5 Halloween Classics For Your Night In
By Jordan Crayton
This Halloween was supposed to be amazing. It falls on a Saturday, which leaves endless possibilities for what the weekend could hold. But, because of COVID, this year’s Halloween looks a bit different, since we aren’t able to do many of our normal activities. It has left me feeling a bit low in my usual Halloween spirit, and I’ve been desperate to find something to do while remaining safe. Here it is: grab your candy bags, and popcorn, because I’ve got five Halloween themed movies, perfect for your night in.
1. Halloween
This 1978 classic thriller is a perfect start to the night. Halloween is all about the murderous Michael Myers, and his plot to kill the residents in his small hometown. Many critics regard it as a top horror/slasher movie and give special praise to the performances of Jamie Lee Curtis and Daniel Pleasence. Halloween is everything that a scary movie should be. It’s suspenseful, chilling, and has jumpscares that will keep you on your toes.
2. Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus is another Halloween classic, but in a different way. This Disney movie is tamer than Carpenter’s Halloween, but still allows you to get into the spirit of the holiday. Hocus Pocus is goofy, cheesy, and full of great one-liners. With stellar performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the sinister Sanderson sisters, you are put in a good headspace to laugh and have a genuinely good time. Also, Midler’s rendition of “I Put a Spell on You” will be stuck in your head for days after the initial watch.
3. The Exorcist
The Exorcist, although not quite a Halloween movie, takes place on the holiday, so it remains all the same. Deemed ‘the greatest horror flick of all time’, and ‘the scariest movie of all time’, The Exorcist is not something to take lightly. Instead of jump scares and thrills, this classic is all about buildup, characterization, the increasing levels of fear. Many complain that as the years go by, the special effects look more and more dated, and that The Exorcist isn’t nearly as scary as it once was. Even so, it never fails to bring the intensity to Halloween night and will always give you a fright.
4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show isn’t a Halloween movie at all, but honestly, it might as well be. This cult favorite is over-the-top, gaudy, and fun, which is why it perfectly embodies the Halloween theme. The songs will get you on your feet, and you will have the best time dancing to “Time Warp” with your friends. The movie is confusing and weird (but in a good way), and never takes itself too seriously. Despite this, it tackles topics that are taboo in Hollywood like sex and androgyny. If you’re feeling super ambitious, you should dress up in costume for your watch, as many Rocky Horror fans do. Overall, The Rocky Horror Picture Show promises you a great time with all of its eccentricity, which is how it cements itself as a must-watch Halloween movie.
5. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is the most nostalgic Halloween movie if I’ve ever seen one. It’s so wholesome, and each scene will bring you back to your childhood. What’s even better is that it’s streaming for free on Apple TV from October 30 to November 1. Although streaming it won’t have the same effect as you scrambling to turn it on after you missed the first five minutes of the movie, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is guaranteed to make you feel good.
Even though Halloween won’t be the same this year, we can still try our best to celebrate the holiday without spreading the virus. These classics never fail to put me in the holiday spirit, and I hope they do the same for you. Happy Halloween everyone, and stay safe!