It’s almost that time of year again, collegiettes! There is a chill in the air, the leaves on the ground are crunchy and everything is pumpkin-spiced, which means that Halloween is fast approaching. Check out these ten movies to get you into the spooky spirit!
1. Halloweentown
Halloweentown is a movie that I always watch come October! There’s nothing quite like this Disney Channel Original movie that captures the spirit of Halloween, while keeping you on your toes. As an added bonus, Halloweentown features a strong, female lead and passes the Bechdel test with flying colors.
2. Hocus Pocus
One simply cannot write a list of Halloween movies without including this classic! Put three witches, an ancient curse, Bette Midler covering “I’ll Put a Spell on You” and a flying broomstick together and you get a Disney classic that you will go back to watch every October.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas
The great thing about The Nightmare Before Christmas is that it can be a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie! There’s nothing quite like this iconic Tim Burton film to get you ready to hang some fake cobwebs. Plus, “This is Halloween” is arguably one of the few existing iconic Halloween songs and we have Mr. Burton’s movie to thank.
4. The Addams Family
Adapted from the classic television show, the 1991 remake is equal parts ooky, spooky and funny! If you like quirky, this is the Halloween movie for you.
5. Any Harry Potter Movie
If headless ghosts, wizardry and magic aren’t enough to get you in the spirit then I’m not quite sure what will! Let’s face it, I’ll take any excuse to relive my childhood through Harry and crew.
6. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!
Okay, while this isn’t technically a movie, The Peanuts will always make their way onto my holiday movie lists! This episode is sure to warm your heart and help you to remember just how magical Halloween can be, especially for kids (that is, as long as you don’t get rocks in your trick-or-treat bag).
7. Poltergeist
One of the most iconic scary movies of all time, Poltergeist is sure to have you ready for Halloween! And if the film itself isn’t scary enough, just look up the spooky stories and alleged curse surrounding the film and its production.
8. The Shining
Jack Nicholson reaches his creepy peak in this 1980 horror classic. Disclaimer: if you watch The Shining, you may feel inclined to leave the lights on at bedtime.
9. Ghostbusters (old & new!)
Next time you hear a strange noise in East College or Old West you’ll know who to call! If you could use a good (ghostly) laugh check out Ghostbusters (the remake and/or the original).
10. Practical Magic
What’s better than an all-star cast, magic and a family secret? Practical Magic is a great and lesser-known rom-com that will have you feeling some kind of spooktacular way. Who says that romantic comedies can’t get you into the Halloween spirit?
Now grab your caramel corn and light a pumpkin-scented candle, because you have a Halloween movie marathon to get to! What favorite movies get you into the Halloween spirit?