Something lurks in the corner of your eye, something haunts the dark recesses of your subconscious — no, I’m not talking about midterms nor the inevitable snowstorm — and something about it lures you in, a siren’s song to your stress-filled week of tapering exams and take-home tests.
Halloween.
Yes, it is that time of year again. Monsters roam free, ghosts haunt the streets, heroes go nuts for candy, and anything that can be turned sexy… will be sexy.
Halloween means something in different stages of our lives. When we’re kids, it’s a time of thrills and sugar, the one night of the year when our parents let us collect buckets of candy from strangers with no consequences. When we’re in our pre-teen angst phase, it’s a time of rebellion against society and the man, going against social norms and expressing our creativity (mostly angst-ridden) through heavier-than-normal makeup and excusable promiscuity. Now, in your late teens/early twenties and onward, you have a choice: 1) parties, parties, parties; or 2) horror movie marathon.
Now, I love Halloween parties. Correction: I haven’t been to much, but I’ve heard they can be great. But I’ve spent my fair share of time staying in on Halloween night with friends watching some classics, Janis-and-Damian-style (#MeanGirls). But I’m also not a big horror fan. So, over the years, I’ve compiled a list of movies that I feel gets me in the Halloween spirit without making me afraid to turn the lights off before I go to bed. And so, without further ado, it is my pleasure to present my list of films to get your feel-good spook on.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
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I know, what a cliché. But you know why it’s a cliché? Because this movie is awesome, that’s why. With this iconic seasonal film comes the age-old question: is it a Halloween movie, or a Christmas movie? I still don’t have an answer. But it’s a damn good movie for any time of year. The king of monsters wants to embody the Christmas spirit, a lesson that the world is not so simple as black/white, monstrous/good, dark/light; the humanity and heart are what make this film so relatable. Full of spooks, thrills, adventure, mischief, holiday spirit, and just the right amount of romance in the air. Let’s be honest, we’ve all harbored a little morbid crush on Jack Skellington, swooned a little at his devilish smile, our own deadened hearts skipping a beat when he saves Sally from Oogie.
- Hocus Pocus
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Another seasonal classic. You know Halloween is coming when every family-friendly channel starts airing this movie every night (at least in the United States). A hero embarks on a journey to save the town from witches who devour children to become immortal, all the while opening his heart and regaining his own sense of innocence. (And did you hear, the sequel is in the works! Finally Disney, after almost thirty years.) If you haven’t seen it, and you don’t want to be left out of all Hocus Pocus references, here’s a classic you don’t want to miss. And if you have seen it, enjoy the magic once again! Double, double toil and trouble, a pinch of love, a dash of adventure… and two hours of heartwarming fun.
- The Corpse Bride
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Following the Tim Burton flavor of films, The Corpse Bride puts the ‘fatal’ in ‘fatal attraction’. A shy man traverses the line between life and death to save the woman he loves, and a corpse looking to find love… what an epic! This film has all the elements: eerie forests, decaying corpses, ghost dogs, horrendous in-laws, and most importantly, heartbreak. The monsters are loveable, seemingly more human than the humans that are actually alive, which only adds to the drama and heartache. There is something romantic about a lost bride seeking love and acceptance, even after death. An unconventional love triangle with an inevitable end (or is it?), this film brings the laughs, the love, the tears… and maybe some costume ideas?
- Coraline
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Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel Coraline, this film explores the dark recesses of an Other World and what happens to children who stray from their family. Stop-motion animated characters and colorful scenery only add to this film’s eerie beauty and haunting enchantment, exploring the fantastical while delving into the dark realm of the monstrous Other Mother and her wicked needle that pokes at your face. On par with Stranger Things’ Upside Down and Alice in Wonderland’s Wonderland, Coraline’s Other World imitates the world we know… but adds its own twist, planting a seed of discomfort in our subconscious, so you never really know if the danger is over, even when the screen goes dark. Not really a movie for kids, but not so adult that you’ll have nightmares about it, this film really allows you to play with your imagination. Just pray you don’t dream about button eyes and spider hands…
- It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
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Although not really a film with its 25 minute run time, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is another holiday special adapted from the nostalgic comic strip “Peanuts”. I personally have a soft spot for Snoopy and the gang since the “Peanuts” animation shorts and comics were a big part of my childhood. It tells a story of misadventures whilst on the cusp of adulthood; a story about holding onto childish fantasies and believing in magic, navigating the world through imagination and creativity. Lore and legends, trick-or-treating and costumes, and the iconic moment when Snoopy pilots his own doghouse — you’ll be plunged into a world of nostalgia and childhood innocence for the entirety of this half hour special, and you’ll be so disappointed it’s over when the end credits roll.
If, this Halloween, you would rather watch monsters and mayhem than dress like one yourself, this list will hopefully satisfy your needs for a gentle night and warm you up amidst the Halloween chills. So shed your daytime clothes, slink into sweats and warm socks, pour some hot cocoa, and binge these iconic movies for the perfect amount of thrills and feels. No tricks, just treats for your soul.