NYM’s Top 10 Halloween Movies

The Halloween spirit has been haunting me for a few weeks now, urging me to do things such as disembowel pumpkins, devour Reese's peanut butter cups, scorch pumpkin seeds and watch any and every non-slasher Halloween on TV—mostly on the Disney Channel. This has had the unfortunate result of watching films such as ... Mom's Got A Date With A Vampire (which really wasn't all that bad). This has also led to repeated viewings of Halloweentown, Halloweentown II and Return to Halloweentown. Somehow I've missed Halloweentown High. Even now, as I write this, I am watching Twitches Too. If you don't know what this means, you're probably better off.

In watching all this fabulous made-for-TV-ness, I've begun longing for certain frightful films, wishing they were part of our DVD collection and scanning the cable listings for them. Alas, I've only found Jack Skellington among my many harrowing heros. But for general consumption this Eve of All Hallow's Eve I give you (trick or perhaps treat) my top 10 Halloween movies. (There's a comments section at the end of this post, so feel free to add on. The criteria: movies cannot be slasher/gore flicks; movies preferably have moments of the funny; movies hold up to repeated viewings.)

10. Arsenic and Old Lace: Mix one part Cary Grant, one part Frank Capra and a healthy helping of a Brooklyn Halloween story. Ha ha ha, I'm the son of a sea-cook!
9. Army of Darkness: The greatest thing Bruce Campbell has ever done. This includes The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (which were awesome), Xena, Hercules and all the Old Spice commercials.
8. Shaun of the Dead: Generally, I am not a fan of zombies. But this movie KILLS!
7. Beetlejuice: Tim Burton is the King of Halloween. End graf, pick up agate.
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The list wouldn't be complete without a visit to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Pumpkin juice anyone? (For a kick-ass butterbeer recipe, email me.)
5. The Lost Boys: Both Coreys and Kiefer Sutherland—it's everything that was great about the ’80s that wasn't called "The Goonies."
4. Practical Magic: Here's to sisterhood! With magic! Plus, I totally want that house.
3. Sleepy Hollow: Johnny Depp is soooooo full of awesome. Also, please refer to No. 7.
2. Rocky Horror Picture Show: Ah. I remember the very first time I watched Rocky Horror. It was in the living room. With my Dad. I'm comforted to know he was as uncomfortable with the situation as I was. Nonetheless, Time Warps, mad scientists, monsters brought to life, spooky butlers, this movie has it all. I see you shiver with antici ...
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Pumpkin King comes calling every year about this time. I cannot resist his adorable little skull and boney little fingers. And, of course, see No. 7.

Until tomorrow, everyone hail to the Pumpkin Song! La la la la ...