Classic ‘90s Horror Comedy Takes Netflix by Storm, Reigniting Halloween Hype Among Families

Summary

Casper is now trending at No. 6 on Netflix's Top 10 Movies list as Halloween approaches.

The 1995 horror-comedy movie is based on the character Casper the Friendly Ghost.

Casper is currently the oldest movie in the Top 10, which includes movies such as Reptile and Nowhere.

Casper, the 1995 horror-comedy film based on the beloved character Casper the Friendly Ghost, is gaining popularity on Netflix just in time for Halloween. Originally introduced in theatrical cartoons back in 1945, Casper has since become the center of a successful multimedia franchise. The movie revolves around Dr. James Harvey (played by Bill Pullman), a ghost therapist, and his daughter Kat (played by Christina Ricci), as they move into a haunted house and befriend the young ghost Casper (voiced by Malachi Pearson and portrayed as a human by Devon Sawa).

As of October 6th, Casper has secured the No. 6 spot on Netflix's daily Top 10, making it the oldest film on the list, beating out 2010's Megamind. The remaining titles on the list consist of more recent releases, including the new Netflix originals Reptile and Nowhere.

Why Casper is the Perfect Movie For Halloween 2023

There are several reasons why many people are being drawn to Casper this year. Firstly, the movie has recently been added to Netflix's extensive collection on October 1st. Additionally, its family-friendly nature that made it a success in 1995, with a box office revenue of $287.9 million from a $55 million budget, appeals to those seeking an alternative to more intense current horror films like Saw X and The Exorcist: Believer. Furthermore, the cast of Casper is also aligned with contemporary audience preferences, as they are interested in exploring previous projects of their favorite genre actors. For example, Devon Sawa, who has a brief cameo in Casper as pivotal moment within the romantic storyline, is currently starring in the horror franchise TV show Chucky. In Chucky, Sawa portrays multiple characters who confront the main antagonist, the killer doll.

Christina Ricci, known for her role as Wednesday Addams in the Addams Family movies, has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years. She made a notable comeback by portraying Marilyn Thornhill in the popular Netflix series Wednesday, and also gained attention for her starring role in the successful Showtime show Yellowjackets. The viewership for the nostalgic ghostly classic is likely fueled in part by fans of Ricci's previous works in the genre.