It is that time of the year again when friends gather together, sip various pumpkin-flavored beverages and inevitably, someone will say “Hey! Let’s throw on a scary movie!” For most, this idea is exciting, but for the weenies out there, this will make you shiver in your boots. Not to fear! Here is a list of five of the best Halloween movies that will get you in the fall spirit without soiling your pants during the watch.
With nowhere to turn, Brad and Janet seek help in the towering light of Frank N’ Furter’s castle. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios
5. ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ (Hulu)
Looking for a zany cult classic with no real plot? Well, you have found it. A movie musical surrounding two normal newly engaged young adults, Brad and Janet, who find themselves stranded on the side of the road on a dark stormy night. With nowhere to turn, they seek help in the towering light of Frank N’ Furter’s castle. Full of interesting characters and bright vibrant personalities, Brad and Janet navigate through their evening in the castle and learn things about themselves they never knew they held. With themes of sexuality, growth, acceptance, and overall campiness, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” steals the hearts of anyone who watches it.
“Rocky Horror” is one of those movies that you watch once and then devote your entire life to. It’s a full-body experience that entraps you within the world of the film within minutes. The chaos and lack of structure in the film enhance the experience. It is not something you need to sit and unpack. Just buckle in for the ride and enjoy it.
This cartoon classic is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Photo courtesy of United Feature Syndicate
4. ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (Apple TV+)
A childhood staple for many, written by Charles Schulz and directed by Bill Melendez, the 1966 cartoon “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is your classic holiday-themed Charlie Brown special. Watch the peanut gang trick or treat, Snoopy dive into the lore of the Red Baron, and ask yourself the never-ending question, “Will the Great Pumpkin show up this Halloween?” With endless quotable moments like “I got a rock,” this cartoon classic is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit!
For me, Autumn does not truly start until I have nestled into the couch with a pumpkin chai, and watched “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.” It is one of those cartoons that evokes nostalgia in the purest sense. There is nothing more cozy than the Vince Guaraldi score and the dancing visuals of the film. It is just the most perfect Fall cartoon.
"Coraline" still takes the cake among the top three animated movies that will leave you lying awake in the middle of the night and staring at the ceiling contemplating existence. Photo courtesy of LAIKA
3. ‘Coraline’ (MAX)
You already knew this one was coming. The animated film follows a young and curious Coraline as she travels through a door into an alternate dimension, where she finds a world that contains everything she has ever wanted. Everything seems perfect in this world beyond the trap door… or is it? “Coraline” is a stop-motion film that intricately uses everyday objects like buttons and ribbons, and perfectly melds it into a new world that sucks every viewer in. We become Coraline in a sense, as we are transported to this alternate dimension with bright colors and visions.
I will admit, “Coraline” still scares me a little. It is not in the horror genre whatsoever, but as a movie designed for kids, it still holds some serious creep-out factor to it. However, “Coraline” still takes the cake among the top three animated movies that will leave you lying awake in the middle of the night and staring at the ceiling contemplating existence.
"The Craft" follows Sarah, a teenage girl who has recently moved to California and meets a trio of teenage witches. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures
2. ‘The Craft’ (Hulu)
“The Craft” follows Sarah, a teenage girl who has recently moved to California and meets a trio of teenage witches. The witches quickly accept Sarah as their fourth, the final sector of their four corners. With Sarah in the coven, each of their powers grows stronger, however, they learn quickly that any spell they cast, will come back to them times three. An eclectic and beautiful take on a coming of age movie in the best whimsigoth fashion.
“The Craft” has a piece of my heart. It hits every sweet spot for me, witches, 90’s vampy costumes, lesbian undertones, and strong powerful women blazing their way through their society. Before the downfall of the coven, it also has strong themes of sisterhood and portrays a beautiful bond of women empowering each other and gaining strength through each other. Every single piece of this movie is beautifully crafted… and yes, I do relate heavily to Nancy Downs.
"Scream" has by far the best reveal of a killer in any slasher franchise. Photo courtesy of Dimension Films
1 . ‘Scream’ (MAX)
Ok ok, technically “Scream” counts as a horror movie. However, with the campy practical effects, lack of jump scares and comically bad kills, we are certain any scaredy cat can still handle “Scream.” “Scream” follows the small town of Woodsboro as a masked killer terrorizes the teens of the town. Watch as the teens, especially Sydney Prescott, survive the rampage of the masked killer and party their way through a town lockdown. “Scream” is filled with the most iconic slasher characters you can imagine and by far the best reveal of a killer in any slasher franchise.
“Scream” is the perfect movie. Period. It tops any slasher ever created by far; it is the pinnacle of Halloween to me. It is not Halloween until I’ve indulged in a marathon of every single “Scream” movie and subjected any friend who has yet to watch the franchise to join me. The kills are crafted in a way that makes your jaw drop every time, and the blend of classic slasher with 90’s comedy is completely unbeatable. If you have never seen “Scream,” you are missing the experience of a lifetime.
There you have it! The ultimate festive movie list that will get you ready for Halloween. While you are at it, try and expose yourself to some real horror too. Weenie.
