Get ready for the scariest night of the year with the Halloween movies brought to you by HBO! From horror classics to spooky new releases, HBO has everything you need to make your Halloween night one to remember. Whether you’re looking for gory horror movies, chilling ghost stories, or thrilling Halloween adventures, HBO has something for every fan of the genre. Read on to discover our top picks for this Halloween 2021 on HBO.
“Halloween” (1978)
“Halloween” is a classic horror film that was released in 1978. Directed by John Carpenter and starring Jamie Lee Curtis, it is considered one of the most influential films of the genre. The plot follows the story of Michael Myers, a serial killer who escapes from the psychiatric hospital where he has been locked up for years and returns to his hometown to continue his killing spree.
The film is known for its innovative directing style and its iconic soundtrack, which has been imitated and honored numerous times. It has become a cult classic and has inspired a large number of subsequent horror films, becoming a benchmark for the genre.
Sequels and remakes
“Halloween” It had several sequels, which expanded on the story of Michael Myers and expanded the universe of the original film. There were also several remakes, the most recent being 2018, which was very well received by audiences and critics alike.
Legacy and influence
The influence of “Halloween” in horror movies it is unquestionable. It has inspired many directors and has laid the foundation for many subsequent films in the genre. His legacy lives on and continues to be a benchmark for those who want to enter the world of horror movies.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is an American stop-motion animated film directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton. The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who is looking for something new and exciting in his life after years of organizing Halloween. Jack accidentally discovers Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with it, leading him to kidnap Santa Claus and try to impersonate him on Christmas Eve.
Animation
The film uses the stop-motion animation technique, which means that the characters and settings were created with figures and physical objects and were photographed frame by frame in different positions to create the illusion of movement. This gives the film a unique and distinctive look that sets it apart from traditional animated films.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was composed by Danny Elfman, who also provides the voice of Jack Skellington in the English version. Music is an integral part of the film and helps tell the story. The title track, “This is Halloween,” is a popular hit that becomes a Halloween anthem itself.
“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Summary: «Hocus Pocus» is an American horror comedy film directed by Kenny Ortega and starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. The film follows a trio of wicked witches, the Sanderson sisters, who are revived in Salem, Massachusetts, by a teenager and his younger sister on Halloween.
The story behind the movie
Historic context: “Hocus Pocus” was released in 1993, a year after the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the famous Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. The film draws on the legends and myths of the area, and features various Salem historical sites, such as the house of the witch trials.
film production: The film had a budget of 28 million dollars and was directed by Kenny Ortega, who also directed films like “Descendants” and “High School Musical.” The script was written by Mick Garris and Neil Cuthbert, and the music was composed by John Debney. In the film, Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy play the Sanderson sisters, and the film also stars Omri Katz, Thora Birch, and Vinessa Shaw.
movie legacy
film reception: “Hocus Pocus” was poorly received by critics at the time of its release, but has become a cult film in the years since. The film has been praised for its creepy humor and its portrayal of female empowerment. Additionally, the film has inspired spin-offs, sequels, and a slew of merchandising.
Influence on popular culture: The film has left a lasting mark on popular culture, especially during the Halloween season. Fans organize screenings of the film, dress up as the characters, and create memes and fan fiction based on the film. Also, it has become one of the most popular movies on Disney+ around Halloween time.
The Addams Family (1991)
The Addams Family is a 1991 American supernatural black comedy film based on the characters from Charles Addams’ New Yorker cartoons. The movie follows the lives of the eccentric and unconventional Addams family consisting of Gomez, Morticia, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, and their butler Lurch.
Plot
The Addams family’s lives are turned upside down when they are targeted by con artist, Tully Alford, and his greedy wife, who are after the Addams’ vast fortune. As the family prepares for their annual reunion, they are unaware that Tully and his wife have hired a fake Uncle Fester to pose as a long-lost member of their family and gain access to their vault. The impostor ultimately becomes close to the family as they struggle to determine if he is actually Uncle Fester or if Tully has tricked them.
cast
The film was directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and stars Anjelica Huston as Morticia Addams, Raul Julia as Gomez Addams, Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester, and Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams. The performances by the actors were lauded and the film received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Summary: Beetlejuice, a dark comedy directed by Tim Burton, follows a recently deceased married couple as they try to scare the new occupants of their home. After several failed attempts, it is suggested that they hire a bio-exorcist named Beetlejuice to help them. However, when Beetlejuice begins to take control of the situation, they must find a way to stop him before it’s too late.
cast and characters
Cast: Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Catherine O’Hara, Winona Ryder.
Characters: Beetlejuice – a bio-exorcist; Adam and Barbara Maitland – a recently deceased couple; Lydia Deetz – a teenager with an interest in the paranormal; Delia Deetz – the new owner of the house; Charles Deetz – Delia’s husband.
Reception and legacy
Reception: Beetlejuice was a box office success, grossing more than $73 million worldwide. It was also well received by critics, winning the Academy Award for Best Makeup and three Saturn Awards. In addition, it has been recognized as a cult film.
Legacy: Beetlejuice has become a pop culture staple, with references appearing in TV shows, movies, and music. It also inspired an animated series, a ride at Universal Studios, and a 2019 Broadway musical.
“The Exorcists” (1973)
“The Exorcists” is a horror movie that tells the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demon. This movie became one of the most popular horror movies of all time and is considered a classic.
The Plot
The movie follows the life of Chris MacNeil, an actress living in Georgetown with her daughter, Regan. Strange events start to happen, and Regan’s behavior of hers becomes erratic. After consulting with numerous doctors and still not finding an answer, Chris turns to a priest who eventually performs an exorcism on Regan.
The Legacy
The movie’s release in 1973 caused a sensation and was controversial due to its subject matter. Some people were so disturbed by the movie that they fainted, vomited, or left the theater. Despite this, the film received critical acclaim and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning two. It’s also considered a cultural touchstone in terms of horror movies and set the standard for future movies in the genre.
“The Shining” (1980)
Summary: “The Shining” is a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson. The plot follows a struggling writer named Jack Torrance, who takes a job as a winter watchman at an isolated hotel in the Colorado mountains. Loneliness, isolation and madness begin to affect Jack and his family, while supernatural forces at the hotel begin to manifest in terrifying ways.
7.Symbolism and themes:
Symbolism and themes: “The Shining” is famous for its use of symbolism and complex themes. Some examples include the number 237, which represents death in Hindu culture, and the presence of a labyrinth, which suggests the complexity of the human mind. Furthermore, the film explores themes such as loneliness, madness, domestic violence, and the relationship between parents and children.
7. Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance:
Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance: “The Shining” is known for Jack Nicholson’s memorable performance as Jack Torrance. His acting is terrifying and intense, and his character has become a cultural icon. The scene where Nicholson breaks down the bathroom door as he yells “Here’s Johnny!” It is one of the most famous scenes in cinema history.