Remember Halloween as a kid? Dressing up, collecting sweets from house to house, passing all of the marvelously macabre decorations along the way, there was nothing quite like it. As the years have gone by we tend to not dress up as much, and the sweets are usually replaced with cans, but when Halloween does come around it's hard not to reflect on that childhood nostalgia we associate with the holiday. One of my favourite things about Halloween as a kid however, was watching all of the spooky stuff they'd show on tele. From films, to tv specials, to the obligatory omnibus of Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror episodes, there was plenty of family-friendly Halloween entertainment on offer. So now I feel like it's an appropriate time to look back on some of those classic Halloween-themed films that I, and I'm sure most of you used to adore as a kid. I'm hoping I won't be the only one to remember some of these.
Halloweentown (1998)
One of the most obvious choices, Halloweentown was a Disney Channel Original Movie that saw a group of kids follow their grandmother to a strange town where monsters and ghosts of all sorts lived together in peace. The idea of a town where every day is Halloween was music to my ears as a child (and probably still now), so watching these three kids get to explore and experience this strange new town was the ultimate treat. Packed full of friendly monsters such as Benny the skeletal taxi driver (Rino Romano), Halloweentown would have been the ultimate dream destination for any child as obsessed with the holiday as myself which is why the film was so appealing. Halloweentown is the ultimate kid-friendly Halloween film that should be a rite of passage for any six year old with a penchant for all things ghoulish. It also marks a memorable and warm performance from the late Debbie Reynolds as the children's witchy grandmother Agatha Cromwell, this is one of the films I will always remember her for.
Spooky House (2002)
Okay, I don't know if anyone else remembers this film, I've yet to find anyone else who does but if you do I applaud you. The film stars Ben Kingsley as a reclusive magician who befriends a group of children after breaking into his house, and helps them combat the nasty bullies who make their lives hell. The titular 'spooky house' in which Kingsley's character Zamboni resides, is rigged with numerous magic tricks, illusions, and secret rooms, making it reminiscent of a carnival funhouse. It's a really fun film and a true underdog tale, teaming this likeable bunch of misfits up with a mysterious magicians in order to get back at the bullies and their criminal boss played by Mercedes Ruehl. However, amidst all of the wacky and macabre thrills, it's quite a compelling film as well and Kingsley works wonderfully with the young actors, especially Matt Weinberg who plays Max. I haven't seen it in forever, but simply writing about and recalling Spooky House makes me want to go off and watch it right now.
Monster House (2006)
The most recent entry on the list, being only 11 years old, Monster House is nonetheless a true Halloween classic that is as equally fun as it is scary. I'm not messing, it can be pretty frightening for a kids film and is one of the best ways for younger kids to begin their journey into the world of horror. The film follows two friends DJ (Mitchell Musso) and Chowder (Sam Lerner) who become obsessed with an old house across the street after the owner seemingly passes away. They join forces with preppy school-girl Jenny (Spencer Locke) in order to enter the monster house and discover its secrets. Monster House is a truly unique film in both its animation style and its plot, expanding on the haunted house trope in a fresh manner. There are some really chilling moments, especially for a kids film, such as DJ's dream about the house and some of the parts where the house tried to lure in its victims. However, the humor balances out the chills and the young voice actors did a great job of bringing a layer of personality to their respective characters. At its heart however, Monster House is a love story, and the ultimate twist is a compelling, and quite sad one actually. Monster House can be enjoyed no matter what age you are.
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993)
No article about the nostalgia of the nineties and noughties would be complete without the Olsen twins. This made for TV Halloween special saw a young Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen play twins Kelly and Lynn Farmer, as they attempt to break an old family curse exacted on them by their evil aunt Agatha (Cloris Leachman). That's right, Frau Blucher herself, Cloris Leachman takes on the role of the films antagonist, an evil witch who trapped her twin sister in a mirror and cursed her family. Leachman is excellent at playing menacing roles, and her character of evil aunt Agatha is enough to give any kids nightmares. Now that I think about it, there's not a lot I remember about this film, but I do remember feeling a bit uneasy whenever Leachman was on screen. While there's not a lot that I remember about the film, I do remember that it had the Halloween vibes down to a T and was a lot creepier than some of the other similar Halloween specials of the nineties. Plus, if you're a fan of the Olsen twins, you'll be sure to enjoy seeing one of their earlier works.
Scooby-Doo! and the Witch's Ghost (1999)
I could've put any Scooby-Doo film here to be fair, but I feel like The Witch's Ghost is the one that best encapsulates the Halloween spirit. It sees Mystery Inc. head to the New England town of Oakhaven that is said to be haunted by the spirit of a witch named Sarah Ravencroft. As the gang investigate, they soon realise that not everything is as it seems in Oakhaven. Next to Wicker Man remake Zombie Island (read here for more on that), The Witch's Ghost is one of the best direct to video Scooby-Doo films and continues that idea of Mystery Inc. facing off against real supernatural threats. I've put this film on the list because of its autumnal New England setting, the falling leaves, the pumpkins, it's the perfect place to celebrate Halloween. The iconic Tim Curry also lends his voice to the character of horror novelist Ben Ravencroft, the descendant of the supposed withc the gang are hunting. As always, Curry's voice alone manages to bring a sense of charm to the character, as well as an equal sense of menace. However, the real highlight of this film is the debut of everyone's favourite animated band (sorry Gorillaz), the Hex Girls. If you don't find yourself grooving along to their tunes then you need to get a life to be honest. Halloween would not be Halloween without a little Scooby-Doo, and The Witch's Ghost is the perfect choice for this time of year.
Kenan and Kel: Two Heads Are Better Than None (2000)
If you grew up in the late 90's/early 2000's, you're bound to remember Kenan and Kel. This feature length TV film acted as a finale to the show and saw the Rockmore family, and Kel (Kel Mitchell) set off on a road trip where they encounter the legend of the malevolent headless knight. What makes this TV film so perfect is that it takes all of the humor that made Kenan and Kel so memorable, and adds elements of horror to the plot, and when I say horror I mean that people actually die in this film (albeit offscreen). However, it's done so in such a typically slapstick Kenan and Kel fashion that it's still suitable for kids. It actually holds up really well today, it's nicely paced and the elements of horror weave nicely into the plot to build this eerie atmosphere throughout, who'd have thought that Kenan and Kel would make for an excellent horror film? Kenan (Kenan Thompson) and Kel are both as hilarious as ever and the fact that this was their last ever episode makes it all the more important. From a chimp who plays Stevie Wonder, to Kel's rendition of 'one million bottles of orange soda on the wall', the film has plenty of hilariously memorable moments that make for an excellent send off to the show. Also, horror legend Michael Berryman has a role as the mute butler Chives, while regular cast member Ken Foree was already an established horror icon with parts in films such as Dawn of the Dead. The more you know.
Casper (1995)
No list about Halloween nostalgia could be complete without everybodies favourite friendly ghost getting a mention. This film sees him befriend a young girl named Kat (Christina Ricci) after she and her father Dr. James Harvey (Bill Pullman) move into the house that he and his three uncles haunt. My fondest memory of Casper however, is not the titular ghost but his three antagonistic uncles, Stretch (Joe Nipote), Stinky (Joe Alaskey) and Fatso (Brad Garrett), aka the ghostly trio. While they bullied and pestered Casper a lot, the trio are hilarious characters that act as a sort of supernatural three stooges. They still remain as some of my favourite cinematic ghosts next to Slimer and the pirate ghosts from The Fog. Looking back at Casper, I never realised how dark it actually was for a kids film, especially the idea that Casper became a ghost after tragically dying from a pneumonia attack. Yep, nothing spells spooky Halloween fun like pneumonia! Nostalgia aside however, I should not that this is also the first film to have a fully CGI character in the lead role, making it a really impressive feat for that time. Casper is a true Halloween classic and still pretty enjoyable today, also, a bit of trivia: the house in the film is the same house used in the video for 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', which is still a tune by the way.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The most beautiful thing about this film is that it can be enjoyed on both Halloween and Christmas, making it the ultimate festive film. The stop-motion classic follows the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), as he discovers the existence of Christmas and plans to incorporate it into next years Halloween festivities. Despite the fact that the film has become a staple of that Hot Topic emo culture, it's still a beautifully crafted piece of stop-motion animation with memorable songs and character design. Some kids might be a bit put off by the idea of Christmas being associated with the macabre, in that case, show them Black Christmas instead. It perfectly embodies that typical Burtonesque mix of wonder and weirdness, creating this gothic world full of ghosts and ghouls and introducing them to the concept of Christmas. If you've seen the film you'll know the results are horrifically hilarious. An iconic film for both the Christmas and Halloween seasons, The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect way to celebrate the end of Halloween and the beginning of the Christmas hype.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Probably the most iconic film on the list, Hocus Pocus is still enjoyed religiously today by people of all ages, some come for the nostalgia while others come as first time viewers. Set in Salem, Massachusetts itself, the film follows Max (Omri Katz), his sister Dani (Thora Birch), and their neighbour Allison (Vinessa Shaw) who inadvertently resurrect a trio of evil witches who seek out their revenge against the town. The thing that makes Hocus Pocus so iconic is how well it holds up today, making it equally enjoyable now as when you were a child. The humour and seasonal atmosphere make it one of the definitive family-friendly Halloween films. Most notably however, is the Sanderson sisters themselves played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Midler is particularly enjoyable as the leader of the sisters, Winnie Sanderson, with her iconic overbite and cover of 'I Put a Spell on You', she's one of the best movie villains from our childhood. I was surprised to see that the film was so negatively received upon its release, but in the years since then it has become something of a cult classic, showing that a little nostalgia can go a long way. Hocus Pocus is, and always will be, a Halloween classic for all ages.
The Little Vampire (2000)
The film that not only sparked my love of vampire lore, but also contributed to my love of horror in general, The Little Vampire is a film that I will always hold close to my heart. Jonathan Lipnicki stars as Tony Thompson, a young boy who moves to Scotland with his family where he befriends a family of vampires. I loved everything about this film as a kid, the old house in which it's set, the gothic style of the vampires, the overall tone, it's the perfect vampire film for the younger generation. I used to watch it religiously every Halloween, knowing it almost off by heart, although now I may have forgotten a line of dialogue or two. Richard E. Grant is the real highlight as the patriarch of the Sackville-Bagg vampire family, making for an imposing yet ultimately friendly vamp who cares as much about his family as he does about drinking blood. There's also a hilarious subplot involving a farmer who discovers that his cows have been turned into vampires, forget Zombeavers, vampcows are the superior monster. It's actually not set on Halloween unlike most of the films on this list, but its gothic style and sense of humor make it an essential film for all the family to enjoy on Hallowen. In fact, I feel like it would be appropriate to revisit it some time soon.
If you're interested in some other Halloween-centric posts, have a look at some of my other articles from this month below:
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