Welcoming the spooky season with popcorn and scary movies.
As the leaves change, the air begins to feel cooler and your favorite coffee shops welcome new fall drinks to the menu. There is no doubt we are in the midst of the Halloween season. Midterms can be overwhelming, and it is okay to take a break from all the studying and relax by watching some spooky movies with some buttery popcorn, along with a cozy blanket. While everyone has a different preference for their favorite scary movies, whether it’s classic horror, heartwarming tales, comedy or animated family-friendly films, there is a Halloween movie for everyone. Some of the best Halloween movies to watch are the classic “Hocus Pocus,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Corpse Bride,” “Beetlejuice” and “Ghost Busters.” Some spine-chilling movies to watch that will have you on the edge of your seat are “The Conjuring,” “Annabelle” and “Insidious.” These movies are available to watch on Disney+, Google Play and Amazon Prime Video.
“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Directed by Kenny Ortega, this is a bewitching Halloween classic to watch with the family if you are looking for a combination of comedy, family-friendly fright and fantasy. The Sanderson sisters, a trio of witches brought back from the dead, wreak havoc on Salem, Massachusetts. While “Hocus Pocus” is a sequel, part two is also a must watch.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Everyone can agree that Tim Burton’s movies are a must to watch during the Halloween month. While some may disagree that this movie is considered a Halloween movie, the movie brings both worlds of Halloween and Christmas together. It is the ideal movie that connects these two loved holidays seamlessly. The movie follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbling upon Christmas Town and deciding to give Santa Claus a break, while taking Christmas into his own hands.
“Corpse Bride” (2005)
Another Tim Burton favorite, “Corpse Bride,” is a stop-motion family-friendly animated film that tells the story of Victor, a young man who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride while rehearsing his wedding vows. Later transported to the Land of the Dead, Victor must choose between his living fiancée and the sorrowful Corpse Bride. The dark, romantic film is a perfect movie to watch as a couple or with friends.
“Beetlejuice” (1998)
Tim Burton never fails. This film stars Michael Keaton as the weird, quirky character, Beetlejuice. The movie is a darkly comedic tale of a recently deceased couple who hire a troublesome bio-exorcist to rid their home of the new living occupants. The film is recommended for those looking for a laugh while watching a chilling movie.
“Ghostbusters” (1984)
This is a classic ghostly movie that mixes comedy and the supernatural of ghosts. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson star in the film as the “Ghostbusters.” The movie focuses on a group of scientists battling a mass of ghosts and paranormal activity in New York City.
“The Conjuring” (2013)
For those seeking a real scare and supernatural thrills, “The Conjuring” offers a spine-chilling experience that would leave one with nightmares. Directed by James Wan and based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film follows the Warrens as they help a family tormented by evil spirits in their Rhode Island farmhouse. The movie is recommended to watch with friends for it provides a tense atmosphere and many jump scares that will have you jumping right out of your seat.
“Annabelle” (2014)
Those who watched “The Conjuring” would love the movie “Annabelle,” as it is a prequel to “The Conjuring.” The film is inspired by the real life Raggedy Ann Doll that is said to be possessed by a demon which sits in a glass case at “The Warren Occult Museum” and is blessed once a month by a priest. Directed by John R. Leonetti, the supernatural horror film tells the story of a vintage doll collector and her husband who are terrorized by violent forces after obtaining a sinister antique doll named Annabelle.
“Insidious” (2011)
Containing an unreal atmosphere, effective jump scares and a unique turn around on the haunted house genre. Directed by James Wan, the movie follows a family who has no choice but to confront malevolent spirits when their son falls into a mysterious coma. While the movie ends on a cliffhanger it is best to watch chapters two, three, four, “Insidious: The Red Door” and “Insidious: The Last Key” in chronological order.
In the Halloween season, when midterm grades begin to come out, these movies offer the perfect escape into a world of magic, wonders and a touch of fright. Go grab some popcorn and friends, turn off the lights and prepare for a spooky journey.
