The Panther’s picks: best Halloween films

The Panther compiled the films our staff enjoys watching during October, better known as spooky season. Photo collage by SIMRAH AHMAD, staff photographer

As the leaves begin to change color and a soft chill permeates the air, one might notice the occasional skeleton sitting in a front yard or jack-o’-lantern on a porch — telltale signs that October is here, dragging Halloween and fall along with it. 

Because Halloween has the unfortunate chance of falling on a Monday this year, many might find themselves struggling to decide what to do on the spookiest night of the year. The Panther staff highly recommends snuggling up on the couch with some popcorn, candy and one of these beloved Halloween films. 

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” 

Though the holiday mentioned in the title is Christmas, anyone who has seen the film is keenly aware that “The Nightmare Before Christmas” acts as both a Halloween and Christmas movie. The iconic setting of Halloween Town is the thing of monster dreams, and Oogie Boogie still manages to send chills down the audience's spines no matter what age. 

“I like it because I used to watch it every year during Halloween time. “It's really nostalgic to me, but I also think it's an overall good movie,” Opinions Editor Emilia Cuevas said. “I really like the stop-motion animation and the character design.”

“Scream” 

Slasher films are a Halloween staple, and none is as well-known as the “Scream” franchise with the iconic character of Ghostface. With five films in total, as well as a television series, “Scream” can fill the rest of the month with the terrifying entertainment that separates October from all the rest. 

Assistant Features & Entertainment Editor Nick De Lucca said he is one of the many who associate October with the horror “Scream” is well known for. 

“October was meant for horror, so I dedicate my free time to scary movies,” De Lucca said. 

“Corpse Bride”

Tim Burton may well be the king of Halloween, considering two of his films made The Panther’s list. “Corpse Bride” might not technically be a Halloween movie, but it has a ghoulish plot and Victorian setting that makes it the perfect viewing experience for October and may be the perfect inspiration for a last-minute couple's costume. 

“Halloweentown” 

Hannah Smith, a news & politics staff writer, told The Panther that some of her favorite Halloween movies are ones she was obsessed with as a child. Thus “Halloweentown,” a Disney original, forever remains a Halloween staple. 

If a scary movie is not the goal, “Halloweentown” offers a fun and nostalgic watch. Who doesn’t want to take a quick trip to Halloweentown? 

“Coraline”

If The Panther’s Editor-in-Chief Angelina Hicks recommends “Coraline,” it must be worthy.

“I just recently rewatched Coraline and remembered how visually stunning and captivating it is,” Hicks said. “You can’t beat the aesthetic and visuals, especially when it’s paired with such an interesting story.” 

“Coraline” is not the work of Tim Burton, but it is a stop-motion animated film that is impressive both visually and structurally. While it is technically a children’s film, “Coraline” can be quite terrifying, especially if people with buttons for eyes disturb you. 

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” 

Going back to childhood nostalgia, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is a Halloween staple for autumn with its pumpkins and multicolored leaves. 

“I have always watched 'It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown' every year during my childhood, and it always brings back all those amazing Halloween memories with my family,” Features & Entertainment Editor Megan Forrester said. “And my dad is obsessed with Snoopy.”

The Harry Potter Series

Some might say the “Harry Potter” films are Christmas movies, and they would be right — with many scenes capturing the snow and holiday festivities at Hogwarts. But the magic that lives and breathes in the Potterverse mixed with the dark academia aesthetic and various magical creatures makes these films the perfect fall watch. If Butter Beer and magical spells don’t scream fall, what does? 

While all eight films could fill a whole Halloweekend, Video and Podcast Editor Abby Little told The Panther her favorite would be “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”

“Hereditary”

In the past 10 years, the horror film genre has seen itself reinvented and is now filled with films that are both critically acclaimed and terrifying. Such is the case with “Hereditary,” a film that simply needs to be seen to be understood. It is not for the faint of heart though, as De Lucca noted. 

“Hereditary kept me awake the night I watched it,” De Lucca said. 

As Halloween approaches and fall marches on, these films are dusted off and rewatched, or watched for the first time, all in the name of capturing the orange toned essence of Halloween. And if at any point throughout the year a longing for autumnal landscapes or goosebump inducing entertainment strikes, these films are sure to reincarnate a little bit of that Halloween magic that has been missing for much too long.