Halloween calls for curling up on the couch with a spooky-movie marathon. Here are some of the most popular Halloween films.

Starting off the list with number ten is Halloweentown, a classic directed by Duwayne Dunham in 1998. The movie features a little girl who discovers she is a witch and must help her grandmother fight the evil forces that invade their community, Halloweentown. 

Next in slot number nine is The Addams Family. This film is not only comedic but also has its fair share of scary moments. There are many versions of this plot, such as the original movie made in 1991, the hit television show that aired from 1964-1966, and even a musical. The Addams Family is a great Halloween movie for the whole family to enjoy. Fun fact: The Addams Family story was based on a New Yorker cartoon illustrated by Ookiness Charles Addams.

Number eight is Beetlejuice. The main character, Beetlejuice, played by Michael Keaton, is a psycho demon in a black and white suit, and is easily-recognizable as a Halloween icon. The spooky story is now featured as a Broadway musical. 

In seventh place comes Edward Scissorhands, directed by Tim Burton. Featuring a misunderstood man with scissors for hand, Edward Scissorhands teaches lessons about acceptance while keeping in the spooky spirit of Halloween. This was the first Tim Burton film that actor Johnny Depp starred in. Depp has worked with Burton many times since, later starring in movies like Alice in Wonderland, Sweeny Todd, and Corpse Bride. 

In sixth place is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Many argue the film could be considered a Christmas classic as well because of its crossover into winter themes. Senior Genevieve Rolnick said, “This is one of my favorite movies. The aesthetic and plot are amazing.” Burton did not direct The Nightmare Before Christmas, but he produced the film.

Number five is Hocus Pocus, a lighthearted film featuring a trio of goofy witches. This movie is perfect for children and adults, alike. The male lead, Max, was originally supposed to be played by Leonardo Di Caprio. Di Caprio, however, denied the role, and it was given to Ormi Katz instead.

Number four is Ghostbusters, which was produced in 1984 and features actor Bill Murrary. The movie is iconic for its catchy theme song — “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” As a publicity stunt when the movie first came out, the studio made a real 1-800 number that responded with a voice mail of Murray and Dan Akyroyd saying that they “can’t pick up the phone — we’re too busy busting ghosts.”

In third place is Scream, featuring the iconic villain Ghostface. Viewers know the movie from Ghostface’s stark white mask and bloody dagger. The movie was partially based on a true story, which makes it all the more frightening.

Second place: It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, an animated classic from 1966. The nostalgic film was originally a comic strip before it was brought to the big screen. Senior Megan Ryan loves this movie. “I used to watch it all the time growing up,” she said. “It’s definitely one of the classics.” Charlie Brown and his gaggle of friends remind viewers of simpler times.

Last, but certainly not least, comes Coraline in first place. Originally a book by horror author Neil Gaiman, Coraline took four years to film and was originally supposed to be filmed as a live-action movie. Instead, it was produced as a stop-motion film. Senior Sofia Ezzuohairy said, “The animation style is really unique, which sets it apart from other Halloween movies; even the plot and characters themselves are interesting and keep the viewer wanting to see what happens next. It’s a classic.”