10 Movies Set on (Or Around) Halloween

With Halloween fast approaching, it's the perfect time to get comfy on the sofa and enjoy some all hallows eve goodness. Here are some films set around the holiday to either scare or impress you.

10. 'Ginger Snaps' (2000)

To kick off this list we've got the teen werewolf movie, Ginger Snaps. This cult horror is a gem amongst the horror faithful. Not your average werewolf flick, with enough of an original take on the genre that it certainly sticks out amongst the rest. The body of the werewolf is often used as an allegory for puberty and coming of age (see Teen Wolf), but this film does this so eloquently, and a wonderful satire of high school.

If you are 18 or younger, you will certainly be able to relate to this film. Especially if your'e a girl. With the once a month cycle of the full moon acting as a (not so subtle) reminder that this film is talking about the body maturing.

7.5/10. Possibly 8. This is a good one.

9. 'House of 1000 Corpses' (2003)

The film that gave us The Devil's Rejects, this was metal head, Rob Zombie's directorial debut. This movie has lots to love. So much gore. Lots of stark imagery. The performances are wonderfully ham, yet eerily terrifying. There is never a moment in this film that you feel you can unclench.

Drawing inspiration from many horror classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it has certainly earned itself recognition with horror fans. It is a great example of a modern horror classic and has no right being as good as it is.

8/10. With an even better sequel to follow, this is the perfect double feature for Halloween.

8. 'Idle Hands' (1999)

This one's a good giggle. And I don't just like this because the main character's surname, is my first name. This film is about the demonic possession of a teenager's hand. After it kills his friend, he severs his own hand in order to stop killing anyone else. The hand then continues to move independent of itself, killing in its wake. Yes. It's a bit silly. Okay, very silly. But that's the fun of this one.

Staring Seth Green and that guy from Final Destination, this film is filled with jokes. Not all of them land, but there's a lot of fun to be had. Featuring zombie "bros" that still wanna hang out and smoke weed, it's different enough to be worth watching.

6.5/10. It's fun. No question.

7. 'Monster House' (2006)

I. Love. This. Film. I think this is one of the better animated movies in recent memory. The characters are enjoyable to watch and very well written. As is the plot. The animation style is slick, and perfectly lends itself to the horror genre. Of course this is much more light and kid-friendly than other entries on this list. But don't let that put you off.

It's seriously funny. There is something so great about an animated Steve Buscemi shouting at children...and being in love with his house. Or a nerdy Jon Heder (before he became irrelevant) imparting words of wisdom.

9/10. I might overrate this film. But if you disagree, I'll have to fight you.

6. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)

One of the few films that could feature on both, this list and a Christmas list. But how could I not include the film that is literally set in Halloween Town. This film is incredibly charming. The animation is gorgeous. I could look at screenshots of this film for hours. The visuals are just so good, it's hard not to love it. I NEED a roller coaster based on this movie, immediately.

One thing we need to get straight though, it's NOT directed by Tim Burton. I promise. I wouldn't lie to you. He was involved sure. But it's actually Henry Selick, director of Coraline and James and the Giant Peach, who brought life to this movie.

8/10. If you haven't seen this movie, what rock have you been living under? Get it watched. Now!

5. 'The Predator' (2018)

You should be able to still catch this in theatres before Halloween comes. The new Predator film has seen mixed reviews. And for good reason. It's funny. Sure. And comedy is good. But it feels more like a Marvel movie than a Predator movie. So if your into that then this film is good fun. But as an avid fan of the original I can't say this film impressed me much.

A rare occasion where director, Shane Black, didn't set his film at Christmas, but rather at Halloween. Featuring a scene with a kid going trick or treating with a Predator helmet on, this film is a huge step away from its predecessors.

5/10. I'm not a fan, but people seem to like it.

4. 'Scary Movie' (2000)

The movie that kicked off all the awful genre-based spoofs of the last 20 years, Scary Movie!!! This film is such a nostalgia trip for me and most people my age. So fun. And more rewarding a watch if you're a fan of the genre. Sure this flick is to blame for a plethora of terrible films. Let's not even mention Epic Movie. But it's great. And a hilarious spoof of Scream and the genre around it.

Yes, it has certainly aged somewhat. But it's a great watch nonetheless. Every line is quotable. Most of the jokes hit hard. True, we haven't seen a good Wayans brothers movie since the sequel (sorry boys, I still love you). But that's all the more reason to watch it.

10/10. I don't care. I know you all disagree with the rating. But this flick makes me feel young again. And I belly laugh throughout.

3. 'The Crow' (1994)

Starring Bruce Lee's son, Brandon, this film is based on the comics of the same name. Infamously dying from a wound he received on set, Brandon was unable to complete the film. It was finished with the use of stunt doubles and visual effects. It's super dark. And the story around the making of it makes it darker. This really is a film worth watching. But an unfortunate reminder that Linda Lee Cadwell (Bruce's wife, Brandon's mother) is possibly the most unlucky woman in America.

Brandon gives a reserved performance, and smoulders all over the place making anyone who watches it swoon. It's not a work of art by any means, but the cinematography looks brilliant. A very authentic recreation of the tone of the comic.

7.5/10. A cult classic. It's one of those films that marks the beginning of comic book movies becoming popular.

2. 'Trick r' Treat' (2007)

This film is much better than it gets credit for. Really smart and unexpected, Trick r' Treat is such a refreshing and welcome addition to the horror genre. With entwining stories playing out in a non linear fashion, this film is like the horror equivalent of Pulp Fiction. All the stories are tied together by the ever mysterious, Sam. He's a silent trick or treater with a haunting mask, watching over the events, as an agent of Halloween itself.

This film is goooood. And it's shot excellently. It subverts all expectation of what's coming next keeping it fresh and memorable. This film really sticks out for me and it will for you too.

8.5/10. This is a really good horror film. Perfect popcorn fun.

1. 'Donnie Darko' (2001)

Once in a while a film gets made that completely blows everyone's mind. This is a very special film. There isn't anything like it. It does leave many people scratching their head. But it's excellent. Truly a remarkable film. Cast is spot on. Story is tight and meaningful. The visuals are breathtaking. The soundtrack is a perfect choice. Just everything. It's a work of art.

Now to paraphrase Peter Griffin, it certainly insists upon itself. But a film this clever has earned that right. It's so good. With a slow count down to Halloween throughout the film, the sense of impending doom is rife in this one.

11/10. A masterpiece. Film making done right.

Honourable Mention: The 'Halloween' Franchise

I'm throwing this in as to not anger the spirits of the holiday...... or the internet trolls. But lets face it, the Halloween franchise is something all the horror faithful are aware of. But I felt like it would be cheating to include it.....but blasphemy not to.

Enjoy your Halloween. And remember. A William Shatner mask painted white used to be scary.