Staff Picks: Halloween Movies

Jacquie Lytle, co-editor-in-chief, said, “Halloweentown.”

My favorite Halloween movie, if I had to pick just one, would probably be “Halloweentown.” I love the magic and soft suspense that occurs throughout. It’s an exciting and well-developed movie that encompasses the spirit of Halloween. It reminds me of my childhood, shoving my face full of candy while I indulged in Freeform’s, formerly ABC Family’s, 13 Nights of Halloween lineup.

Rachael Hirstein, news editor, said, “Addams Family Values.”

My favorite Halloween movie is “The Addams Family Values” because the humor is dark and creative. This movie is a classic, and the characters all bring something different and quirky to the plot. I try to watch this movie every year because it never gets old, and the Addams never fail to make me laugh.

Grace Ducanis, copy editor, said, “Freaky Friday.”

I’m not one for Halloween or horror movies, so this not-so-scary film is about as freaky as it’s going to get. Actresses Lindsey Lohan and Jaime Lee Curtis, portraying an unhappy mother-daughter relationship, switch bodies with the help of a Chinese fortune cookie. Literally in each other’s shoes, they have to find a way to keep things normal and get switched back before it’s too late. The film is funny, light and heartwarming, with just enough spook to qualify for October viewing.

Jenna Kopec, features editor, said, “The Scream Team.”

I’m not the biggest fan of Halloween, so I don’t watch a lot of Halloween movies. However, when I was a kid, “The Scream Team” was my everything. It’s a Disney Channel Original Movie that features a few ghosts, some teamwork and some laughs. If you’re looking for a throwback this Halloween, I definitely recommend this one.

Aidan Rivas, visual design assistant, said, “The Cabin in the Woods.”

Horror is one of my favorite genres, and although there’s a heck of a lot of horror movies I enjoy, my favorite movie to watch around Halloween time is “The Cabin in the Woods.” It’s a spin on the classic “a bunch of college teens head into the woods only to be chased by something” story. However, it doesn’t end up the way you might expect. I guarantee the film is supremely entertaining, if nothing else.

Alyssa Johns, sports editor, said, “Insidious.”

I love Halloween and I love scary movies, so it’s hard for me to pick a favorite. If I had to pick one, it would probably be “Insidious.” It has just enough of a creep factor to keep me interested, and it isn’t overly cheesy.

Morgan Thorn, business manager, said, “Halloweentown.”

When it comes to Halloween movies, there’s only one I’ll watch: “Halloweentown.” I don’t even know how many times I watched the original and sequels and wished I could be Marnie Piper. Who doesn’t want to be visited by their witch grandmother and learn they have powers as well? I would much rather watch Halloweentown over any “scary” movie.

Erin Herbert, co-editor-in-chief, said, “Killer Klowns from Outer Space.”

“Killer Klowns from Outer Space” is my go-to movie for Halloween. It’s an incredibly cheesy 80s horror film that follows a teenage couple trying to save their small town from a group of clowns from outer space. The film is completely ridiculous and quite comical, but the creepy clowns will make you want to steer clear of the circus for the next few months.

Carli Lutz, chief of visual design, said, “The Little Vampire.”

My favorite movie to watch on Halloween is “The Little Vampire.” It was one of my favorite movies as a kid, and I still try to watch it every year during the month of October. “The Little Vampire” is a cute movie about a bullied little boy who becomes best friends with a vampire after moving to Scotland. It always made me want a vampire best friend.

Ben Underhill, arts and entertainment editor, said, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

This quirky stop-motion animated musical-movie is an all-time classic. Directed and created by none other than Tim Burton, the movie serves as both an excellent Halloween and Christmas movie. Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King searches for new ways to make Halloween scarier before stumbling onto a portal to Christmas Town, and the rest is brilliant musical madness featured on ABC Family, now Freeform, every year.

Danielle Pucillo, multimedia manager, said, “Sleepy Hollow.”

As a huge horror fan, I have to say my favorite movie to watch on Halloween is “Sleepy Hollow.” The atmosphere is dark but still maintains a certain fancy, a trademark of its legendary director Tim Burton. Christopher Walkens’s performance as the Headless Horseman is fantastic; he is terrifying, but I still empathize with him on a certain level. The imagery of the flaming pumpkin head, gnarled trees and a full moon the color of bleached bone captures the essence of All Hallows’ Eve.

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