NOTHING TO BOO AT
These Halloween movies are sure to please little ghosts and ghouls
Children want to watch horror movies at Halloween, and there’s a fine line to tread when satisfying their need for ghouls on screen while not stoking nightmares.
From alternate worlds where people have buttons for eyes to animated classics that have stood the test of time, here are a handful of films with something for people of all ages to enjoy.
1 Coraline (2009)
As so many kids movies do, this stop-motion adventure starts with a cross-country move. Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning) and her family head from Michigan to Oregon, where she is led through a secret door into the Other World. Everyone from her normal life is there, just not quite the same. Brighter colours, unlimited food and oh, everyone has black buttons for eyes. When her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) invites her to stay forever, she is naturally horrified and plans her escape.
2 Monster House (2006)
Every neighbourhood has a house that the kids are afraid to go near, but usually there’s nothing to worry about.
Well, this house actually eats people.
Three friends take it upon themselves to battle the source of evil and save the neighbourhood in this animated feature starring Steve Buscemi as the voice of the scary old man Nebbercracker.
3 Halloweentown (1998)
Where this family is from, it’s Halloween all year round. But the kids don’t know that, or that they’re actually witches living in the “normal” world. Their mom doesn’t want them to celebrate the holiday, but grandma (Debbie Reynolds) has some other ideas. When the evil Mayor Kalabar (Robin Thomas) threatens to take over the world, it’s up to the kids to stop him.
4 The Addams Family (1991)
Based on the 1960s TV show of the same name that has roots in The New Yorker cartoons of Charles Addams, this is the story of family coming together.
After Gomez (Raul Julia) Addams’ brother Fester (Christopher Lloyd) had been missing in the Bermuda Triangle for 25 years, he is welcomed back and introduced to the rest of the gang. It’s revealed that Fester technically owns the Addams estate because he’s the oldest and family intrigue ensues.
There’s also a new animated instalment of the macabre family in theatres now.
5 It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
When Linus and Lucy pick the biggest pumpkin they can find, the blanket-loving brother doesn’t want his big sister to turn it into a jack-o’-lantern. He’s also the only one who believes in the Great Pumpkin who flies around bringing toys to children on Halloween.
When the gang is invited to a Halloween dance, Linus and Sally stay back to wait for the mythical creature.