With Halloween approaching, nothing beats cozying up with friends and family in the living room, surrounded by Halloween decorations and bowls of candy, all while enjoying some delicious caramel popcorn. This time of year is accompanied by our favorite Halloween movies, from classic favorites to modern films. Whether you like heartwarming stories or spooky thrills, there’s something for everyone. We have asked around and gathered Cresskill’s students’ opinions and ratings on their most-watched Halloween movies.
Halloween
Starting at #1, many agree that the movie “Halloween” (1978) is most likely the most iconic spooky movie to watch during the season. It’s a masterpiece of horror cinema. Every person who has watched his horror movie has grown to appreciate it. The year is 1963, the night, of Halloween, when police pull up to 43 Lampkin Lane where they arrive and find Judith Myers, his older sister stabbed to death by her little brother, Michael. Now I’m sure you’ve heard of that name before. Michael Myers has become a legendary figure in horror movies. This is largely due to his chilling performance in “Halloween.” The film shows the audience the concept of an unstoppable force of evil. “‘Halloween is the ultimate horror movie; it set the bar for everything that came after,” stated Emilia Garcia, a student at Cresskill High School. So many have said that no Halloween movie is greater than this one. This movie has set the standards high.
Scream
The original, “Scream” also passes for being one of the most favored horror films, which is why there are so many sequels that go all the way up to the most recent one Scream 6, which was released in 2023. This film came out when horror movies began to decrease in popularity, and it ended up being a breath of fresh air. It follows a group of high schoolers dealing with an anonymous killer on the loose named Ghostface. What makes Scream such a good movie to watch is the suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat and the humor that keeps it light which is why it’s a fan favorite. “I absolutely love Scream, it’s one of the best horror movies out there,” said high school student Tamar Greenberg. “The way it mixes humor with suspense, and how the characters talk about horror movie rules while still being in danger, makes it so much fun to watch. It’s scary and clever all at once.” Bross, along with most of the freshman population agrees that this is a good runner-up for Halloween movies.
Hocus Pocus
Moving on from the horror another great movie to watch is “Hocus Pocus”. It is such a fun, light, movie that is a must-watch on a Halloween night. The movie follows 3 wicked witches, the Sanderson sisters who are brought back to life in modern-day Salem by a group of teenagers who trespass on an old home where they rise from. It is a mix of comedy, adventure, and just the right amount of spooky magic, Hocus Pocus has a charm that appeals to both kids and adults all around. “I think the mood of it makes you feel that Halloween spirit, it gives you those autumn chills,” said Anna Park. “It’s a must-watch with the family, and I make sure we all sit down to watch it together every year”. This entertaining film with some iconic scenes and characters makes it another perfect watch for a Halloween movie marathon.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Taking a turn from your normal films, the animation in The Nightmare Before Christmas is much different than the previous movies we have discussed. This movie is an enchanting watch. It’s unique because it combines elements of Halloween and Christmas. There has always been a debate about whether this movie has been a movie for the fall or winter season, but who’s to say you can’t watch it on both? This movie follows the main character, Jack Skellington who is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. He discovered Christmas town and here he decides to add his spooky touch to it. Freshman Isabella Bross states “I love the stop-motion animation that goes into this movie making it immersive. I have always been fascinated by Tim Burton’s work and I think it adds a special touch to Halloween movies all around” All of Tim Burton films like Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands never fail to get someone in a chilling mood. The muted colors and eerie characters all adds to how great the film is, and the Nightmare Before Christmas animations are a great way to start binging his movies.
There are so many different genres of Halloween movies to choose from, and Cresskill has created a selection of what they believe are the best films to enjoy during this spooky season. This list features classic, comedy, and family-friendly Halloween movies, guaranteeing there’s something for everyone to watch. Whether you’re in the mood for timeless horror, laugh-out-loud comedies, or heartwarming family picks, these top 4 are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit at any time.
