When it comes to family friendly Halloween movies, there is one that seems to always top all the charts, be the first on everyone’s must-watch list and play over and over during the month of October: Hocus Pocus. Released in 1993, it stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters, who are witches.
While this story is amazing, there are some other Halloween-themed movies that should be on everyone’s mind this time of the year. They may not be as good as Hocus Pocus in all of our opinions, but they are quite chilling and thrilling.
The Halloween Tree
Also released in 1993, The Halloween Tree is about a group of friends who learn all about Halloween and how it is celebrated around the world when one of them is taken away mysteriously. This animated story is based on Ray Bradbury's novel of the same name, and this writer serves as the film’s narrator.
Hanna-Barbera produced it, Leonard Nimoy has a big part (as the voice of Mr. Moundshroud, who has a Halloween Tree full of jack-o-lanterns), and it plays regularly on the Cartoon Network during this time of the year.
The Haunted Mansion
A decade later, The Haunted Mansion came out, and it is based on the ride of the same name that can be found at Disney theme parks. It starred Eddie Murphy as Jim Evers, a workaholic who was usually late for family events.
In the end, he learned his lesson and decided to fix this issue, thanks to some time spent locked up in a haunted mansion with his family! There are some funny parts, some creepy parts, and some heartwarming parts, but the fact that this film takes place in a well-known attraction that many people have enjoyed is the best part.
Tower of Terror
Another movie based on another Disney ride is Tower of Terror, which came out in 1997. This made-for-television flick is based on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which can be found at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Tokyo DisneySea, and Walt Disney Studios Park (and no longer at Disney California Adventure Park, which is sad). It starred Steve Guttenberg and Kirsten Dunst, who look to find out more about a time when people vanished from a hotel elevator. A fun fact is that parts of this story were even filmed at the real ride in Orlando, Florida!
Casper
Casper is a cartoon character who has been around for years, and, in 1995, he got his own self-titled movie. This story features Devon Sawa as the human form of Casper, a boy who died and wants to find a friend. He becomes friends with (and develops a crush on) Kat, who is played by Christina Ricci, who lost her mom and who is also looking for a friend. Bill Pullman plays her dad and is a ghost therapist, and there are cameo appearances by people like Dan Aykroyd, Clint Eastwood, Rodney Dangerfield, and Mel Gibson.
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have starred in plenty of movies and TV shows over the years, and one of the most memorable ones is Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, which is up next on this Halloween-themed list.
It was made for television in 1993, and it starred these twins as Kelly and Lynn Farmer. They find out that their great-aunt, Sophia, has been trapped in a mirror by her twin sister, Agatha. So, on Halloween, they go off on an adventure full of magic and interesting new friends in order to save the day.
The Addams Family
Once upon a time, The Addams Family was a cartoon, then a television series in the 1960s, and, in 1991, a notable film based on these characters was released. It starred Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams, Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams and Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, to name a few, and it told the story of how someone pretended to be related to this kooky and spooky family in order to cash in on their wealth. The original show is so iconic, and this film has become a fan favorite, with memorable lines, characters and scenes.
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Another classic cartoon character is Charlie Brown, and in 1966, a TV special came out that was called It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. This story focuses on the Peanuts gang during the Halloween season and shows the wait for the Great Pumpkin. The original comic strip, by Charles M. Schulz, is known by one and all, and now, this special airs each year during this season and has been released on video for even more enjoyment. It may not be as good as Hocus Pocus, and it may not have been a theatrical release, but it is one to watch!
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Okay, it is time for the last three Halloween movies that give the Sanderson sisters a run for the money, and first up is The Nightmare Before Christmas. This stop-motion film was released in 1993, thanks to the great Tim Burton.
It is all about Jack Skellington, who reigns over Halloween Town yet then discovers Christmas Town and wants to celebrate that holiday, too! That being said, this is a Halloween and a Christmas movie, making it doubly loved. Plus, the songs, which came about thanks to the great Danny Elfman, are an essential part of this spooky season.
Beetlejuice
Another Tim Burton movie that belongs on this list is Beetlejuice, from the year 1988. This story is about a couple that passes away. A new family moves into their home. So, as ghosts and with the help of Betelgeuse, they try to scare the new people away. With Michael Keaton as the title character, Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as the couple and Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, this is an iconic film (with iconic costumes, songs and moments) that many enjoy during Halloween and all year long!
Halloweentown
And last but certainly not least is the Disney Channel Original Movie Halloweentown. This came out in 1998, and it was followed by Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge in 2001, Halloweentown High in 2004, and Return to Halloweentown in 2006.
But this is just about the original, the best! Halloweentown tells the story of Marnie Piper (portrayed by Kimberly J. Brown), who finds out that she comes from a family of witches (her grandmother is Agatha Cromwell and is portrayed by the late and great Debbie Reynolds) who must use their combined powers to save a magical place full of interesting creatures.