Do you want to celebrate the spooky season with movies and television shows, but don’t want to risk a good night’s sleep, your ability to look in a mirror after dark or your trust in corn fields? Then this list is for you— have a chill night in and watch some of these flicks.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Starring: Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy
Set in Salem, MA, this classic movie follows new-kids-in-town Max and Dani. The siblings accidentally get caught up with the Sanderson Sisters centuries-old coven. Along the way, they meet an undead victim of the sisters and a talking black cat named Binx. If you’ve never seen “Hocus Pocus,” this movie is an October must.
Halloweentown (1998)
Starring: Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Judith Hoag
Aggie Cromwell comes into town right before her granddaughter Marnie’s birthday. Fearing that Marnie will lose her secret witch powers, Aggie tries to teach her how to use them before it’s too late. However, Marnie’s mother Gwen isn’t thrilled with this, so Aggie leaves to go back home— to Halloweentown. Marnie and her siblings sneakily follow and discover a dark evil is brewing in the town.
Charmed (1998-2006)
Starring: Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, Brian Krause
Three sisters (originally Prue, Piper and Phoebe) discover they have old family powers, which they inherit right after they move into their family home and find the Book of Shadows. Each with a special ability, they must combine their magic to harness the Power of Three, used to banish evil and protect the innocent. Despite their differences, the sisters learn to work together, battle dark forces and, of course, navigate their love lives throughout this series.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
If you’re not sure whether you’re in the spooky or Christmas spirit, this movie is for you. A claymation classic by Tim Burton, its plot follows Sally, a human ragdoll meets Frankenstein’s monster, who falls for Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown.. While getting a big head (or skull?) Jack tries to take over Christmas after Halloween is over. The result, as expected, is a not-so-merry, scary Christmas.
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)
Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick
Sabrina Spellman is visited by her aunts, who reveal that the seemingly average teen is actually a witch with magical powers. While living with them and a talking black cat named Salem, Sabrina learns to control her magic— and get through high school.
Coraline
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, John Hodgman
Coraline, a young girl with rebellious tendencies, falls down a rabbit hole of sorts and finds herself in an oddly perfect alternate universe where all of her problems suddenly vanish. Her dreams come true and her parents are perfect— aside from having buttons for eyes. Her Other Mother invites Coraline to stay with them forever, but when she turns down the offer, her dream quickly turns into a nightmare.
