A couple days ago, I was flipping channels looking for something fun to watch with a Halloween theme. I could not find a Twilight Zone marathon—that would have been great. And no channel was showing all the epic Halloween episodes from the old Roseanne show. The Great Pumpkin was not even on. I did stumble upon a movie: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947), starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison. It was fun.
I decided that I would find some movies on my own to watch for Halloween. Of course, that is not as easy as it sounds since I avoid the classics like Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street and Child’s Play. I am not crazy about blood, gore, zombies, maniacs wielding hatchets and knives—all that fun stuff. I like scary movies that are more like Twilight Zone episodes. Movies that make you think, creep you out, explore the supernatural as part of everyday life. Humor would be nice too.
The first movie I thought of was Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983). It replicates one of my favorite episodes from the television show: “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet.” The original episode starred William Shatner while the movie version stars John Lithgow. There are three more episodes in the movie. The opening and closing sequences of the movie are fun too. Here is a shortened version of the movie’s opening for your enjoyment!
Of course, if you want to be really scared, just watch the news lately. Or pay attention to all the political ads for the upcoming midterm election. Instead, I suggest you relax with a good movie. Here are the rest of the movies I suggest you could watch to celebrate Halloween, in no special order. I expect you have probably seen most of these already. Most can be rented on Amazon.
The Thing (1982, this remake is better than the original): Basically, it is an alien invasion movie set in a cold, cold, cold science station. The alien was buried in the ice for 100,000 years and (once thawed) starts taking over people one at a time.
Misery (1990): A woman who loves to read meets her favorite author, helping him when he is in a terrible accident near her home. Then things go a little crazy. She really, really wants him to not kill off his main character. Stephen King is the author. The main character seems normal, mostly. Until she doesn’t.
Poltergeist (1982): A typical middle-class family living in suburbia starts experiencing some odd behaviors around the house that at first are fascinating: chairs move, the dog responds to no one there, stuff like that. Then things go really wrong and supernatural experts are called in to save the day. They are not altogether successful. (A minor message is to be wary of what messages come through the television.)
Arachnophobia (1990): Does anybody really like spiders? I find them fascinating but still do not want them crawling all over me. This movie looks at the invasion of killer spiders in a calm country town. Experts are called in when deaths start mounting up. Cool photography. Great bit part by John Goodman.
Ghost (1990): A couple in love keeps the relationship going, even after he dies. Well, he tries to contact her anyway with the help of a psychic. Murder and mayhem as part of a love story. Plus it stars Demi Moore, Patrick Swayze, and Whoopi Goldberg.
The Sixth Sense (1999): Whether you have seen this movie or not, you have probably heard the tagline: “I see dead people.” A young boy has the ability to see the departed (yes, ghosts) who really just need his help. A psychologist helps him deal with his “gift.” Of course, the doctor needs some help too. It stars Bruce Willis, but there are no guns or car chases.
Signs (2002): This movie is set in Anywhere, USA in a farming community. The family is grieving the loss of the wife/mother. Then some strange things start happening, expanding the questions about life and faith and finding a way to deal with odd happenings, like a space invasion. It is ultimately a life-affirming movie.
Young Frankenstein (1974): This is a great re-telling of the original story with scenes reminiscent of some of the classic movies. It is a Mel Brooks’ movie—what else can I say? Other than that, there are some great musical numbers too.
Coco (2017): This cartoon is a great family-oriented movie that celebrates family, living and dead. It really focuses on the Day of the Dead celebration, but it works for me as a movie for my list. If you have not watched this one yet, it really is incredible.
That’s my list. Maybe you will watch one of these while you hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Or watch one while you ignore trick-or-treaters. I don’t ignore the kids, but none come to my door anymore. [Not because of anything I have done! They just do not come anymore.] Oh, don’t forget to eat some candy. Any kind will do, even candy corn. But I would always suggest anything chocolate.
Finally, I want to share these two videos with you as a Halloween treat. Enjoy!
Happy Halloween!
What are you doing to celebrate this odd candy-filled holiday?
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Comments on: "HAPPY HALLOWEEN: A Couple Movie Suggestions" (8)
I might watch the old Dr. Seuss special Grinch Night. My son reminded me of this. Very odd but fun.
Or another oldie Spaced Invaders
Those would be fun too. The odd Grinch special especially since I don’t remember much of it. Have fun, whatever you do!
What a great line-up of spooky screen-time! My husband and I just (finally) watched “Coco” a couple of weeks ago and were absolutely blown away — isn’t it a beautiful piece of work? No matter what you watched, I hope you had a fun night.
It is great, isn’t it? I bought the DVD, and it had some of the little documentaries about making the movie. I loved how authentic the producers were in capturing life in Mexico via the memories of many and the real life visits to various locations. I just loved it!
I agree with you 100% on those behind-the-scenes features — like the animators playing with the local dogs, even. All of those little details really added to the authenticity of the finished film for me too.
I loved that dog!
I love your movie selections. In fact, I tried doing the same thing last Friday afternoon (I was home sick). I couldn’t find a good Halloween movie to watch. Loved the Dick Clark video.
Sorry to hear you were sick–I know something is going around, other than the mid-term election and all the corresponding advertising. Hope you are feeling better.