Published October 1. 2024
BY AVERY PALSHAW
As autumn rages on and Halloween grows closer, many might be tempted to fall into the tradition of watching autumnal movies, the kind that require a knitted blanket, cold weather, fluffy socks and a cup of coffee to enjoy. In the spirit of Halloween and on behalf of its devoted enthusiasts, a highlight of the spookiest Halloween movies is only fair.
The trademark horror movies of Halloween are “Scream” and “Halloween,” but perhaps it’s time to become a little more innovative with Halloween horrors and add on to the obvious classics. For those looking for horror movies that will leave one closing their blinds, double-checking if they’ve locked their doors and hiding beneath their covers as if that will save them from any potential dangers, Ari Aster’s “Hereditary” (2018) and James Wan’s “The Conjuring” (2013) are must-watches. A highly underrated psychological horror is the 2015 Robert Eggers movie, “The Witch,” which is set in 1630 and captures the eerie myths of witchcraft in New England.
Not everyone is looking to be spooked this October, though, so some light-hearted movies might be more appealing. Most are familiar with the classic Halloween comedies, like the iconic “Hocus Pocus” or “Ghostbusters,” both of which are undoubtedly all-time favorites. However, it might be worth noting an unconventional autumnal watch. Just released in 2023 and directed by Nahnnatchka Khan, “Totally Killer” is an interesting spin on a horror and comedy, while also incorporating time travel, a murder mystery and Halloween. Could it get any better?
Now, for the lovers of Tim Burton and whatever other quirky stuff you people watch, the 1991 version of “The Addams Family” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” are great picks. And, yes, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is ironically a Halloween movie. For those looking to differentiate from these two textbook autumnal movies, Burton’s 2005 animated “The Corpse Bride” is a somewhat heartbreaking story that also encapsulates the otherworldly elements of the holiday, like life after death. “Coraline,” a Burton work from 2009, though not technically a Halloween movie, has a spine-chilling darkness about it that is intriguing and truly unlike any other movie.
When deciding what to watch this October with the comfort of a warm sweater or a pumpkin chai tea latte, take into consideration these wicked movies, for they may bear both tricks and treats.
