Shows & Movies for the Halloween Spirit

As one of the most beloved holidays, Halloween is a day many entertainment-aficionados look forward to. The elaborate house decorations, coupled with the autumn weather and seasonal food, create a fantastically nostalgic atmosphere. To commemorate Halloween, here are some great nostalgic shows and movies to help you enjoy the spookiest time of the year.

“Halloweentown” (1998)

“Halloweentown,” directed by Duwayne Dunham, chronicles the lives of Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) and her siblings when they discover that they’re born from a family of witches. The movie is entertaining but also not unbearably corny (unlike countless other holiday-centric Disney productions) and definitely worth a watch. The score, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh—who also scored “Rugrats” (1998)—gives the movie a whimsical and magical touch. It’s a nostalgic and carefree Halloween movie that the whole family can enjoy.

“The Craft” (1996)

Directed by Andrew Fleming, “The Craft” is a fantasy/thriller film following four high schoolers who uncover a world of witchcraft. This movie features a slew of well-developed female characters, a stellar wardrobe that encapsulates ‘90s fashion, and an overall thrilling plot. It was the catalyst for various movie trends surrounding witches and witchcraft for years to come. It also incorporates teenage struggles alongside its exploration of the paranormal and occult, giving its supernatural story a note of relatability.

“The Addams Family” (1991)

There is much to admire about “The Addams Family,” directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Though it isn’t downright terrifying, its humor, Morticia and Wednesday Addams’s quick witted one-liners, and the gothic fashion make it a classic film to rewatch during the fall season.

“Goosebumps” (1995-1998)

Based on the best-selling book series, this anthology TV show still remains an integral part of an entire generation’s childhood. The camp and general weirdness of “Goosebumps” certainly make it memorable, and though not frightening now, the show’s strange and outdated stories are still a lot of fun.

“Are You Afraid Of The Dark?” (1990-1996)

Similar to “Goosebumps,” “Are You Afraid Of The Dark” is a horror anthology series where members of a secret organization, the “Midnight Society,” tell suspenseful ghost stories as they sit around a campfire. Its stories are consistently original and often fall closer to the thriller genre than straight horror. It’s essentially “The Twilight Zone” (1959-1964) but with more approachable episode concepts made to frighten younger audiences.

“My Bloody Valentine” (1981)

Directed by Geoge Mihalka, “My Bloody Valentine” is more than just a slasher film. It’s well written, with creative and genuinely repulsive special and practical effects. The movie is fast-paced and scenes are never drawn out enough to bore viewers. The film centers around a folktale where a murderer kills those who celebrate Valentine’s Day. To the characters’ surprise, the folktale turns out to be true. An ‘80s classic with some memorable and gory heart removals, “My Bloody Valentine”' is everything you would want a classic horror film to embody.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

One of the most classic Halloween movies––and a cult favorite––“The Nightmare Before Christmas” has a beautiful soundtrack and an immersive story, with a unique art style; it’s a quintessential family-friendly Halloween movie. Enough said.