As the leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, it’s beginning to be that time of the season where settling in and watching some Halloween movies is the perfect activity for a cozy night. Whether it’s a family-friendly classic, or more on the scary side, this spooky season has something for everyone. Here is a roundup of all the best movies to watch this fall to get into the spirit of Halloween.
The 1993 movie, “Hocus Pocus,” is a family-friendly classic that is a seasonal favorite for many students around the school. It follows a school boy and his friends as they try to fight off three witches with evil intentions who are accidentally resurrected in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night.
“’Hocus Pocus’ is definitely a must watch for me,” said senior Summer Williamson. “I love the vibes it gives off. It really makes fall feel more fun and can instantly put me in a better mood.”
The 1993 movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is a stop-motion masterpiece that follows the main character, Jack Skellington, as he tries to bring the spirit of Christmas to his town of Halloween in a spooky, but whimsical manner. This movie is known for many of its catchy and well-known songs and is a must watch this season.
Another fan favorite is the 1998 Disney Channel classic of “Halloweentown,” which brings viewers into a magical world where the Halloween spirit is around all day, every day. The first movie, along with its three sequels, are a great binge-worthy series that can make anyone, especially the older generations, feel a sense of nostalgia.
If in search for a movie that can be described as, “creepy, spooky and just plain kooky,” the 1991 movie, “The Addams Family,” is a fun addition to any Halloween lineup. The quirky characters of the Addams Family are endearing in their unusual ways, and this dark comedy is a great choice for those who enjoy a lighthearted spooky humor.
On a slightly more recent note, the 2009 film, “Coraline,” is another classic that is enjoyed by many every Halloween season. This eerie animated film is about a young girl who discovers an alternate version of her life that at first seems much better than her own, but quickly turns evil. Its haunting visuals and creepy storyline make it a great watch for anyone.
“I watch ‘Coraline’ every year with my mom. It has become a tradition for us and I look forward to it every October,” said junior Rebecca Gabrielle.
The 1998 movie, “Beetlejuice,” is a comedy-horror that is fan favorite for Halloween. The mischievous “bio-exorcist” Beetlejuice causes chaos in a recently deceased couple’s home. Filled with dark humor, quirky characters and bizarre imagery, it’s the perfect choice for a movie night. Viewers might also want to watch the newest version, that was released on Sept. 6, 2024, and can be watched in theaters still until early November. This reimagined classic is a great watch for those who want to spend the night out at a theatre and still experience the mayhem caused by the classic character, Beetlejuice.
Whether it’s a heartwarming, humorous, or spooky film, this list has it all. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights and enjoy these must watch Halloween classics this fall season!
