‘All hallows eve’ arrives on Saturday but, if like me, you enjoy gorging on the chocolates and candies, indulging in a bit of fright night but can’t quite stomach the goriness, then this is the list for you.
Here are nine 1990s films that will give you a bit of a thrill this Halloween, without the sleepless nights!
1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
An ancient curse, a black cat, and Bette Midler… what more could you ask for? A little bit of traditional Halloween with some light comedy, Hocus Pocus follows the story of Max, who moves with his family to Salem, only to find himself embroiled in a 17th century curse. Three diabolical witches were executed, but have been inadvertently resurrected by the lighting of a black flame candle and are causing mayhem. Quite delightful.
2. The Addams Family (1991)
The dark humour of the iconic TV show was brought to life in this star-studded film featuring Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd and Christina Ricci. The storyline sees this lovable, yet ghoulish family taken in by con artists, pretending to have found the family’s long-lost uncle. There are many wonderfully macabre moments, always accompanied by the family’s strong bond and misguided, albeit good intentions.
3. Practical Magic (1998)
Starring Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Aidan Quinn, and Goran Višnji?, this is an enchanting, yet dark romance that outlines the lives of the Owens sisters, who happen to be witches. Sally and Gilly were raised by their aunts following their parents’ tragic death, added to which they’ve continued to carry the family curse – the men they love are doomed to an untimely death. Sally manages to avoid men, while Gilly attracts all the wrong kinds… and they have to use the supernatural to break the curse for good.
4. Labyrinth (1986)
If you’ve never understood the hoopla around David Bowie, then prepare to find yourself in awe with this absolute classic. This musical fantasy film is directed by Jim Henson – the man behind The Muppets – with Star Wars creator, George Lucas, taking the role as executive producer, so you know it’s going to be good. A young girl wishes the Goblin King, played by Bowie, would take her baby brother. Unfortunately, this misplaced wish comes true and she has to find her way through a creature-inhabited labyrinth to save him.
5. Casper (1995)
The famous cartoon made it to the big screen, showcasing (then) cutting-edge CGI technology where humans interact with mischievous ghouls and one friendly ghost, Casper. Having portrayed Wednesday in The Addams Family, Christina Ricci slotted right into the lead as a young teen who is dragged to live in a haunted house with her ghost-therapist father, played by Bill Pullman. Despite her reluctance, she befriends Casper and, in helping him complete some unfinished business, gets to see him in human form as the teen heartthrob, Devon Sawa.
6. The Witches (1990)
I haven’t yet seen the 2020 remake starring Anne Hathaway, so I can’t compare, but this 1990 version captured Roald Dahl’s ghoulish delights perfectly, with Angelica Houston the ideal embodiment of the Grand High Witch. Vacationing with his grandmother in Norway, Luke finds out about witches and their penchant for turning them into various creatures. While staying at a hotel, Luke realises he’s in the midst of a witches’ conclave and he has to work with his gran to destroy them all.
7. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton, the master of the macabre, had a hit with this absolute classic featuring some of Hollywood’s best, among them Michael Keaton, Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin and Winona Ryder. When a couple realise they’ve died in a car accident and are trapped in their home, they have to compete with the new owners for the space. The ghosts are unable to succeed, and call for assistance from the wickedly conniving Beetlejuice. Wackiness ensues!
8. Ghostbusters (1988)
Well, come on, who you gonna call? If this phrase doesn’t spark anything within you, then it’s time to watch this cult classic, now available in an all-female cast reboot. The original stars, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis as a trio of eccentric parapsychologists establish a ghost-catching business in New York city. Originally considered a group of quacks, business starts booming as the paranormal activity increases in the city
9. Gremlins (1984)
This epic 80s film manages to convince the audience that a cute and cuddly creature – the mogwai – can spawn a maniacal demon known as a gremlin when certain rules aren’t adhered to. When a young man receives a mogwai for Christmas, he’s warned to follow the three rules: do not expose the mogwai to sunlight, which will kill it; do not let it come in contact with water; and never feed it after midnight. Rules are broken, gremlins go on the rampage, comedy and fear ensue!
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