Halloween Watches for the Faint-Hearted
Hocus Pocus (1993)
One Halloween night, the Candle of Black Flame is lit, bringing the Sanderson sisters back to life. From three centuries ago and played by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker, the witches are back to exact revenge. Set against the now-nostalgic backdrop of the 90s fall, Hocus Pocus is a pillar of Halloween films for all ages. Reigning prince of Halloween, director Kenny Ortega utilises practical effects to allow Hocus Pocus to be more fun than scary. If nothing else, check it out in anticipation of the new Hocus Pocus 2.
Scooby-Doo (2002)
One of the most well-executed film adaptations in recent memory, James Gunn’s 2002 Scooby-Doo captures the essence of the original cartoon show. Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby are formerly known as Mystery Inc and have gone their separate ways. However, when a series of strange things occur on the appropriately named Spooky Island, the gang have to regroup and get to the bottom of it. With an all star cast, Scooby-Doo is a barrel of laughs that you can turn your brain off for.
The Addams Family (1991)
For a family of cultural icons, the 1991 film is the best of the Addams Family. A man claiming to be long-lost brother Fester Addams arrives on the Addams’ doorstep. Things are not as they seem, and the all together ooky family get up to their trademark shenanigans. Christina Ricci as Wednesday Addams is a stroke of genius, Morticia and Gomez are the one of the most supportive, healthy married couples to ever grace the screen. Major bonus points for Addams Family Values (1991) as a November follow up.
Practical Magic (1998)
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman lead the way as cursed sisters with magic in their blood. As quintessential polar opposites, Sally and Gillian Owens are faced with a curse that kills any man they fall in love with. Think Fried Green Tomatoes, think Goodbye Earl, think no body no crime (feat. HAIM). Sure, Practical Magic is about candles, witches, and exorcisms, but the heart of the film is sisterhood.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)
Everybody’s favourite man and his dog get their first feature length film. When a mysterious figure poses a threat to the village’s annual giant vegetable growing competition, Wallace and Gromit are tasked with getting to the bottom of it, leading to where you least expect. As you can imagine, the stakes are relatively low, but I can’t recommend it enough. I hope nobody thinks they're too old for the most wholesome franchise in claymation, but I’ll remind you that Wallace and Gromit is for everyone. Personally, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit’s value is aided by nostalgia, but the charm of these dudes speaks for itself.
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
Keeping it short and sweet, the Peanuts Halloween special is one of the greats. A fun, cosy story that allows you to lean into nostalgia. The gang partake in the holiday through trick-or-treating, dressing up, and carving jack-o-lanterns. This Charlie Brown classic is one you can play in the background as the plot is light, but the vibes are strong.
E.T (1982)
When gathering specimens on Earth, an alien spaceship leaves behind one of their own. Dubbed ‘E.T’, the alien and ten-year-old Elliott stumble across each other, sparking a friendship for the ages. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll crave Reese’s pieces. Stephen Spielberg made E.T between Indiana Jones films and based it on an imaginary childhood friend he made when his parents were getting a divorce. Led by child actor Henry Thomas, who’s audition immediately landed him the part, E.T was also part of the beginning of Drew Barrymore’s onscreen career, at only six years old. E.T has made its home in the hearts of everyone who's seen it in the generations since.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Based on the stage musical, which in turn is based on the 1960 film, Little Shop of Horrors is a cautionary take on Jack and the Beanstalk. Seymour Krelborn shoots for success and romance and buys what turns out to be a bloodthirsty plant. Every song is an earworm in its own right, but you’re most likely to recognise Suddenly Seymour. The puppetry of Frank Oz is gorgeous and bewildering, even now. Personally, I would recommend the Director’s Cut, which includes the stage show’s original ending.