Five Family Friendly Halloween Movies, Week 3

This week’s list features all live action Halloween films, in contrast to last week’s list that was only animated movies. As always, I will be placing these in chronological order. Some of these movies are still among my favorites. Also, as always, I will not be providing spoilers. So, lets grab a caramel apple or a slice of pie, and get watching!

First up, we have the fabulous Ghostbusters. I love this movie. It is one of my all time favorites. This is one movie I will watch many times in a year. Making its debut in 1984, this PG rated film features a stellar cast. The soundtrack alone is absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend watching this one with the family if you haven’t already.

Dr. Egon Spengler: Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.

Image credit here.

On to the next one. We have the 1998 film Practical Magic. Rated PG 13, this one is kind of a chick flick. Would be a good mom and teen or preteen bonding movie, perhaps. This movie has a wonderful cast and great soundtrack. This movie touches on relatable occurrences such as not being accepted by the community, rumors in a small town, and what love means to different people.

Gillian Owens: Look at you! You spend all your energy just trying to fit in, be normal! But you're never gonna fit in, Sal, because we're different!

Image credit here.

Next! Now we come to the marvelous movie, Sleepy Hollow. This modern retelling of the Legend of Ichabod Crane made its debut in 1999. This one is rated R, so please use your best judgement for your own family. This movie is loaded with mystery and suspense. There is a bit of a horror side too. Star studded cast and wonderful special effects. From start to finish this movie is fantastic.

Ichabod Crane: Yes, I think you loved me that day when you followed me into the Western Woods... to have braved such peril.

Image credit here.

Ok, this one is completely different than the previous ones. The Haunted Mansion had some of its inspiration come from the Phantom Manor in Disneyland Resort Paris. Making its debut in 2003, this PG rated film is so much fun. Full of references from the theme park ride and spooky details, it is a great Halloween movie to share with your family.

Jim: Why is everybody talking about a curse? Wait a minute, have you been talking to that crazy green gypsy in the giant paperweight?

Image credit here.

Lastly, we have Hubie Halloween. This newer Halloween movie was released in 2020. With a rating of PG-13, use your best judgement when involving younger members of your family. My kids love this movie because it has some pretty outrageous things in it. It is a fun movie, but it also teaches some values. Featuring some of the members from SNL, there is a little nod for the parents in this humorous film.

Violet Valentine: You're always thinking of everyone else, never thinking of yourself. But I guess that's why you're a hero.

Image credit here.

​

Well there we have it folks. I will be posting the final list next week, so stay tuned.