By: Paige King
With Halloween fast approaching, finding the perfect movie for immersing yourself in the season can be just as important as choosing a costume. Whether you’re looking for nostalgic Halloween fun, gothic visuals or a genuinely terrifying slasher, these 3 movies have something for everyone.
Image Source: Disney
For a light-hearted, easily digestible watch I’d recommend “Hocus Pocus”, directed by Kenney Ortega. “Hocus Pocus” holds a special place in the hearts of Gen Z, as many of us grew up watching it on Disney Channel and ABC Family around the holiday. This movie definitely delivers on the nostalgia factor, and the story feels like a love letter to the Halloween of our childhood.
“Hocus Pocus” follows teenager Max Dennison on Halloween night after he accidentally resurrects the Sanderson sisters, 3 witches from centuries prior. With the help of his younger sister Dani, and new friend Allison, he must find a way to stop the Sandersons from achieving immortality before sunrise.
While “Hocus Pocus” may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it never fails to charm the audience with campy humor, nostalgic appeal, and over-the-top performances. The film has a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb, and a 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving itself to be a strong contender for your next Halloween movie night. You can stream Hocus Pocus on Disney+ or rent it through Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV
Image Source: Paramount+
For fans of the horror genre who like to be kept guessing until the very end, I’d recommend “Scream” (1996), directed by Wes Craven. “Scream” singlehandedly redefined the horror genre by combining terrifying scares with dark humor, as well as characters who are almost too self-aware. Whether you’re a long-time horror fan, or just looking for something to up your adrenaline, “Scream” is a must-watch.
“Scream” follows high school student Sidney Prescott and her friends as her tiny town Woodsboro is terrorized by Ghostface, a masked killer. These events occur 1 year after the brutal murder of Sidney’s mother, leaving Sidney to question everything she thought she knew about her death. As the attacks grow more and more personal, Sidney must figure out who is behind the mask before she herself becomes a victim.
“Scream” delivers plenty of suspense and horrific moments, but its clever writing and unexpected twists is what truly puts this movie over the top. The film holds a 7.4/10 rating on IMDb, and a 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes- solidifying itself as a horror classic. You can stream “Scream” on Paramount+, Hulu or Peacock, or rent it from Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
Image Source: Amazon
If you’re looking to lean into the gothic, dreamlike side of Halloween, I recommend that you watch “Sleepy Hollow” (1999), directed by Tim Burton. Tim Burton has delivered many Halloween classics like “The Corpse Bride”, “Beetlejuice” and “Frankenweenie”, however I’d argue that “Sleepy Hollow” stands-out among the other movies in his filmography. With its eerie atmosphere, haunting visuals and signature Burton aesthetic, the film perfectly captures the mysterious, spooky side of Halloween.
“Sleepy Hollow” follows Ichabod Crane, a New York Constable sent to the upstate village Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of mysterious murders. The townspeople claim the culprit is the fabled Headless Horseman, a folkloric figure said to ride through the night searching for new victims. As a skeptic, Ichabod sets out to uncover the truth through practicality, only to find himself caught-up in a chilling mystery that goes far deeper than the natural world.
What really makes “Sleepy Hollow” stand out is its striking visual features, which transforms the film into a gothic fairy-tale with foggy-forests, haunting scenery, and an uncanny appeal. While the film contains many bloody moments, its atmospheric storytelling and blend of mystery and horror make it an ideal pick for a spooky movie night. The film has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. You can stream “Sleepy Hollow” on Paramount+, or watch a censored version for free on Youtube with Ads. “Sleepy Hollow” is also available for renting on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
No matter what your movie preference is, these three movies capture every side to the Halloween season. Together, they constitute the perfect lineup for a Halloween movie marathon balancing campy charm, gothic mystery and classic slasher thrills. Regardless of your ideal level of fright, there’s a film to make your Halloween night a little more festive.
