By Crow’s Nest Staff
Halloween is here again, and that means it’s time to break out the candy corn, carve pumpkins and, of course, watch all those bone-chilling scary movies.
Whether you’re a fan of classic horror or prefer a heartwarming Halloween tale, The Crow’s Nest staff spooky movie favorites offer something for everyone this season.
Adriana’s pick: ‘Coco’ (2017)
I love Halloween just as much as the next person, but scary movies are not my forte. Fun, upbeat, animated musicals celebrating Mexican culture are more my style.
“Coco” follows a Mexican boy named Miguel as he defies his family in pursuit of a career in music. His adventure explores traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), one of the most important holidays in Mexican culture that honors loved ones that have passed away. The movie features upbeat music and heartwarming moments that will put a smile on your face.
Aubrey’s pick: ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974)
Before “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th,” there was “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” — the original American slasher.
The movie follows a group of college students on a doomed cross-country road trip. After running out of gas, the friends find themselves hunted by a family of cannibals, helmed by the elusive Leatherface.
The movie is certainly scary, but the 70s setting creates a camp charm that anyone can enjoy. Ok, maybe not anyone, but for those who enjoy a bit of gore and a lot of dark humor? “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is the Halloween movie for you.
Annalise’s pick: It’s ‘The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ (1966)
I’m not one for the typical, gory horror film packed with jump scares and comically poor acting. But a warmhearted special with innocent characters, surprisingly highbrow punch lines and a foot-tapping jazz soundtrack? I’m in.
“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a deep dive into my childhood nostalgia. Paired with a fresh plate of Pillsbury pumpkin sugar cookies, the Charles Schulz holiday special puts in me in the spooky season mood more than any “traditional” horror film could. Settle in for a cozy, Halloween night with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang while Linus eagerly awaits the appearance of the elusive Great Pumpkin.
Baron’s pick: ‘Suspiria’ (1977)
Dario Argento’s 1977 supernatural horror flick “Suspiria” serves a mystical eeriness which is hard to find anywhere else. Set in a dance academy in Germany, it follows American exchange student Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper) through a series of increasingly strange and violent events. Her interactions with the rest of the cast, the sometimes overdone gore, a fantastical set design and the soundtrack all work towards a masterful atmosphere of unsettling mystery and magic – fitting for a film about witches. Appreciators of this more slow-burn approach to horror and films with exquisitely artistic sets and music can find a new Halloween favorite in “Suspiria.”
Gavin’s pick: ‘Silence of the Lambs’ (1991)
A classic psychological horror, “Silence of the Lambs” explores our fragile psyche and offers a great atmosphere that will make you feel vulnerable just watching it. The movie follows Clarice’ encounter with the imprisoned killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter in her attempt to catch the infamous Buffalo Bill, and while getting his help he decides to meddle with her mental affairs and past. You begin to feel like you’re in fact the one trapped behind bars as Hannibal slowly encroaches upon Clarice’ mind, and for that alone its worth a watch.
Isaiah’s pick: ‘Premonition’ (2007)
After her husband died, Sandra Bullock’s character, Linda, was never the same. Every day, Linda replays Jim’s final days non-chronologically in her head. The film follows Linda as she cares for her two children through her own psychological distress. “Premonition” is guaranteed to give you the Halloween scare you’ve been looking for.
Molly’s pick: ‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)
Changing course from my previous year’s pick, “Hereditary,” I’ve decided to dwell on some nostalgia with Disney’s “Hocus Pocus.”
The movie debuted alongside classics like “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Addams Family Values” making 1993 a golden year of family-friendly Halloween films. An all-star cast of Bette Midler (“First Wives Club”), Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City”) and Thora Birch (“American Beauty”), “Hocus Pocus” has everything from a random musical performance of “I Put a Spell on You” to raunchy jokes that flew completely over the heads of kids under 13.
No matter what time of year it is, this movie is a guaranteed serotonin boost for me.
Sofía’s pick: ‘Coraline’ (2009)
Choosing only one Halloween movie feels like a crime because there are so many scary cinematic masterpieces. However, I’m going with “Coraline.” Many say that it’s a disturbing film, but I think that’s the beauty of it.
I won’t lie – I had childhood nightmares about the Other Mother turning into a giant spider.
Released in 2009 and directed by Henry Selick, “Coraline” resurfaced as a stop-motion animation and succeeded as much as only few stop-motion movies have. The complexity of the characters, the alternate worlds, the soundtrack and the scares make this movie a thrilling and spooky one to enjoy this Halloween season.
