I’m the first to admit that I’m not the biggest fan of Halloween. I hate being scared — and I am very easily scared. But, because the pandemic is allowing me to really enjoy the small moments in life, I’m trying to embrace this season for all that it has to offer — pumpkin carving, salted-caramel treats, apple picking, and yes, even Halloween movies. If I’m going to watch Halloween-themed movies, I’m going to watch them on my terms, which means they aren’t scary. Let’s get started!
one | Hocus Pocus
My roommate and I just watched Hocus Pocus this weekend for the first time, and it’s one of my new favorite movies. The Sanderson sisters were hanged in Salem for being witches. Prior to their hanging, they cast a spell that ensured if a virgin lit the Black Flame, they would come back from the dead for one night, and one night only. Of course, 300 years later, a virgin comes along and lights the flame, and he, his little sister, and his new girlfriend must stop the Sanderson sisters from stealing the lives of the children in Salem. It’s just scary enough, but it’s mostly funny and entertaining. Stream it on Disney+
two | Twitches (One and Too)
If you’re a child of the 2000s, Twitches is a classic Halloween movie that is never to be missed. Alex and Camryn are twins blessed with magical powers from Coventry, but to protect them from the Darkness, their father sent them to Earth where they grew up apart. On their 21st birthday, they are reunited, and they must embrace their magic to defeat the Darkness and save Coventry. Stream it on Disney+
three | Halloweentown
Believe it or not, I’ve never seen Halloweentown! Marnie is part of a magical family, but she only finds out about her powers on her 13th birthday. She travels to Halloweentown with her grandmother, and she learns about all the amazing supernatural beings that live in the town. Not only does Marnie learn about her magical powers on this birthday, but she also learns about the fight her family is engaged in against an evil trying to take over the world and she must help stop it. Stream it on Disney+
four | The Nightmare Before Christmas
Jack Skellington is the king of Halloweentown, but when he becomes bored with the same old routine of Halloween, he decides he wants to be the king of other holidays. His plan starts with taking over Christmastown and kidnapping Santa Claus. Jack soon finds out that the holidays aren’t always greener on the other side. Stream it on Disney+
five | Practical Magic
The Owens sisters have avoided magic their entire lives, but when Gillian’s boyfriend, Jimmy, dies unexpectedly, the sisters take a crash-course in magic. In an attempt to find answers, the sisters try to bring Jimmy back to life, but instead, inject his corpse with an evil spirit that threatens to end their family line. Rent it on Amazon
six | Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone
I mentioned the book in my spooky book recommendations on Monday, but you can never go wrong with a Harry Potter marathon during the Halloween season. The first movie is perfect because you’ll be introduced to the wizarding world, meet the trio that started it all, watch the infamous troll scene, and be able to sleep without (hopefully) any nightmares of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Rent it on YouTube
seven | Ghostbusters
Peter, Raymond, and Egon are scientists at Columbia University. When they encounter a ghost in the New York Public Library, the dean fires them, and they start a new business hunting ghosts. Their business starts to boom, but all good things must hit a multidimensional snafu at some point. Rent it on Amazon
eight | Casper Meets Wendy
My favorite Halloween movie as a kid was Casper Meets Wendy. Wendy and her aunts sneak away to a resort that caters to the supernatural after gaining the attention of a nefarious warlock. While there, Wendy meets Casper, the friendly ghost, on vacation with his uncles. The two form an inseparable friendship, but will the evil warlock tear them apart. It’s such a fun movie that always reminds me of my childhood. And who can say no to a Hilary Duff movie? (I think you can Stream it on Youtube)
nine | Now You See It
Allyson Miller is determined to find the next best magician, and she thinks she’s found it with Danny Sinclair. The two compete in a magician contest in a creepy mansion, and mayhem ensues. Stream it on Disney+
ten | Coco
Coco is the cutest movie. Miguel’s family doesn’t do music, but he’s determined to be a star. When he strums a magical guitar and is transported to the Land of the Dead. He befriends Héctor, and the two embark on a mission to find out about Miguel’s family history. Stream it on Disney+
Happy watching,
Kimberly
