Best Halloween Movie
The Nightmare Before Christmas – Georgia Fink, Entertainment Editor
Although I am not a Halloween movie fanatic, one of my favorite movies to watch during the Halloween season is “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. Combining appealing stop motion animation and a creative idea to make a new and interesting story, it is a must-see Halloween watch. My favorite aspect of the movie, though, has to be the songs. Danny Elfman seamlessly blends together music with the Halloween spirit, allowing the movie to keep a spooky (but not scary) feeling. It is also perfect for those who want to get into the Christmas spirit right away, as Christmas is a major plot point throughout the movie. Thus, The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the best choices for anyone to watch on Halloween.
Beetlejuice – Abbey Wu, Entertainment Editor
When October rolls around, I’m always desperate to get into the fall spirit. I just love all of the typical fall activities: pumpkin carving, baking assorted pumpkin desserts, and putting up Halloween decorations. Nothing beats the nostalgic feeling of curling up under a warm blanket and putting on a Halloween movie. My go-to isn’t some horror classic or monster flick, it’s “Beetlejuice”. There’s something about the way it makes the absurd entertaining that’s so captivating. The movie’s universe is packed full of amusement. From ghosts with ridiculous personalities to an afterlife filled with long lines and paperwork to a slightly insane “bio-exorcist” who is both hilarious and terrifying, there is never a dull moment in the film. Tim Burton’s gothic but cheerful style makes each scene feel like you’ve stepped into Halloween, with a vibe that’s just a little bit strange. Unlike other seasonal films, Beetlejuice never tries too hard to scare. Instead, it leans into the fun side of the fall holiday. Every year, when I watch it, I notice new little details about the oddly intriguing set or uncover new layers of dark humor in the dialogue. It’s the perfect mix of spooky and comedic, never taking itself too seriously. To me, “Beetlejuice” is the kind of film that reminds you that Halloween is meant to be weird, funny, and a little bit chaotic, which is exactly why it’s the best.
Hocus Pocus – Ethan Stern, Copy and Managing Editor
In another life, where I was born in the mid-1980s, I would walk with my friends one summer night to the movie theaters on a Friday, on July 16, 1993, to be exact, and I would buy candy and popcorn and watch “Hocus Pocus”. It would be summer break, and I would walk out dissatisfied after watching what could possibly be the biggest flop of a movie. “I’m not even in the Halloween mood,” I would say, and “‘Jurassic Park’ takes the summer blockbuster spot anyway,” my friends would add. I would want my 90 minutes and 4 dollars back. However, I am not that Ethan. To present-day Ethan, “Hocus Pocus” is not a flop, but rather the inarguable, indisputable, incontestable beyond doubt, unquestionably best Halloween movie on the planet. Hocus Pocus originally came out early so as not to be overshadowed by “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, yet it was, to critics and viewers, a mess. But with consistent showings, it has inserted itself into so many Halloween traditions. Other than just a classic comfort watch, it’s a marker of a different time period. A time when kids could go and face these ridiculous problems as long as they were home by the time their parents checked on them. In Max Dennison’s case, when they were back from their adult party, and probably after the drinks wore off. From the outlandish plot to the immensely funny characters to the writing, this movie is pure comedy gold. However, other than just being enchanting with its humor, the somewhat historical backdrop behind the movie makes it even more entertaining. The Salem Witch Trials are featured in their 2022 sequel (30 years later and still magical, I know). Set against a nostalgic ‘90s backdrop and a star-studded cast, including Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the witches, the movie cemented itself as a Halloween favorite.
