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Top 6 Movies to Get You in the Halloween Spirit

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at USFSP chapter.

Listen up, witches. Halloween is right around the corner, which means before you know it, you’ll be dressing up in that perfect costume and attending one of the spooktacular parties downtown. Or maybe you’ll be staying in with your girls and serving up some wickedly good treats. Regardless of how you’ll spend All Hallows’ Eve, make time to watch these classic movies: From Disney to Slasher, that are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Casper

For those of us who don’t like the gore of horror flicks, what’s better than watching a young girl and her best friend, who happens to be the cutest ghost of all time? Casper is a classic that we all remember from our childhood, and nothing is better for destressing after midterms than feeling like you’re six years old again. Grab that bowl of Halloween treats and cuddle up with your best friend, and watch the sweet adventure unfold.

Nightmare Before Christmas

For me, nothing sounds better than a movie that mixes the darkness of Halloween with the bright, warm spirit of Christmas. This movie is perfect, whether you’re someone who loves Halloween or someone who has a countdown to Christmas on their phone year after year. There’s a certain “coming of age” feel to this movie, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with Jack by the end of it, even if he does attempt to ruin Santa’s holiday.

Halloweentown

The best Disney movie that has ever been made — let’s be honest. We’ll even forgive them for replacing Marnie in the last film and expecting us not to notice. This movie has everything that we love: magic, witches, and a mysterious and exciting world that is different from our own. Make sure you’re comfortable on the couch or in bed while watching because you’re guaranteed to have a wild ride.

Nightmare on Elm Street

It was only a matter of time until we got to the “bloody” good movies to watch for Halloween (I promise that’s the last pun). It felt wrong to make a list and not add Freddy, and the last thing I wanted was for him to appear in my dreams as payback. You may not be sleeping after watching this movie, but that only leaves more time for you to finish munching on your Halloween candy before your roommates get into it. Oh, and did I mention a young Johnny Depp is in it?

Hocus Pocus

Another movie that I watch every year, whether it’s October or not. The Sanderson sisters are the funniest witches you will ever meet, but they’ve got the power to be the scariest as well. This movie has it all: the singing, the witches, the love story and the cutest cat to ever star in a Halloween movie. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, cancel your plans for the night, grab your favorite candy and don’t move until you have.

Halloween

I have to be honest, this is the movie I’ll be watching on Halloween, just as I have for the past five years. Shout-out to AMC for playing an entire Halloween marathon, starting on the 30th of October. No Halloween is complete without watching this movie, and if you’re asking yourself why, refer back to the title. It’s the ultimate classic, and if you’re into the thrill that comes from watching horror movies, be sure to put this at the top of your list. And we promise not to laugh if you cover your eyes (we’ve all been there).

HCXOXO,

Anna Welch

Anna Welch is a senior at USFSP and is majoring in Mass Communications, with a minor in Psychology. She loves to write, listen to music, and watch horror films. Every October, you can find her preparing for her annual trip to Halloween Horror Nights. When she isn't busy listening to music or going to the beach with friends, she's spending her time cuddling with her miniature dachshund (wiener dog), Bella. After graduating from USFSP, she plans to work for a newspaper and help make a change in communities.
A Mass Communications Major with a passion for inspiring others.