Spooktacular Comfort Movies for a Cozy Halloween Night

October is here, which means the Halloween season is already approaching us. Everyone has distinct traditions they participate in during this time: trick-or-treating with friends, attending Halloween parties and events, and, undeniably, watching movies to get into the Halloween spirit. Most people can agree that there are specific movies that fully immerse them in the season, no matter the genre. Individual preferences mean everyone has a different favorite comfort Halloween movie.

Certain selections are favored as timeless childhood classics. Namely, movies like Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice provide a throwback to Halloween in the 90s, making them a time capsule for teens and adults alike. “I really like these kinds of movies; they give me a nostalgic feeling,” says junior Kasey Robiour. 

There are also animated films, such as Coraline and Corpse Bride, where the cinematic visuals and dark themes complement the Halloween atmosphere. A controversial pick in this category is The Nightmare Before Christmas because some people are convinced it’s a Halloween movie, while others prefer to watch it around Christmastime. The divisiveness about when to watch the movie adds to the unique charm of being able to discuss it seasonally.

Perhaps the most intuitive style of movie that comes to mind around Halloween is horror. Films like Insidious, The Babadook, and Barbarian are sure to be popular with audiences fond of the horror genre. Specifically, The Conjuring movie series is one that people come back to every year. 

“I like how they’re based on a true story,” states senior Sabrina Chile. “It feels scarier.” 

Another hit franchise is Scream, with six movies and a new installment on the way. The Terrifier series is also in demand, although some people consider it too gory for their taste. 

With this in mind, some Falcons prefer classic horror movies like the original 1990 It and Nightmare on Elm Street. Specifically, the Kubrick classic The Shining endures the test of time as a Halloween season essential. 

“The movie is really well-made, which means it’s still good even when you watch it now,” says senior Giselle Lazo. It’s a testament to the quality of these timeless movies that they’ve remained staples through the generations, and will hopefully continue on this path.

Many movies have developed a cult-classic status that makes them seasonal favorites; notably, the Scary Movie franchise and the 2019 thriller Ma. The latter film has seen a recent resurgence due to clips trending on social media. Reactions are mixed; audiences see it as an unintentional comedy, in part due to Octavia Spencer’s committed performance as the over-the-top character of Ma. 

Regardless of what films the Falcons choose to watch during the Halloween or scary season, we can confidently assert that they all provide a sense of comfort unique to each individual.