As much as it appears that Halloween is just for children, many adults refuse to grow up and relish in the opportunity to play “dress up” on that one special day of the year. But what I find interesting is that while children are the mass behind Halloween, horror movies are mostly made for late-teen/adults. And while Halloween can be for every person under the full moon, not every horror movie is made for the majority. My goal this holiday was to find a handful of horror movies that both parents and their children could watch – together. So go put on your costume, grab your pumpkin filled with candy and pop on one of the following movies.
The first Tim Burton film on this list wasn’t a huge success when it hit theaters Halloween weekend of 1993. In fact, it wasn’t until years later that the film gained cult status among the horror community. Now, 15 years later, the children who grew up watching the movie on VHS, DVD and now Blu-ray are all grown up and having kids of their own. Filled with colorful characters (Jack Skellington, Zero, Dr. Finkelstein and more), catchy music by the legendary Danny Elfman, beautiful stop-motion animation and a plot that combines two of the year’s best holidays (Halloween and Christmas), this is a guarantee hit for the entire family to enjoy – from October all the way through the New Year.
8. MONSTER HOUSE (2006)
The first film in this list from the great Robert Zemeckis is MONSTER HOUSE, a first of its kind, motion-capture extravaganza that combines new animation techniques with revolutionary 3-D technology in HD. In theaters, this film was one of the most visually stunning films ever created. And while we’re still waiting for true 3-D release for Blu-ray, MONSTER HOUSE is still a fantastic family movie that’s fun, scary and bold. While the film makes its aim towards children, the dialogue is daring enough to involve adults as well.
7. DEATH BECOMES HER (1992)
Another film from Robert Zemeckis that’s often forgotten is the hilariously delightful DEATH BECOMES HER. The film is a quasi-zombie movie that follows two women desperately seeking to become young again. After killing each other, they become beautiful zombies fighting over one man. And how can you go wrong with a cast featuring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis at the pinnacle of their careers? While this might be one of the most edgy of the films, children will still enjoy because of the colorful scenery and over-the-top antics of Streep and Hawn.
6. BEETLEJUICE (1988)
One of the Tim Burton’s most popular movies is the Michael Keaton starrer BEETLEJUICE, which, alongside EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, clearly defined the works of the artistic director. Keaton as Beetlejuice is like having a cartoon come to life, and any pre-teen could find themselves obsessing over the fun he brings to the screen. Even though Beetlejuice is a fun dude, he’s still pretty scary and so is the plot, which is where the adults will find the entertainment. And the second Harry Belafonte’s song “Day-O” (The Banana Boat Song) blasts out, and the dinner table scene ensues, everyone in the family will be immersed in the bizarre world created by Burton.
5. GREMLINS (1984)
Joe Dante, who also directed the incredibly family film THE BURBS (starring Tom Hanks), take what could have been a pure horror film and turns it into a Christmas tale filled with laughs, thrills and plenty of scares. All based around the cute and fluffy Gizmo, the movie takes a dark turn when the rules are broken leaving a trio of Gremlins running amok around town.
4. FRIGHTENERS (1996)
This Robert Zemeckis film was directed by new filmmaker Peter Jackson, who would go on to win an Academy Award directing the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Starring Michael J. Fox near the end of his prime, the film follows a man who can talk to ghosts and unravels a ghostly conspiracy only he can fight. The movie has comedic ghosts, loads of thrills and some incredibly creepy atmospheric locations. FRIGHTENERS is a simple good time that’s perfect for all ages.
3. THE ADDAM’S FAMILY (1991)
A no-brainer is this feature film based on the ‘60s horror-comedy TV show, which brings Moritica, Gomez, Uncle Fester, Thing, Lurch, Pugsley and Wednesday to the big screen for the first time ever. While the movie is bleak and features a disturbing plot, the only real reason to watch this movie are for the characters brought to life by such great performers as Angelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci and more.
2. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)
In one of Johnny Depps’ break-out film roles, Depp returns to the horror genre after Freddy Krueger took him out in the 1994 classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. Directed by Tim Burton (only the first of many collaborations), this Christmas tale is perfect for all ages. Children will find solace in the colorful town that Edward is brought to, while also enjoying Endward’s styling techniques (trees, bushes and hair!). Teens and adults will enjoy the darker side of the film such as the castle Edward was created in. Horror enthusiasts also shouldn’t miss what was Vincent Price’s last physical role in a film before passing away in 1993.
1. GHOSTBUSTERS (1984)
GHOST BUSTERS (or GHOSTBUSTERS) is the definitive family horror film that has set the bar so high that it’s bound to never be beaten. Featuring legendary comedians Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, alongside the massive cast of Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, Rock Moranis, Ernie Hudson and more, the film is a wet dream for nearly anyone walking on this planet. Children might be a tad frightened by the opening “library ghost”, but after shielding their eyes will be delighted when they see “Slimer” and the “Stay Puff Marshmallow Man” hit the screen. In addition, kids will love the Ecto-1 car, abandoned fire station location and proton packs used to catch the ghosts. There is a little bit of something for every different type of person in the film. From start to finish this one is filled with laughs, scares, chills and awe-striking visuals that will have you hitting play again immediately following the credits.
It was made as a family film but the ratings board still slapped it with a R rating. So Jackson went back and added in a bunch of violence considering it was going to get an R rating anyway. But even with these changes it still has a family vibe running through it to me.
Scissorhands is really influenced by 1920's horror. I agree it's not horror by todays standards. But fuck today's standards, the 20s is where it was at. :P
I would have put Nightmare at number one but that's just me. And by the way, Nightmare before xmas was directed by robert zemeckis. it is essentially burton's movie but directing credits go to zemeckis. its a fact.
I wouldn't consider Edward Scissorhands a horror movie. I'd say it was a dark fairytale. It may have been influenced by the likes of James Whale but it's not a horror. Where's the antagonist? I'd hardly call Anthony Michael Hall's asshole ex boyfriend a monster, he's just a dick. For a horror you need some kind of monster, creature or killer.
I'd hardly call Monster Squad a turd. It's not Gone with the Wind, but it's still fun, and made with love of the classic Universal and Hammer films. And it was made for kids both small and and kids at heart. You are being a bit cynical on it depecheanix. Oh and Nightmare was not directed by Zemeckis, it was directed by Henry Selick fuadramses725. He is also the director of the upcoming Coraline based on Neil Gaimans work.
Well James Whale is 30s horror. Edward Scissorhands operates in the way the old 20s Conrad Veidt/Lon Chaney films did. Tragic melodramas such as The Man Who Laughs, The Unknown, Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Hunchback. Edward is a monster in the way the Hunchback was, in the way Gwynplaine was, in the way Alonzo the Armless was etc, etc. Those films didn't use antagonists as such(though they too had characters similar to the ex boyfriend). Those films were more about freaks learning to live with themselves and the tragedy that comes from that desire to live normally.
Again I agree it's not horror by today standards but a film definitely doesn't need a monster of serial killer killing everyone to be a horror movie.
Horrorfan83, if that's all you care about, your a strange, strange person...
Good list, Nightmare Before Xmas was the one i've been watching since i was literally 3 years old. I just got the blu-ray and GODDAMMIT its refreshing :)
Actually i dont just care about the miss spelled name. I think this list is just fine. I would never put nightmare b4 xmas at number 1. Ghostbusters is always #1. Nightmare belongs at 9 because it is over rated.
Nightmare Before Christmas is not really a Tim Burton film, unless you just feel the director had no create input. And Elm Street came out in 84. God dammit, check for errors before you post shit. You do this every fucking day almost. It was funny for a long time, now it's just sad, especially when you talk shit about other horror sites for being incompetent.
I love the choices. I did love Little Monsters though and think it would be a better choice for families than "Death Becomes her" Which I enjoyed, but think the cheating on your spouse example...not the greatest thing to teach your kids.
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