Having a cozy night in during the month of October calls for a living room movie theater, and the best way to celebrate the annual holiday is by watching the most cozy and nostalgic movies.
According to YouGov, approximately 45-46% of Americans dislike or hate horror movies, making it not always the best way to celebrate the spooky time of year. This causes questions to come up on what to watch when being scared isn’t an idea of fun. This list includes five of the best Halloween movies that will bring the autumn, pumpkins,\ and childhood nostalgia that is expected during the fall.
In fifth place, the classic, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” (1966) takes the spot. This classic, “Peanuts,” story focuses on Linus and his touching faith in the Great Pumpkin. When Linus discovers that no one else believes in the creature, he sets out to prove them wrong and that the pumpkin is no myth by spending the night alone in a pumpkin patch. This movie is the heart of Halloween and gives the viewer the fuzzy warmth of nostalgia. Instead of jumpscares or elaborate costumes, it shows kids doing what Halloween used to be about such as trick-or-treating in pillowcases and paper masks, bobbing for apples and laughing under the autumn moon making it simply pure, wholesome and paints Halloween in the most heartfelt way. This is a great movie that will bring seasonal comfort to the holiday instead of just the spooky scares.
Coming in the fourth spot is the Tim Burton classic, “Corpse Bride,” (2005). This movie highlights Victor and Victoria and how their families arranged for the two to be married. Although they like each other, Victor is nervous about the ceremony. While he is in the forest practicing his lines for the wedding, he comes across a tree branch that becomes a hand that drags him to the land of the dead. The hand belongs to Emily, who was murdered after eloping with the love of her life and now wants to marry Victor. Then Victor is faced with the challenge of getting back aboveground before Victoria marries the villainous Barkis Bittern. This film is one that brings the melancholic and romantic vibe to the bittersweet, whimsical energy of Halloween. Instead of death being used as a scare tactic, Corpse Bride turns it into something poetic and vibrant. The colorful land of the dead makes you appreciate Halloween as a time to find wonder in the eerie shadows of the holiday.
Taking the third place spot is, “Ghostbusters,” (1984). This film is about members of a scientist team after they lose their comfortable jobs at a university in New York City. The team decides that they want to become, “Ghostbusters,” to wage a high-tech battle with the supernatural for money. On their journey they stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, a doorway that will unleash evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters now must save the city from complete destruction. This film brings a different aspect to the nostalgia of Halloween. “Ghostbusters” brings a fun and lively side to the holiday by blending weird science, humor and adventure with the supernatural. Halloween usually brings the lurking idea of ghosts and ghouls, but Ghostbusters flips that fear into something fun and enjoyable. This movie invites the viewer to laugh with the ghosts instead of running from them, reminding the audience that Halloween can be about curiosity and excitement instead of fright.
In second place is another Tim Burton film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” (1993). This film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the annual routine of his holiday. One day, he comes across Christmastown and finds a newfound purpose for himself. He then tries to hijack the jolly holiday by kidnapping Santa and taking over his role, however his plans go awry. This film is the perfect bridge between Halloween and Christmas. This nostalgic film embodies the spirit of Halloween through imagination. Jack’s yearning for meaning while still loving his world mirrors how many feel about the holiday as Halloween allows people to wonder. It brings October to life making it the perfect watch during the season.
Lastly, in first place is the 90s classic, “Hocus Pocus,” (1993). This final film follows teenager Max Dennison who recently moved to Salem. Max explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani and their friend Allison. The group ends up accidentally freeing a coven of evil witches who used to live in the abandoned house. Now with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book before they become immortal. This film encapsulates the memory of Halloween as it opens with foggy Salem streets, black cats and kids in costumes allowing the audience to remember the thrill of walking into the crisp air with a pillowcase filled to the brim with candy. This movie is cozy, mischievous and timeless incorporating all the factors of the Halloween holiday.