Top Ten Movies That Take Place On Halloween

Welcome to our first Top Ten list! It's a pretty simple concept. In lieu of it being Halloween, I've gathered my personal top ten favorite movies that either take place on Halloween or a part of it does and the whole movie fits the Halloween mood. These are movies I try to watch every October.

10. Jack-O



This is one of the worst films ever made. That's why it's so great! It's about a warlock who sends a pumpkin headed demon to terrorize a family and murder everyone in it's path. I know, sounds fantastic right?! It has some of the worst acting, funniest dialogue and hilarious murders ever conceived. It's a perfect film to watch with your friends, and even better if you're drinking hard cider.

9. The Exorcist



I know I know, only about 5 minutes actually take place on Halloween but the whole movie has an eerie autumn feel to it. Not to mention it's one of the only movies that legitimately scares me. It's a classic and I'm sure I don't have to explain why. I'm assuming if you are a fan of the horror genre, you've already seen this masterpiece.

8. Arsenic and Old Lace



We watched this in my film class in high school. I was in a room full of kids that didn't like the idea of an old black and white comedy about a bunch of old ladies, but by the first quarter we were all laughing out loud hysterically. One of Frank Capra's best films in my opinion, and a definite classic. (It's also noteworthy to mention I played the character Teddy in a high school production of this... until I quit).

7. Ginger Snaps



This is an indie film about a girl who becomes a werewolf, only it's all a big metaphor for when a girl reaches her... ummm... "womanhood". It's beautifully shot and well done for such an independent feature, and it's one of my favorite werewolf films. It's bound to show up on my top ten werewolf movies list that I write when the remake of Wolf Man comes out.

6. House of 1000 Corpses



This is Rob Zombies first attempt at film making, and while it isn't nearly as good as his followup The Devil's Rejects, it's a fun little movie. It all takes place on Halloween night in a creepy house in the middle of nowhere, and it features Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) in one of his first roles. What more could you want, right? Throw in a creepy family, some pretty disgusting death scenes and a murderous clown and you have a great film to watch around Halloween time.

5. Donnie Darko



This might be my personal favorite movie of all time. It's one I can watch over and over again, and never get bored. A great first film from Richard Kelly with amazing performances from Jake Gyllenhaal and Jena Malone. It's either a love it or hate it film which can get you in many long arguments with people. With subjects such as time travel, religion and a giant scary bunny which all leads to a climax on Halloween night. If you haven't seen it yet, please, check it out.

4. Ernest Scared Stupid



Do I even have to explain why? If you haven't seen this movie, then I don't know why I'm associated with you at all.

3. Night of the Demons



A bunch of horny high school kids have a party in an old, creepy mortuary on Halloween night. They attempt to communicate with spirits and are very successful as a demon is released amongst them. It's cheesy, bloody and full of sex! It's the 80's at it's best and is a cult classic among many horror fans. Unfortunately, it is being remade but I guess I can't judge it until I see it.

2. Trick 'r Treat



This was made a few years ago, but wasn't released until just a few weeks ago due to Warner Bros. delaying it further and further. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and when I finally did, I was not disappointed. Like Creepshow, it's a made up of a few stories which are all tied together on Halloween night. A murderous high school principal, a ghost story about a haunted school bus, a girl is being stalked by a vampire, a grumpy old man who hates Halloween is being terrorized by something and a small, mysterious trick or treater by the name of Sam. It's the most fun I've had watching a movie in a long time and I recommend it to anyone who loves the holiday.

1. The Halloween Series



Come on, what else did you expect? I'm mostly talking about the first one, John Carpenter's classic. Michael Myers is one of the greatest characters in film history and the original Halloween is a masterpiece. I watched it for the first time on Halloween night when I was eight and have watched it every year since then. Granted, the series has declined a lot over the years due to some questionable sequels and remakes, but parts two, four and seven are all great, and the rest are decent and worth watching. It captures the eerie feeling that the holiday has, and although it's about a bunch of high schoolers being murdered, it strangely makes me feel warm and happy inside.

Honorable Mentions: George Romero's Dead Series, Creepshow, Idle Hands, E.T. Hocus Pocus, Ed Wood, Behind the Mask, Halloweentown (your welcome), Mr. Mom and Jack the Bear. Which totally doesn't make me cry.

Happy Halloween!