When September started wrapping up, New York decided that autumn was HERE! After all the excitement of summer, I find myself preparing to hibernate and recuperate. And one of the best parts of spooky season is the things we get to watch! Below, I’ll list some of my favorite autumn/Halloween movies. I’ll definitely miss some, so I hope you share yours, too!
Must watch every year:
You’ve Got Mail: To start off with a zero on the spooky scale, although I take issue with a handful of things in this film, it never fails to bring a tear to my eye and encapsulate the magic of autumn in New York-and NYC’s small businesses and fighting spirit-perfectly.
The Halloweentown movies: If you don’t know, there are 4, and they are all devastatingly fun and whimsical and nostalgic.
Twitches: Twin. Witches. Of course, this little franchise spans two films. I remember reading many of the books in this series (yes, they were books first!) because of the movies, and I loved both mediums for different reasons. The more witches, the better honestly.
Over the Garden Wall: Yeah, I won’t shut up about this. Why should I?! It deserves all the love for its distinct, unique style of animation, story, music, and more.
Hocus Pocus: Classic doesn’t even begin to cover it. The world of this movie is so specific-somehow balancing the hilarious and the eerie to utter perfection. I might even give the sequel another go.
Corpse Bride: This is my favorite Tim Burton film that I’ve seen. Maybe it’s the sullen vibe, the music, or the general look & color scheme, but this one has had my heart since the very first time I saw it. The butterflies!
The Addams Family (1990s): I mean, c’mon! Never has a family of weirdos been more lovable & winning. And “Wednesday” the series feels like the darker daughter of this branch of the franchise. So… “Wednesday” is the Wednesday of the Addams Family. Yeah, I might have to rewatch that too.
Practical Magic: In greater need of connection with the powerful femme energy within & around me, last year, I turned hardcore to this movie, which I couldn’t particularly remember having watched all the way through before. It is as emotionally palpable, as joyful, as heartbreaking & healing as anything, tied up in a movie that is yes, about witches-but also about the sacredness of sisterhood and community.
Jennifer’s Body: And on that note, this is a holy text of the bisexual population. Treat it with reverence and care.
The Mummy: Oh look, another holy text appears! And this one comes with a sequel with wack CGI!! (We still love it.)
Twilight: No explanation needed. (How did we get heeere?)
Scream: After watching all of the films with my friends last year, I’ve decided that 1 through 3 are my jam. But I also enjoyed the most recent one! Maybe because Jenna Ortega is fantastic as always. (Fun fact - Jenna Ortega was also in “Over the Garden Wall.” Do you know which episode?)
What I’m actively watching:
Agatha All Along: There are precious other currently airing series that I am keeping up with as diligently as “Agatha.” The runner up would probably be “Bake Off.”
What I’m going to watch, I hope:
Death Becomes Her: Starting off with an oldie! A musical adaptation is coming to Broadway soon?! I’ve been meaning to watch this one for a while, and that is the perfect reason for me to jump on it. The vibe I’m getting is that of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit,” which was my very first Broadway show (with Angela Lansbury starring, no less!).
The Cabin in the Woods: It’s mayhaps my partner’s favorite horror movie. I’m scared.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Another partner request. Not my favorite (see “Corpse Bride”), but one I still enjoy! A bestie and I saw it last year in theaters for the 30th anniversary!
Coraline: Is it still in theaters? Partner dear has not seen it, so it’s on the list! I remember enjoying the book and seeing the movie shortly after. Style out the wazoo!
Get Out: I loved “Us” and still haven’t seen “Get Out”! Seeking to right this wrong.
X and Pearl: Again, I saw “MaXXXine” in theaters because I knew that was the space I wanted to see it in most, and now I gotta play catch up.
Bodies Bodies Bodies: One I have seen, but maybe partner has not. I remember laughing out loud and cringing a bunch during this movie. Wish I could see it for the first time in a theater with strangers again (such fun for horror & thrillers), but I’ll settle for a home viewing.
My Interview with the Vampire: Never seen it, never read it, been getting lots of urgent requests to watch this newest screen adaptation!
Scooby-Doo: The live action ones, obviously. Haven’t seen these in forever and that must change. Perfect casting.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children: I’ve seen bits and pieces. Truly, Eva Green’s entire filmography should be on here and I’m okay with that.
Ready or Not: This came out around the same time as “Knives Out,” and I maintain that for me, “Ready or Not” reigns superior. It’s clever, it’s twisted, it’s fresh. The image alone of a bride wearing bullets and wielding a shotgun is chef’s kiss.
Coco: And to wrap up our semi-exhaustive list of spooks, a beautiful film that is more heartfelt than heartracing. “Coco” is my favorite Pixar movie, and I’m looking forward to quietly (or not-so quietly) crying throughout it again soon.
Happy October & happy spooky season to all who celebrate! And if you don’t, may you be cozy & kind all the same ♡
Comentarios