Best Movies to Watch to State Spooky Season

A sudden nip has reached the air and the leaves are in full swing of turning, signifying the undergoing of fall. And what better way to kick off autumn than with the assistance of some cinema to usher in the ghostly energy?

There is an assortment of movies that play during fall, but amongst such there are a few that work overtime to supply the annual spooky sensation.

1. "Hocus Pocus"

This is a staple Halloween movie that is routinely being played on Freeform’s "31 Days of Halloween." Accompanied by musical performances and a witchy wardrobe, this piece is the perfect encapsulation of the spooky season appeasable for all ages and audiences.

With iconic performances by Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, the feature follows teen Max Dennison as he must outwit the wrath of the Sanderson Sisters before they negatively impose on the small town of Salem.

Alongside a magical cat, his ambitious sister and his new “friend” Allison, the audience is invited to tag along in this wild adventure of spells and friendships. This is indeed a mandatory watch in the spooky rotation.

2. "Halloween"

Reeling in the classics, what better way to ask for something spooky than a piece that literally has "Halloween" in its name? Often coined as one of the most iconic films of the season, it taps into the true essence of fall and the level of spookiness that comes along with it.

After escaping the mental institution, the ludicrous Michael Myers is back on the streets of a small town in Illinois looking for vengeance from his past. Kickstarting Jamie Lee Curtis’s career as she takes on Laurie, we follow her as she escapes the murderous character.

A suspenseful, signature scene is Laurie’s initial sight of Myers as she looks out the window spotting him near the clothesline. Such not only accents the fall-immersed environment but also the eeriness and chills that can accompany such. "Halloween" is an iconic 70s horror movie that is a must-watch standard for October.

3. "Practical Magic"

A tale of sisterly love and the entanglement of love affairs, this film is a true welcoming of the witching season. With a soundtrack hosting artists such as Stevie Nicks and Faith Hill, it is a feature for all viewers looking to channel their inner witchy woman.

The film documents two sisters, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, as they accept their witch heritage in order to cover up an undoable deed they’ve committed, or so we think.

One can practically feel the rustle of the leaves and chilled breeze, embracing the viewer in the mysterious and devilish features of the spooky season.

4. "Jeepers Creepers"

Launching in the early 2000s, this picture tracks the story of two siblings who make an endangering and awe-striking discovery in the basement of an old church.

Soon, such a discovery snowballs into them having to escape the jaws of a mythological force that is driven to encapture them.

Although deemed cheesy, it is a perfect medium of the dramatized 90s horror films transitioning into that of the gory 2000s. It excesses a more thrilling aspect of the film and creates a suspenseful, demonizing feel with the initial introduction of the villain.

It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, as the mysterious creature embodies the true spirit of being sinister. Plus, to all the "Good Luck Charlie fans," Mrs. Dabney, Patricia Belcher, makes an appearance.

5. "Corpse Bride"

Often overshadowed by other popularized stop-motion animated classics like "Coraline" or "The Nightmare Before Christmas," this piece holds a strong caliber of spookiness.

With the same eerie essence, it dives into the complexities of the afterlife and the everlasting loneliness of corrupted love. And when Johnny Deep and Helena Bonham Carter are voice acting together, that’s when you know you’re in for a ghostly treat.

From haunted ghouls to jazzy skeletons, it takes on a playful approach to the spooky season while still holding true to a darkening Tim Burton signature touch.

6. "Halloweentown"

It’s only right that we pay homage to the revolutionary influence of Disney Original Movies on the Halloween scene. There is a wide range of DCOM films but one that stands out is that of "Halloweentown."

If you were a Disney Channel kid then you knew immediately once this started premiering it was officially time to welcome in the spooky season.

Following Marnie and her journey into witchhood, alongside her grandmother played by the notable Debbie Reynolds, the film is a silly celebration of all things Halloween.

Brooke Dougherty is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email bdc5364@psu.edu.