It is officially fall which means, yes, you guessed it–it’s spooky season! Fall is personally my favorite season because it brings beautiful scenery, breezy weather, sweaters and jeans, and Halloween! In the fall time, one of my favorite things to do is light a sweet-scented candle, grab a snack and a fuzzy blanket, and cuddle in to watch a movie! There’s nothing like the comfy, cozy vibes! With that said, here are my top five Halloween comfort movies:
- hocus pocus (1993)
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I thought Hocus Pocus was a Halloween movie most people loved to watch during the fall time to get into the spirit, however, two of my roommates had never seen it until I made them watch it with me! I mean, who doesn’t love Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker? The plot of the movie surrounds Max, Dani (his little sister), and Allison (his school crush) accidentally unleashing the Sanderson Sisters who used to live in an abandoned house. On Halloween night, the team must steal the witches’ book of spells to save the town of Salem and stop the sisters from becoming immortal. A sub-culture emerged from this movie, and many millennial and Gen Z members still hold nostalgia for it. And, come on, Binx the black cat is super cute!
Available to stream on Disney+.
- The nightmare before Christmas (1993)
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The first time I watched this movie the full way through was my freshman year of college. My roommates were in shock that I had never seen it because it is a ‘cultural phenomenon.’ Once I had a movie night with them, I slowly became obsessed. Any Tim Burton movie is very unique in its characters and plot line. This movie is versatile because you can watch it anytime between Halloween and Christmas since both holidays are involved. The music and characters are so cute, especially Zero, Jack Skellington’s pet ghost dog. If you have never seen this one, I guarantee you will become obsessed with the heartwarming storyline like I did.
Available to stream on Disney+.
- it’s the great pumpkin, charlie brown (1966)
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I’m pretty sure I have my mom to thank for passing down her love for the Peanuts to me. Watching the Charlie Brown specials was a common occurrence during the holidays in my household growing up. Every year, we had to turn on ABC to watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas! The Halloween Peanuts special follows Linus’ belief in the legend of the Great Pumpkin rising over the pumpkin patch on the evening of Halloween. While all of the neighborhood children go door-to-door trick-or-treating in their costumes (cue the famous line when Charlie Brown says, “I got a rock”), Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin. The special is only 25 minutes, so if you have a half hour to kill, this is a great choice.
Available to stream on Apple TV.
- The rocky horror picture show (1975)
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If you are a huge musical theatre nerd (or Tim Curry fan) like me, you will love The Rocky Horror Picture Show! This show carries nostalgia for me as well. I remember when my sister taught me “The Time Warp” dance from the movie in the basement of our childhood home. The music is very upbeat and fun! Tim Curry plays Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. Sweethearts Brad and Janet get a flat tire driving in the woods, so they have to stop at his mansion, where they discover the secret project he’s been working on. Many adaptations have been made of this show, but my personal favorite is the 1975 film version.
Available on streaming services for $3.99. It typically gets added to streaming services during the Halloween season for free.
- edward scissorhands (1990)
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Last, but not least, is Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. I mean, do I have to even explain this one? Johnny Depp plays the main character, and his acting abilities speak for themselves. The plot of this movie is also heartwarming and comedic as well. Upon the mansion on the hill on the outskirts of a cookie-cutter neighborhood, a scientist builds an animated human being and names him Edward. The scientist suddenly dies before he can finish his project, leaving Edward to use scissors for hands. Local saleswoman, Peg, discovers him and takes him home. Edward begins to fall in love with her teenage daughter (played by Winona Ryder) but faces challenges as an outcast in the community. The cinematography of this movie is beautiful and a must-see.
Available to stream on Disney+.
I hope you are able to find a new fall favorite to watch with your significant other, besties, or even by yourself! Grab some candy corn and press play! Happy streaming! :)
HCXO,
Rachel