By Romy Haddad

Many of our students have plans for Halloween already, such as attending the Halloween party hosted by the Year 6 class. However, I am sure that a lot of us would rather stay at home and watch a movie. So here are some recommendations that would help you settle in the Halloween mood! Whether you prefer laughter, mystery, or a light scare, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with blankets, snacks, and maybe even a pumpkin or two!

1) The Halloween Movie: Hocus Pocus (1993)

Three witches are resurrected in modern-day Salem, and it’s up to a group of kids (and one very funny cat) to stop them. Cheesy, campy, and endlessly quotable, basically Halloween in movie form. If you have never watched it, this is your chance! A classic movie full of nostalgia. 

2) Practical Magic (1998)

Two witch sisters deal with love, curses, and family drama. Think “witchy self-care” with a romantic twist, spooky enough to feel seasonal but warm enough to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa. You’ll definitely want to drink cider and move to a seaside town after this!

3) The Addams Family (1991)

Dark humour done right. It’s clever, and somehow family-friendly. Morticia Addams basically invented goth glamour. Also, it serves as a reminder that being weird is actually kind of awesome. Long story short, embrace your weird-ness!

4) Coraline (2009) 

Very popular nowadays, and surely most of you have heard of it or even watched it; a girl discovers a parallel world that seems perfect, until it takes a creepy turn. Stunning animation and a story that’s eerie, imaginative, and just the right amount of spooky for a cozy night in.

5) Ghostbusters (1984)

Four quirky scientists become ghost-catching heroes in New York. Funny, a lot of action, and packed with supernatural charm, which is perfect for laughs without nightmares!

6) Beetlejuice (1988)

A chaotic ghost wreaks havoc in a haunted house. Ridiculous, darkly funny, and visually wild. And Winona Ryder’s outfits are to die for (no pun intended)!

7) Hubie Halloween (2020)

Adam Sandler plays an awkward but lovable town hero trying to save Halloween. Silly, light-hearted, and perfect for a chill night in.

8) Scream (1996)

Trendy, but scarier than the previous suggestions, as a mysterious killer terrorizes a small town while mocking horror movie clichés. Only cozy if you enjoy horror movies, so best watched with lights dimmed and snacks at the ready…if you can handle the jump scares!

9) The Babysitter (2017)

A dark comedy about a kid who discovers his babysitter is part of a satanic cult. Funny, gory (but not too scary), and surprisingly bingeable.

10) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, tries to take over Christmas with predictably messy results. Gorgeous music, whimsical Tim Burton visuals, and Halloween-meets-Christmas charm.