The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing into different shades of oranges, yellows, and reds and Halloween decorations are being displayed in retailers. Yes, my friends, October is fast approaching! Autumn is my favorite time of the year and October has to be my favorite month of all-time (other than my birth month, of course). Unfortunately, a considerable amount of the activities I like to engage in might not happen this year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Even so, I do not plan to let the virus dampen my holiday spirit.
With this in mind, I would like to discuss five of my all-time favorite films to watch this time of year. Note that none of these films are horror; this is because I plan on writing an article dedicated to films from the genre! Do keep an eye out for it! As a horror fanatic, I’m looking forward to gushing about my favorite films. Without further ado, though, let’s move onto the list!
- Corpse Bride
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Directed by Tim Burton, “Corpse Bride” is a 2005 stop-motion musical fantasy about Victor Van Dort, the son of wealthy fish merchants and Victoria Everglot, the daughter of aristocrats in poverty, who are bound in an arranged marriage. While practicing his wedding vows in the woods, however, Victor accidentally becomes betrothed to Emily, a deceased young woman who rises from the grave to accept Victor’s proposal. Personally, “Corpse Bride” is not just one of my favorite Halloween movies but it is also one of my favorite movies of all-time. If you are someone who enjoys stop-motion animation, dark fantasy and musicals, then this is the film for you. It’s a good one!
- Beetlejuice
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Also directed by Tim Burton, “Beetlejuice” is a fun, hilarious film for those who are afraid of horror movies. The 1988 film follows Adam and Barbara Maitland, a recently deceased couple who discover that their home has been taken over by the unbearable Deetz family. The Maitlands hire Betelgeuse, a crude and malicious spirit to drive the Deetz out; however, they soon realize this is a mistake and must put a stop to his antics. While there is some frightening imagery present in “Beetlejuice,” the films charm and humor is enough to balance it.
- Twitches
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Those of you who grew up watching Disney Channel may remember this title. If not, though, allow me to enlighten you! “Twitches” follows Camryn Elizabeth Barnes and Alexandra “Alex” Nicole Fielding, two witch sisters who were separated at birth and adopted by two different families. On their 21st birthday, however, the two meet and learn they must use their powers to save the world they were born in from an entity known as The Darkness. “Twitches” was one of my favorite movies to watch during October as a kid and even as a college student, I still enjoy the film a lot. It’s a fun, nostalgic watch for those who have seen it, and a fun ride for those who haven’t.
- Halloweentown
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Another Disney Channel original movie, “Halloweentown” follows Marnie Piper, a young girl who has discovered that she comes from a family line of witches. Her mother, Gwen, wants Marnie to be raised as a mortal and dislikes it when her grandmother, Agatha, encourages the children to celebrate Halloween. After hearing a conversation between the two where Marnie discovers her true lineage, she and her siblings follow Agatha onto a magical bus that takes them to Halloweentown, a realm where supernatural creatures coexist. There, they learn an evil presence is threatening to cause havoc in Halloweentown and they must stop it. “Halloweentown” is a fun, magical film for all ages and it holds a special place in my heart.
- Hocus Pocus
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The most classic Halloween film of all-time, “Hocus Pocus” is one you definitely don’t want to miss watching this October. The film follows Max Dennison, a young boy from Los Angeles, California who has recently moved to Salem, Massachusetts. While trying to impress a girl named Allison, Max accidentally resurrects the Sanderson sisters, who are three witches that were executed in the 17th century. As a result, Max and Allison (with the help of a couple friends) must get rid of the Sanderson sisters before they wreck havoc in Salem. “Hocus Pocus” truly encompasses the spirit of Halloween and if you haven’t seen it, I urge you to do so. It’s a great film!