Scary, fun movies make their way to local theaters year-round. But at no time do they peek the interest of young viewers more than during Halloween.
Thanks to the advent of cable television, kids who can't make it to their favorite movie theaters for a safe and fun fright can catch a scare flick on various channels, even Disney, home of the "High School Musical" franchise.
Valparaiso Pop Warner cheerleaders Emma Nieto, 7, and Carson Swallow, 8, look forward to trick-or-treating, but also to watching their favorite scary movies, "Twitches" and "Twitches Too."
"I like them because they have magic," Emma said.
Here are some other favorites to catch after trick-or-treating:
"Twitches" (2005, TV-PG) Recommended for ages 8 and older
This Disney Channel movie stars real-life twin sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry, who previously starred in the hit television show "Sister, Sister."
"Twitches" is about twin sisters (Alex and Camryn) who are separated at birth and adopted. The girls also happen to be princesses from another dimension known as "Coventry." The girls are reunited at the age of 21 and use their magic powers to fight evil.
"Twitches Too" (2007, TV-PG). Recommended for ages 8 and older
Most successful films spawn a sequel and "Twitches Too" continues the exploits of twins Alex and Camryn as they fight evil forces. Can also be found on the Disney Channel.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993, PG). Recommended for ages 6 and older
Stop-motion animation film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown who discovers Christmas Town.
The creator of the film is Tim Burton, who directed "Batman" and "Batman Returns."
Burton also directed another stop-motion horror movie that kids like, "Corpse Bride" (2005). Both are available on DVD and have been showing on either Disney or other cable channels.
"Haunted Honeymoon" (1986, PG)
Spooky haunted house comedy with Gene Wilder (Young Frankenstein) and Gilda Radner. Available on DVD.
Scarlett O'Hara (yes, that's her real name -- last year she even dressed as the "Gone with the Wind" character for Halloween), 8, of Hegewisch, said one of her favorite Halloween movies is "Haunted Honeymoon."
"It's scary, but a funny scary," she said.
"Ghostbusters" (1984, PG). Recommended for ages 8 and older
Bill Murray and his team of Ghostbusters exterminate ghosts in New York City.
Rebecca Foster, 12, of Whiting, loves to watch "Ghostbusters" for Halloween.
She also enjoys its sequel, "Ghostbusters II."
"I have both movies, Rebecca said. "I also like to dance to the (theme) song."
The highlight of "Ghostbusters" is the battle against the 50-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The song from the film, "Ghostbusters," was No. 1 for three weeks and still popular at Halloween parties today. Available on DVD.
Other flicks to catch:
Other movies fun to watch on Halloween includes an oldie, "Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein."
Eleven-year-old Clayton St. Martin of Merrillville watches that with his dad, Garry.
"When I was a kid I couldn't wait for that movie to come on for Halloween," Garry said.
Kids may also enjoy the following "scary" movies either available on DVD or showing on television for Halloween:
* "Casper"
* "Halloweentown"
* "Scooby-Doo"
* "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
* "Monsters Inc."
