Every Halloween, dabblers on a Netflix binge and devotees with carefully chosen watchlists alike enjoy classics like Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While these icons are loved for many reasons, other excellent films go unnoticed behind Jack Skellington and the Sanderson sisters. This Halloween, watch these hidden gems with powerful messages surrounding the strange and unusual.
The Addams Family
In an era where individuality and supportiveness should be highly valued, the Addams family are the perfect role models. The 1991 film revolves around an imposter infiltrating the family to steal their riches; the fake Uncle Fester succeeds because their creepy quirks conceal their affectionate natures and unbreakable connection. The positive family dynamic defies today’s tropes of toxic relationships and brings a loving twist to the spookiest night of the year.
Little Shop of Horrors
Based on the Broadway hit, Little Shop of Horrors tells a comedic yet heartfelt story of ambition and morality. Florist Seymour buys a Venus flytrap to help his shop, but soon finds himself torn between chasing his dreams or saving humanity from the plant. He and his love interest, Audrey, are kindhearted people with relatable hopes for a better life and flaws that prevent it. The ending cements the theme of expectations versus reality in a sly spoof of trashy thrillers of the 50’s.
Gremlins
Yet another Halloween movie set at Christmas, Gremlins focuses on a mogwai — a small, koala-like creature — named Gizmo and his owner, Billy. When the rules for caring for a mogwai are broken, the characters are forced to defeat the vicious gremlins Gizmo spawns. Like many 80’s movies, the special effects behind the critters hold up next to today’s technology. The film delivers a scathing satire on capitalism while balancing comedy and horror.
Death Becomes Her
Fans of the anti-hero can find what they’re looking for in Death Becomes Her. Rivals Madeline and Helen risk everything for their ambitions and pride, suffering the consequences when they drink a magical potion meant to grant eternal youth. Macabre yet witty, the movie stands out for its use of compelling characters who make misguided decisions for their own gain, each choice developing the expertly crafted ending.
The Witches
Mystical, eerie, and visually stunning, 1990’s The Witches follows a young boy named Luke and his grandmother as they encounter disguised demons who turn children into mice. Although it’s based on a children’s book by Ronald Dahl, the film has much to offer older audiences, mixing suspense, humor, and the cleverness of its protagonists against powerful foes. Luke and his grandmother are perfect underdogs, showing fortitude through every trial.
These underappreciated films showcase the downtrodden heroes and ghoulish monsters typical of the spooky season while eluding the predictable Halloween scare factor. Realistic characters, eccentric plots, and feel-good sensations set these unsung wonders a cut above t
