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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Riverside chapter.

Everybody who knows me knows that I’m a Halloween FANATIC! My house is always decorated after Labor Day, my costume meticulously planned for months, and I always have my list of movies to watch the minute October 1st hits. I’m not talking about horror “pee your pants scared” movies either. I’ve carefully picked out the top 13 movies that get you into Halloween’s spooky season mood.

Grab your favorite blanket, and snacks, some friends, and settle in for a movie marathon.

woman wearing black shirt eating popcorn
Photo by JESHOOTS.com from Pexels
The cute little pumpkin and ghost sugar cookies are a necessity;you know what I’m talking about. 

1. If you’re a little older, “Hocus Pocus” should be number one on your list! With a little bit of teen romance, witches, a talking black cat, and a zombie, you already know it’s gonna be a cute little movie that will make everyone laugh. I personally feel a connection to Dani, the little sister with a big attitude and love for Halloween, but my heart is definitely in love with the cute brother Max.

2. The Halloweentown Series is a four movie marathon that takes you into the world of Marnie and her friends. I’m warning you now, you’ll be slightly upset about Marnie’s actress being switched in the last movie, but nevertheless you’ll fall in love with the characters and the Halloween spirit. My personal favorite is Halloweentown High, what’s yours?

3. For those that love a good family story, “Twitches” and “Twitches Too” is about twin witches separated at birth, from each other and their mother. Not only do they get to explore their powers but their kingdom as well.

spell ingredients
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo from Unsplash

4. Then to add in a little humor, “BeetleJuice” is the Halloween movie to go to if you want to laugh for hours. Let me just say, once you watch this movie, you’ll never be able to get the banana boat song out of your head. At least not for a week or two. If you like movie effects and jumping out of your seat a little, this is the one for you!

5. You know it, you love it. Next, we’ve got “Coraline”! I’ve definitely thought a time or two that I was born into the wrong family, but after watching this movie and seeing her “Other” family, I can safely say that the grass is NOT greener on the other side. This one will make you appreciate your crazy family a little bit more.

Unsplash/Sašo Tušar

6. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a family favorite! Tim Burton wrote it, so you just know it’s going to be amazing! With a little mix in of Christmas, the movie brings to light all the great things we love about Halloween. Dressing up and candy! I don’t know about you, but I could never prefer the Christmas crazy over the Halloween horrors.

7. Last but certainly not least, “Casper” and “Casper Meets Wendy” are boo-friendly movies that feature Casper the friendly ghost! As a Hillary Duff fan, “Casper Meets Wendy” is an absolute must! Her sassy attitude made me laugh the whole time.

Photo by Ryan Miguel Capili from Pexels

I absolutely cannot sit through horror movies without crying myself to sleep or having nightmares, so more power to you if you can! These are just a few of my classic Halloween movies to get the spooky spirit going! Hope you all enjoy!

 

Kayli Strawn

UC Riverside '21

4th Year at UC Riv Just a hopeless romantic who wants a Carrie Bradshaw life. I love reading romance novels and eating mac n cheese or sweet potato fries! If I’m not out on an adventure with my friends, I’m either working as a barista or trying to catch up on some much needed sleep!
Deedee Plata

UC Riverside '22

20 year old creative writing major with a love for skincare, representation, and art. When not laying down and watching cartoons, I can be found working on my novel or browsing through baby name forums.