Magical Movies to Get You in a Halloween Mood
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That’s right, it’s not fall anymore, it’s Halloween season! As soon as the nighttime temperatures start to dip into the 60’s or 70’s here in Tucson, I get that Halloween movie itch. Over the years, I’ve come up with my own personal roster of Halloween movies that have that special spooky something. Check it out and then let me know in the comments below if I missed your favorite!
Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
Now, you could certainly argue that any of the Harry Potter movies are meant for Halloween-time, and I wouldn’t fight you. However, Prisoner of Azkaban is my personal favorite and I think the most fitting for this time. Lots of pumpkins, spooky mist and spiders – what more can you ask for?
Hocus Pocus
A classic really, and anyone would be a fool to skip it. The rendition of I Put A Spell On You from this movie is unforgettable. Oh, and what a time capsule of excellent 90’s fashion. Enjoy this one more than once over the next month! It’s the most Halloween-y of Halloween movies.
Beetlejuice
What’s not to love here with Beetlejuice: young Winona Ryder, the eponymous theme music, ridiculous wisecracks from the man himself. I actually hadn’t seen Beetlejuice until 4 or 5 years ago, but I’m a convert. I love this one and regularly listen to the soundtrack. Gotta love a Tim Burton/Danny Elfman masterpiece.
Practical Magic
This was another late discovery for me, but what a fantastic movie. It plays like a classic 90’s rom-com but with all the spooky scary edge you need to make it perfect for Halloween. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend it. Plus, can I just live in that house? Or better yet, let me just be Sandra Bullock in this movie. That works.
Sleepy Hollow
Another excellently spooky movie with a stellar cast – Christina Ricci, Michelle Pfeiffer, Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken among others. I’m haunted by those pointy teeth… Also this film’s music is by Danny Elfman, who pretty much has cornered the market on perfect Halloween-esque scores. Which leads us to…
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Yes! I will be fair and say I really consider it more of a Christmas movie, but I grew up with this one. It’s got excellent music that I can listen to year round. Plus, now you can get a little bit of the Nightmare experience at Disneyland all the way through the end of Christmas time.
The Addams Family
Is there a better Morticia and Gomez than Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia? I don’t think so. These two bring this movie to life and of course a full cast of fantastic supporting characters just make this irresistible. I’m tempted to include the sequel on this list as well, but this one is a true winner. Don’t miss it!
Did your favorite movie make my list? As you might have guessed, I’m not a big scary movie person (much to my husband’s dismay). I have a Halloween playlist coming soon, too, for all your spooky needs. If you have a favorite that you didn’t see here, comment below! I’m always looking for new Halloween movies to watch. Otherwise, it’s just a month long loop of Harry Potter. No complaints here!
