Halloween 2023: 10 Spooky animated movies to add to your watchlist

Few films capture the spirit of the Batman comics like Batman: The Long Halloween. The two-part animated feature is a comic-accurate adaptation that does its source material justice. It follows the Caped Crusader as he’s joined by Harvey Dent and Lieutenant Jim Gordon on a mission to solve murders taking place in Gotham City’s crime-ridden underbelly. The film is a perfect watch for fans of Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Like the Robert Pattinson-led flick, the film sees Batman get down to good old-fashioned detective work. The film directed by Chris Palmer features the voices of Jensen Ackles as Batman and Naya Rivera as Catwoman which marks the actress’ final performance before her sudden passing in 2020.

Coraline

Coraline is as ambitious with its subject as it is with its stop-motion visuals. The 2009 film based on Neil Gaiman’s popular book of the same name goes beyond the source text to tell an important story. Its plot follows a precious child (voiced by Dakota Fanning) who is fed up with her dull life with her negligent parents. When she discovers a colourful parallel world behind a secret door in her new home, she’s ecstatic. However, she soon finds out that the alternative reality isn’t what it seems. As her alternate family tries to trap her in the world, Coraline must find a way back to her mundane but real family and life. The film is fun with all its button-eyed characters but there’s an underlying darkness that’s perfect for Halloween chills.

Corpse Bride

Tim Burton’s Victorian-era-set Corpse Bride is a staple Halloween movie. It features the voices of Johnny Depp and Emily Watson as Victor and Victoria respectively whose marriage is arranged by their families. Ahead of the wedding, Victor is unceremoniously transported to the land of the dead while practising his wedding vows in a forest. This is where he meets Emily (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter) who was killed after she eloped with her lover. While she wants to marry Victor, the man must return to the land of the living before his betrothed Victoria marries the sinister Barkis Bittern (voiced by Richard E. Grant).

Hotel Transylvania

What is Halloween without a bunch of Vampires? If Twilight isn’t your cup of tea, the delightful Hotel Transylvania might just be the right choice. The film that follows a family of Vampires makes for a wholesome kid-friendly entertainer. It revolves around Count Dracula whose house party plans are thwarted when his daughter fans for a human. The film has a great voice cast full of A-listers including Adam Samberg, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg. It is also a successful film franchise with a fourth instalment that arrived just last year. Check in, if you’re looking for a Halloween comedy to enjoy.

Monster House

Horror films set in and around haunted homes are overdone. When it starts out, the 2006 film Monster House seems to buy into cliches till it smartly steers clear. The film directed by Gil Kenan follows three friends who have a suspicion that a home in their neighbourhood is a monster. Instead of an easy explanation behind the monstrosity, the film unfolds a poignant story. Its genius however lies in how the film also packs in light-hearted laughs. It’s as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. Add this to your list if you want something fun yet nuanced.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas is peak Halloween entertainment. The film penned and produced by Tim Burton is set in the fictional Halloweentown. The town’s Pumpkin King Jack Skellington is bored by the same old Halloween celebrations that take place every year. When he discovers doors in the woods that lead to different worlds that celebrate popular holidays like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and more, he finds himself in Christmas Town with all its merry holiday cheer. After returning home, he tries to familiarise the residents of his town to the unfamiliar concept.

The Addams Family (2019)

The animated The Addams Family film featuring a voice cast that includes Charlize Theron and Oscar Isaac as Morticia and Gomez Addams respectively, met some success upon its release. The film follows the iconic spooky family as they move to New Jersey in an abandoned asylum on a hilltop. Their residence becomes a target for a local reality show host who wants to create a planned community and do away with the building.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island

Scooby-Doo is one of the most beloved cartoon franchises in the horror genre. The 1998 film sees Scooby and the Mystery gang – Fred, Velma, Daphne and Shaggy as they travel to Moonscar Island. While the place seems like a perfect scenic getaway, it has its pitfalls which include zombie pirates. Yikes! Watch this for a dose of nostalgia as the iconic gang reunites for another haunting adventure.

Frankenweenie

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has had several adaptations over the years but none as inventive and perhaps fun as Frankenweenie. The film set in the 1960s follows a young boy named, you guessed it – Victor Frankenstein. After the loss of his beloved Bull Terrier Sparky, he uses electricity to resurrect the dog. While the film comes across as a fun parody, it should be viewed as a sweet homage to Frankenstein.

Wendell and Wild

The second stop-motion animated film on the list features the voices of comedic duo Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key with the former co-writing the screenplay with director Henry Selick. The film is about two demon brothers from the underworld, the titular Wendell and Wild who seek help from a 13-year-old girl Kat Elliot to bring them back into the land of the living. Kat, on the other hand, loses her parents in an accident for which she blames herself.