The one day of the year where we all get to dress up like the true weirdos we are is finally here. There’s nothing that spells “fall” more than Halloween. Dressing up like Joe Dirt with the fake jet-black mullet while your kids troll the streets for gobs of candy is good, clean fun. Of course, Halloween wouldn’t be the holiday it is today without the great lineup of movies featured on this day in October. Let’s take a look at the top five movies to kick your Halloween off in style.
Halloween (1978)
Halloween was one of scariest movies when it debuted in 1978 and it certainly makes for a good Monday night flick to cap off your holiday. Michael Myers is still one of the more dynamic, mysterious, and downright terrifying characters of the genre. I’ll never forget the scene of him standing near the bushes in a small suburb oh so similar to mine. Still gives me chills thinking about it.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I know I’m going throwback on this one too, but Young Frankenstein was an instant classic when it debuted. Mel Brooks is something else and his hilarious genius was on full display in this spoof of Mary Shelley’s famous story. This is one that should be on your list – just make sure it’s in between Halloween and another thriller.
Beetlejuice (1988)
What more can you say about this late ’80s classic? It seriously encompasses everything about the decade that we loved – bad hair, strange looking folks, and more bad hair. The storyline is twisted, Beetlejuice’s motivations are equally as twisted, and the overall vibe is of something from outer space. Yet, it’s a beautiful masterpiece that rightfully belongs in our list of classic Halloween flicks.
Jaws (1975)
I’m totally going out on a limb here, as there are several other films that could easily fill this spot. However, none of those films come close to the sheer terror Jaws inflicts on its viewers. This movie will even give grown adults nightmares after watching it. Besides, all of us are a little sad that the warm weather is starting to fade into bitter cold – Jaws will pick you right back up and into the sun, my friends. Enjoy this one for a spine-chilling thrill.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This is by far one of the greatest films ever made, and it just so happens to be a perfect movie for Halloween. Jack Skellington and his beloved Halloweentown take center stage in this Tim Burton classic. The dynamic characters paired with such an off the wall storyline makes this a classic to close out our Halloween top 5.