The Rebellion’s Top Halloween Movie Picks

Rebecca Boyajian

October 17, 2016

Halloween Must Watches

Nearly as soon as a fall chill is in the air, people are in the full swing of a Halloween obsession, ready to fully submerse themselves into the vibes and traditions the holiday brings. Watching the films that have sculpted the way people feel and think about the holiday is a great way to get into the spirit. The selected films below are the bare essentials needed when constructing any halloween marathon.

★★Hocus Pocus

Director: Kenny Ortega

Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler. Omri Katz, Thora Birch

When the three Sanderson sisters, a vibrant witch trio comprised of bossy Winifred (Bette Midler), giddy Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) and the worrisome Kathy (Omri Katz), show up in Salem just in time for Halloween, three young locals take it upon themselves to put an end to their evil plans. Taking place in Salem and revolving around eccentric creepy witches, the film had all the makings to be a hit from the beginning and has proved to withstand the test of time due to its comedy and theatrics that reaches to all age demographics.

★★Coraline

Director: Henry Selick

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders

When a young girl named Coraline stumbles upon a portal that transports her into an exciting alternate universe where her “other parents” pamper and adore her, she has to make the decision whether to return home or remain in her new one; however, when things begin to take a dark shift, Coraline realizes her perfect world is not as it seems and the ability to leave is not fully in her control. The twisted plot of the film, which is brought to life by striking stop motion animation, grasps people’s attention and leaves them thinking, perfect for when in the mood for a haunting holiday flick. The story of the film is nightmarishly chilling without ever revealing itself as a scary film.

Beetlejuice

Director: Tim Burton

Cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis

Beetlejuice fits into the rare category of film where its comedy does not fade with time as the first view proves to be as equally hysterical as the hundredth. When two newly deceased honeymooners realize they are invisible to the world and trapped within the confines of their own home, they reach for outside help when trying to evict an unpleasant family from the house. The outside help comes from perhaps one of the crudest, most vulgar, yet oddly intriguing and hilarious characters of the movie realm, Beetlejuice. Quirky original characters compliment the bizarrely dark storyline and make it a must watch when looking to get into the Halloween spirit.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Director: Henry Selick

Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara

The Nightmare Before Christmas has acquired a cult-like fan following since its release in 1993. The film follows the beloved pumpkin king, Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon). Unlike where most highly regarded favorites can fall short of people’s expectations, those with a passion for either film, art or the holiday itself will surely not be disappointed if viewing the movie for the first time.

★★Halloweentown

Director: Duwayne Dunham

Cast: Kimberly J. Brown, Debbie Reynolds, Phillip Van Dyke

Halloweentown was produced in the time period when the Disney Channel produced classic movies with ease, and though people disregard the children’s channel, this movie gem truly captured the holiday’s vibes. Most people of an older age demographic have pre-established doubts of what a children’s network can produce, but this movie about a young girl and her grandmother who use their witch powers to save a town infused with halloween magic will only add a fun and thrilling addition to any holiday movie marathon.

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