20 Halloween Movies to Watch for Girls' Night

Every year I try to host a "spooky movie" night for girlfriends. We all come in comfy clothes, bring a delicious Halloween sweet or savory treat to share, and enjoy a spooky movie together. The movies range from the fun Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus to the truly spooky like What Lies Beneath. Some years we are braver than others! We don't go for the gory or the bloody - no slasher movies here. I like my Halloween movies to spook me and play with my mind just a little bit.

So, let's run down 20 Halloween movies that are perfect for watching for a girls' movie night with friends with treats and comfy clothes!

{1} The Skeleton Key - Kate Hudson gets mixed up with a hoodoo house in the Bayou with a dark past.

{2} What Lies Beneath - When Claire starts hearing and seeing a mysterious woman her husband, Dr. Norman Spencer dismisses her as delusional. However, Claire discovers that terrible truth.

{3} The Woman in Black - A recently widowed layer is sent a remote village to put the affairs of a deceased eccentric in order. He soon discovers that the house is haunted and the village is hiding a terrible secret.

{4} The Visit - A brother and sister take a train ride to visit their maternal grandparents for the first time while their mother goes on a cruise. The children are thrilled to meet their Nana and PopPop - until their behavior becomes increasingly strange.

{5} The Others - A devoutly religious mother lives on the English coast with her two children awaiting news of her husband after World War II. Both children have a rare disease where the sun harms them and so they only have contact with the house staff. When the young daughter starts seeing ghosts, her mother thinks the staff is just playing tricks on them, but she soon comes to suspect something supernatural has occurred. 

{6} 10 Cloverfield Lane - After surviving a car accident and waking in an underground bunker with two men, Michelle starts to wonder if the dangers in the outside world are really greater than those that lie inside the bunker.

{7} Sleeping With the Enemy - She fakes her death to escape her narcissistic abusive husband and finds refuge in Iowa. But will she ever truly be safe?

{8} The Village - Don't go into the woods and don't ask too many questions about "Those We Don't Speak Of".

{9} Signs - A story that explores the mysterious crop signs that appear on one farmer's land and change the lives of this family forever.

{10} The Sixth Sense - A young boy is haunted by ghosts with unresolved problems and it's up to his child psychologist to help him uncover the truth about his supernatural abilities.

{11} White Noise - A bereaved architect turns to electronic voice phenomena to try and connect with his recently deceased wife. As he is drawn deeper and deeper into the phenomenon a supernatural presence with sinister intentions invades his life.

{12} Super 8 - A group of kids discover there is more a train crash than they thought.

The movies listed above are on my spooky-don't-watch-alone list, but the last of the list below are perfect for your friends that are faint of heart.

{THE NOT SO SPOOKY HALLOWEEN MOVIES TO FOR YOUR FRIENDS THAT ARE FAINT OF HEART}

{13} Hocus Pocus

{14} The Witches

{15} The Watcher in the Woods

{16} Wait Until Dark

{17} Ghostbusters

{18} Goosebumps

{19} Coraline

{20} Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Although, I do admit that at least handful of the last of the list can be pretty creepy! So grab your friends and some treats and have a fun movie night in with one of these Halloween classics. 

What movies are on your Halloween list? Did I miss one?

Creepy Halloween Popcorn Cake

It's true that we love a good family movie night and especially when it comes to a
spooky Halloween family movie night. And if you're going to have a spooky movie,
then of course you need a really good spooky treat to go with the movie. We've made
a lot of fun and creepy treats to go along with our spooky movie nights, but this creepy
eyeball covered Popcorn Cake that I made might just be my favorite!


This slime inspired popcorn cake is equal parts creepy and delicious! It's really easy to
pull together and only requires a handful of ingredients. My kids always ask for popcorn
during the movie and it was fun to have popcorn in such a fun and funky form. The kids
were really surprised when I revealed this creepy cake that could watch them as they
ate it. You don't have to just use it for a movie night, it would be perfect for a
Halloween party with friends and family. You can whip it up in less that 15 minutes and
it's ready to cut in serve in about an hour.

CREEPY POPCORN CAKE

{INGREDIENTS}

2 bags microwave popcorn

green M&M candies (about 1/2 cup)

1 bags mini marshmallows

1/2 cup butter

green food coloring

gummy eyeballs

{DIRECTIONS}

1. Prepare your pan by spraying with cooking spray or buttering generously. I used an

angel food cake pan, but you can also use a bundt pan. The angel food cake pan made

it really easy to remove from the pan.

2. Pop your 2 bags of microwave popcorn. I used one that is simply salted, but if you

love butter - go for the movie butter kind. Remove the unpopped kernels.

3. Melt your butter over low heat and then add in the marshmallows and stir until

smooth and shiny. Remove from heat and add in your green food coloring.

4. Pour over your popcorn and stir until all the popcorn is well coated and is 

nice and green.

5. Press into your prepared pan and let cool for about 45 minutes.

6. Pop it out and decorate with the green M&M's and gummy eyeballs.

I didn't want M&M's throughout the entire cake, so I just used them as a garnish.

If you want candy or any other creepy candies inside your cake, then combine them with

the popcorn before you pour the marshmallow mixture over it. I would let the

marshmallow cool for about 2 minutes before I poured it over the popcorn so you don't

melt all your candies with the heat.

There you have it, a delightfully ghoulish treat to enjoy at your next spooky movie night.

What's your family's favorite treat with a movie?

20 Halloween Movies You Can Watch as a Family

We're a movie loving family. And we also love Halloween. So, it's only natural that

watching Halloween movies as a family is one of our favorite things to do during the

month of October. I've compiled a list of more than 20 of our must-watch Halloween

movies. If you start now, you can watch one every day leading up to the big day. And

you'll even have time to watch your favorites more than once.
I'm starting with the tamer ones and moving into the ones that might be better suited
for your older kids. Enjoy!

1. Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie

"And they give us candy, and cider, and cookies. What? Just like that?"

This on has a special place in my heart because it was one of the first Halloween

movies I watched with my oldest when he was little. He would quote it all the time.

And he called Halloween - Punkoween. So many memories!

2. It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

"You owe me restitution!" 

Who doesn't love Linus and Sally and the poor Charlie

Brown and all his rocks? We definitely do, so much so that we made it the theme of

our Halloween costumes two years ago. Just watch it, my Sweet Baboo!

                             

3. Alvin and the Chipmunks Scare-riffic Double Feature
"That little glass of yours is always half full, isn't it?"
The songs in this double feature are so catchy that once I watch it, I'm
singing them the rest of the month. You'll enjoy watching the Chipmunks meet these
two infamous monsters of Halloween.

4. The Adventures of  Ichabod and Mr. Toad
"Ichabod, what a name! Kind of odd, but nice just the same!"
Whatever does become of Ichabod after his fateful meeting with The Headless Horseman?
It's the great debate at our house and I love discussing it each time we watch the
movie together. What's your theory?

5. Ernest Scared Stupid
"How about a bumper sandwich, Boogerlips!"
Ahhh, Ernest. The lovable idiot of my childhood. His antics are always popular with
8-11 year old set - so perfect for our family! Beware of slobbery trolls!

6. Hotel Transylvania
"I do not say BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!"
This movie is quirky and silly - just like all the Adam Sandler movies before it.
However, this one is family friendly and the kids like all the bodily function jokes,
even though they make me cringe. But I do like the message that you can't hold on
to your kids forever or protect them from everything.

7. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
"Just a bit of harmless brain alteration, that's all."
In attempt to brainwash the rabbits of Trottington Hall and remove their appetite
for vegetables, Wallace unwittingly creates a Were-rabbit. Beware!

8. Casper
"Can I keep you?"
The friendly ghost of Whipstaff Manor befriends the teenage daughter of a the
paranormal therapist sent to send he and his uncles into the light. Adorable and your
heart aches when Casper asks Kat, "Can I keep you?"

9. The Book of Life
"Kids these days, with their long hair and not killing stuff."
This is a favorite of Isabella's and I love the beautiful animation and  heartwarming
story of following your dreams and facing your greatest fears.

10. Corpse Bride
"I've spent so long in the darkness, I'd almost forgotten how beautiful the moonlight is."
Like the poster says - there's been a grave misunderstanding and poor Victor

finds himself married to the Corpse Bride. However will he get back to his

real betrothed?

11. Frankenweenie
"I don't want him in my heart. I want him here with me."
When Victor's dog Sparky is hit by a car, he uses the power of science to bring
him back to life. Chaos ensues when others find out about Victor's creation that want
Victor's power of creation to work for them.

12. Coraline
"She wants something to love, I think. Something that isn't her."
This was Isabella's favorite movie when she was three-years-old and we watched
it over and over for a whole month. It's creepy and weird and leaves you
wondering if your other mother is looking for you!

13. ParaNorman

"There's nothing wrong with be scared, Norman, 

so  long as you don't let it change who you are."

Norman is just a normal boy, a normal boy that can speak to the dead. When

he tries to save his town from the curse of a witch cast centuries ago, he has to

do it his own way.

14. Ghostbusters

"Sorry, Venkman, I'm terrified beyond the capacity for rational thought."

Well, who are you going to call? This is a favorite from my childhood and I love

sharing it with my kids. Why is Bill Murray so funny?

15. The Nightmare Before Christmas

"Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it."

The thing I love about this movie is that it is kosher to watch it October-December,

and with the great music it's another that could watch every day.

It's quirky and dark, but my kids love it and so do I!

16. The Watcher in the Woods

"Sometimes there seems to be something out there."

Never move into an old house owned by a strange old woman. Just don't do it.

This might be better suited for 10+, just for the creepiness factor.

17. Gremlins

"Bright light! Bright light!"

This is another one that is great at Halloween and at Christmas. I love little

Gizmo so much and wish he would come home to live with me. I promise I

would follow all the rules!

18. The Witches

"So if no one's seen the Grand High Witch, how are you sure she exists?"

The book is creepy and the movie with Angelica Houston as the Grand High

Witch is just as weird and terrifying. Be sure to check for wigs!

 19. Hocus Pocus

 "It's just a bunch of hocus pocus."

I love me some Bette Midler and she is just divine as the lead Sanderson sister.

If you've never seen this one before, what are you waiting for?

20. Goosebumps
 "The Abominable Snowman just crawled out of a book, that doesn't just happen."
This has become one of our family favorites and the kids ask to watch it
multiple times each month. The first time we watched it we went all out with
the spooky themed treats. If you loved the books as a kids, then you'll enjoy
this new take on an old favorite.

There's my list of my favorite spooky Halloween movies to enjoy as a family.
Did I leave one of your favorites off? 
What is it? Add to my list.

If you like this list, then check out my lists for 
25 Favorite Christmas Movies
and
 30 Romantic Movies for Valentine's Day

30 Romantic Movies to Watch for Valentine's Day

I am totally in love with romantic Valentine's Day movies and every February I think,

"What do I need to watch?" And I only come up with the same 5 movies.

I decided to make a list, like my list of Christmas movies, so I'll always

have the list handy and ready for my next girls' night in movie night!

I'm counting down 30 of my favorite romantic movies that are great for Valentine's Day

or anytime you're in the mood for a good love story.

1. An Affair to Remember

"Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories and 

we've already miss the spring!"

It has Cary Grant as the leading man, so how can you say no to this classic.

Plus, it's one I can watch with my mom and my Grandma!

2. 13 Going on 30

"I love you too, Jenna. I've always loved you."

Jennifer Garner does the perfect impression of a 13 year old girl and I love 

all the references to 80's pop culture, because I was a kid in the 80's.

Can you imagine going to bed 13 and waking up 30? I'd totally freak!

3. Austenland

"I'm single, because, apparently the only good men are fictional."

I loved the book by Shanon Hale and Keri Russell does a good job of bringing

Jane Hayes and her Mr. Darcy obsession to life.

I often imagine what it would be like to live when men were men and women

wore corsets . . .

4. Bed of Roses

"Every now and then everybody's entitled to too much perfection."

It's been years since I watched this movie, but I remember that after watching it

I was obsessed with purple sterling roses and too much perfection.

5. Benny & Joon

"Having a Boo Radley moment, are we?"

And I would walk 5,000 miles, and I would walk 5,000 more . . .

You know you started singing that as soon as you saw the movie poster below.

Love this quirky pair and their quirky love. And SO many great quotes!

6. Enchanted

"But dreams do come true. And maybe something wonderful will happen."

I've been dreaming of my true loves kiss! I love everything about this movie!

Music. Romance. Dancing. A prince.

Plus, I love that they poke fun at the fairytale idea of love.

7. Ever After

"I know that a life without love is not a life at all."

I love a good Cinderella story. I collect picture books because I love this classic story

told from different perspectives. This is a sweet story and Angelica Houston is the

perfect wicked step mother!

8. Far and Away

"Tell me! Tell me ya like my hat!"

The chemistry between these two is real and oozes off the screen.

I'm always cheering for them til the end!

9. Fools Rush In

"You are everything I never knew I always wanted."

The first time I saw this movie I was on a crazy adventure with college friends

involving Las Vegas, my car breaking down just outside of Mesquite,

and a Dam tour. I have fond memories of this movie, but I'm not sure if it's the 

circumstances surrounding it or the movie itself.

10. Hitch

"One dance, one look, one kiss, that's all we get, Albert. Just *one shot* to make 

the difference between happily-ever-after, 

and oh-he's-just-some-guy-I-went-to-some-thing-with-once."

I love me some Will Smith, especially when he's helping the underdog get the girl.

Such a cute, cute movie!

11. Hope Floats

"Dancing is just a conversation between two people. Talk to me."

This is a movie my college roommates and I had on repeat, mostly because

we loved the soundtrack, but it's a sweet story too.

12. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Day

"Our love fern! You let it die!"

This movie is hilarious. I love seeing all the mistakes we all make in relationships

magnified and made light of.

13. Mickey Blue Eyes

"Well, no. I'm sorry but I've waited all my life to find someone I love as much as I love you. 

And I'm just not going to let this or anyone come between us. 

Not Vito "The Butcher" or Vinnie "The Baker" or anyone involved in any kind of food preparation. That's it, end of story."

The scene where he tries to talk like a mobster slays me. Even if you don't watch

the entire move, you have to watch the restaurant scene on YouTube.

14. My Best Friend's Wedding

"You're never gonna be Jell-O!"

The bridge scene. 'Nuff said.

15. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

"There are three things that every Greek woman must do in life: 

marry Greek boys, make Greek babies, and feed everyone."

Hilarious. The end.

There are so many similarities between the way the Greek culture

is portrayed and Mormon culture stereotypes and that's probably why I find

Toula and her plight so loveable.

 

16. Notting Hill

"I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her."

There is just something about Julia Roberts and goofy Hugh Grant.

I can't get enough of either of them, especially when the story is set in England.

17. One Fine Day

"Let me freshen up so I'll feel a little more like a woman and less like a dead mommy."

Can I get an amen? And the kids are cutie pies. And George Clooney!

18. Penelope

"It's not the power of the curse, it's the power you give the curse."

Cursed with a pig-face disorder by an embittered witch, can't get better than that!

19. Return to Me

"I miss Elizabeth, and I will always miss Elizabeth, but I ache for Grace."

You get his dead wife's heart and then meet and fall in love? You can't make this stuff up.

Oh, wait, I guess you can . . .

20. Runaway Bride

"Look, I guarantee there'll be tough times. I guarantee that at some point, 

one or both of us is gonna want to get out of this thing. 

But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, 

I'll regret it for the rest of my life, because I know, in my heart, you're the only one for me."

I had this soundtrack on permanent loop when the movie came out.

And who hasn't used Coach Bob's visualization exercises? :)

21. Sabrina

"More isn't always better, Linus. Sometimes it's just more."

I just watched this with girlfriends and we were joking about how we love

when they try to make beautiful people look homely and Harrison Ford

is a sloppy kisser, but the movie is adorable despite the face.

22. Somewhere in Time

"The man of my dreams has almost faded now. The one I have created in my mind."

Intriguing concept and who doesn't love Superman?

23. Sweet Home Alabama

"The truth is I gave my heart away a long time ago, my who heart, 

and I never really got it back."

I think that Reece Witherspoon is darling in this movie.

Admit it, you Googled if the lightning-sand-glass thing was real!

24. The Princess Bride

"As you wish!

 Wesley. Buttercup. Mawwiage. It's all so magical.

And so quotable. If you've never seen it, what's wrong with you?!

25. The Wedding Singer

"If you find somebody you can love, you can't let that get away."

It's an Adam Sandler  movie, so you know it's a little spicier than your regular

rom-com, but that song at the end. Be still my heart.

26. A Knight's Tale

"If I could ask God one thing, it would be to stop the moon. Stop the moon 

and make this night and your beauty last forever."

 With Chaucer as your herald, how can you go wrong?

There was just something about Heath Ledger's crooked grin and

boyish charm.

 27. While You Were Sleeping

"Hugging, that involves arms and hands; and leaning is whole bodies

moving in like this."

 These mashed potatoes are so creamy . . . the randomness of the Callaghan family

makes them the family that everyone wants to be part of. 

I still giggle at all the funny parts and sigh at the romantic parts even though I've

seen it more times than I can count.

28. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken

"I found my destiny, not in far off places but within myself."

This a little gem of a movie that not many have heard of.

If you get the chance, pop some popcorn and settle in for a sweet story.

29. Warm Bodies

"Don't be creepy. Don't be creepy. Don't be creepy."

 C'mon. I couldn't do a round up and not include a zombie love story.

Love me some zombies. Love me a love story. This is totally cute!

 

 30. You've Got Mail

"How about coffee, drinks, dinner, a movie. . . for as long as we both shall live?"

 I remember feeling a bit twitterpated when AOL would announce "You've Got Mail"

and the chemistry between Tom and Meg just brings it all to life.

There's my list of my favorite 30 romantic movies to watch for Valentine's Day.
Did I leave one of your favorites off? What is it? Add to my list.