For non-horror fans like myself
Well, it’s finally that time of year again. The era of changing leaves, brisk mornings and pumpkin spice lattes. And at the conclusion of this glorious month, the ultimate day: Halloween.
While the kids are out trick or treating and the college students are out partying, I will be celebrating for a different reason… my birthday! That’s right folks, it is officially the time of year when I can base my entire personality around having a Halloween birthday.
As a kid, having a Halloween birthday was the epitome of cool. Presents, cake AND candy, all on the same day? I was fully obsessed with all things black cats, witches, costumes and apple cider.
I have many years of Halloween experience under my belt, so if you are looking for inspiration this October, look no further. In addition to my incessant reminders to those around me that I was born on the spookiest night of the year, I will continue to assert my own expertise on this holiday and anything associated with it. Therefore, I present to you: the ultimate movie guide to spooky season.
Now, when it comes to Halloween movies, people tend to think of horror. Growing up (and let’s be real, still to this day), I was a major wimp. I was terrified the first time I watched Harry Potter, so real horror was just out of the question. And while now I can occasionally appreciate a good scary movie, I am more of a fan of nostalgic, cute Halloween movies. Here are, in no particular order, my favorite Halloween movies, guaranteed to put you in the mood for this spooky season.
1. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Now, this Tim Burton classic is often the subject of great debate (between me and my roommates, anyway). We can never seem to agree which holiday this movie represents: Halloween or Christmas? Of course, the word “Christmas” is in the title, so from first glance, one might assume that it’s a holly jolly tale. However, the music, the visuals and the storyline are undeniably spooky, making this an ideal film for October viewing.
2. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
I have always been a sucker for a good Peanuts film. The juxtaposition of Charlie Brown’s morose views on life with his age is funny enough, but combined with classic jazz… what more could you possibly ask for in a movie? It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown actually follows Linus’s journey to find a mythical creature named the Great Pumpkin. Does he succeed? Watch to find out.
3. Hocus Pocus
This is truly the final word in Halloween movies. Every time October rolls around, Hocus Pocus is vying for the title of my favorite movie of all time. There’s humor, drama and tragedy, not to mention great music. Centered around Salem witches from the 1600’s who come back to wreak havoc in the 90’s, this movie really has it all.
A cozy movie night is truly one of my favorite parts of fall. There is just nothing like the feeling of sitting down with some hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket to enjoy some classic Halloween movies. I hope one of these can help you get in the spirit (no pun intended) of spooky season!