Halloween is definitely one of the most significant times of the year. According to statistics, consumers will spend at least $10 billion this Halloween year, up from $8 billion spent last year. On average, every consumer will spend $102.74 on Halloween candy, costumes, greeting cards, and decorations, which is $10 more per consumer than last year’s numbers.
More than $3.3 billion will go towards costumes, a 27% increase from last year and the largest percentage yet. More than $3.1 billion will go towards Halloween decorations, while $3 billion will be spent on candy.
Halloween spending statistics also show that 65% of households plan to celebrate Halloween this year, compared to 58% from 2020. Households with children record an 82% interest in the seasonal celebrations. With these promising numbers, it is safe to say that the 2021 Halloween is set to be the biggest ever.
While Halloween costumes, jack-o-lanterns, and Halloween candy are great, another way to set the mood for Halloween is by binging on scary Halloween movies. If you are not into the gory, spell-binding, chainsaw-wielding, and hair-raising flicks, there are less scary classics like Hocus Pocus and Casper that can still set the Halloween mood for you.
Here are some of the best Halloween movies to watch for a scary evening with your loved ones.
The Addams Family (1991)
If you are in for a treat with your weird family, the Addams family is one of the most ideal Halloween night movies to watch. You will be humming to the Addams family theme song long after the movie is over. This is definitely one to watch with the whole family.
Monster House (2006)
If you watched this ‘horror’ movie as a child, you will be glad to know that the scary events become funnier as you grow older. As a Halloween classic, the Monster house is definitely one for the books, ideal for the whole family. One thing to learn from this movie is to never spy on your neighbors.
Scream (1996)
If you only have tolerance for one scary movie this Halloween, then you need to make it Scream. Director Wes Craven ensured this movie was a breath of fresh air when it was released in 1996 by making it different from the horror clichés the world was used to. It is no wonder that Scream is still one of the most-watched horror movies today. Scream guarantees to deliver the chills with a little wink.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
This is yet another cult classic by Tim Burton. This is a surprisingly heartwarming story of a young man with scissors for hands. It is packed with lavish cinematography, passion, and lessons.
The Exorcist (1973)
If you are looking for a Halloween classic that will keep you up at night for fear of going to sleep, the Exorcist should definitely be on your list. This is a horror movie fan’s favorite that follows the story of a possessed young girl and tells the story of a mother trying to save her daughter through an exorcism.
Get Out (2017)
This is a clear depiction of how quickly a new movie can become a Halloween classic. This movie is guaranteed to get your heart pumping as you sit at the edge of your seat all night long. It features a black photographer who faces casual racism after going to his white girlfriend’s home for the first time. The dynamics of the story get creepier with time.
Paranormal Activity (2007)
Scary does not begin to describe the horrors you will experience watching Paranormal Activity. The franchise used ‘found footage’ to follow a couple living in a haunted house. If you are into some paranormal activity, you are in luck because you have up to six films in the franchise to enjoy.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Whether you think of this as a Christmas story or Halloween movie, this is definitely a classic that should feature in the list of Halloween movies to watch this year. Follow the Pumpkin King’s journey as he seeks to turn Halloween into a cheerier holiday like Christmas. Definitely one to be watched by the whole family.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
This is a scary film that takes place on Halloween in the town of Warren Valley. At the center of the film is an unusual child, Sam working to ensure none of the characters break the rules of Halloween as the consequences are deadly.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Fair warning: this film is not to be watched by the faint at heart. Follow this FBI agent as she hunts for a highly disturbed serial killer. The memories of the scenes are sure to remain with you long after the movie is over.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
This is a Halloween classic suitable for the whole family. For over half a century, Snoopy and his gang have been playing the role of getting every family into the Halloween spirit. This animated Halloween movie is sure to make any adult nostalgic for their childhood Halloween memories.
The Omen (1976)
Can you even consider yourself a true horror buff if you haven’t watched the Omen? Watch Gregory Peck and Lee Remick showcase their talent in this 70s demonic 70s Halloween classic. It is not termed as the most cursed movie of all time for nothing.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
You cannot create a list of Halloween movies without including this fan favorite. Gather your ‘sistaaahs’ around for a magical and fun Hocus Pocus night. Join the iconic Sundersons sisters as they set the mood for the spooky season. This movie has become one of the most successful Halloween movies of all time.
Halloween (2018)
After many sequel flops following the success of the original Halloween movie of 1978, the 2018 version was so perfectly done that it wiped away the previous remake flops to become one of the best new age remakes of old Halloween movies of all time. If you loved Jamie Lee Curtis in the first Halloween movie, you will love her return in this 2018 sequel as she tries to deal with her past trauma.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Before the release of ghostbusters in 1984, supernatural creatures like demons or ghosts were never seen as comedy material. The ghostbusters set the path for horror-comedies like Happy death day or ready or not. This is one of the best classics to watch if you want a blend of scary with a bit of laughter.
Happy Halloween.