The move comes after Lombardini oversaw long, contentious negotiations with the top guilds last year that included strikes by two of those groups, the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA. Those strikes have been blamed as part of what’s led to the entertainment industry’s contraction through this year, with an uncertain future ahead.

She had long been planning to retire in 2025, according to an AMPTP spokesperson.

“We are incredibly grateful to Carol for her many years of leadership at the AMPTP and wish her the very best in her retirement,” an AMPTP spokesperson said in a statement to media. “We are glad Carol isn’t going far as she will continue to serve as President while we continue to conduct a full search for her successor, and that she will then move to an advisory role as we continue our transition to the next generation leaders at the AMPTP.”

Lombardini has been with the AMPTP for more than 40 years, beginning with the group’s inception in 1982.

This news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The post Carol Lombardini to Leave AMPTP Presidency Next Year appeared first on TheWrap.

Check out our list below, if you dare.

“Halloween” (1978)

Streaming on AMC+ and Fubo

The OG. The classic. The icon. John Carpenter’s “Halloween” was a small-budget indie that spawned a franchise as slow-moving serial killer Michael Myers tormented the sleepy town of Haddonfield, Illinois on Halloween night. Jamie Lee Curtis achieved “scream queen” status with her turn as a babysitter who stands off against Myers in this and five additional sequels. You’ll find more “Halloween” movies streaming on AMC+ and Fubo and the 2018 film, a direct sequel to the original, is streaming on Netflix.

“Scream” (1996)

Streaming on Max

Wes Craven reinvented the horror genre with 1996’s “Scream,” a slasher in which the bad guy has seen every iconic horror movie and taunts his victims with his cinephile knowhow. Countless ripoffs would follow in its wake, but “Scream” remains one of the best, scariest and funniest horror movies ever made.

“Trick ‘r Treat” (2007)

Streaming on Max

This anthology film, set on Halloween night, became a cult classic on home video and for good reason. The film tells a series of short stories all set in the same town on the same night – Halloween. We’re still waiting on that sequel.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

Streaming on Disney+

The perfect bridge between Halloween and Christmas (sorry Thanksgiving), the Tim Burton-produced, Henry Selick-directed stop-motion musical remains one of Disney’s most valuable brands over three decades later.

“Halloweentown” (1998)

Streaming on Disney+

This Disney Channel Original Movie was a favorite of Millennials growing up and stands as a family friendly alternative to the nightmare-inducing classics on this list.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)

Streaming on Disney+

A flop upon release, “Hocus Pocus” gained “icon” status in the years that followed thanks in part to countless airings on the Disney Channel every Halloween. The sequel, released in 2022, is on Disney+ as well but nothing touches the original.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)

Streaming on Max

If it’s iconic slasher villains you’re looking for, Freddy Kruger — a baddie who kills teenagers in their dreams — in Wes Craven’s “Nightmare on Elm Street” is a must.

“Friday the 13th” (1980)

Streaming on Paramount+, AMC+ and Shudder

And if you’re watching Freddy, you best be watching machete-wielding Jason too.

“The Exorcist” (1973)

Streaming on Max

For pure scares, William Friedkin’s possession film “The Exorcist” remains one of the most terrifying films ever made.

“The Shining” (1980)

Streaming on Max and AMC+

Ditto Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” which is terrifying for different reasons. Author Stephen King was notably not a fan of Kubrick’s interpretation of his book, which ditches the overt supernatural aspects for a more grounded take on a father going insane.

“Beetlejuice” (1988)

Streaming on Max

Few do “Halloween vibes” better than Tim Burton and his 1988 classic horror-comedy “Beetlejuice” is a great way to set the mood. Especially in the wake of the sequel’s release, which is not currently streaming but is available to purchase or rent on Digital. It’s solid!

“The Addams Family” (1991) and “Addams Family Values” (1993)

Streaming on Paramount+ and Fubo

They’re creepy and they’re kooky. While “The Addams Family” is a spooky delight, the sequel “Addams Family Values” is arguably even better with a pitch-perfect performance by Joan Cusack as a serial killer who weds Christopher Lloyd’s Uncle Fester in a bid to take his fortune – but he just won’t die!

“Shaun of the Dead” (2004)

Streaming on Peacock

There’s gotta be a zombie movie on this list, and Edgar Wright’s zom-rom-com “Shaun of the Dead” is a great way to spend Halloween week. Funny, spooky, romantic and altogether cool, it’s a classic for a reason.

“Practical Magic” (1998)

Streaming on Max

For witchy vibes, you cannot go wrong with “Practical Magic.” The ‘90s film stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as sisters/witches who navigate an abusive relationship with their witchy powers, all set against a perfect fall backdrop.

The post Where to Stream 15 Classic Halloween Movies This Year appeared first on TheWrap.

Check out our picks for the best Halloween movies on Netflix below.

Halloween (2018)

2018’s “Halloween” kicked off a brand new trilogy of films in the franchise from director David Gordon Green, and the first is a direct sequel to the original 1978 “Halloween” – one of the scariest films of all time. In this new movie Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode is still suffering PTSD from being attacked by Michael Myers in the ’70s, and finds herself facing her worst fear when Michael escapes from prison on October 30. Judy Greer stars as Laurie’s daughter and Andi Matichak is Laurie’s granddaughter in a horror movie that also confronts generational trauma. A sly twist in this one: Laurie and Michael aren’t brother and sister.

The Fear Street Trilogy

In the trio of “Fear Street” movies, a group of friends confronts a series of murders and how they are historically connected to their town of Shadyside. The films take place in reverse chronological order — the first staged in 1994, the second in 1978 and the last in 1666, where everything started. Each film is rated R, and the rating makes sense with the amount of gore, blood and guts spattered throughout the trilogy. The more psychologically thrilling and emotionally scary scenes balance it out, especially because they bring about so much suspense, and veterans of fright Maya Hawke and Sadie Sink bring skills they developed for “Stranger Things” to this similarly shocking trio of movies. Themes of serial killing, murder, possession and witches drive the plot. Beware the name Sarah Fier. 

Scream (2022)

The “Scream” franchise got revitalized in 2022 from “Ready or Not” filmmakers Radio Silence, and while this new film doesn’t reach the heights of Wes Craven’s first two entries in the iconic slasher franchise, it’s a sharp and enjoyable return. The story is split between returning characters played by Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette and new characters played by Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid and Jenna Ortega. When Ghostface returns to Woodsboro, both groups find themselves intertwined as twist upon twist unfurls with Radio Silence paying deep homage to the original “Scream” both in style and structure.

There’s Someone Inside Your House

If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned teenaged slasher, the Netflix original “There’s Someone Inside Your House” is worth checking out. Released in 2021, the story follows a young transfer student (played by Sydney Park) at a high school with a shady past who gets nervous when fellow students with dark secrets are getting picked off (and outed) one by one. Shades of “Scream” layer this teen horror flick, which is directed with gusto by Patrick Bice, the filmmaker behind the “Creep” movies.

Nightbooks

A new release for the 2021 Spooky Season, “Nightbooks” is a solid Halloween movie for a younger crowd. Based on the novel of the same name by J.A. White, the story opens with a young boy named Alex (Winslow Fegley) who decides to run away from home, only to be lured into a magical apartment owned by a witch (Krysten Ritter). Now stuck inside, Alex is forced to write a new scary story each day, and tell that scary story to the witch each night. He struggles to be creative while also trying to figure out a way out of this trap. This one’s got a fun, spooky vibe while also not being too scary for youngsters.

Hubie Halloween

This Halloween comedy is worth it for the cast’s combined star power alone. Led by Adam Sandler, who plays main character Hubie, the story revolves around the town of Salem on Halloween night, when the festivities call for Hubie’s expertise. You can find characters played by the late Cameron Boyce, his “Jesse” costars Peyton List and Karan Brar and fellow Disney stars China Anne McClain and Bradley Steven Perry. Fellow comedians Ben Stiller, Rob Schneider, Kevin James, Tim Meadows and Kenan Thompson add layers of laughs to the film, while the ensemble also includes Paris Berelc, Julie Bowen, Jackie Sandler, June Squibb and Maya Rudolph.

Day Shift

How’s this for a concept? Jamie Foxx plays a pool cleaner in the San Fernando Valley that moonlights as a vampire slayer. When his adorable wife (Meagan Good) threatens to move away with his daughter, he makes an effort to rejoin the vampire hunters’ guild and is saddled with a dorky auditor (played by Dave Franco) to go along with his crusty mentor (Snoop Dogg). Of course, along the way, Foxx uncovers a vast vampire conspiracy that threatens the safety of everyone in the valley. Produced by “John Wick” director Chad Stahelski and written by Shane Black protégé Shay Hatten, “Day Shift” has an agreeable, mid-1980s action movie vibe. The kind of thing you’d stumble across one day on the USA Network and probably watch until the end. (The finale is even set in a mall – an abandoned mall, but a mall nonetheless.) “Day Shift” might not be for everybody, but if you’re tuned into its very specific, gore-splattered wavelength, it’s a bloody good time.

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

Based on a novella of the same name from Stephen King’s 2020 collection “If It Bleeds,” “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” follows Craig (Jaeden Martell, a veteran of King thanks to his role in “It”), a young man who works for an elderly business tycoon, the titular Mr. Harrigan (Donald Sutherland). When Harrigan dies, the nature of their relationship changes too. And considering this is based on a King story, you know it’s headed in an altogether horrific direction. Produced by the twin powerhouses of Jason Blum and Ryan Murphy, whose last horror collaboration was 2014’s underseen gem “The Town That Dreaded Sundown,” “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” was written and directed by John Lee Hancock, whose last film was 2021’s nifty crime thriller “The Little Things.” It’ll be interesting to see how Hancock expands the world of the original novella, which at around 70 pages was as slender as it was spooky.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Once upon a time, “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Doctor Sleep” filmmaker Mike Flanagan made a prequel to the “Ouija” movie that was actually kind of great. The 2016 release “Ouija: Origin of Evil” takes place in 1967 Los Angeles and follows a young widow (Elizabeth Reaser) who works with her daughters as a medium out of her suburban home. When a Ouija board is introduced to the family, the youngest daughter becomes possessed. The film is chock full of great scares but also has Flanagan’s knack for emotion built into it, resulting in something far scarier, better and more compelling than Blumhouse’s original “Ouija” movie (which you definitely do not have to have watched to enjoy this one).

The post The Best Halloween Movies on Netflix Right Now appeared first on TheWrap.

One of the most revered animé, “Gundam” is thought of as the Star Wars or Marvel Universe of Japan, and is the pioneer of the mecha genre of IP. The plot is currently under wraps, but the film is looking to start production in early 2025.

Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, “Gundam” is an internationally renowned franchise spanning 83 animated series and movies. Its toy and retail business are huge, with the Gundam franchise generating over $600 million annually. This will be its first live-action film.

Most recently Mickle was director, showrunner, and writer of Netflix’s acclaimed series “Sweet Tooth,” based on Jeff Lemire’s Vertigo comic and co-produced with Team Downey. Mickle led the series to a 97% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 20 Emmy nominations over its three seasons, winning four awards.

Mickle launched onto the scene with the horror film “Stake Land,” which won the Midnight Madness award at the Toronto International Film Festival. His follow up, “We Are What We Are,” premiered in the Midnight Section of the Sundance Film Festival, followed by its European premiere in the prestigious Director’s Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival.

His film “Cold in July,” a southern noir thriller, premiered to rave reviews at both Cannes and Sundance. Mickle also co-created the critically acclaimed series “Hap and Leonard” for Sundance TV and AMC.

Mickle is repped by CAA, Untitled, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett Kole.

Deadline first reported the news.

The post ‘Gundam’ Movie: Jim Mickle to Direct Live-Action Anime Adaptation at Legendary appeared first on TheWrap.

“[Malia’s] first film went to Sundance and all these fancy film festivals, and she didn’t use Obama on the, as director, in the credits it said Malia Ann. She used her middle name and didn’t put Obama on there,” Obama shared during an appearance on the sports and entertainment podcast “The Pivot.”

At the time, cohost Ryan Clark asked Obama how he encourages his daughters to achieve success on their own without using the Obama family name. Contrary to the implication of the question, Obama said his children avoid receiving any assistance from him or their mother Michelle Obama.

“The challenge for us is letting us give them any help at all. I mean, they, they’re very sensitive about this stuff. They’re very stubborn about it,” Obama said, adding that he’s inquired with Malia about her decision use just her first and middle name for her flick.

“I was all like, ‘You do know they’ll know who you are.’ And she’s all like, ‘You know what, I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association. So I think our daughters go out of their way to not try to leverage that,” Obama explained.

Obama then reflected on the time when he was heavily involved in politics, sharing that he told media to not bother his girls.

“Growing up the press was pretty good — I basically made a deal with the press pool, the White House press Corp, and I said, ‘You can follow me around, you can talk about me, you do whatever you need to do, leave my children alone because they have the right to grow up. They didn’t choose this. Let them grow up,'” Obama said. “And to the credit of the press, they did leave them alone. Now as they’ve gotten older there’s been some paparazzi stuff going on, and it drives them nuts because their attitude is we’re not looking for all that. So they’re grounded.”

We got to see the first glimpse of Malia branching out beyond her last name when she helped pen Donald Glover’s hit Prime Video thriller “Swarm.” She was credited on the show, which was her writing debut, under the name Malia Ann.

The post Barack Obama Says Daughters Malia and Sasha ‘Go Out of Their Way’ Not to Benefit From His Name: ‘They’re Stubborn About It’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

Whether you’re in the mood for some hard-core, blood-thirsty living dead richness or a flick that will give you a reason to snuggle closer to boo your boo (pun intended), we’re here to deliver the ultimate zombie classics that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Take a look at the eight titles you can watch right now through streaming.

“Dawn of the Dead” (2007)

Of course, George A. Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” will always stand the test of time, but let’s not act like Zack Synder didn’t do his thing with his remake of the film in 2004. In this new vision, an unlikely group of Milwaukeeans come together inside a local shopping mall in an effort to evade a zombie apocalypse. But as they welcome new folks in, it becomes harder to keep the virus out.

Streaming on: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home

“World War Z” (2013)

The “World War Z” zombies are probably the fastest and most strategic zombies in all zombie cinema or television — aside from the ones that appeared in Netflix’s series “Black Summer.” Seriously, who could forget that terrifying wall-climbing scene? Marc Foster directs Brad Pitt in the action-packed horror, who takes on the role of former U.N. investigator Gerry Lane. After a virus causes a zombie pandemic, Gerry embarks on a mission to find the root of the infection.

Streaming: Netflix, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, YouTube

“Shaun of the Dead” (2004)

You need some giggles with those screams, don’t ya? If so, go ahead and slot in Simon Pegg’s comedic horror “Shaun of the Dead.” The film takes you on a hilarious ride with characters Shaun and Ed, two lowly, everyday blokes who don’t expect much out of their dull lives. However, when their London town becomes overrun with zombies, they must take on a new role as leaders in order to protect their families and friends.

Streaming on: Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Fandango at Home, Apple TV and Google Play Movies

“Night of the Living Dead” (1968)

There’s no way this list would be complete without one of George A. Romero’s masterpieces. If not for “Night of the Living Dead,” we’d never have the gem “Dawn of the Dead” (which is its sequel). The film is centered on a unique group of strangers who take refuge in an abandoned house to escape blood-thirsty zombies that have risen from a graveyard. But how long will their haven be able to keep the undead out?

Streaming on: Peacock, Pluto TV, Sling TV, Crackle, MGM+, Tubi, The Roku Channel, Max, Starz, AMC+, Hulu and Crackle

28 Days Later (2002)

Before he was playing physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy was running for his life as Jim away from zombies in Danny Boyle’s thrilling horror “28 Days Later.” When a group of animal rights activists free a chimp infected with a virus called “Rage,” the city eventually becomes completely ravaged by humans-turned-zombies. It’s all a surprise for a Jim, a bike courier, who’s just woken up from a month-long coma.

Streaming on: Prime Video and Apple TV

“Resident Evil” (2002)

“Resident Evil” isn’t quite the traditional zombie flick. It’s a horrifying biopunk action thriller that takes you on a wild ride alongside Milla Jovovich. Based on the popular video game, “Resident Evil” follows Alice as she leads a team to takedown the evil force behind a deadly virus that’s been released and is turning people into undead creatures.

Streaming on: Tubi, Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, Pluto TV, Paramount+, The Roku Channel and Apple TV

“Warm Bodies” (2013)

Nothing wrong with a little romance to sprinkle in with the spookiness. Humans and zombies inhabit the world in “Warm Bodies,” but unlike other zombie films, the only cure for this virus comes from within. When a zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult) saves a woman’s life, the two end up journeying through the undead world together, discovering that love may be the answer to recovering humanity.

Streaming on: Peacock, Hulu, YouTube TV, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home

“Zombieland” (2009)

Ruben Fleischner’s “Zombieland” gives you laughter, action and one hell of an amazing cast. Woody Harrelson leads a pack of four survivors who are trekking their way through a zombie apocalypse in an effort to make it to a rumored Los Angeles safe haven. On their way, they find themselves in a series of unfortunate events, including run-ins with the undead.

Streaming on: Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play Movies and Fandango at Home

The post The 8 Best Zombie Movies Streaming Right Now | Photos appeared first on TheWrap.

Kasdan, who directed Sony’s revival of “Jumanji,” will direct his Lego film from a script written by Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul. Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows wrote a previous draft of the script. Jill Wilfert and Ryan Christians from The Lego Group will produce alongside Kasdan and Melvin Mar, who will produce through their company Detective Agency.

Jenkins will direct from a script she co-wrote with “Wonder Woman 1984” writing partner Geoff Johns. She will also produce through Wicious Pictures alongside Wilfert and Christians.

Cornish, director of “The Kid Who Would Be King,” will write his off a previous draft of the script by “Rick & Morty” writer Heather Anne Campbell, which was based on a treatment by Simon Rich. Wilfert and Christians will produce.

The deal comes 10 years after the release of “The Lego Movie” by Warner Bros., which earned critical acclaim and was a box office success with $468 million at the global box office. The Lego Group would go on to produce several more films at Warner Bros., including a direct sequel to “The Lego Movie” and spinoffs based around “Batman” and Lego’s own “Ninjago” toy line.

The Lego Group also recently worked with Universal’s specialty wing Focus Features on “Piece By Piece,” Morgan Neville’s Lego-themed documentary about the life and career of Pharrell Williams.

Universal’s executive vice president of Production Development Matt Reilly and director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell will oversee these projects for the studio.

The Lego Group is represented by WME. Jake Kasdan is represented by WME and Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo. Andrew Mogel and Jarrad Paul are represented by Mosaic, UTA and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett & Kole. Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows are represented by WME and Silver Lake Entertainment.

Patty Jenkins is represented by CAA and Danny Passman at Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. Geoff Johns is represented by WME.

Joe Cornish is represented by CAA, Independent Talent in the U.K., and George Davis of The Davis Law Group. Heather Anne Campbell is represented by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Yorn Levine. Simon Rich is represented by UTA and Levine Greenburg Literary.

The post Universal, Lego to Team Up on Trio of Films From Jake Kasdan, Patty Jenkins and Joe Cornish appeared first on TheWrap.

Rocket Science in partnership with Thank You Pictures and Supernix has announced that filming is underway on “Cliffhanger,” a reboot of the 1993 action extravaganza that starred Sylvester Stallone and John Lithgow. This new version stars Lily James and Pierce Brosnan and is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, based on a story by Ana Lily Amirpour.

A proposed follow-up to “Cliffhanger” dates back to 1994, when TriStar announced “Cliffhanger 2: The Dam,” with Stallone returning. For years it sat fallow until 2019, when Amirpour was hired and Jason Momoa was earmarked to star. In 2023 it was re-announced as a legacy sequel, with Stallone set to return under the direction of Ric Roman Waugh. Mark Bianculli wrote that version of the script. Later in 2023, Jean-François Richet was hired to replace Waugh.

And now the production has veered in an entirely different direction, jettisoning the sequel idea and returning, it seems to the initial idea that Amirpour had developed all those years ago.

The official synopsis for the new film follows: “Seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan) and his daughter Sydney run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites. During a weekend trip with a billionaire’s son, they are targeted by a gang of kidnappers. Ray’s older daughter Naomi (Lily James), still haunted by a past climbing accident, witnesses the attack and escapes. To save her family, she must confront her fears and fight for survival in the Italian Dolomites.”

Additional cast members include Nell Tiger Free, Franz Rogowski, Shubham Saraf, Assaad Bouab, Suzy Bemba and Bruno Gouery. The film’s producers are Lars Sylvest of Thank You Pictures, Joe Neurauter of Supernix, Rocket Science’s Thorsten Schumacher, and Neal Moritz and Toby Jaffe.

The idea is for “Cliffhanger” to have a theatrical release (seems perfect for IMAX), with Rocket Science handling international sales, with CAA Media Finance representing North American and Chinese rights. Rocket Science has a partnership agreement with STUDIOCANAL for the film’s rights.

“Shooting our movie on location in the Dolomites using large format cameras was imperative for us to show the scope and scale of the story we’re telling. We’re going to bring the audience a truly thrilling and visceral, premium theatrical experience. Lily in particular has gone above and beyond for the role, putting in real training and learning to climb. Her dedication has allowed us to capture some incredible shots we couldn’t have achieved otherwise, and the whole crew is blown away by her commitment,” said Collet-Serra in an official statement.

Amirpour and Collet-Serra are executive producing. Chance Wright of Wright Productions and Front Row Entertainment’s Gianluca Chakra and Hisham Alghanim are co-investors and executive producers. Josef Brandmaier, Jeff Most, Katy Most, Matthew Stedman are executive producing for Level Field Media Finance. Philipp Kreuzer is executive producing for Supernix.

Kwesi Dickson and Jay Taylor are executive producing for Electric Shadow as well as MTG and Rodrigo Tarazona. Robert Daly Jr. and David Lipper are executive producing for Latigo Films. Kevan van Thompson is executive producing for Capfilms. Lily James is also executive producing through her production company Parodos Productions alongside partner Gala Gordon. Hungarian Hero Squared, Jonathan Halperyn and Daniel Kresmery are co-producing along with Jazmyn Tanski.

Cliffhanger is a co-production with partners in Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, Hungary and the UK supported by FilmFernsehFonds Bavaria, German Federal Film Fund DFFF2, Fisa+, Cine Tirol Film Commission, IDM Film Commission South Tyrol, Spanish Tax Incentives and the Hungarian rebate.

Media Guarantors, a CAC Group company, is providing the completion bond.

The post ‘Cliffhanger’ Reboot Reconfigured: Sylvester Stallone Out, Lily James and Pierce Brosnan In appeared first on TheWrap.

Where can you find them? We’ve got the guide you need so you can watch your favorites without wasting time, because sometimes, nothing hits quite like an animated Halloween movie when you’re trying to tap into that sense of child-like holiday spirit.

Streaming On: Disney+

The GOAT and the one that paved the way for a lot of the subsequent movies on this list, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the perfect film to carry you through the holiday season, from Halloween to Christmas. Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Folks like to debate that one, but it’s there in stunning stop motion, however you like to celebrate it. Produced by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick — two names you’re about to see a lot — the classic features the voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catharine O’Hara and Ken Page.

Streaming On: Max

After co-writing and producing iconic stop-motion animated holiday film “Nightmare Before Christmas,” Tim Burton stepped up to co-directing another seasonal stop-motion favorite, “Corpse Bride.” Loosely inspired by folklore and set in Victorian England, “Corpse Bride” follows Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp)and Victoria (Emily Watson), a pair set to be wed in an arranged marriage who unexpectedly strike up a special connection — until Victor accidentally weds Emily, the Corpse Bride, (Helena Bonham Carter) while practicing his vows in an eerie forest. With catchy songs by Burton’s go-to composer Danny Elfman and a vibrant depiction of the underworld, “Corpse Bride” is a sweet, spooky, supernatural romance for the whole family.

“The Adventure of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (1949)

Streaming On: Disney+

An OG classic of the spooky season scene, “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” contains two tales. The first segment inspired by the children’s book “Wind in the Willows” (which subsequently inspired one of the wildest rides at Disneyland), and the second an adaptation of Washington Irving’s seminal American horror story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” — narrated by Bing Crosby no less. The first is autumnal. not spooky, and more remembered for the ride it inspired than the film itself, but the second is an absolute seasonal delight, especially the iconic nighttime sequences. It even has a “Headless Horseman” song performed by Crosby.

“Hotel Transylvania” (2012)

Streaming On: Peacock

Perhaps the platonic ideal of a family film for the Halloween season, directed by “Dexter’s Laboratory” and “Samurai Jack” creator Genndy Tartakovsky in his feature filmmaking debut, “Hotel Transylvania” is all about a human-free hotel for monsters run by Dracula. And Dracula is voiced by Adam Sandler. “Hotel Transylvania” also features the voices of Selena Gomez as Dracula’s daughter and Andy Samberg as the human traveler who wins her heart, despite Dracula’s best efforts. It’s super silly family fare for monster lovers, with countless references to the classics laced throughout a film that fully, unabashedly embraces being a goofy-spooky romp.

“Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” (1998)

Streaming On: Max

Arguably the greatest “Scooby-Doo” movie of them all, “Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island” sends the gang to a bayou island supposedly haunted by pirates, where they encounter zombies, voodoo dolls and real-deal shapeshifters. It’s a bit darker and more grown-up than much of the Scooby that came before it, comes with its own extremely 90s rock song, and “Zombie Island” is one of the always-fun “the monsters are real” installments in the enduring franchise. But not to worry, the gang still has plenty of mysteries to solve too. “Scooby-Doo” is always perfect for the Halloween season, but “Zombie Island,” in particular, has a frightful Southern Gothic charm that really hits the mark. Max is also streaming the fantastic “Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost, which came out the following year from the same team and introduced the much beloved Hex Girls.

“Coraline” (2009)

Streaming On: Tubi and PlutoTV

A perfect storm of artistic collaboration, “Coraline” is another stunner from director Henry Selick, who fused his stop-motion mastery with Neil Gaiman’s storytelling prowess and illustrator Tadahiro Uesugi’s distinct designs. “Coraline” was also Laika’s first feature, launching the studio that has become the name-to-beat in stop-motion filmmaking. And it’s just about perfect. Inspired by Gaiman’s short story of the same name and featuring the voice of Dakota Fanning as the title character, “Coraline” sends the young girl through a small door in the wall of her dreary new home, where she discovers the button-eyed “Other Mother” and a tempting fantasy-land where her parents are always attentive, showering her with gifts. So gorgeous and super spooky, it’s not just one of the best animated movies to watch at Halloween, but one of the best animated movies, period.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966)

Streaming On: AppleTV+

If you’re looking for something with Halloween vibes that’s also fully 0% spooky, let alone scary, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is the class go-to. Carving jack-o-lanterns, hopping through piles of leaves and sporting little eye-holed ghost costumes, the Peanuts helped popularize the Halloween special and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” endures as an animated classic nearly 60 years later. This is also the pick if you’re looking for something short and sweet before you’re next Halloween party, clocking in at just 25 minutes.

“Monster House” (2006)

Streaming On: Freevee

An animated Amblin throwback produced by Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis themselves, “Monster House” is a perfect Halloween watch from the very first autumnal frame that puts the spotlight on some seasonal foliage. This one is probably too dark and scary for the younger kids, but if you’re looking for an animated monster movie that’s full of Halloween vibes, “Monster House” will hit the spot. Using motion-capture animation, the film tells the tale of a vengeful haunted house with a very anatomical approach to the idea — the man-eating house itself is the literal monster, with rooms and decor subbing in for its body parts. The result is part haunted house movie, part monster movie, part surprisingly effective body horror, with a stacked voice cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kathleen Turner, Fred Ward and Catharine O’Hara.

“Wendell & Wild” (2022)

Streaming On: Netflix

The most recent film on this list, Netflix’s “Wendell & Wild” is a bit convoluted, but boy is it gorgeous. Directed by “Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Coraline” filmmaker Henry Selick, who once again flexes his extraordinary, singular eye for gorgeous and complex stop-motion set pieces. Selick directs from a script he co-wrote with Jordan Peele (who also lends his voice to the film alongside “Key and Peele” co-star Keegan Michael Key), about a rebellious, grieving young girl who winds up in cahoots with a pair of demon brothers on the take. Selick is really the master of spooky stop motion, and “Wendell & Wild” is a stunning reminder of that fact, 30 years after “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

“Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of Were-Rabbit” (2005)

Streaming On: Netflix

While not as outright Halloween-y as some of the other titles on this list, you’ll get plenty of pumpkins (and produce in general) in the delightful “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” A cheeky riff on monster classics from Aardman Studios, “Curse of the Were-Rabbit” gave the charming stop-motion duo “Wallace & Gromit” their first feature film, putting the pair and their clever inventions up against a garden-pillaging were-rabbit. It’s got all the signature demurity, sweetness and clever gags of the beloved franchise, with just a hint of monster movie flourish.

“Frankenweenie” (2012)

Streaming On: Hulu

If you don’t mind a film with the potential to make you break out into full-body sobs, “Frankenweenie” is a genuinely lovely, loving movie about 1) old monster movies and 2) the bond between pets and their owners. One of Tim Burton’s best but least seen films, “Frankenweenie” sees the filmmaker return to his familiar but always fruitful ground of the suburban spooky through the story of young outcast Victor Frankenstein, and his beloved dog, Sparky, whom Victor jolts back to life after the pup’s untimely death. It’s a beautiful piece of classical monster filmmaking translated to the stop-motion form and opened up for the whole family — but again, with the warning that it’s a total sobfest.

“The Addams Family” (2019)

Streaming On: Tubi

The Addams Family goes animated in this 2019 film, and while it’s not as pitch-perfect as the iconic 1960s TV show or the 1990s live-action films, this one’s a good pick if you’re looking for some horror-meets-humor lightheartedness to celebrate Halloween. Featuring the voices of Charlize Theron as Morticia and Oscar Isaac as Gomez, “The Addams Family” sends the Addamses to Suburbia for an added dose of social satire. Not the most Halloween-ish needle drops in this one and it leans heavily on the comedy, but with flourishes of ghoulishness the freaky family is known (and loved) for.

The post 12 Spooky Animated Movies to Stream This Halloween appeared first on TheWrap.

In a darkened warehouse on the edge of Sin City, a relentless spectacle of horror is rising: Universal Horror Unleashed. “For decades, Universal’s masters of horror have created some of the world’s most frightening films and events. Now, guests can experience it all in a year-round, fully immersive horror experience. The fears only felt in movies will come to bone-chilling life,” the official press release reads.

The four houses are Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer.

What’s interesting about this line-up is that all of these properties have been introduced in Halloween Horror Nights in years past. Universal Monsters frequently pop up in the annual festivities (as you can imagine). There’s a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”-themed house in this year’s crop of titles. Blumhouse’s “The Exorcist: Believer” was part of the fun last year. And – deep cut – Scarecrow: The Reaping was a house at HHN in Orlando way back in 2017.

It’s unclear how these houses will be altered/updated/expanded, but the press release states that “they are intense and feature elevated moments where the horror surrounds guests in unimaginable ways.” Eep!

Surrounding the houses are four “sinisterly themed and immersive areas, featuring unique live entertainment experiences.” Additionally, there will be restaurants and bars featuring “horror-centric food and drink offerings.” There will also be seasonal events and exclusive merchandise opportunities.

Universal Horror Unleashed is the anchor tenant in a 20-acre expansion of AREA15, an immersive entertainment district that is also home to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart and immersive distillery Lost Spirits (among others).

“Universal’s rich history in the creation of the horror genre drove our desire to bring a year-round horror experience to the incredible entertainment offerings in Las Vegas,” said Page Thompson, president of New Ventures for UDX, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have our award-winning Creative and Entertainment teams working tirelessly to bring these terrors to life in 2025.”

The Las Vegas project is part of a series of ambitious regional projects, which also includes a family-friendly Universal Kids Resort set to open in Frisco, Texas, in 2026.

The post Universal Reveals Initial Houses for Horror-Themed Las Vegas Attraction | Video appeared first on TheWrap.