Movies to invoke that Halloween spirit!
Halloween. No matter what the songs may say, this is that most wonderful time of the year. And although I’m more than a little bias, many will agree with me.
Some of you reading this may know me, many may not, but I was approached to write this entry because I have been considered as a bit of a Halloween extremist. Eat, sleep and breathe Halloween. I’m sure you know that guy. The guy who’s shunned by his neighbors for putting out decorations in late August, the guy with nothing but pumpkin mush on his front step Halloween night because he carved his Jack-o-lanterns three weeks too early. Well, that’s me.
It was a joy to many that, this year, Halloween falls on Friday. Which means that if you don’t work shift work like me, you will probably have a lot of free time on the night-of-all-nights to partake in your favorite haunted happenings. So whether you’re spending time with the kids after taking them out Trick-or-Treating, handing out candy to little goblins, going to a party or just sitting around on your couch eating 14.6 lbs of candy, there is one thing that makes Halloween night that much more, uh, Halloweeny.
And that’s MOVIES!
No matter what Halloween related activity you might be doing this season, it’s always more enjoyable with great film in the background. So I’m here to write about my top 5 favorite movies that invoke the Halloween spirit.
I loved this movie from the moment I walked out of the theatre as a young lad. The story starts with a troll being magically locked inside of a tree and the bumbling Ernest releasing him the day before Halloween. Full of Ernest shenanigans and milk throwing, I just can’t go a Halloween night without this movie. Maybe its nostalgia or maybe it’s the fact that I love corny Ernest movies, but this movie is a much watch every season.
This movie has a great overall Halloween theme. The story starts with three witches getting hanged by locals (A little extreme for Disney) and then 300 years later are brought back by three young kids. Most of the comedy comes from the “fish out of water” hijinks as the 17th century witches try to make it in a 20th century world. With plenty of spells, zombies, talking cats and Sarah Jessica Parker cleavage, it’s a great companion for the haunted holiday.
3. The Legend of Sleepy Hallow
From the wonderful songs to the goofy characters, this cartoon based on Washington Irving’s All Hallow’s Eve tale is a childhood Halloween classic. I’m sure there aren’t many reading this that haven’t seen it but by the off chance that you haven’t, there’s really no excuse. You can probably find it in the “Free Kids Rental” at your local video store.
What can I say? It’s right in the title! From the moment you hear that eerie piano music and the chills run down your spine, you know this is a perfect Halloween movie. The movie has the perfect blend of horror and Halloween theme to make it a classic for every year.
1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Now this may technically be a TV special, but it deserves to be #1 on the Halloween watch list. With great combination of theme, tradition and nostalgia, whether you watch it on TV or DVD no Halloween is complete without this film. The fact that they’ve been showing the special since 1966 is a testament to its Halloween stability among the hundreds of Halloween specials that have been shown throughout the years.
So there you have it! My top 5 Best movies to invoke Halloween. Pick ‘em up, pop ‘em in and let the spirit take you over!
Feel free to add your own favorites and recommendations in the comments and have a Happy and safe Halloween!
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