Halloween is just around the corner, and while some revel in the lively festivities at cafes and clubs, others prefer a cozy night in with spooky animated films. Today, we’ve curated a list of the top 5 animated movies to ensure your Halloween is both fun and hauntingly memorable, whether you’re with friends or family. Let’s dive in!
1 Coraline (2009)
Coraline (2009)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Release Date: 06/02/2009
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Adventure, Drama
Duration: 95 minutes
Country: USA
Director: Henry Selick
Voice Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders,…
Notable Awards: American Film Institute Award for Movie of the Year
Streaming Link: Netflix
Coraline embarks on a surreal adventure into a parallel world, where she discovers a seemingly perfect life—a stark contrast to her mundane reality. In this alternate realm, the “Pink Palace” in Oregon is vibrant and idyllic, and her family showers her with love and attention, unlike their indifference in the real world. However, this utopia hides a sinister trap.
Coraline’s journey into the Other World
Through Coraline’s eyes, viewers grasp the importance of family bonds and the allure of temptations in life. The film serves as a cautionary tale against being seduced by superficial glamour, urging us to cherish our authentic realities.
The animation is visually stunning, with colors shifting dynamically to match the narrative. The real world is portrayed in dull grays and cold tones, while the Other World bursts with vibrant, warm hues.
Dynamic color shifts in the film
Coraline’s character is particularly memorable—a bold, sassy girl with a deep love for her family. The film inspires viewers to pursue their dreams without losing touch with reality.
Rotten Tomatoes praises Coraline as a masterful blend of storytelling and cinematic artistry. It’s a must-watch standalone film for Halloween.
Coraline enjoying the Other World
2 Corpse Bride (2005)
Corpse Bride (2005)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Release Date: 16/09/2005
Genre: Drama, Romance, Animation
Duration: 75 minutes
Country: USA
Directors: Mike Johnson, Tim Burton
Voice Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp, Danny Elfman,…
Notable Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature
Streaming Link: Netflix
Set in a 19th-century European village, Corpse Bride explores a unique love story between a living man and a deceased woman. Victor, from a wealthy family, is betrothed to Victoria, whose family is on the brink of bankruptcy. Despite the arrangement, he falls for her instantly.
Fate intervenes when Victor is mistakenly engaged to Emily, a ghost longing for love from her earthly life. How will this love triangle resolve? The film highlights the power of love as a driving force to overcome life’s challenges.
Victor’s entanglement in the spirit world
Created using stop-motion animation, Corpse Bride brings intricate details to life, showcasing fluid, natural character movements. The film seamlessly blends visuals, technique, acting, and dialogue, immersing viewers in its world.
Stop-motion animation in Corpse Bride
Google reviews highlight how the film offers a fresh perspective on the afterlife, portraying spirits enjoying joyful gatherings and love, much like the living. Corpse Bride is a perfect Halloween watch.
The cheerful spirit world
3 Paranorman (2012)
Paranorman
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Release Date: 17/08/2012
Genre: Horror Comedy, Mystery, Adventure
Duration: 93 minutes
Country: USA
Directors: Chris Butler, Sam Fell
Voice Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse,…
Notable Awards: Best Animated Film at BAFTA
Streaming Link: Updating
In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock spends most of his time studying ghost legends, yet he’s an outcast in the real world. His only confidant is the ghost of his knitting grandmother. With his ability to see and communicate with the dead, Norman must save the town from a malevolent witch’s curse.
Norman’s gift of communicating with the dead
The film masterfully combines characters, colors, and graphics, with Norman’s unique yet humorous design standing out. The zombie horde is both eerie and endearing, adding comedic relief.
The zombie horde in Paranorman
Paranorman delivers a clear message: “Being different doesn’t make you weird.” It encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness and seek positivity.
Rotten Tomatoes praises its tight storyline and humanistic themes. It’s an ideal Halloween watch for friends and family.
Enjoy Paranorman this Halloween
4 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Release Date: 13/10/1993
Genre: Fantasy, Musical, Animation
Duration: 96 minutes
Country: USA
Director: Henry Selick
Voice Cast: Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, Chris Sarandon,…
Notable Awards: Oscar for Best Visual Effects
Streaming Link: Updating
Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, grows tired of the annual festivities. After discovering Christmas Town, he decides to celebrate Christmas with a Halloween twist. His plan turns Christmas into a “nightmare” for everyone.
Jack’s peculiar Christmas gifts
The film uses stop-motion animation with 3D models, requiring the creation of 227 detailed puppets. This labor-intensive process showcases the crew’s dedication.
The undead in The Nightmare Before Christmas
Beyond its realistic animation, the film teaches valuable lessons about learning from mistakes.
Rotten Tomatoes reports a 95% positive reception, making it a top stop-motion pick for Halloween.
Over 95% positive feedback
5 Coco (2017)
Coco (2017)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Release Date: 22/11/2017
Genre: Mystery, Adventure, Animation
Duration: 105 minutes
Country: USA
Directors: Adrian Molina, Lee Unkrich
Voice Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt,…
Notable Awards: Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Satellite Award for Best Animated Film
Streaming Link: Updating
Miguel, from a shoe-making family that despises music, secretly harbors a passion for it. He discovers a family secret linking him to the famous singer De-la Cruz. When his family opposes his musical dreams, Miguel enters the Land of the Dead. How will he return?
Miguel’s journey to the Land of the Dead
The film features friendly, approachable skeleton characters and a vibrant color palette, making it engaging despite its mystical theme.
Coco beautifully portrays Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos, a day for the living to honor the dead. It celebrates passion, youth, and family love.
Dia de los Muertos celebration
IMDb calls Coco “one of the best animated films ever,” praising its educational value and cultural insight.
Coco is a must-watch animated film that beautifully blends emotion, culture, and adventure.
Miguel’s love for his family
We’ve introduced 5 must-watch animated films for Halloween. Enjoy these spooky yet heartwarming movies with your loved ones. Happy Halloween!
“Top 6 Halloween Candies That Everyone Loves”
Halloween is here, and no celebration is complete without the perfect treats to set the festive mood. Discover the top 6 candies that everyone loves during this spooky season.
6 Must-Watch Halloween Comedy Movies to Binge This Season
Unleash your inner laugh monster this Halloween with our curated list of 6 hilariously spine-tingling films. From gut-busting antics to heart-pounding thrills, these Halloween comedies are guaranteed to keep you entertained all night long. Get ready for a spooktacular movie marathon like no other!
The Ultimate Guide to Halloween Hotspots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
As Halloween draws near, cafes, parks, and shopping malls in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are embracing the spooky season with vibrant and creative “haunted” decorations, attracting throngs of excited youngsters eager to capture the perfect Instagram-worthy moment.
The Definitive Handbook to Crafting Fake Blood for Halloween Antics
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some spooky special effects? Today, I’ll be teaching you how to create a simple yet effective fake blood recipe that will take your Halloween costume to the next level. It’s time to get creative and scare your friends with this easy-to-make prop!
The Ultimate Halloween Flirt: 50+ Captions to Sweep Them Off Their Feet
Halloween is not just about scaring each other; it’s also about captivating your crush with witty and impressive status updates and captions.
