We’ve all been there, collegiettes: your friends want to go check out that new horror movie playing over Halloween weekend, but sitting in a dark theater, defenseless while countless ghosts, demons, and murderers come at you from the screen does not sound like your idea of a fun time. But for those of us who fall victim to jump scares every single time, there’s another, less frightening way to get into the Halloween spirit. Check out the list below for some classics that are more silly than scary!
Hocus Pocus: Released in 1993, this quirky Disney comedy quickly became a cult classic. The film tells the story of the Sanderson Sisters, three kooky witches on a search for immortal youth. They plan to achieve it by any means necessary, but are stopped one Halloween night by three ordinary kids: Allison, Max, and his little sister Dani. There are witches, zombies, living books, talking cats, and, to top it all off, it’s set in Salem, Massachusetts. Does it get much better than this?
Reasons to Watch: The Sanderson Sisters are three hilarious, sassy, independent women who get stuff done, and Bette Midler’s rendition of “I Put A Spell on You” will do exactly that. Not to mention that Winifred is incredibly relatable in the mornings.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: With the release of this Tim Burton classic, 1993 proved to be a good year for Halloween movies. The stop-motion movie has since become iconic, with original song “This is Halloween” becoming as synonymous with Halloween as “Jingle Bells” with Christmas. In the movie’s world, each town is dedicated solely to a holiday, and the town citizens devote their entire lives to it. Jack Skellington, known in Halloween Town as The Pumpkin King, leads the citizens of Halloween Town in preparing for the holiday every year. But, while taking a walk in the woods, he accidentally stumbles into Christmas Town, and decides to bring Christmas to Halloween Town. What follows is a dark, almost disastrous Halloween, and Christmas may never be the same again.
Reasons to Watch: Literally any scene with a musical number makes this movie worth the watch, but especially the numbers “This is Halloween,” “What’s This?” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws.”
The Corpse Bride: Also directed by Tim Burton, this 2005 movie perfectly strides the balance between sweet and scary. Victor Van Dort is set to marry Victoria Everglot, but absolutely ruins the rehearsal. When practicing his vows in the forest, he’s overheard by Emily, the corpse bride herself. Emily mistakenly believes Victor was saying those vows to her and whisks him away to her world: the land of the dead. Victor has to decide: stay with Emily, or try to get back to the land of the living where Victoria is waiting?
Reasons to Watch: Even though the movie is stop-motion, the Victorian era setting and costuming is incredibly detailed, and Bonejangle’s vaudeville delivery of Emily’s backstory will get your toes tapping. Also, the movie’s tagline was “There’s been a grave misunderstanding,” and who doesn’t appreciate a good pun?
Rocky Horror Picture Show: I won’t lie to you, collegiettes: this movie is weird. I’ve seen it two or three times, and I’m still not quite sure what the plot is. Released in 1975, the movie follows lovebirds Brad and Janet, who stumble upon the mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter one stormy night. The mad scientist believes he’s discovered the secret to life itself, but of course it wouldn’t be complete without a few song-and-dance numbers explaining just how he did. The night that follows is the wildest of Brad and Janet’s life, and, like them, you’ll be left wondering if any of it was real.
Reasons to Watch: This movie originated the infectious “Time Warp,” and the characters are so showy and over-the-top that there’s never a dull moment.
The Addams Family: Inspired by the work of cartoonist Charles Addams, the 1991 movie follows the creepy, kooky, and altogether spooky Addams clan as they combat a loan shark trying to steal the family fortune. Gomez’s brother, Fester, is back after a 25-year absence – or so the Addams think. Instead of Fester, the family has been infiltrated by a look-alike sent by the Addams’ lawyer, who owes a loan shark money, to find the family vault. Hilarity ensues as “Fester” tries to worm his way into the family. Even though they can be quite macabre, the Addams make a universal point: you never abandon family.
Reasons to Watch: Each member of the Addams family brings something different to the table, and they are unconditionally loved and accepted regardless. Also, Wednesday’s one-liners and dry sense of humor are some of the most quotable lines of the movie, and she also makes for a quick and easy Halloween costume. The macabre has never looked this good.
Happy Halloween, collegiettes!