20 Kind of Spooky (but Not Really) & Fun Movies: 2020 Edition
When it comes to the creepy crawlies that is ‘spooky movies,’ the subgenre is not my thing. But there are some I have enjoyed with an eerie atmosphere, and are also titles I don’t consider overly “spooky.” Thus the idea for a spooky movies 2020 edition list is begun.
ADAPTATION DISCUSSION | Faces of an Adaptation: The ‘Great Expectations’ One
While I don’t consider most of these movies spooky per se, some do have an emotional impact that messes with the mind and makes us second guess everything. There’s period dramas, and contemporaries, comedies and dramas. Basically there is, hopefully, something to appeal to everyone no matter their preference. I’ve also tried to include mostly different titles from our published 2019 edition list, but I did overlap some. With that said, let’s have a look.
If there’s some obvious titles missing here, consider taking a look at the spooky movie 2019 edition list.
20 Spooky Movies 2020 Edition
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
STORY: Follows an unusual family as they try to find a place to belong.
THOUGHTS: I’ve never seen any kind of story Animated movie or The Addams Family (1991), but finally I watched the animated version and thought it was cute. I also watched part of the 90s version with Christina Ricci and Anjelica Houston, which is again, a fun story.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
STORY: Following the death of a woman, an inspector investigates a prominent family in connection to her death.
THOUGHTS: Don’t remember all of the specifics of this one, but do recall thinking it was a great way to spend the night.
The film features some adult content
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944)
STORY: A man discovers his kindly aunts are poisoning people!
THOUGHTS: Never watched this one, but it’s a “classic” Cary Grant film that received a comment shout-out on last year’s list, so I simply had to include it. The film is NR
BEASTLY
STORY: A teenage boy with a penchant for treating his peers cruelly is cursed by the resident “witch,” doomed to live as an “ugly” unless he finds unconditional love.
THOUGHTS: Based on the novel by Alex Flinn, this Beauty and the Beast re-telling is one of my favorite, cheesy or not. Vanessa Hudgens plays Lindy, a girl who goes to live in Alex Pettyfer’s house who, in this version, plays the modern Beast.
The film is PG-13 for some suggestive content and teen drinking/partying
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
STORY: A teenage girl, from a long line of family with supernatural powers, disrupts the world of her fellow high school student, Eathan.
THOUGHTS: Like many of these (which perhaps means I shouldn’t be posting so much about them!), I don’t remember this one clearly. But I do remember the scenery is pretty and I seems to have liked it more than I thought. The film is PG-13
BEWITCHED (2005)
STORY: A witch, who no longer wants to be a witch, finds herself unexpectedly cast in a re-boot of the classic 1960s TV show, Bewitched. spooky movies 2020 edition
THOUGHTS: Finally watched this one and thought it was cute. Nothing I’ll re-watch time and again, but like I said, cute. Nicole Kidman is fun as the leading lady, and in a surprise role, we see Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, too. The film is PG-13 for suggestive content
BLOOD & CHOCOLATE (2007)
STORY: A woman who grew up without parents, meets an art student whom she falls in love with, and sets into motion a forbidden romance that could threaten his life.
THOUGHTS: This has a supernatural theme for certain (about werewolves) but is also a kind of Romeo and Juliet love story. The film is PG-13 for frightening images/innuendo
ENOLA HOLMES
STORY: Enola Holmes calls on her brothers, both of whom are for all intents and purposes strangers to her, to help in the quest to find their missing mother.
THOUGHTS: Based on the novels of the same name, this film follows the adventure of Sherlock Holmes little sister, Enola, and is really quite entertaining. Needless to say, I hope sequels are in the works. Also Millie Bobby Brown is fabulous and sassy in the role, and while there’s disagreement about it, Henry Cavill is also interesting (in a unique way) as big bro Sherlock. I also, even though I understand it’s different than the books, I like that Tewksbury has such an important impact on Enola. You can see Enola Holmes on Netflix
20 of the Fun & Kind of Spooky (but Not Really) Movies: 2020 Edition. A list of atmospheric dramas (and comedies!) for this season. #Movies #Spooky #Romance #CostumeDrama #PeriodDrama Share on XFALLEN (2017)
STORY: A girl enters a school full of supernatural creatures when she feels a “darkness” she cannot explain.
THOUGHTS: This one is extremely flawed in many ways, and the effects go bad near the end of the film, but this one is way better than I anticipated as well. Such an entertaining. The film is PG-13
MAXIMUM RIDE
STORY: Based on the James Patterson novel, this follows various supernatural creatures with the ability to fly.
THOUGHTS: While entertaining, I remember not loving this film, although for the kind of film you can unplug while watching, this one isn’t bad. The film is PG-13
THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY of BONES
STORY: Follows a group of shadowhunters, based on the novels by Cassandra Clare.
THOUGHTS: Surprisingly, I remember liking this one “well enough.” Don’t remember all the details although the end “twist” always comes with some of an “eww” reaction.
The film is PG-13 for action violence, some sexual innuendo and some commonplace profanity.
PREMONITION
STORY: Tells the story of a woman who loses her husband only to discover she may have a chance to change everything.
THOUGHTS: Saw this one years ago, and remember feeling relief over how it was set to end, only to have that ideal crushed! Sandra Bullock leads this cast.
The film is PG-13 for some sexual content, language and thematic elements
REBECCA (2020)
STORY: A young bride comes to live at her husband’s estate only to find memories and conversation of his first wife linger everywhere.
THOUGHTS: Seeing this adaptation is the first experience with this story, and it’s really, quite good. I know some don’t care for the relationship, which I can understand, but in this version (the only I’ve seen), I think the writing shows that she is aware of and understand the choice she’s making, and I think this film show respective love (even if it’s messy getting there) on both sides. You can find Rebecca (2020) on Netflix
SEVENTH SON
STORY: Recounts the tale of a man who, along with his apprentice must again defeat an evil witch.
THOUGHTS: It’s fun to see Ben Barnes (‘Prince Caspian’) in something else, but really apart from a fun fantasy I don’t remember falling in love with this film. Though its cast is impressive so there’s that. The film is PG-13
STONEHEART ASYLUM
STORY: An eager new alienist arrives at the Stonehearst Asylum where he becomes intrigued by a woman he’s convinced doesn’t belong in an asylum.
THOUGHTS: This film is one of those I never took time to sit through, but now I have, I’m sitting here still thinking about it. I guessed the ultimate conclusion, but made the wrong assumption in the “way” it would get there. Kate Beckinsale is, as always, wonderful.
The film is PG-13 for some sexual innuendo (references to being raped, mistreated, etc.) and some tense moments involving the treatment of patients; there’s also about three or so possible uses of the F-word.
VAMPIRE ACADEMY
STORY: The best friend, a half-human and half-vampire, and protector of a royal vampire tries to protect her friend no matter the cost to herself. spooky movies 2020 edition
THOUGHTS: Never was interested in this adaptation of the novel by Richelle Mead, but I did watch it (finally). It’s not great, but if you like light-hearted supernatural films, it’s fun.
The rating is PG-13 for some sexual content, “scary” moments and some profanity.
VAMPS
STORY: Two vampires, who are best friends, move through decades and for one of them, centuries together, until one of them finds love with a fellow college student.
THOUGHTS: This film is the very definition of campy and silly, and in fact I almost shut it off a few times. But it’s with Prime (at publication) and the leading ladies (Alicia Silverstone, Krysten Ritter) make the film fun as does the unexpected co-star Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey). It’s sort of fun if you can get past the whole drinking-rat-blood bit. The film is PG-13 for sexual content
VAN HELSING
STORY: Follows a vampire killer.
THOUGHTS: Don’t remember a great deal about this one, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t like the way it ends. Still, if you like supernatural things or Hugh Jackman, you may find this one fun. Kate Beckinsale co-stars.
The film is PG-13 for supernatural violence, innuendo/suggestive comments, some profanity.
THE VILLAGE
STORY: A village is surrounded by creatures who let them live peacefully… unless they cross over into the woods.
THOUGHTS: Only got part-way through this popular M. Night Shalman film. Didn’t love it, but I can see where the subtle suspense is. The film is PG-13
VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
STORY: The story of Dr. Frankenstein and his assistant Igor, and Frankenstein spiral into madness as he tries to create a “monster.” spooky movies 2020 edition
THOUGHTS: Started this one last year, and I don’t think I ever finished it. The case is impressive, especially as it includes Jessica Brown-Findlay from Downton Abbey. The film is PG-13
WUTHERING HEIGHTS (PBS)
STORY: Recounts the classic doomed love story of Heathcliffe and Cathy.
THOUGHTS: Another title someone gave a shout-out to in the comments, this version of the Bronte classic features Tom Hardy. It’s not a classic story I’ve read or seen an adaptation of, but do know lots of people love this one. The rating is TV-PG
BONUS! Beauty and the Beast
STORY: A young woman must pay off her father’s debt by working for a the tyrant of a king who lost his wife, and now bears the emotional and physical scars of his pain.
THOUGHTS: Almost forgot to add this hidden fairy tale from 2015, but it’s worth a look if you don’t mind period drama productions that are a bit “rough around the edges.” This is the Beauty and the Beast version you probably haven’t seen and as a result, if you like this fable, consider this adaptation.
Ok, what about you; have you seen any of these? Do you like to watch these kinds of spooky movie titles this time of year? Which ones would you add? Comment all of your thoughts down below in the comment section of our “spooky movies 2020 edition” list; we’d love to chat!
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PINTEREST PIN
We just saw the remake of Rebecca this past weekend. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. My post here has a participation feature. I hope you’ll play along.
I have been thinking *a lot* about the new adaptation of ‘Rebecca,’ too, Anne. But overall I like it. :)
I liked Vampire academy even though I know it was kind of campy. :) Classics are always awesome too! And Kate Beckinsale is usually awesome- I liked her with Hugh Jackman.
“Vampire Academy” is campy – that’s a great way of describing it (and a word in my review title!). But it’s fun. I wish some things had been different, but still… it IS a fun time. Kate’s movies are always good. Or those I’ve seen are. :)
Good movies and great books. Well chosen. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2020/10/ttt-102720.html
Thanks. :)
I’ve seen The Addams Family (1991) and City of Bones. I don’t really watch (or read) anything different for October.
I tend to read/watch some of these types of stories this time of year because I center content around them. It’s fun… most of the time. The only time it isn’t is if I start to watch something I cannot stand. ;)
Great list! I love that version ofWuthering Heights, and quite liked the new Rebecca, but I prefer the Lawrence Olivier version – and there’s an old Bbc one with Charles Dance and Emilia Fox which is good too! I‘ll need to give that Hugh Dancy film a go too.
I haven’t seen any other version of Rebecca but sense this would be my favorite (I always tend to like the remakes better). Haven’t seen any version of Wuthering Heights. Someday I should remedy this. :) Hope you enjoy Blood and Chocolate; let me know what you think if you see it! Pretty sure it’s on Prime.
An Inspector Calls sounds interesting.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
It is! I remember really liking it. :)
I didn’t know Arsenic and Old Lace had been made into a film. I’ve only ever read the story (assuming I’m thinking of the right story).
My post.
Cool. I didn’t realize this was a story either! :)
I really enjoyed Enola Holmes when I watched it last month. I remember enjoying Beastly when I watched it too, but it was a long time ago!
Both movies are lots of fun. I just remember loving “Beastly” just because it was sweet, and “Enola Holmes” is, plain and simple, a GOOD time. :)
The Addams Family was a fun spooky. My daughter and I just watched that movie a few months ago.
I’ve never seen The Addams Family in any form, but thought the animated one was funny, and I didn’t quite finish the 90s version, but it’s… interesting so far. Definitely not a re-watch movie for me, but I like it for a good seasonal watch. :)
Love this list! These are definitely also more my kind of Halloween movies :) Loved The Addams Family and Seventh Son and though cheesy, I did love Beastly.
Beastly is just so fun. I love how sweet it is, but yes, I totally know what you mean about it being cheesy. :) Don’t really remember Seventh Son but do know I’ve seen it. :)
Oooh! Great list! I still need to watch Enola Holmes!
Enola Holmes is SUCH fun!! Let me know what you think if you do see it. :)
Enola Holmes was a great movie. I was slightly disappointed in the way Beautiful Creatures turned out, but I thought it was still cool and fun that the book was adapted to the screen. I remember watching the trailer for Maximum Ride and not really finding it all that interesting. Maybe I will give watch the movie though! It is always great to see some of the characters come alive, even if it isn’t exactly how the books were/the way us readers imagined. Great TTT!! :)
My post: https://herbookishdesires.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/top-ten-tuesday-halloween-freebie%f0%9f%8e%83/
I’ve never read the Beautiful Creatures or Maximum Ride books, so I went in judging solely as a movie. It IS fun to see characters come to life; I agree. :) Also, YAY for Enola Holmes love. It’s such a fun little film. :) Thanks for visiting, Maya; glad to have you visit.
I can’t wait to watch the new Rebecca adaptation! I loved the book. We really enjoyed Enola Holmes, too. I agree about Beautiful Creatures. I saw it in the theatre, and I remember being satisfied, thinking it was visually nice. Great post!
Hi, Dedra! Thanks. I had fun with this one. Let me know if you see Rebecca, and what you think. :) Also, yes. My memory of ‘Beautiful’ is that, visually, it’s quite stunning.
Nice list, haven’t heard of a lot of these, time to catch up on the spooky films :)