We’re halfway through October, and Halloween is just around the corner. Make it cinematic by revisiting the classic and contemporary Halloween flicks that have always given you the chills and thrills! Don’t know where to start or looking for alternatives to the usual fan favorites like Hocus Pocus, Psycho, The Nightmare before Christmas, Harry Potter series and all the classic monster films? Feel free to turn on your flashlight and peek into Jules’s list of Halloween movies (or ones that defy the tradition but still fit the occasion). Most aren’t heavy on the horror factor, but this unique blend of noirs, murder-mysteries, deliciously dark rom-coms and whimsical animated features offer enough variety for you to amp up your spooktacular season.

  • Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – A dark spin on a Jane Austin classic? The Bennett sisters and Mr. Darcy as zombie hunters are epic.
  • The Prestige – It’s Christian Bale vs Hugh Jackman in this brilliant Christopher Nolan work about two magician friends turned rivals. Prepare for mind-blowing magic tricks and non-stop suspense.
  • Great Expectations – Pip’s story is just as intriguing to follow this October as it is any other season. In addition to the powerful themes of wealth/poverty, love/rejection and good/evil, the movie (and Charles Dickens novel) has Gothic elements that include Miss Havisham and her mysterious mansion.
  • Oz the Great and Powerful – Once you’ve ventured with Dorothy and friends in The Wizard of Oz, explore its prequel that highlights the first time Oz discovered the Emerald City and how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be.
  • Practical Magic – Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman make a fine duo of witches in this bewitching drama.
  • Double Indemnity – Barbara Stanwyck has cruel intentions in one of Hollywood’s greatest noirs. Dark and twisty, this murder-mystery is a must watch.
  • Crimson Peak – A quality horror movie with a stellar cast – Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain.
  • Tower of Terror – The Hollywood Tower Hotel is always worth revisiting.
  • Kiss Me Goodbye – A unique, elegant rom-com with a ghoulish touch. Sally Field is about to marry her fiance Jeff Bridges, but the ghost of her Broadway star husband – fantastically played by James Caan – disapproves of their relationship.
  • Black Swan – Dark and atmospheric, this Darren Aronofsky psychological drama that gave Natalie Portman that Oscar win is a cinematic art.
  • Magic in the Moonlight – Colin Firth and Emma Stone add a whimsical flair to this underrated Woody Allen rom-com. Emma is impressive as Sophie Baker the medium, and the southern France setting is delightful.
  • Scream movies – The adventures of Sydney and friends are always thrilling to follow in this superior horror trilogy (I recommend the fourth one too).
  • Maleficent – Angelina Jolie owns the role in this live-action retelling of Sleeping Beauty as told by the villain.
  • Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events – Definitely a misadventure to remember with Jim Carrey as the evil Count Olaf.
  • Interview with the Vampire – Still one of Tom Cruise’s and Brad Pitt’s most iconic roles with a very young Kirsten Dunst who stole the scenes with her strong performance. The Gothic tone and interview angle set this movie apart from other vampire movies of that time.
  • The Others – No matter how many times this movie has been watched, that unexpected twist in the end will always be worth discovering.
  • Corpse Bride – Simply an underrated Tim Burton film. Stunning animation, great Gothic atmosphere.
  • 101 Dalmatians – Both the animation and live action deliver. Cruella DeVil has gotta be Disney’s most stylish villain.
  • The Birds – Complete your Hitchcock marathon with this title.
  • Jagged Edge – Great murder-mystery that explores the ultimate question: Is he really a killer or just a wrongfully accused husband? A vehicle for Glenn Close.
  • What Lies Beneath – One of the best thrillers ever made featuring the star power of Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer.
  • The Mummy films – I’m referring to the original ones starring Brendan Fraser.
  • Scooby Doo – Catchy theme song, epic cast of characters, non-stop mysteries to solve. Whether you’re going for the TV series or live-action movies, the Scooby gang is bound to keep you company.
  • Descendants – If fun, music and hip young adult characters are what you’re craving for, then this one delivers.
  • Miss Peregine’s Home for Peculiar Children – Picture a mysterious island, an abandoned orphanage and old peculiar photos. It’s all just the beginning for Asa Butterfield’s Jake. Join him on an escapade that leads him to Miss Peregrine – greatly played by Eva Green – and her home for peculiar children.
  • Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass – Be it the original animated movie or the live-action duology, there are plenty of curious characters and things to discover in Wonderland, from the Mad Hatter, white rabbit to the Cheshire Cat.
  • The Addams Family – Definitely the VIP family to dine with this Halloween.
  • A Monster in Paris – Set in 1910 Paris, this delightful animation tells the story of a monster living in a garden and a chanteuse who charms him. A lighter version of The Phantom of the Opera.