Over the past few years, I have started watching horror movies, but they wouldn’t be my first choice. Personally, when I think about Halloween movies, I think about the type of movies I would relax, curl up on the couch and watch. Every Halloween I make sure to watch certain movies at least once — more like five times. Because these movies are such a staple of the season for me, I think of them as classics. For the most part, the movies I have deemed classics are family-friendly and a great way to spend time together.
“Hocus Pocus”
As you may or may not know, Disney recently released a sequel to the original 1993 film. I have not seen the sequel; therefore, I will only be discussing the original. “Hocus Pocus” is probably one of the only popularly-deemed classics on this list. Everything about this film radiates all things fall. The imagery is absolutely gorgeous and aesthetic. The film both takes place and was partially filmed in Salem, Massachusetts. You can even visit the many prominent locations in the film. From the fashion to the slang, it is easy to tell the film was shot in the 90s. Although this film is not my all-time favorite, it certainly is in my top 10.
The “Twitches” films
“Twitches” and “Twitches Too” are Disney Channel original movies from the early 2000s. In the context of these films, ‘twitches’ means twin witches. Which as the word suggests, the films follow the lives of twin sisters as they explore life as witches. Even though all the movies on this list make me wish I was witch, the “Twitches” films make me wish this more than some of the others. If I was a witch, I would want to live in the reality demonstrated in these films. The “Twitches” films are definitely tied for second place when it comes to my favorite Halloween classics.
The “Halloweentown” films
“Halloweentown” is a Disney Channel original movie from 1998. Due to its popularity, Disney Channel would end up creating a total of four films in the “Halloweentown” series. I would say the first two are the best and most cohesive of the films, considering their plots build upon each other in a more direct way. Whereas, the last two films feel less connected and share a different vibe than the first two. However, in Disney’s defense, they do a fairly good job following Marnie, the main character, through her teenage years. In the first two films she is 13 and 15, which the films do a nice job creating a character that closely resembles the mannerisms of a girl in her early teenage years. In the final two films Marnie is around 17 and 18. These films follow her journey in high school and college. The final two films of the series feel like they could be stand-alone films in the Halloweentown universe. Regardless, each one of the films is great in their own way. Ultimately, in these films Disney did a really nice job creating a world full of the more make-believe, magical creatures.
“Practical Magic”
My absolute favorite movie for Halloween is “Practical Magic.” Out of all the movies on this list, “Practical Magic” is more “mature” than the other films. Ultimately, whether or not it is family-friendly depends entirely on your family. This film is the first movie I think of when I hear the word ‘fall.’ Even the town it takes place in is exactly what I picture when I think of the fall aesthetic. This film more closely resembles real-life witchcraft than any of the other films on this list. This of course means I absolutely could imagine myself living as a witch in “Practical Magic.” The film stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The combination of these actresses makes the story come alive in a way I don’t think could have been done without them.