The Halloweenie Movie Guide to Getting in the Spirit of the Season

Each month the Cinelinx staff will write a handful of articles covering a specified film-related topic. These articles will be notified by the Movielinx banner. Movielinx is an exploration and discussion of our personal connections with film.  This month, with Halloween on the horizon, we're going to be examining the best Horror film genres out there. Be sure to join us in the discussion and share your favorite films in each genre we discuss! 

I get made fun of quite a bit here on Cinelinx for not liking scary movies, especially because just about all my other contributors are such big fans of the horror genre.  I just don't like them.  I hate having things pop out at me, and I really don't have the stomach for blood and gore.  Being a filmmaker/critic, and having a horror-crazy girlfriend, I've watched my fair share of them over the years, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it!  So around Halloween, while everyone else are having slasher movie marathons, I try to find other films to help get me in the spirit of the holiday.  I know I'm not alone on this either, so I've set up this list as a guide for others, who aren't horror fans but want that Halloween feeling.

Beetlejuice

Way before horror-comedy was popularized by films like Shaun of the Dead or Zombieland, we had Beetlejuice.  Nobody was quite sure what to expect from it, but it was a very big hit (even spawning a cartoon series), and helped propagate an all new genre for fans to enjoy.

Tim Burton's quirky style fit perfectly with the undead world of Beetlejuice, and there are still people to this day that think it's Michael Keaton's best role.  Dealing with ghosts, poltergeists, and general creepiness, this is a great film to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Ghostbusters (1 & 2)

All right, I'm kind of cheating here by including both of these in one entry, but let's face it.  You can't watch the first Ghostbusters without the second.  That would just be a shame.  These are perfect Halloween films because they deal with all things paranormal (you know, the things typically associated with the holiday).

While some of the things on screen were designed to shock or even scare audiences, I think enough time has passed (and special effects have evolved enough) that the ghouls aren't all the terrifying anymore.  So what we're left with are two movies with really good stories and a great cast of characters.  Nothing wrong with that.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

No, I'm not talking about Joss Whedon's TV show here, I'm talking about the original film with PeeWee Herman as an evil vampire.  Forget all the sparkles, angst, and love triangles; this movie is all about a smart-mouthed girl who really knows how to kick ass.

With a solid story, great acting, and plenty of genuine laughs it's still one of my favorite takes on the vampire mythos and genre.  So if you're thinking vampires for your Halloween movie watching, you can't go wrong with this choice.  I really considered using Lost Boys instead...but I think Slayer has aged far better over the years.

Psycho (1960)

It doesn't really get much more classic than Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.  While the film can still pack a punch when it comes to thrills (a product of great filmmaking), it's safe to say that considering the horror movies of the last few decades, there's very little in here that will scare you senseless.

That makes this a great 'horror' film to watch with your buddies for Halloween, and it's a great excuse to watch a fantastic older film.  Truth be told, many of Hitchcock's films could have been on this list, but I feel Psycho is one of the most timeless and perfect for the Halloween holiday.

The Evil Dead (Original) 

This movie has everything that horror fans like; zombies, monsters, and lots of blood and gore.  The reason Sam Raimi's film is making it on this list, is because of it's insanely low budget, none of those aspects can really be considered scary.  It's much more of a campy movie that's fun to watch on the same level as any other B-horror film.  It's goofy, humorous, even laughable in some of its attempts at horror, but it's still a fun film.  Besides, why WOULDN'T you watch a Bruce Campbell film?

Remember, though, you need to watch the ORIGINAL version of this film.  The new Evil Dead remake that came out a couple years ago will certainly scare the crap out of you and give you all sorts of nightmares.  So if you're getting ready to watch the flick, or someone is bringing it over...double check the release date! 

The Addams Family

I guess I could have included the sequel on here as well, but I preferred the first one, so that's what we're going with.  Addams Family meshes well with Halloween as it's all about the creepy and odd family dynamic they have.

Ghosts, ghouls, and all other manor of creatures that go bump in the night are all the norm with this family.  The main reason I'm putting it on this list is because it's a great Halloween movie for everybody.  It's kid friendly, but not to the point where it would bore or alienate adult viewers. 

I'm sure a few of you expected films like It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown or Hocus Pocus and Ernest Scared Stupid to be on this list.  But let’s face it, those movies are definitely “givens” and have become ingrained with many people to be a part of Halloween tradition; they don’t need to be listed.  I'm sure there are plenty of other movies you guys have that serve the same purpose.  They'll get you in the Halloween spirit, but you won't have to change your underpants to do so.  So if you've got a special holiday movie, share it with us below!

-Jordan