With October 31st just around the corner, you might be looking for ways to get in the Halloween spirit! You could carve a pumpkin into a jack-o’-lantern, snack on some candy corn, or decorate your home with fake spiders and skeletons. While these are all excellent options, one of the easiest ways to get in the mood for Halloween is to watch a horror movie! Whether you enjoy very scary movies or you prefer something more cute than creepy, there are options for everyone. Scroll down to explore some of our favorite classic Halloween movies.
Classic Halloween Movies
Psycho (1960)
Full of iconic lines and images, Psycho is considered one of Alfred Hitchcock’s best films. Did you know that it earned him a nomination for best director? The plot centers on a shy motel proprietor named Norman Bates and an on-the-run embezzler named Marion Crane. If you’ve never seen it before, prepare for some gorgeous camerawork, incredible performances, and first-rate horror.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
What happens when a young, expecting wife suspects that her elderly neighbors are up to no good? Rosemary’s Baby is exceptionally creepy and earned star Mia Farrow praise for her acting as well as admiration for her iconic style in the movie.
Nosferatu (1922)
If you’re interested in film history, Nosferatu shouldn’t be missed. This silent German Expressionist horror film depicts a vampire named Count Orlok. It’s had a profound influence on many horror movies made in the decades that followed its 1922 release.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
Looking for something a little lighter? You can always count on Charles M. Schulz for some holiday sweetness. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown focuses on Charlie’s friend Linus, who believes in a supernatural figure named the Great Pumpkin despite his friends teasing and doubting him. It’s adorable and only 25 minutes long!
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Perhaps you want a few laughs alongside your horror? You’ll love the classic Mel Brooks film Young Frankenstein, which stars Gene Wilder as a descendant of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. A parody of other classic horror movies, Young Frankenstein is a true delight.
The Shining (1980)
Based on the novel by Stephen King, The Shining centers on an aspiring writer (played by Jack Nicholson) who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker of an isolated hotel in the mountains. When he moves there with his wife and young son, horrifying things begin to happen. This film is not for the faint of heart! But it also features stunning camerawork and an unforgettable performance by Nicholson.
Dracula (1931)
With Bela Lugosi in the titular role, this adaptation of the novel by Bram Stoker has had a profound impact on all future depictions of vampires. At the time, the film was considered a huge gamble for Universal Studios, as they weren’t certain that an American audience would enjoy a full-length horror film, but it was both a commercial and critical success.
The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
Inspiring the most iconic Halloween hairstyle of all time, The Bride of Frankenstein is the sequel to Frankenstein, which was released in 1931. In the film, Dr. Frankenstein constructs a mate for his original monster. Did you know that Boris Karloff, who plays Frankenstein in the movies, was also the narrator of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)?
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Which of these classic Halloween movies is your favorite? Whether you choose to watch a horror movie or you stick with pumpkins, candy corn, and autumnal crafts, we hope that you enjoy this spooky season!
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