AD | Affiliate Links
Staying up all night and watching movies and eating popcorn is a lot of fun but when it comes to Halloween, it’s even better. There’s nothing like popping popcorn and sitting up all night with your special someone or a group of your closest friends.
You could, of course, even sit up by yourself if you had the courage to. Here are the best 90s Halloween movies that will keep you on the edge of your seat and looking over your shoulder all night that you will be too scared to go to bed. Of course, all my picks are movies that are meant to be watched after the kids are tucked away in bed. You sure don’t want them to be up scared all night.
What the best 90s halloween movies to watch?
The Blair Witch Project
The Blair Witch Project (1999) was an innovative found footage horror film directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez that forever altered the horror genre. Focusing on young filmmakers investigating an urban legend in a small town, their journey into Black Hills Forest becomes one of terror as they’re chased by unseen forces – making this minimalistic approach and raw fear factor iconic among horror fans alike.
Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus (1993), directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson sisters resurrected on Halloween night – has become a classic family film that blends comedy with horror. While its initial box office reception may have been mixed; today it remains one of the best Halloween films as part of traditional Halloween celebrations.
The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs (1991), directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter – an indefatigable but deranged serial killer; Jodie Foster won an Academy Award for her performance as FBI Agent Clarice Starling who seeks Lecter’s assistance to catch another killer; its chilling atmosphere, psychological tension and exceptional performances make this one of the finest horror-thriller films ever.
Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow (1999), directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane, is an eye-popping adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic tale. Burton’s signature gothic style shines as he explores the legend of the headless horseman in a small and haunted town – offering stunning special effects and gothic atmosphere making this film must-see viewing during Halloween season!
The Sixth Sense
M. Night Shyamalan’s 1999 horror/thriller The Sixth Sense stars Haley Joel Osment as a young boy with psychic abilities who communicates with the dead while Bruce Willis portrays his therapist, making this film memorable for its legendary twist ending and its ability to combine supernatural horror with emotional depth.
Edward Scissorhands
Tim Burton’s 1990 classic Edward Scissorhands (1990), featuring Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands, explores themes of isolation and acceptance within an otherwise ordinary suburban environment. A gothic fairytale that has since become a cult classic.
From Dusk Till Dawn
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) is an inventive mix of crime and horror films written and directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino, featuring George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino as main actors. When criminals encounter vampires at a Mexican strip club, an unexpected adventure begins that offers plenty of thrills and surprises for its audiences.
Event Horizon
Event Horizon (1997) directed by Paul W.S. Anderson is an impressive sci-fi horror film that explores the horrors of deep space exploration. Starring Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne as well as other familiar actors such as Mark Strong, it shows a spaceship’s descent into madness when crossing into dimensions of pure evil; featuring unsettling imagery and psychological horror elements which truly set it apart in its genre.
The Addams Family Values
The Addams Family Values (1993), directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, is the sequel to 1991 original. Following Morticia and Gomez Addams as they welcome a new member to their family while dealing with an unscrupulous nanny, this darkly comedic film is beloved among fans thanks to its macabre humor and memorable characters like Wednesday (played by Christina Ricci).
Bride of Chucky
Bride of Chucky (1998) directed by Ronny Yu marks a continuation of the Child’s Play franchise with an unsettlingly comedic take. Chucky the killer doll returns and teams up with an unsuspecting female counterpart; adding new depth and humor into this classic slasher horror formula.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Francis Ford Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) is an exquisite adaptation of the classic vampire tale. Gary Oldman shines as Count Dracula while Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves take on key roles; its lavish production design and romanticized take on vampire legend make this film stand out in its genre.
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994) is an innovative meta-horror film directed by Wes Craven himself. Set during one installment of “Nightmare on Elm Street”, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) begins to haunt cast and crew from an original horror film shot years before; making this an homage to and an original twist on horror cinema itself.
Other Halloween Movies That Are Worth Watching
Halloween is a fun and exciting time of year for kids. With trick-or-treating, festive costumes, and Halloween parties, this popular and spooky holiday is a time for the ghostly, the ghoulish, and the fun. Listed below are some spooky, some silly, and some macabre kids’ movies to snuggle up and watch over this eerie holiday season. Whether your are looking for a comedy, an animated feature, or a bone chilling live-action flick, all these Halloween movies are suitable for young viewers.
Halloween Movies for Kids that are Rated G
Here are some spooky and fun Halloween kids’ films, both animated and live-action, suitable for all ages. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is particularly beloved and entertaining to both young audience members and adults alike.
- Igor, 2005
- Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie, 2005
- Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, 2005
- Halloween Town, 1998
- Kiki’s Delivery Service, 1998
- Escape to Witch Mountain, 1973
- Bedknobs and Broomsticks, 1971
Halloween Movies for Kids that are Rated PG
Listed below are spooky films that recommend adult supervision. Both animated and live action, several of these films are particularly chilling, especially Something Wicked This Way Comes, based off Ray Bradbury’s 1962 eerie literary work of the same title. Hocus Pocus, on the other hand, might be just what you are looking for if you are in the mood for a festive Halloween comedy.
- Coraline, 2009
- Monster House, 2006
- The Corpse Bride, 2006
- The Haunted Mansion, 2003
- Monsters, Inc. 2001
- Tower of Terror, 1997
- Casper, 1995
- The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993
- Hocus Pocus, 1993
- The Witches, 1990
- Beetlejuice, 1988
- The Black Cauldron, 1985
- The Goonies, 1985
- Ghostbusters, 1984
- Gremlins, 1984
- Something Wicked This Way Comes, 1983
- The Watcher in the Woods, 1980
- Young Frankenstein, 1974
- Carnival of Souls, 1962
Halloween Movies for Kids that are Not Rated
Here are some entertaining and festive family films that are not rated. Among them is the Charlie Brown Halloween classic, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
- Disney’s House of Villains, 2002
- Scooby Doo’s Creepiest Capers, 2000
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, 1966
Halloween Movies for Teens that are Rated PG-13
Here are some fun, festive films for teens, including the popular Twilight Saga series. You could consider viewing the Aldred Hitchcock classic, The Birds. Some of these films are truly terrifying, including The Ring, and The Grudge, although they are rated PG-13. You might want to view these PG-13 horror films first, before sharing them with your teen.
- The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, 2010
- The Twilight Saga: New Moon, 2009
- Twilight, 2008
- Blood and Chocolate, 2007
- The Messengers, 2007
- Dark Water, 2005
- The Grudge, 2004
- The Ring, 2002
- Signs, 2002
- The Others, 2001
- The Mummy, 1999
- The Sixth Sense, 1999
- Practical Magic, 1998
- The Addams Family Values, 1993
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1992
- The Addams Family, 1991
- Edward Scissorhands, 1990
- Monster Squad, 1987
- The Birds, 1963
- Vertigo, 1958
More Halloween Entertainment for Kids and Families
There also are many Halloween specials of your favourite kids’ television shows. Dora the Explorer, Little Bear, Winnie the Pooh, Arthur, Barney, and Sponge Bob Square Pants all have Halloween specials available on DVD. Many of these are rated G and ideal for preschoolers or younger children.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
