• Crimson Peak (2015) [3P]
• Ghost (1990) [3P]
• Ghostbusters (1984) [2P]*
• Ghostbusters 2 (1989) [2P]
• Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016) [2P]*
• The Haunted Mansion (2003) [1P]
• The Haunting (1963) [2P] * {I love how eerie this is, this is one of my favorite ghostly tales}
• Hold That Ghost (1941) [2P] {This is an Abbott and Costello}
• House on Haunted Hill (1959) [2P]
• House on Haunted Hill (1999) [4P]
• Paranormal Activity (2007) [5P]
• Poltergeist (1982) [3P]*
• Poltergeist (2015) [3P]
• The Sixth Sense (1999) [3P]*
• The Shining (1980) [3P]*
• Stir of Echoes (1999) [4P]
• Thirteen Ghosts (1960) [2P]

Witches:

• Bell Book and Candle (1958) [2P] {note set around Christmas}
• The Craft (1996) [3P]*
• Drag Me to Hell (2009) [5P]
• Halloweentown (2003) [1P]*
• Halloweentown II: Kablar’s Revenge (2005) [1P]
• Hocus Pocus (1993) [1P]*
• Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) [1P]
• Practical Magic (1998) [2P]
• Scooby Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999) [1P] {worth it for the hex girls}
• Sleepy Hollow (1999) [3P]
• Witches (1990) [1P] {whew, man that Rolad Dahl had a twisted mind, so creepy}
• Witches of Eastwick (1987) [3P]

Creepy abilities:

(Such as Telekinesis & Seeing the beyond… however technically not witches)

• Carrie (1976) [4P] (telekinesis)
• Carrie (2013) [4P] * (telekinesis)
• Dark City (1998) [3P]* (psychic awareness)
• Firestarter (1984) (pyrokinesis)
• The Haunting (1963) (psychic/seeing dead people)
• The Sixth Sense (1999) [3P]* (seeing dead people)
• The Shining (1980) [3P] (seeing dead people)
• Stir of Echoes (1999) [4P] (seeing dead people)

Vampires:

(Note no Monster Team ups, however werewolves may be featured)

• Blade (1998) [4P] * {and the sequels, depending on how you feel about those, I like them mostly}
• Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) [4P] * {forgive Keanu he tried}
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) [3P] {I don’t like this as much as the tv show}
• Daybreakers (2009) [4P]
• Dracula (1931) [2P]* {Bela Lugosi}
• Dracula (1979)
• Dracula Dead and Loving It (1995) [2P]
• Dracula 2000 (2000) [4P] *
• Dracula Untold (2014) [3P]
• Fright Night (1985) [4P]
• From Dusk til Dawn (1996) [4P]
• Horror of Dracula (1958)
• Interview with a Vampire (1994) [3P]
• Let Me In (2010) [4P]* {Remake of Let the Right One In}
• Let the Right One In (2008) [4P]
• Love at First Bite (1979) [2P]*
• Lost Boys (1987) [3P]
• Nosferatu (1922) [2P]
• Once Bitten (1985) [2P]
• Queen of the Damned (2002) [3P]
• Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973) [4P]
• Shadow of the Vampire (2000) [3P]*
• Underworld (2003) [3P]* {sequels are pretty decent too}
• What We Do In the Shadows (2014) [3P]
• Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) [3P]
• Van Helsing (2004) [3P]

Werewolves:

(Note no Monster Team ups, however vampires may be featured)

• Cursed (2004) [3P]*
• Gingersnaps (2000) [4P] {I honestly don’t remember much of this film I think it was a 4?}
• SkinWalkers (2006) [3P]
• Teen Wolf (1985) [2P]
• Underworld (2003) [3P] {sequels are pretty decent too}
• Werewolf in London (1981) [4P]*
• Werewolf in Paris (1997) [4P]
• Wolf (1994) [4P]
• The Wolf Man (1941) [2P]
• Wolfman (2010) [4P]
• What We Do In the Shadows (2014) [3P] {partially}

Zombies:

(Note my favorite Zombie movies are going to be humorous… I do not like zombies.)

• I Am Legend (2007) {my husband liked it, not my favorite due to the ending}
• Last Man on Earth (1964)
• Night of the Living Dead (1968) [5P] {considered THE zombie movie, I don’t like it}
• Scooby Doo on Zombie Island (1998) [1P] *
• Shaun of the Dead (2004) [3P]*
• Resident Evil (2002) [5P] {and lots of sequels}
• Warm Bodies (2013) [3P] *
• Zombieland (2009) [4P]*

Demons, Possession, Nightmares, and the Paranormal:

(A step above the ghosties)

• Amityville Horror (1979) [5P]
• Amityville Horror (2005) [4P]* {yup I like the one with Ryan Reynolds better}
• Child’s Play (1988) [5P] {lots of sequels here too, this is “Chucky” not a fan of these films but felt I needed to include it}
• The Exorcist (1973) [5P] {amazingly filmed, don’t want to watch it ever again}
• Idle Hands (1999) [4P] * {I find this hilarious}
• Monster House (2006) [1P]
• Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) [5P] {lots of sequels here too, this is “Freddie” not a fan of these films but felt I needed to include it}
• Ninth Gate (1999) [4P]
• Paranormal Activity (2007) [5P] {lots of sequels here too, once again amazingly filmed never watching again}
• Poltergeist (1982) [3P] * {some really strong female characters which I love}
• Poltergeist (2015) [3P] {for a remake this is pretty cool like the shift of focus onto the brother}
• The Shining (1980) [3P]
• Woman in Black (2012) [3P]

Aliens & Beings from Outer Space:

(The evil ones. The beings that want to overtake, kill us, & potentially eat us):

• Alien (1979) [4P] * {one badass chick that Ripley}
• Aliens (1986) [4P] *{there are more that follow these but I only like the first two}
• Cloverfield (2008) [3P] {not clear if it’s alien}
• Predator (1987) [4P] * {haven’t seen the new one yet, lots of sequels}
• Killer Klowns from Outerspace (1988) [4P]
• Independence Day (1996) [3P] {to me this is a summertime movie but they are evil aliens}
• A Quiet Place (2018) [3P] {not clear if it’s alien}
• Super 8 (2011) [3P] {not clear if it’s alien}

Carnivals, Clowns, and Scary Sideshows:

(So though I don’t have a problem with creepy clowns, I do think a lot of clown movies are blah or just gore-fests, so I haven’t seen too many. To bulk up this list, I added a few I have not seen, they could fit another category but since I do not personally know them they won’t be listed anywhere else. I also don’t know the rating so they get a [?] )

• Carnival of Blood (1970) [?]
• Carnival of Souls (1962) [?]
• Cirque du Freak (2009) [?]
• Freaks (1932) [3P]*
• It (2017) [5P] * {AWESOME. Love Tim Curry but his It, isn’t this good, sorry Tim!}
• Killer Klowns from Outerspace (1988) [5P]
• Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) [?]
• Vampire Circus (1972) [?]

 

Spine Tinglers… slow build into the terror:

(Mostly Hitchcock & Vincent Price films here)

• American Psycho (2000) [5P]
• The Birds (1963) [3P]
• An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe (1970) [2P] {This is just Vincent Price reading 3 classic Poe tales, and it’s so good}
• The Haunting (1963) [2P]
• House on Haunted Hill (1959) [2P]
• House of Usher (1960) [2P]
• House of Wax (1953) [2P]
• Let Me In (2010) [4P] {remake of Let the Right One In}
• Let the Right One In (2008) [4P]
• Mary Reilly (1996) [3P] * {Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde retelling, worth it for Malkovich’s performance}
• Masque of the Red Death (1964) [2P]
• Pet Sementary (1989) [4P]
• Pit and the Pendulum (1961) [2P]
• Poltergeist (1982) [3P]
• Psycho (1960) [3P]
• Rope (1948) [2P]
• Shutter Island (2010) [3P]
• Sleepy Hollow (1999) [2P]
• Tales of Terror (1962) [2P]
• The Tingler (1959) [2P]* {Some really spooky parts, but worth it for Vincent Price on LSD}

Deranged Killers, Slashers, and those who have gone murderously Mad

• Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953) [2P]
• Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff (1949) [2P]
• American Psycho (2000) [5P]
• Friday the 13^th (1980) [5P] {lots of sequels here too, this is “Jason” hate these films but felt I needed to include it}
• From Hell (2001) [4P]
• Halloween (1978) [4P] {lots of sequels… this is “Michael”, actually love the first one don’t like most of the sequels— I am looking forward to the 2018 one! And I thought Halloween H2O was pretty good }
• Happy Death Day (2017) [4P] {Honestly, I think this was more fun than horror, but it’s not a comedy.}
• House of Wax (1953) [2P]
• Identity (2003) [4P]
• Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) [5P] {lots of sequels here too, this is “Freddie” not a fan of these films but felt I needed to include it}
• Phantom of the Opera (1925) [2P]
• Phantom of the Opera (1943) [2P]
• Phantom of the Opera (1989) [3P]
• Phantom of the Opera (2004) [2P]
• Psycho (1960) [3P]
• Scream (1996) [4P] {a couple sequels too but I really love the first one}
• Silence of the Lambs (1991) [5P]
• Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010) [4P]
• Valentine (2001) [4P] {This is a favorite of mine in the slasher category, fun and odd, but I watch it around Valentine’s Day not around Halloween, yea I know I admit I’m strange}

Toys Come to Life/Demonic Dolls:

(Okay I seriously do not understand who likes watching these, some of these films are just weird others are really demonically twisted so this list also has some  I haven’t seen because these are just not my cup of tea)

• Annabelle(2014) [?}
• Annabelle: The Creation(2017) [?]
• The Boy (2016) [?]
• Child’s Play (1988) [5P] (and all it’s sequels, this is “Chucky”—feelings listed above)
• Poltergeist (1982) [3P]* {sort of}
• Poltergeist (2015) [3P] {sort of}
• Small Soldiers (1998) [2P] {not considered a horror film at all, but it should be, its creepy}

Mad Scientists & Science Gone Wrong :

• Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde (1953) [2P]
• The Ape (1940) [2P]
• Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) [3P]
• The Brain that Wouldn’t Die (1962) [2P]
• Bride of Frankenstein(1935) [2P]
• Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920) [2P]
• Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1931) [2P]
• Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1941) [2P]*
• The Fly (1958) [2P] * {Vincent Price}
• The Fly (1986) [4P]
• Frankenstein (1931) [2P]
• Hollow Man (2000) [4P]
• The Invisible Man (1933) [2P]*
• The Invisible Man Returns (1940) [2P] *{Vincent Price}
• Island of Dr. Moreau (1977) [2P]
• Mad Doctor of Market Street (1942) [2P]
• Mary Reilly (1996) [3P] * {Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde retelling, worth it for Malkovich’s performance}
• Metropolis (1927) [2P]*
• Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) [3P]
• The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll (1960) [2P]
• Young Frankenstein (1974) [2P] *

Creatures and other monsters:

(Honorable mention: Godzilla, King Kong, Jaws that may technically fall under this list but then that opens up a whole can of worms because there are tons of these films, don’t even get me started on the Sharknadoes which I think are hilarious but none of those feel like Halloween in any way to me. So I’m drawing the line. I’m sorry maybe a future post who knows.)

• Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) [2P]
• The Blob (1958) [2P]
• Cloverfield (2008) [4P] {Good movie but if shaky camera work makes your nauseous skip it! Haven’t gotten around to seeing the other Cloverfields… also not clear if it’s alien}
• Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) [2P]
• Gremlins [1984] [3P]
• The Mummy (1939) [2P]
• The Mummy (1959) [2P]
• The Mummy’s Ghost (1944) [2P]
• Pans labyrinth (2006) [3P] {more fantasy}
• Quiet Place (2018) [3P] {Never clear if it’s alien}
• Shape of water (2017) [3P] {more fantasy}
• Super 8 (2011) [3P] {Never clear if it’s alien}

Monster Team-Ups :

• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) [2P]
• Cabin in the Woods (2012) [4P] {Kind of, just watch it, it’s definitely original}
• House of Frankenstein (1944) [2P]
• House of Dracula (1945) [2P]
• Mad Monster Party? (1967) [1P] {The question mark is part of the title}
• Monster Squad (1987) [2P]
• Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004) [1P]

 

How do I know all this?… I watched pretty much every title on here except for the ones with a [?] rating. As you can see I have watched a lot of spooky stuff but my favorites aren’t the really scary. I have a few that I love that aren’t for the squeamish but overall I would rather stick to a silly flick than a scary one.

 

RESOURCES:

Where to Watch:  Hulu, Netflix, DVD from Local Library, rent from your cable provider, or purchase on Amazon.

What’s the plot, who are the actors, etc.:   IMDB.com

But is it okay for my family, child, or me?: Commonsensemedia.org

I want more movies:

BOOK: Pumpkin Cinema: The Best Movies for Halloween by Nathaniel Tolle ISBN-13: 978-0764347238 (I haven’t gotten my hands on this yet but looks awesome)

Check out my previous post: Halloween Magic: Movies Part 1  or look to my future post Halloween Magic: Movies Part 3

You can also check out the following lists for more titles (note these will have pictures and synopses which may make it hard to print & most of the titles on these lists will be 4P, 5P, or even P+!) The following links & lists were chosen for their clarity and length, I do not necessarily agree with these lists:

“100 Classic B Monster Movies”  https://www.imdb.com/list/ls066026478/

“Classic Slasher Movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls075738516/

“Classic Vampire Movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls032667686/

“Classic Ghost Movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls034898608/

“List of Zombie Films” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_zombie_films

“List of Witch movies:” http://theresaandersonart.com/list-of-witch-movies/

“50 of the best ghost movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls062609921/

“Best to worst classic universal monster & horror movies (1923 to 1960)” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls025004618/

“Clown Horror movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls074643412/

“Most Popular Horror Sci Fi movies” https://www.imdb.com/search/title?count=100&genres=horror,sci_fi&num_votes=10000,&title_type=feature

“Werewolf movies”  https://www.imdb.com/list/ls062604461/

“Top 65 Horror Comedy movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls050668791/

“Best Horror Comedies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls021370351/

“Comedy Halloween Movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls016569949/

“Top 100 Halloween Movies of All time” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls000091321/

“The Absolute Best Halloween Movies of All Time You Watch Right Now” http://time.com/4972141/best-halloween-movies-2017/

“The Best Contemporary Gothic Films” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls061328230/

“55 Goth Movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls005511924/

“Gothic Romance” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls053529560/

“11 Gothic Romances that redefine ‘Valentine’s Day Movie’” https://www.slashfilm.com/gothic-romance-movies/

“Gothic Horror and Gothic romance movies” https://www.imdb.com/list/ls027667145/

Need help picking a Halloween flick?

For some their Halloween go to movie list will be riddled with deep dark horror for others it will be peppered with children’s animation. So I have compiled lists based upon type of desired film and created my very own pumpkin scale. This is by no means exhaustive nor should it be utilized to scale whether a movie is appropriate for a child. These lists are for people like myself that know there is more to Halloween than just icky gore but may enjoy some horror flicks this season. Some titles will be sweet, some will be SCARY, and there will be things in between.

Most times lists for adults are full of pure horror titles (that usually fall on the below scale as a 4P, 5P, or P+). So you might like some horror but it’s still okay to watch the animated cute stuff too!

{Note resources have been listed at the bottom of this post for those who want more titles or a leveling system that truly informs them of the type of content and child appropriateness.}

Categories will be rated by pumpkins:

One pumpkin [1P]= Whimsical for adults. These are films that when produced they were advertised and made for children. This does not speak of their level of scariness and may frighten some children or creep out an adult or two. Most of this list will be very mild and some quite sweet. These would be a go to for me either for nostalgia or as great background whilst carving up some Jack O Lanterns.

Two pumpkins [2P]: Creepy Spooky or Silly for adults. These are titles that when produced they were advertised and made for adults, but may be considered “family friendly” by some of today’s populace. Some when originally published were considered frightening but most likely wouldn’t frighten today’s average adult whilst others were made to be humorous or quirky.  There may be some very creepy elements and some adult or mature humor.

Three pumpkins [3P]: This is where we guarantee a little bit more chill factor. These are films that may not have been made as horror films but are quite chilling. A bit more fright, suspenseful a lot more suggestive content. Creepy elements but no nudity but there may be some sexy scenes or mild adult content. For those adults who don’t like horror at all this is dipping the toe in.

Four pumpkins [4P]: The horror genre. These are horror movies I can watch over and over again with little ill affect. There may be intense suggestive content, nudity, blood, gore, demonic elements, murderous beings, etc. However the reason it’s not FIVE pumpkins, is that it falls under what I call a ‘rules’ movie. A “rules” movie is when you can affirm to yourself after watching a title that you are fine as long as you follow the rules. (These rules do not necessarily have to be clearly listed, but the antagonist of the film follows those rules. Example: don’t move to a place that was a burial ground, always hand out candy on Halloween, don’t bury your pet in the whispered about ‘evil cemetery’, and don’t go fool around in the woods when you should be watching the kids of your camp.)

Five pumpkins [5P]: The horror genre still. However these are not rules movies or if they are they are just so terrifying that seeing them once in my lifetime is enough. They are still in the realm of watchable but really creepy and may leave residual effects on the psyche. These are movies I have trouble sleeping after watching. Just like FOUR pumpkins they are frightening but this is pushing it to uncomfortable for me.

Beyond MY comfort level [P+] = These films will not be in the suggested material below, but this is as a reference to meter the rest of this pumpkin scale. P+ are films that I regret having seen, you couldn’t pay me enough to watch again, or if I have enough awareness, I will never ever watch. These are films that can mess with your head.  What will put a movie into P+ for me are any of the following (minor references to these elements may not be a problem but they are a problem if on screen): animal torture, intended human torture (beyond a basic slasher stab or broken bone), rape scenes, any type of over stimulating but equally desensitizing imagery (such as dismemberment & excessive gore), and anything that messes with the psyche/plays with sexual/mental boundaries.   [Just a few examples: Rob Zombie’s House of a Thousand Corpses, Human Centipede, Hostel, the Japanese film “Audition”]

Please note that as stated above this rating system is my own feelings on the matter.

BUT WAIT! You may have noticed that the title said: Part 1 of 3.

Well, after compiling all the movies I could think to recommend and doing some research for exact release dates. I realized I have A LOT of information so I broke this post into 3 posts.

I broke down the posts into the following sections:

1^st:  (this post) Explanation of my scaling system (which is utilized in part 1 and 2), list of movies set on Halloween, and my personal favorites and some resources for follow up information.

2^nd: Movie Marathon Lists. So if you are the type of person who would like to watch a few of a certain type of film such as slashers, eerie slow build classics, ghosts, witches, vampires, etc. These titles are listed. I may include some titles that I personally do not love but feel like they should be included on that list. (once again I won’t list anything that would be outside of my pumpkin scale).

3^rd: When fact checking dates for my favorite Vincent Price, Hitchcock, and Hammer studio films. I realized that the lists compiled are always completely opinion pieces AND/OR tend to be bogged down with lots of images, synopses, and other extraneous information, so if you were to try to print a quick list, even copying and pasting to a word doc you would have tons of pages because of all the extra information. So the third post is without rating scale but just some lists of some classic film studios, actors, and directors known for their spooky titles.

Now break forth the LISTS!!!! (Alphabetical order by title)

HALLOWEEN MOVIES:

These are movies that take place on Halloween (not included will be films that overall aren’t Halloween but may throw Halloween briefly into their plot line such as Mean Girls with their Halloween Party ). Also note, these are only films I have seen there may be many more that fit this category and if it doesn’t have a note in {} then the entire movie is set on Halloween night :

• Addams Family (1991) [2P] {ends on Halloween night}
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) [2P] {set on Halloween, but more about the nutty family}
• Casper (1995) [1P] {Ends with a big Halloween party}
• The Crow (1994) [3P]
• Donnie Darko (2001) [3P] {odd ball film about time travel sort of, but is set around Halloween}
• Gingersnaps (2000) [4P/5P] {Honestly I don’t remember much, but I know it ends on Halloween}
• Halloween (1978) [4P]
• Halloweentown (1998 ) [1P]
• Halloweentown II: Kablar’s Revenge (2001) [1P] {there is also a 3^rd which is cute, and a 4^th that I don’t like}
• Hocus Pocus (1993) [1P]
• Idle Hands (1999) [4P] {ends at a Halloween Party}
• It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966) [1P]
• Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) [1P] {This is usually titled as “Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”}
• Mickey’s House of Villains (2001) [1P]
• Nightmare before Christmas (1993) [1P] { The beginning is the end of Halloween night and set in Halloween Town with Halloween characters}
• Once Bitten (1985) [2P] {ends on Halloween night}
• Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular (2003) [1P]
• Scary Godmother: Revenge of Jimmy (2005) [1P]
• Sleepy Hollow (1999) [3P] {The original story is set on Halloween, and they do have a party but it’s not exactly clear that this is set at Halloween from what I recall}
• Tales of Halloween (2015) [?] {I actually haven’t seen this yet, but felt I needed to include this, sorry if it’s completely terrible!}
• Trick r Treat (2007) [4P]

A little bit of everything, monsters, killers, paranormal etc.:

• Cabin in the Woods (2012) [4P]
• Creepshow (1982) [4P/5P] {Honestly I know I watched this but remember very little, I do recall it had multiple stories}
• Goosebumps (2015) [1P]
• Trick r Treat (2007) [4P]

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES (My Annual Must Watch for Halloween titles):

THE ESSENTIALS…. It’s Not Halloween Time if I don’t watch:

• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) [2P]
• The Crow (1994) [3P]
• Elvira Mistress of the Dark (1988) [2P] {Elvira is the Queen of Halloween}
• Ghostbusters (1984) [2P] {I also enjoy Ghostbusters 2 but not as much}
• Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016) [3P] {This the female Ghostbuster team}
• Halloween (1978) [4P] {I personally don’t love the sequels, H2O was okay, but I’m looking forward to the 2018 one!}
• Hocus Pocus (1993) [1P]
• Mickey’s House of Villains (2001) [1P]
• Monster Squad (1987) [2P]
• Trick R Treat (2007) [4P]

ROOM FOR MORE…. If I get to watch around Halloween time that’s cool:

• Addams Family (1991) [2P]
• Cabin in the Woods (2012) [4P]
• Comedy of Terrors (1963) [2P]
• Evening with Edgar Allan Poe (1970) [2P] {This is just Vincent Price by himself reading the classic Poe stories and it’s amazing}
• Goosebumps (2015) [1P]
• House on Haunted Hill (1959) [2P]
• House of Wax (1953) [2P]
• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) [1P]
• Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) [1P] { This is usually titled as “Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad”}
• Mad Monster Party? (1967) [1P] { That question mark is part of the title, I use this one primarily as background to carving or answering the door to trick or treaters since the animation is great but plot is long and blah}
• Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) [1P] {Okay I LOVE THIS FILM, however the reason it’s not listed in my essential Halloween List, is that to me this is more of a Christmas movie than Halloween, so I usually watch this after Halloween but before Christmas, I call it my Holiday transition movie}
• Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular (2003) [1P]
• Sleepy Hollow (1999) [3P]

 

RESOURCES:

Note I made these lists from my own memory and only did research of movie dates from IMDB.com.

Where to Watch:  Hulu, Netflix, DVD from Local Library, rent from your cable provider, or purchase on Amazon.

What’s the plot, who are the actors, etc.:   IMDB.com

But is it okay for my family, child, or me?: Commonsensemedia.org

But I want more movies!! :

BOOK: Pumpkin Cinema: The Best Movies for Halloween by Nathaniel Tolle ISBN-13: 978-0764347238 (I haven’t gotten my hands on this yet but looks awesome)

Also see my future posts: Halloween Magic: Movies (Part 2 & Part 3)!!!

In a previous post I mentioned that one of the things I wanted to write about was “that magic feeling” so here is what I mean…

 Defining it & Why it was important enough for me to write about it…

What is that magic feeling?

Well it’s something like when you turn on the radio and you hear your favorite song and you can’t help but stop everything to enjoy it. (You sing, dance, shush friends, and/or sit in musical reverie). But it’s more than that.  Yes, sometimes that magic feeling is about chance, luck, coincidence, or going with the flow. Yet, many times, and perhaps most times, it might be the exact opposite.

However, the term magic  conjures a lot of preconceived notions (some you may not even realize you have)…

When I say magic feeling or just magic in this blog (unless otherwise specified)….

I am NOT referring to the following:

• Spell-casting, religious practice (be it pagan, wiccan, witchcraft, voodoo, vodu)
• Wishes, potions, conjuring, transfiguration, summoning, wizardry, alchemy, bewitchment
• Prophecy, superstition, fortune-telling
• Paranormal, Occultism, Summoning, Demonologists, Satanic Rites, Necromancy,
• Illusionists, hypnotists, slight of hand, magicians, trickery, allurement, confidence(con)-artistry

What I mean by magic is perhaps akin to how visitors and staff of Disney World talk about when they say “Disney Magic”.  Like a form of happiness, a letting go of certain notions, and embracing your childlike glee. However, Disney magic can also mean well-timed illusion, above and beyond customer service/convenience, and connection to a corporate machine; which is not what I am talking about either.

Honestly if there was another word that I knew of to use, I would use it. It would create a lot less  confusion… Perhaps I could use the word “wonderment” but still that’s not exactly what I am saying either. Personally, I am not sure everyone has had the privilege or awareness to feel this way and it might not be the same for everyone or even the same feeling or reaction for each individual either. Especially since this feeling I am speaking of can be a singular moment, a recalled memory, a kindness, an event… It could happen every day, once in a while… It could be fleeting (slightly out of grasp), it can be residual, or it can be a consistent way of life.

Think of that magic feeling as a recipe… one that is slightly adaptable at that… such as a cake. You can have a plain vanilla cake with just vanilla icing or you can have a three layer cake with four different icings, berries, pudding, and sprinkles. (Usually it’s something in the middle of these two extremes but stick with me…)

So a basic cake recipe you need your essential ingredients: some kind of flour (this could be all purpose, whole wheat, almond, coconut, etc.). Then you need your stabilizers so that flour turns into a cake in the oven, this is your eggs, flax seed, oil, baking powder (the stuff you might not taste but is really essential). And to make this a cake some kind of topping and filling (be it icing, berries, powdered sugar) this what holds the cake together and kind of denotes that the cake is a cake. Then add-ons, the optional fun stuff that goes with the toppings and the fillings, like when you read a recipe and the recipe says optional such as (may add walnuts, chocolate chips, berries, etc. if so desire).

Side note: I apologize for those who came here wishing for a distraction from food or are on a diet… I swear this is not a blog just about food. Food may sometimes be discussed but I am certainly not a “food blog”. And food may even occasionally be a part of that magic feeling but if done right it usually isn’t… In fact, an aside to the aside… many people may only allow themselves that “magic feeling” when consuming some kind of food, the moment of bliss as they savor a slice of cheese cake or eat that cookie, sip that coffee… and I’m trying to tell you there are more ways to feel that magic feeling then just that… but right now back to my recipe analogy.

So here’s the magic recipe (measurements may very) … remember Flour & Stabilizers would be essential ingredients and the fillings/topping help that cake become a cake…

• 3 cups  Child-like WONDER (FLOUR- this may occasionally be substituted for appreciating things with awe or seeing things from a new light… but ultimately,  childlike wonder is key)
• 4 cups Allowance—Self Acceptance—Willingness  (STABILIZERS… allowing yourself to feel these feelings, willingness to feel these feelings, accepting who you are and what it is that you love)
• 4 cups    Appreciation—Respect—Reverence—Love (STABILIZERS… these can come in different combinations and should always include some self-love/respect and hopefully general respect for others/nature/the world. Very helpful would be reverence for the idea of magical things, moments, and feelings… and appreciation for these things helps a lot too)
• 1 cup Traditions—Memories (FILLINGS/TOPPINGS… this can be either reclaiming old traditions and honoring past memories, or  creating new traditions, forgoing old unloved traditions and creating new memories)
• ½ teaspoon to 2 cups Creativity (FILLINGS/TOPPINGS… up to you on how creative to get… if creativity stresses you out then maybe you’ll be more a go with the flow, half a teaspoon kind of person)

 

Add-ons [Your optional ingredients added to the fillings/toppings that make your cake taste even more delicious]:

• Love of: the holidays, seasons, seasonal items/treats, Disney, food, some fandom, some geeky thing… (Generally allowing yourself to love or appreciate the things you love/appreciate is helpful–I don’t mean being self absorbed or assuming no one likes things in the way you like them, just appreciating things.)
• Random acts of kindness/helping others feel that magic feeling
• Romance/Romantic nature (That magic feeling is almost like romancing yourself)

Hopefully that clears things up a little… It will become clearer as I discuss different topics that work into this magic feeling in future blog posts, but this my best attempt at defining what I am trying to talk about.

Now, why am I bothering to write/talk about all this? There are a couple of reasons:

One– I love this feeling, I want more of it for myself and others.

Two– Some of you may never have felt anything close to this and maybe I can help you feel it if only a little bit.

Three– As a librarian/researcher (day job) I had trouble finding information about this feeling in our everyday lives in the context of which I wanted to discuss (the only time it came close was briefly reference in something else—almost always fiction—such as that magic Christmas feeling, romantic love at first sight magic, or Disney magic as I mentioned earlier)

Four– I have searched for more specific things that relate to this topic and didn’t find anything that reflected what I wanted/needed. Which made me think about other people that might be looking for that type of information and cannot seem to find it either.

Five– To help adults realize that this isn’t just a feeling for kids… A lot of my posts will be about adults allowing themselves to have that childlike wonder and magic… If you are parent, my hope for you is that you can feel the magic alongside your child not just through your child’s eyes and I will have some posts about how to help children continue to feel the magic. But when I discuss this on this blog, my intented audience is child-free adults, or even just adults, because as adults we’ve either been denied the magic all our lives or have been told to let the magic go… I am telling you it is okay to have the magic.

Some of the topics/posts I would like to do in the future (and the motivation for this blog):

• Bringing back the classic childlike magic and mystery of Halloween
• Obtaining Christmas magic without the status quo
• Taking yourself on dates
• Being a cool Aunt/Adult to a child
• How to have a Disney Staycation
• How to have a geek themed event for just yourself, you & your partner, or a small group
• Great adult activities that bring that magic feeling
• Spread happiness with random acts of kindness and help those in need in small special ways

So when I reference that magic feeling in the future, you at least have a better understanding of my intentions and meaning.

Hoping you have many magical moments!

Remember, You GOT This!

Heather

 

When discussing a new blog idea with my husband, I said to him, I just want to start something that is me.

Goals for this blog:

• Be Authentically Me
• Discuss an array of topics that I have knowledge on, been researching, or just want to share (I am not saying I am the be all and end all on any topic)
• Write to my past self (or future self)… with the information I once needed or wanted* (more on this shortly)
• Write about that magic feeling** (more on this as well)

As you can see from my first entry to this blog, I have tried to confine and define my blogs by writing on a singular topic or aspect of myself. Though I would like to have an overall theme and thus, an audience for that theme, I am ultimately writing for myself and people like myself. Sometimes we may have lots of things in common, and sometimes we may have nothing in common, and that’s life.

*Writing for my past self, and the information I once needed/wanted. Have you ever looked high and low for an article or document that had information you needed? Perhaps you were looking for something that reiterated your decision or helped you process something life changing? Or you just wanted something compiled, or a slightly different perspective from the rest of the articles you are finding on the topic you are researching, and you know that perspective exists since you’ve discussed it, it’s just that no one else desired to write it or compile it. And what if you knew deep down that you weren’t the only one who could possibly need or find this information useful….  Well I read a piece of advice some time ago that said, “Write for your past self. Write what you needed to read five years ago.” And I thought that was some pretty solid advice.  What did Heather, five years ago, need? Well I needed an article telling me it was okay to go against the grain and elope.  I needed articles on dealing with stress and anxiety. I needed articles that compiled Halloween themed movies that weren’t necessarily for children but also weren’t grotesque horror. Or rewind ten years ago, I needed information on being a single woman moving out on my own. Or current Heather, would really like more information and resources for couples who are child-free and intend to remain so. Or future Heather wants to go to Disney World and a place to compile all that I have learned. These topics however do not just apply to me and so hopefully that will help others along the way.

** As for that magic feeling… well I will discuss this at length in a future post.  However, before I decided to go with “You Got This” I was going to focus on what I call(ed) “that magic feeling”. Though it will be a major focus of my blog, I decided that too was just a little to limiting. Since what I want is to share with others how to obtain that magic feeling in your daily life… and I think that also falls under that speaking to my self past, present, and future, because I need to keep feeling that magic.

So why, “You Got This”? How did I finally decide on that simple little phrase. Well, it’s my phrase. The phrase I say to anyone that I know needs a little bit of motivation, to anyone I know who just needs someone outside of themselves to reaffirm that they are doing okay. I say it because it needs to be said and it’s so simple. It’s hard to argue with it. When I say it I mean: “I believe in you, you should to”, I mean “this is simpler than you think”, I mean “this road may be tough, but if you stay dedicated you will prevail”… and it means that and so much more. And so many times, I’ve thought to myself “I don’t got this”, but I do, or otherwise I wouldn’t be here right now. I’ve been there for others, and hope to continue to be, and now it’s time to also be there for myself.

Remember, You Got This!