Here are five movies to watch in October to get ready for Halloween:
1. “Halloweentown” series
- The “Halloweentown” series was released by Disney Channel between 1998 to 2006. There are four films in the series: “Halloweentown” (1998), “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge” (2001), “Halloweentown High” (2004), and “Return to Halloweentown” (2006). Each movie has received higher ratings than the last, making these films a story that keeps on getting better. The story takes place in a fictional town that continues to pull one family back and forth between Halloweentown and the real world. Throughout the series, viewers can watch actress Debbie Reynolds and Disney star Lucas Grabeel on screen.
“Halloweentown is the most iconic Halloween movie of all time,” said junior criminology major Zach Frame. “It’s a classic.”
2. “Hocus Pocus”
- “Hocus Pocus” came out in 1993 and is still known as one of the most popular movies to watch in October. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, three witches are the focus of this scary yet funny film set in Salem, Massachusetts. Last year was the 25th anniversary of “Hocus Pocus,” so Disney re-released it on Blu-ray and Digital HD. The latest release contains bloopers and deleted scenes as a special treat for viewers.
3. “The Addams Family”
- “The Addams Family” was based on a cartoon series created by Charles Addams. It was released in 1991 as a comedic Halloween film that became a box office hit immediately. The focus of the story is a quirky family that is trying to get back in touch with an old relative. However, the estranged brother has been plotting to steal the family’s wealth. The movie would end up winning an award for the best Halloween film produced in 1991, according to the Horror Hall of Fame. The film was part of a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination as well.
4. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
- “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” came out in 1966. The animated film was the third “Peanuts” comic special involving the iconic characters of Charlie, Sally and Snoopy. “Charlie Brown is so funny, and any movie with him in it is the best,” said freshman business management major Mike Moraschi. Charlie Brown remains one of the most well-known cartoon characters around the world, and this Halloween movie is another fall classic.
5. “Casper”
- “Casper” is a 1995 Halloween film that is filled with comedy. It is based on the cartoon character “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and was released in movie theaters by Universal Pictures. Later, a cartoon series would be released based on the movie. The success of “Casper” has lasted for decades, and it will always be a family classic.
“Casper is my favorite Halloween movie, because it is funny and a good movie to watch,” said freshman elementary education major Lindsey Stearn.
