October is upon us, and nothing says autumn more than cozying up with a warm blanket and watching a classic Halloween movie. The following list of suggestions, while incomprehensive, is a great start to a cinematic Halloween season.   

A nostalgic childhood favorite for many, the Halloweentown movies, are a must watch when the leaves start to change. These Disney Channel Original movies are a fan favorite for Halloween, but if you have never watched them, the film series follows Halloween-loving Marnie, her skeptical, rule-following brother Dylan, and their shy but endearing younger sister Sophie as they follow their grandmother into the magical world of Halloweentown. The sibling crew discovers infamous spooky creatures such as werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and more as they explore Halloweentown and embark on a mission to rescue the town from a looming curse. There are four movies in all, making it the perfect nostalgic series to binge for a family-friendly movie night.    

Another unforgettable and equally as beloved movie is the one and only, Hocus Pocus. This 90’s classic is another Disney Channel Original and lives on as a favorite of many. Hocus Pocus follows Max and his sister Dani as they move to Salem and accidentally awaken three eccentric witches bent on stealing the souls of children in order to obtain immortality. Hocus Pocus is equal parts comedic, whimsical, and spooky and makes for an excellent double feature movie night, as the sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, has just been released at the end of September. Arriving 29 years after the original, the sequel retains several members of the original cast, notably the famous Sanderson sisters and will take place back in Salem.   

Looking for something a little more ghostly? Try Casper, the familiar friendly ghost. Another 90’s masterpiece, this film follows single-dad Dr. Harvey and his willful daughter Kat as they move into an old manor and encounter a friendly presence in the form of a charming ghost, Casper. Perfect for when you are feeling sentimental about the magic of childhood, this family-friendly film is sure to get you in the mood for the upcoming spooky season. Throw this movie on in the background of a Halloween party or settle in with a bowl of popcorn and try not to let the 90’s CGI scare you too much.   

Maybe you are craving something a little more off-the-wall. If bizarre costumes, memorable characters, and great old music are more your speed, then Beetlejuice is your movie. Beetlejuice is an iconic Halloween movie complete with eccentric architecture, hairstyles, and humor. This zany film focuses on the less popular side of haunting, that of ghosts. It follows Barbara and Adam as they try to eject the peculiar family that moves into their house after a car accident leaves them navigating the bureaucratic nightmare of life after death. There is no succinct way to describe the experience that is watching this movie, but it is safe to say that if it is your first time, be prepared for some strange happenings and increasingly unusual outfits.   

A last suggestion involves a whimsical small town full of potions, spells, and a lingering familial curse. Practical Magic follows two witch sisters as they navigate family drama, messy love-lives, and small-town gossip. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman shine in this magical film that humorously highlights the unique experience of sisterhood. The overall vibes of this movie are perfect for those rainy autumn days where motivation is hard to come by. If you have not already seen this feel-good favorite, give it a try! It makes for a fantastic addition to a Halloween movie watch list.   

Any one of these films would make for a wonderfully spooky movie night. If you are feeling crazy, you could even grab your friends and some popcorn and have a marathon. If this list feels woefully short to you it is because there are far too many great Halloween movies to list in one place. So, if your favorite is not included, do not worry, any Halloween movie that you love is perfect for a movie night. However, if you have not seen one or more of these classics, give them a try because you are surely missing out on some spooktacular fun! 

Gabrielle Bossart is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].