From beloved franchises to hidden gems, these films offer a perfect way to celebrate the season

By Jessica Wiseman

As Halloween approaches, searching for the perfect movie can be daunting, especially if you prefer to keep things light and fun rather than terrifying. If you’re anything like me and would rather skip the sleepless nights filled with jump scares, fear not! I’ve compiled a list of five Halloween-themed movies that you may not have realized were shot in Canada. From beloved classics to hidden gems, these films are sure to entertain and put you in the festive spirit. So grab your favourite snacks, settle in for a spooktacular viewing experience and let’s revive Canada’s Halloween spirit!!

Ghostbusters Afterlife → Alberta 

A popular franchise loved by many is Ghostbusters, and although some of their older movies, with spooky statues coming to life and a not-so-friendly marshmallow man, could be considered endearing… I beg to differ. 

This movie set 32 years after the events of Ghostbusters II, features some original actors, such as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. Like the well-loved originals, the film follows the crew venturing out with a team of local residents to confront a looming ghostly threat. The paranormal activity is as spooky as ever, helping revitalize the spirit of the OG Ghostbusters franchise. 

What you may be unaware of is that this movie, unlike the others, was filmed in Alta., Canada. The film was shot in several notable locations around the province, including The Dorothy Grain Elevator, Horsethief Canyon, The Dorothy Ferry Bridge and The Turner Valley Gas Plant. 

Zombie Town → Sudbury, Ont. 

Set against the backdrop of Sudbury, Ont, the independent horror-comedy Zombie Town brings new life to the familiar trope of the undead. Based on a novel by R.L. Stine, the film follows two teenagers who, after watching a horror movie, turn their town’s residents into zombies. Now, they must fight to save their community and ward off the undead. Zombie Town, made for a younger crowd, is a perfect amount of spookiness for a scaredy cat (like myself) and offers just enough thrills for everyone to enjoy. 

With the smaller communities of Greater Sudbury being reminiscent of Hawkins, the fictional town in Stranger Things, the backdrop evokes the perfect atmosphere for what the film wishes to accomplish.  Filming took place mainly in Capreol and Garson, with additional scenes shot in downtown Sudbury and the auditorium at Sudbury Secondary School. The filmmakers utilized local homes to create a “Halloween town” atmosphere, enhancing the film’s overall look and feel. Sudbury Secondary School’s eerie ambiance contributed to the setting as the filmmakers effectively transformed its auditorium into a makeshift theatre.

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed → Vancouver 

The Scooby-Doo franchise is another loved series of movies and shows, especially during the colder months. What you might not know is that the live-action sequel, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, was filmed in several iconic locations across B.C., Canada. These include The Vancouver Art Gallery, Stanley Park, Britannia Beach, Britannia Mine Museum and The Vancouver Club. Several locations featured in this film, such as The Britannia Mine Museum, also appeared in popular movies and shows, such as The Flash. Whether for tourists or locals, these spots are widely recognized and simply iconic.

In this live-action sequel, the Scooby gang must save their hometown, ‘Coolsville’ from an attack, as the monsters of their past are brought back to life, launching the gang into another supernatural mystery. After being invited to the museum on opening night as celebrity guests, they soon find themselves in trouble when the new exhibit comes to life. Faced with the pressure of saving the citizens once again, will the gang be able to save Coolsville and restore the iconic Vancouver landmarks? You’ll just have to watch to see!

Double Double Toil and Trouble → Vancouver 

This 1993 made-for-TV movie features the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley. This story follows the twins, Kelly and Lynn, who discover their family has been cursed by a wicked witch named Agatha. The twins embark on a magical adventure to save their family and break the curse. The film combines comedy and fantasy elements while highlighting spooky narratives without the intense fright. 

The production utilized various locations to create a whimsical and magical atmosphere. The family home, located in Vancouver, is another popular filming spot and can be seen in The Crush. This residence was known as the “Disher House” and has been a part of Vancouver’s annual Heritage House Tour, allowing visitors to tour the ins and outs of the iconic home. 

Spooky Buddies → British Columbia 

Lastly, if spooky movies aren’t your thing, here’s one way to support Canadian films without being petrified. A tried and true, Spooky Buddies was filmed in Fort Langley, B.C. for the sixth sequel of the Air Bud movies. The community town hall was a stand-out feature in this film, decorated with Halloween decorations to help set the mood.         

Spooky Buddies follows an adorable team of puppies on an adventure during Halloween. After finding themselves stuck in a haunted mansion, they encounter all sorts of ghostly spirits and villainous characters trying to unleash a terrible curse. Even if you aren’t a big fan of Halloween, this instant classic brings nostalgia to your late October nights.                      

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As we dive into the Halloween season, finding a film lineup that captures the holiday spirit without sending you running for the nearest light switch is refreshing. So whether you’re in the mood for ghostly adventures or a lighthearted romp with some furry friends, these films offer a delightful escape into the whimsical side of Halloween. Grab your popcorn, settle in and enjoy the cinematic treats Canada offers this spooky season!