Fall is here, which means it is time to witness the beauty of falling leaves being carried by the cool, soul-soothing breeze. It is time to dig out the warm clothes and even hit the online stores to get some new ones to prepare for the cold and frosty season ahead. Trying out interesting new recipes for the changing weather. Not the forget it is time for ‘trick-or-treat’ (especially for the young ones!). The spooky yet sweet Halloween 2020 is here!
Children roaming around neighborhoods and trick-or-treating at doors, clad in their favorite costumes, is a sight not to miss. Unfortunately, things will be different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. To keep the Halloween spirit alive during these tough times, families can look towards another cherished Halloween tradition: movie-time! Families country-wide love this activity when everyone comes together, get cozy in their homes while enjoying some colorful and ghoulish horror stories. The addition of beautiful animation is just the cherry-on-top for family fun.
There is a huge collection of such movies on all of the streaming services out there. It can be quite challenging to find the right movie without getting overwhelmed and falling prey to ‘analysis paralysis.’
We all want to ensure that the kids don't get too frightened by the visuals or story of a wrong selection! Here is a quick list of spooky tales to help you turn your at-home Halloween celebration super fun and, most importantly, SPOOKY!
Frankenweenie (2012)
Beautifully made with a story packed with love and action,
this cute tale focuses on a deceased puppy who comes to life just like the
movie's inspiration Frankenstein. It
was intended to bring all the family members together for quality movie time
and has a rating of nine and above. But beware: the detail of lovable little
Frankenweenie dying before eventually returning could be too sad for some
children and pet owners.
Hotel Transylvania (2012)
Do ghouls, goblins, and ghosts ever go on vacation? This is the premise of the enjoyable, albeit a bit too long, Hotel Transylvania. It features all the favorite mythical characters from classic horror stories and movies (werewolves, zombies, ghosts, and mummies) who go to the famous vampire Count Dracula's titular hotel for some time-off. Things get a little troublesome when a human accidentally stumbles at the place! The movie is surely a fun watch, filled with engaging visuals, slapstick humor, and impressive voice-over work.
It is rated for people aged seven and above.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
One of the most creative animated movies of its time, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is very different from the other items on this list. It focuses on scary Halloween themes and also brings in Christmas themes to give a story that has the magic of both. The story follows Jack Skellington, a figure with Jack-o-Lantern as a head when he leaves Halloween Town and discovers Christmas Town. While it is considered a classic Halloween movie, some parents may consider it too dark for younger children.
It is rated for people seven and above.
Corpse Bride (2005)
Intended for a little older audience, Corpse Bride is another lovable movie to enjoy with the family. Featuring an accidental marriage between the (very much alive) main character Victor and (very much dead) Emily from the underworld and how their story plays out. The animation in this flick is unique and will always be etched in the kids' minds.
It is rated for people ten and above.
The Book of Life (2014)
This movie stands as one of the prime examples of the extent to which animation technology has progressed through the years. It features vibrant visuals, magical storytelling, and a heartwarming message at its core. While some of the imagery can be scary for children, The Book of Life weaves a magical tale involving many hilarious characters and is filled with enjoyable music. The film is also noted for its celebration and sensitive representation of Mexican culture.
It is intended for people seven and above.
Coco (2017)
The most recent name on the list, Coco, has received great acclaim on all grounds for an animated movie. It has some stunning animation and wonderfully depicts values like family and culture. Like The Book of Life, the story also has its foundation in Mexican culture, and it handles that responsibility with skill. The story involves a young boy, dreaming of being a musician, and his journey into the underworld after losing his mother.
The movie is rated seven and above.
Sit back this at-home Halloween with your family and enjoy a good movie night with our list above. After all, like every year, Halloween 2020 is about family and togetherness more than candy and costumes. Being together is exactly what we need during these uncertain times.
