Great films to watch on Halloween

Sorry, this is posted on Halloween, but this is more of a chance for me to be bias and not a guideline. This list contains 6 more adult horrors and 4 films that are great fun for families to watch tonight.

Scream

The film that kicked off a franchise of slasher movies, and living proof that the firsts are always the best as this is a far superior film to the average sequels and awful fourth film. The best part of this film is its ability to nicely blend between dark comedy and stunning horror, with its great moments of making fun of the cliches and conventions of the horror genre.

Halloween

No list would be complete without this John Carpenter horror classic. Before taking on the remake of The Thing, Carpenter created the father of all slasher movies, which shocked a generation setting a new sub genre of horror. The acting may be terrible, but the film stands up as one of the most iconic films of all time with a villain and theme that are both impossible to forget.

The Shining

Stanley Kubrick knows how to make a great films with all of his films being considered as classics, and this is no exception in the list coining what is most likely the most quotable horror line of all time. This film pulls in great psychological horror and one of Nicholson's greatest performances, this still stands as one of the best horrors (and best films) ever made.

Beetlejuice

This isn't the only Burton film to be on this list, and unsurprisingly this is definitely one of his greatest films making the best of his signature style of dark comedy and true horror with Michael Keaton doing a fantastic job as the titular poltergeist for hire. With his perverted humour, grotesque personality and awesome fashion sense that make him one of the funniest film characters on existence.

 The Ring (2002)

It's not very often that an American remake can match up to the original, but this does a great job. It may not be as good as Ringu, but this is still a fantastic piece of horror filmmaking. Naomi Watts does surprisingly well in this, and is genuinely creepy whilst being permanently imprinted into your brain. It may not be considered a modern classic, but only time can tell for this beautifully shot chiller.

Insidious

Insidious is James Wans first major horror film since Saw, and doesn't disappoint with an incredibly original plot that is hard to forget, making this a modern classic in horror. It may not be in the same league as the shining or the exorcist but this works brilliantly when paired together with its better sequel. Note- watch this properly when Chapter 2 is released at home, so that you can get the full effect of the saga, especially since the 2nd film ties up all the loose ends nicely with a cute demented little bow.

 Mickey's house of villains

This straight to DVD TV tie in is obviously more aimed towards a much younger audience, but parents and older kids can still find great enjoyment in watching Mickey and friends take on some of Disneys greatest villains. With witches, gorillas, psychopaths and a new take on Hansel and Gretel, this is a great short film to put you in the Halloween mood.

Coraline

This stop motion piece of art produced by none other than Tim Burton and from the director of a Nightmare Before Christmas, this adaptation is a true diamond in the rough, brining comedy, horror and a cast as imaginative as it's plot, Coraline is a great film to watch throughout all of autumn.

Frankenweenie (2012)

Despite the short film of the same name and director being just as good as the feature length stop motion version, you may as well buy the DVD as you get the original included in the special features. This is arguably Tim Burton's best kids film as it mixes very dark aspects of life and horror with a heart the size of a dog called Sparky. It's pet semetary mixed with Super 8, it's genuinely terrific.

Hocus Pocus

Last, and definitely least is this Disney live action family comedy about three witches and their struggle with a boy and his little sister, nevertheless this is an enjoyable film to watch at this time in year, as it is set completely on Halloween night, so it just seemed appropriate to include it.

Honorable mentions-

Corpse Bride (should've included it)

Nightmare before Christmas

A nightmare on elm street (original)

The Omen (original)

Let the right one in