As Halloween approaches, there is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than by curling up with a mix of spooky and lighthearted films. Here are six movies that capture the excitement for the season and celebrate the joy of Halloween!
The Nightmare Before Christmas:
The beloved Tim Burton film, The Nightmare Before Christmas is famous for its unique and whimsical animation style. This movie tells the story of the skeleton, Jack Skellington from “Halloween Town” who opens up a portal to “Christmas Town”, attempting to bring Christmas to his home. Not only is this a perfect watch for Halloween, it also allows for excitement for the holiday season! While JCHS student Mya Cornet expresses she loves all of Tim Burton’s films, “The Nightmare Before Christmas holds a special place in my heart because it is a movie that can be watched around Halloween or Christmas.” Cornet was also inspired by Jack as “although he failed at his goal, he still made the effort to become something else entirely.” His change in character reminded Cornet of her “favorite Christmas movie, The Grinch.” The film is also known for featuring the iconic festive song, “This is Halloween” by Danny Elfman!
photo courtesy of IMDB
Coraline:
photo courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes
JCHS Senior Calista Varjian describes the film Coraline, created by Neil Gaiman and Henry Selick as the “best animated movie”. The film is about a young girl who discovers an alternative world that at first seems perfect but is later revealed to be frightening. Coraline fans have suggested hidden, deeper meanings behind the characters and plot. Varjian says, “I love the conspiracy theories about it and how the audience interprets the movie.” Coraline is loved for its engaging storyline that flawlessly balances fantasy and horror. While not explicitly tied to Halloween, the dark and eerie setting aligns with the spooky vibe of the holiday, making it a great choice to watch during the fall season!
Twitches:
photo courtesy of wikipedia
The 2005 Disney original movie, Twitches is about two sisters, Alex and Camryn who were separated at birth and adopted by different families. On their 21st birthdays they discover that not only are they sisters but are also powerful witches. JCHS student Sherlynn Aracena considers Twitches a “nostalgic” film as she “watched it on repeat as a child.” She expresses how she loved unraveling the interesting plot by “seeing the strong dynamic between the two sisters who started out as complete strangers.” Aracena found it encouraging how “although one had a difficult upbringing while the other had an easier one, they put their differences aside and connected as if they were day ones.” Clearly, Twitches includes many heartwarming, family-friendly moments, making it a fun option if you are looking for a lighthearted yet suspenseful Halloween movie!
Hocus Pocus:
photo courtesy of Disney
Hocus Pocus created by David Kirschner is a Halloween themed comedy about three wicked witches, the Sanderson sisters who are resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night. Senior at JCHS, Salma Chbihi describes the film as a “classic” that makes her “so happy.” Chbihi cheerfully says, “Hocus Pocus always gets me in the Halloween vibe.” Due to taking place on the day of the holiday, the film fully captures the festive atmosphere of Halloween with the costumes, trick-or-treating and supernatural events. The witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are highly memorable characters due to their humorous and dramatic personalities. Hocus Pocus has been turned into a timeless, family-centered movie that viewers return to year after year!
Edward Scissorhands:
photo courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes
Edward Scissorhands, directed by Tim Burton, is about an artificial man named Edward who has scissor blades for hands. He was created by an inventor and was left unfinished when the inventor died. Edward lives alone in a gothic mansion until a suburban woman named Peg discovers him and takes him into her home. The movie stars famous actors Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder. JCHS student, Annabella Grosso enjoyed the film for “the aesthetic as well as the cool contrast of a suburban life with Edward’s freakish character and upbringing”. Edward Scissorhands shares the message not to judge a book by its cover and reveals that society wrongly judges those who do not fit in. Though Edward Scissorhands isn’t a traditional Halloween movie, the gothic vibe and darker visuals have a spooky appeal that resonates with the season.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown:
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is an animated TV special based on Charles M. Schulz’s classic comic strip, Peanuts. The film follows Linus who believes in a mythical figure named the Great Pumpkin who delivers gifts to children on Halloween night. While Linus waits for The Great Pumpkin, his friends Charlie Brown and Snoopy celebrate Halloween. Senior at JCHS, Nicolette Lissenden enjoys putting on the special every year as she says, “I love to watch it with my little siblings. It makes me feel cozy and happy.” Lissenden also finds the character Lucy to be “very iconic.” This special is beloved for the heartwarming and nostalgic take on childhood Halloween traditions. If you are looking to watch a timeless Halloween film that feels comforting and innocent, this is a must-watch!
These six films are sure to bring a smile to your face and set the perfect mood for the season. So, grab your favorite snacks, cozy up, and let the Halloween magic begin!
