NOVEMBER 1ST, 2022
By JOHN LILIES & LANA CARBON
[John] Well, here we are again… another October, another Hallowe’en, another 31 movies.
This year, struggling to come up with a new theme, we chose to watch 31 movies from the Good Housekeeping May 19, 2022 list of 60 Best Halloween Movies (written by Marisa Lascala and Lauren Buckett-Pope).
Because these are billed as Hallowe’en movies and not horror or thriller, we decided to create our own rating scale and we rated the 31 movies ourselves: Jack O' Lantern, Trick or Treat, or Egg The House. If we felt it was a strong Hallowe'eny movie, we gave it a Jack O' Lantern rating, middle of the road is Trick or Treat, and if we didn't feel it was Hallowe'eny enough, we rated it as Egg The House.
Let's clarify here, that we are talking Hallowe'eny movies, not necessarily scary, thriller, or horror.
Does it mention Hallowe'en and/or does it feature Hallowe'eny traditions; these were the two criteria we considered. Whether or not we actually liked the movie was not a factor in the rating, though I'm sure our comments have covered that aspect.
So, without further ado, welcome to our 31 Movies for the 31 Days of Hallowe’en, 2022 edition! We hope you enjoy our experience this year…
Good Housekeeping, May 19, 2022, 60 Best Halloween Movies, From Old Classics to New Cult Favorites
1. Fun Size (2012)
"A high school senior is forced to babysit her little brother on Halloween night — and chaos ensues after she loses track of him while out trick-or-treating." (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Jack O' Lantern
Thoughts: I actually got a kick out of it. It's cheesy, childish fun.
[John] Rating: Based on our scale, this scored a Jack O' Lantern from the outset.
Thoughts: It didn't annoy me as much as I thought it would.
2. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
For many, it's simply not Halloween season until the whole family has gathered on the couch to watch this animated special starring the Peanuts gang. Will the Great Pumpkin show up this year? (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Jack O' Lantern
Thoughts: Classic Charlie Brown and it kind of had to be on the list. They don't make them like this, anymore.
[John] Rating: Jack O' Lantern (kind of obvious from the title, I think).
Thoughts: Always an enjoyable time watching the Peanuts crew. I'm quite happy to watch this every year.
3. Practical Magic (1998)
Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as sibling witches? Sign us up. This delightful cult-classic rom-com is a perfect pick for anyone who wants a gentle, lovelorn Halloween. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: It mentions the special Hallowe'en event a couple of times and eventually shows it, so I think this is a Trick or Treat.
Thoughts: I love this movie and while it is only a Trick or Treat, I feel that it is really a Hallowe'en staple. Family friendly creepiness.
[John] Rating: Trick or Treat... there is mention of Hallowe'en & a Hallowe'en scene, so we can't Egg The House with this one but it is definitely not a Jack O' Lantern.
Thoughts: This has always been a happy, fun movie for me... a weekend afternoon, sunny day, light-hearted watch. I've never associated it with Hallowe'en but I'm always happy to watch it.
4. The Sixth Sense (1999)
"I see dead people" is by far one of the most popular Halloween movie quotes to this day, and rightly so. In this paranormal drama, Haley Joel Osment plays a 9-year-old boy who has to help spirits move on, in sometimes unexpected ways. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Egg The House because there was nothing Hallowe'eny in it. She [the mom] bought a pumpkin at one point. Maybe that counts. I dunno.
Thoughts: It's hard not to picture the ending once you know it. That takes a little bit out of the enjoyment of the movie.
[John] Rating: I also have to rate this Egg The House for the same reason.
Thoughts: I've always enjoyed this movie but I agree with you, Lana... once you know the twist, there's no surprise in the re-watch. This one is another weekend afternoon movie for me and does not in any way connect me to Hallowe'en.
5. Paranormal Activity (2007)
Get prepared to look at your suburban home — and your home security system — in an all-new light. This movie focuses on a young couple who suspect a paranormal presence after moving into their tract home in suburbia. They set up video cameras to pursue their hunch and, well, horror ensues. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Egg The House... this is an extra Egg The House because the later part of the movie takes place in October but nary a Hallowe'en decoration is to be seen.
Thoughts: Apparently, we watched an alternate ending, which isn't nearly as good but I do enjoy me some Paranormal Activity.
[John] Rating: Egg The House. No mention of Hallowe'en, no reference to it at all.
Thoughts: I always love watching this series of movies, so I was happy to watch this first one again. I had never watched this alternate ending and agree with you Lana; it was not great. The more I think about it, though, the more I'm wondering if I did actually see this ending and have just forgotten about it. What does that say?
6. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Both an entry within and a satire of the horror genre, this fascinating film features classic tropes — college students trapped in a cabin, zombies, werewolves and evil rituals — but cleverly turns them each on their head. It's a good one to watch after you've seen a bunch of horror movies and have the tropes in the front of your mind. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: I see eggs in front of me.
Thoughts: I really like the movie, it's just not a Hallowe'en movie. It is simply an excellent take on a horror movie.
[John] Rating: Egg The House. Without hesitation.
Thoughts: Not my first time seeing this and there are aspects I enjoy and aspects I'm not a fan of. Violence and gore never get good scores from me.
7. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele's masterpiece, which uses horror as a vehicle explore racism, is an absolute must-see. You'll be thinking about this one long after you turn the lights out. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: I didn't see no Hallowe'en whatsoever. Eggs in the basket; from the basket to the side of your house.
Thoughts: Fantastic movie! It made me fall in love with Jordan Peele as a director. It just isn't Hallowe'eny.
[John] Rating: Eggs but I wish it were a Jack O'Lantern.
Thoughts: I think I had blocked out a lot of this movie from the first time we watched it. Disturbing on a deep level, it is a great movie. It just isn't a Hallowe'en movie.
8. Malignant (2021)
James Wan, the creator of the Saw and Insidious franchises, returned to the horror genre with this film. It follows a woman who starts to have visions of horrible murders, and then starts to suspect they're happening in real life. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Egg the House.
Thoughts: So, we're watching these movies because they are on a list of the best Hallowe'en movies to watch. Not only does this have nothing to do with Hallowe'en, I don't know how it can make any "best" list of any kind. I remember the hype when this came out, but for the life of me, I have no idea why the hype.
[John] Rating: Egg the House.
Thoughts: Boooooo. I honestly don't know how many times we've started to watch this movie and then realized we'd already watched it and it was bad. It's as if we just keep blocking it out. So, this time we had a description in front of us and thought, "Have we seen this one? Is this that movie we keep starting and realize we've watched it and it's bad?" And still, we couldn't remember. And then, it started and we realized we'd watched it and it was bad. This time, though, we sat through to the end. Guess what? It's bad. Will we remember next time?
9. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The movie that popularized the concept of "found footage" horror, this cult favorite follows a group of film students who get lost in the woods while investigating the local "Blair Witch." Try not to think about it next time you're off in the woods. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Is a witch enough to change a rating? No. This is Egg the House.
Thoughts: I hadn't watched this for quite a while. It really hasn't aged well. The best part is always the ending and when you know that, it lets you focus on the rest of the film. Meh.
[John] Rating: I have a dozen eggs here.
Thoughts: I still think that for what it was and when it was, it is a good movie. It made me decide to never go camping alone. Sadly, as Lana said, it hasn't aged well and is now among the cheese. But, not the stinkiest shelf, so I do still enjoy it once in a while.
10. Hubie Halloween (2020)
If you're on the hunt for a funny, warm-hearted Halloween movie — and you're the type of person who'll appreciate a good Adam Sandler Easter egg — then this movie is for you. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Jack O'Lantern (the only way this movie gets any praise).
Thoughts: I watch some pretty ridiculous movies and can usually find some enjoyment in them... not this movie though. This is a terrible movie. Even for people who can enjoy Adam Sandler's wackier films, this is a dud.
[John] Rating: Considering that Hallowe'en is in the title and the movie revolves around the holiday, I have to give this one a Jack O'Lantern.
Thoughts: I am not in any way a fan of Adam Sandler's comedy. This movie was painful.
11. The Conjuring (2013)
When paranormal investigators are called to search an isolated farmhouse, they think they can handle the less-than-horrifying hauntings there. But, if we know anything from the horror movies of yore, it's that spirits should never be underestimated. The movie is based on the real-life exploits of paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine Warren. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Eggs... scrambled.
Thoughts: Without going into what I personally think about the Warrens, the movie itself is pretty entertaining. I do enjoy it. I am starting to realize just how many "Hallowe'en movies" are not Hallowe'en movies.
[John] Rating: No Hallowe'en = Egg the House.
Thoughts: I've always enjoyed this movie, despite the frustrations I feel with the glamorizing of the people involved. Still an entertaining watch.
12. Scream (1996)
This clever classic reinvigorated the slasher genre with deadly wit. Watch to learn the rules of the genre, like why you should never get too close to the man in the mask, only to have those tropes be subverted. A fifth entry in the franchise, confusingly titled Scream, came out earlier this year, and brings back fan-favorite characters from the original movie. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Trick or Treat because they use a Hallowe'en costume and they reference the movie Hallowe'en.
Thoughts: Every time I watch this, I laugh more and more. No killers get beaten up more than in this movie.
[John] Rating: I'm giving this one a Trick or Treat score because they mention and watch the movie Hallowe'en, so I think it counts.
Thoughts: I love this movie. Plain and simple. It's hilariously enjoyable.
13. Hereditary (2018)
An absolutely terrifying paranormal horror — featuring Toni Collette in impeccable form as the Graham family matriarch — Hereditary is what you watch if you don't want a wink of sleep on Hallow's Eve. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Seems like there are some eggs here right now.
Thoughts: I've seen this one before... it was okay.
[John] Rating: Egg the House, without hesitation.
Thoughts: Yeah... the first time through was disappointing and frustrating. The second time through was, honestly, boring.
14. The Evil Dead (1981)
Before he dipped into the MCU, Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness director Sam Raimi toyed with overlapping timelines and alternate takes in his Evil Dead series.The Evil Dead, The Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness all feature hero Ash going up against a series of deformed creatures after running afoul of The Book of the Dead. And, without a Marvel-sized budget, they're all done with B-movie verve. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Eggs.
Thoughts: A classic movie, as long as you can handle the cheesy gore.
[John] Rating: Egg the House. Toss your eggs at it for the duration of the movie.
Thoughts: For a long time, I had resisted watching this. Lana sings the songs from the musical version of it and he loves it so much but I just couldn't get there. Having watched it now, I don't need to see it again. Hilarious in parts and I do love me some horror cheese, but aspects of this movie are just too much for me. I cannot handle the cheesy gore in this one, Lana.
15. Beetlejuice (1988)
A Tim Burton invention, Beetlejuice is a family-friendly horror film tracing a couple who find themselves stuck haunting their home in the afterlife. It's one of the few movies that puts you on the side of the ghosts haunting the house. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: I guess, Eggs.
Thoughts: I think I've got it figured out... if we love the movie, it doesn't rate high on the Hallowe'en scale. If it rates high on the Hallowe'en scale, it's only an okay movie, at best. It's hard to beat Michael Keaton at his wacky best.
[John] Rating: Egg the House. No Hallowe'en means no candy or pumpkins.
Thoughts: I have no idea how many times I have watched this and I have no idea how many more times I will watch it. I suppose that as long as I am alive, I will likely continue to watch it at least a couple of times per year. Though, the older I get the more I seem to turn to it. I think this was my fourth time this year, alone. What is that saying?
16. The Ring (2002)
A remake of the 1999 Japanese horror film Ringu, this classic takes the whole "creepy child" trope to a whole other level. Trust us: You'll have a hard time watching any old cassette tapes ever again. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Splat! Splat! Sizzle! Sizzle!
Thoughts: It's a good movie. It's just not Hallowe'eny, because it's good.
[John] Rating: Egg the House. They didn't hand out the good candy.
Thoughts: I love the original but this will suffice.
17. Suspiria (1977)
This Dario Argento film shows you can fill your movie with bright colors and still have it be totally unsettling. When a student travels abroad to study dance, she finds the school is not what she thought it would be. In 2018, Amazon released a remake starring Dakota Johnson. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: The eggs here were so scrambled, I made an omelette.
Thoughts: I remember hearing somewhere that this was a good movie. I also heard that Snuffleupagus was imaginary. In both cases, they were wrong.
[John] Rating: Egg the House with a few dozen eggs. (Lana, how does one make an omelette with scrambled eggs?)
Thoughts: This was my first time watching this movie and I won't need a second viewing. It was... yeah. Blargh.
18. The Witches (1990)
Of course, you can stream the 2020 remake starring Anne Hathaway on HBO Max, but there's no beating the 1990 film version of Roald Dahl's creepy classic starring the incandescent Angelica Houston as the Grand High Witch. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: It's an Egg the House. It's gotta be an egg because they didn't talk about Hallowe'en and it didn't take place on Hallowe'en. It was just very witchy. Go figure, for a movie called The Witches.
Thoughts: Clearly intended for kids but it still spoke to my kid at heart. I thought it was cute.
[John] Rating: I have to Egg the House for this one.
Thoughts: Well, it is definitely a movie for kids. I can enjoy kids' movies and I do enjoy Roald Dahl & Jim Henson... this one is on the lower end of what I can really enjoy. It was cute. I'll leave it there. Maybe I lost my kid at heart.
19. Us (2019)
A brilliant invention from Jordan Peele, this allegorical horror features a family who discover their violent doppelgängers while on vacation. The only thing scarier than a monster is ... yourself. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Looks like I'm going to have to clean the windows, because there's egg all over my house.
Thoughts: This is an awesome movie. It really showed me how good Jordan Peele is, as a horror director.
[John] Rating: Seriously, so many of these movies require hens. Egg the House.
Thoughts: I love this movie. It's definitely one of my favourites. Happy it was on this list, even if it has nothing to do with Hallowe'en.
20. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Loosely based on Washington Irving's 1820 short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Christina Ricci and Johnny Depp star in this gothic romance directed by Tim Burton. It has plenty of macabre touches, but also some silliness, too. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: I am going to give this a very generous Trick or Treat, for the simple fact that Ichabod had a flaming Jack O' Lantern thrown at him. As I said, very generous.
Thoughts: I love Tim Burton. I love Danny Elfman. How do you put Christopher Walken in a movie and not have him speak?
[John] Rating: I'm becoming tired of throwing eggs but that is all I have.
Thoughts: Despite my love for Tim Burton, this movie has always completely bored me.
21. Friday the 13th (1980)
There's a reason so many of us are wary of Friday the 13th whenever it comes up on our calendars. We can owe a lot of that nervousness to this eerie fan-favorite and the franchise that followed. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Egg the House.
Thoughts: The classic non-Jason Jason movie.
[John] Rating: Egg the House. No Hallowe'en here.
Thoughts: Ahhh Mrs. Voorhees. Kevin Bacon has a decent death scene. The cheese is stinky but oh how I love me some Camp Crystal Lake.
22. The Invisible Man (2020)
Although it's a newer addition to the horror genre, The Invisible Man has earned its place among like classics, including the original that bears its name. Leigh Whannell, one of the Saw creators, manages to wring intense drama while focusing mostly on the Invisible Man's victim, instead of the monster himself. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Warm up that egg tossing arm!
Thoughts: Even though I find the movie just 'okay', it always gives me the creeps when thinking about the possibility of being watched by something unseen.
[John] Rating: Will we have any eggs left by Hallowe'en? We need to Egg the House for this one, too.
Thoughts: This movie creeps me out. Lana made a good comment about how if we all chose to be invisible, we'd all be villains because what good-intentioned reason would one have for wanting to be invisible?
23. The Witch (2015)
This movie, about a family rejected by their Puritan church and sent to live away from the safety of their community, has a rhythm and a cadence all its own. It may not hit you with jump-scares, but it'll get under your skin. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: I think it's gotta be Egg the House.
Thoughts: What a snoozefest. It had about three interesting moments. Okay, maybe a couple.
[John] Rating: Egg the House with rotten eggs.
Thoughts: I hate this movie more now, after the second watch than after the first. I have no desire to see it a third time.
24. Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1954)
Classic horror doesn't always have to creep you out. If you want to get into the mood but also want to sleep at night, try this monster-filled comedy. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Now I can't make an omelette because I had to throw so many eggs!
Thoughts: I remember back in the day, when I used to think Abbott and Costello were funny. That was a long time ago.
[John] Rating: Egg the house. Use all of the eggs.
Thoughts: As we have discussed is some previous articles, I have no sense of humour. Abbott and Costello don't make sense to me. They aren't funny. This not amusing to me, it isn't Hallowe'eny, and it isn't enjoyable.
25. Hocus Pocus (1993)
The ultimate Disney Halloween movie, this whimsical classic makes chatty black cats and goofy witches the epitome of Halloween fun. A sequel is planned for Disney+on September 30, so brush up with this one beforehand. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Jack O'Lantern
Thoughts: I don't mind it as much as John does.
[John] Rating: Jack O'Lantern
Thoughts: Okay, my apologies to all our readers who are Hocus Pocus lovers; I understand that what I'm about to say will be blasphemy. Here it goes... I cannot stand this movie. In all honesty I can barely watch it. I thought I'd try it for our 31 this year, thinking maybe I'd enjoy it this time but I really just scrolled through Instagram and watched animal videos through the whole movie. I just don't understand the hype. I won't bother watching the new one. I'm happy so many of you love this movie; I cannot join your club.
26. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
How many decades have Halloween partygoers been teasing their hair and trying to add the white streak to emulate this bride? After watching the James Whale film, you can see why she's endured. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: This is an egg. This is an egg on a supposed Hallowe'en movie. Any questions?
Thoughts: Surprisingly, I don't think I'd seen this one before. It would have been dandy for its time and it's still pretty darn good.
[John] Rating: Egg the House but be nice about it.
Thoughts: Some cheesy goodness. This was fun.
27. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
What happens when you don't follow the rules of Halloween traditions? The residents of a small Ohio town find out in this horror flick that weaves together four intertwining tales. While it had a small release, this movie has had a cult following — Trick 'r Treat Sam, the kid with the burlap mask and the orange PJs, is a surprisingly enduring kids' Halloween costume. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Find me a professional carver! I gotta do a Jack O'Lantern!
Thoughts: Is this the best actual Hallowe'en movie? We have four more to see if it's, at least, the best of this year's list.
[John] Rating: Jack O'Lantern! I'm not sure how many get more Hallowe'eny than this one.
Thoughts: This was actually my first time watching it and it wasn't too bad. It held my attention, which very little does these days. It was a bonus seeing a few Dead Like Me actors appear, which led me to realize it was shot in BC.
28. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
It's up for debate whether this classic falls into the Halloween or Christmas category. Either way, Tim Burton's imaginary world is a sheer delight. (So maybe watch it once a week from October to December?) (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Snowy Christmassy goodness of a Jack O'Lantern!
Thoughts: So, as John and I discussed, we might as well say that Danny Elfman wrote this movie because he wrote all of the lyrics. This movie is all about the sac... first I fill my sac with all of the candy and then I fill it up with the toys. This isn't just a Hallowe'en classic, it's a holiday classic.
[John] Rating: Egg the Hou... oh wait... I guess this one does mention Hallowe'en a couple of times. I suppose I can give it a Jack O'Lantern.
Thoughts: One of my favourite movies for Hallowe'en and Christmas and general comfort.
29. The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
"This gilled creature adds more of a sci-fi element to the classic lineup of Universal monsters. When it falls for a beautiful lab assistant, the film takes on a beauty-and-the-beast quality, but fishier." (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Fish Egg the House.
Thoughts: Ahhhhhhhhh!!! Shoot it! Don't shoot it! Shoot it! Don't shoot it! Pretty good for its time.
[John] Rating: Egg the House. For real, this time.
Thoughts: Love the movie for its cheese but not one mention of Hallowe'en at all.
30. Coraline (2009)
Follow young explorer Coraline through a door into an alternate dimension, where she meets characters who seem much like those in her real life ... but maybe a little off (even as they promise her everything she wants). Even though it's made for children, Coraline's creepy button eyes will make even adults a little unsettled. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: A very animated egg.
Thoughts: It's been so long I'd seen this that I'd forgotten basically everything that happens. I'm so glad I got to see it again.
[John] Rating: Egg the House but add some buttons.
Thoughts: I love this movie so much. Not much more to say.
31. Halloween (1978)
Given that this iconic film — featuring the unstoppable killing machine that is Michael Myers — shares a name with the year's spookiest holiday, it's just about as classic as they come. It's worth it for the atmospheric John Carpenter score alone. (goodhousekeeping.com)
[Lana] Rating: Jack O'Lantern
Thoughts: I've seen this movie so many times, really what else is there to say other than EXCELLENTE.
[John] Rating: Egg the House. There is not one mention of Hallowe'en at all. This movie shouldn't be on the list. Or, maybe it's a Jack O'Lantern?
Thoughts: Hallowe'en is not Hallowe'en without "Halloween". C'est tout.
BONUS: Halloween Ends (2022)
The saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode comes to a spine-chilling climax in the final installment of this trilogy. (imdb.com)
[Lana] Rating: It's a Jack O'Lantern.
Thoughts: I'm trying to think back through all of the other Halloweens and I don't even think Season of the Witch, that didn't even have Michael Myers in it, was worse than this one. This was just bad.
[John] Rating: Believe it or not, I'm actually going to rate this as Trick or Treat. Yes, title contains Hallowe’en and there is a touch of Hallowe’en in the movie but it is no Jack O'Lantern.
Thoughts: Wow. This. Was. Awful.
[John] Okay, so clearly there is a wide-open concept of what a Hallowe'eny movie is.
We typically do thrillers or different types of scary or creepy movies for our 31, every year. Having said that, over the years of doing our 31 project, we have watched a number of movies that didn't end up meeting our expectations for our given theme. We've never looked at our 31 from the perspective of how Hallowe'eny they are but instead we base them on how horror-y or thriller-y they are, because that's what we relate to Hallowe'en; that doesn't actually make them a Hallowe'en movie.
[Lana] I was totally surprised. I knew there would be a few of our favourites that we watch every year for their spooky vibe that didn’t really have anything to do with Hallowe’en, but I had no idea there would be so many eggs thrown. If this rating system had been our scale all along, we would need to invest in our own poultry empire.
[John] It was interesting, this year, rating the movies according to how they fit the concept of Hallowe'en - the event. Maybe the Good Housekeeping magazine list of movies we pulled from, should be called "movies we somehow relate to Hallowe'en" instead of "Hallowe'en movies". So, we watched some great movies, some 'meh' movies, and some lard-tunderin'-jesus-can-we-never-watch-these-again-as-long-as-we-live-or-are-undead-please horrible movies.
What will next year hold?
As per usual, please let us know your thoughts… comment here, email us, or catch us on any of our various social media pages to let us know what you’ve watched and what you thought.
Thanks for joining us and we hope you had an incredible Hallowe’en!
