The best time of the year has FINALLY arrived! What beats going to pumpkin patches, wearing sweaters and flannels, and baking pumpkin bread?!

My favorite fall activity has got to be watching all the classic Halloween movies though. You’re probably thinking, “Oh, classic, like Halloween or The Shining?”

Oh no no no, I’m talking about Disney-Channel-Original, get-out-the-microwave-popcorn-and-the-Reese’s classics. I know, I know, but hey, they remind me of being a kid. So, let me give you my list of the four movies that will not only get you in the spooky Halloween spirit, but will throw you back to nights in elementary school where you stayed up late watching all the Disney Channel Originals.

4. Hocus Pocus (1993), directed by Kenny Ortega

The epitome of classic, Hocus Pocus follows Max, a teenager who just moved from L.A. to Salem. Forced to take his little sister out on Halloween night, Max, his sister, and his new crush stumble upon the mystifying Sanderson Sister House. Ortega takes viewers on a whirlwind journey throughout Salem as the Sanderson Sisters attempt to take over the souls of children everywhere. The witty humor of the cast is what makes this movie stand out. Watch it with your siblings or kids, and they will be just as fascinated with the Sanderson Sisters’ soul-snatching journey as we are!

My Rating: 4.5 Pumpkins

3. Scream (1996), directed by Wes Craven

OK, so I had to include at least one iconic scary movie. This legendary film, created by Wes Craven, has created impacts on the horror movie industry as a whole. This film follows Sidney Prescott, a high-schooler in California, who is being threatened and stalked by the elusive, “Ghost Face”. One of the things that I absolutely love about this movie is that we don’t find out who the killer is until the very end, allowing the audience to experience the pivotal moment at the same time as Sidney. The gripping tension, the clever dialogue, and intense acting makes this film one of my favorites by far. 

My Rating: 4.5 Pumpkins

2. Halloweentown (1998), directed by Duwayne Dunham

How do I put into words the masterpiece that we call Halloweentown? I don’t know about you all, but this movie is the emblem of my childhood. The iconic series follows Marnie, a teenage witch, through her adventures in learning her family history, becoming a full-trained witch, and opening up the portal to the perplexing world called Halloweentown. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but there is something about this movie that just warms my heart with reminiscence and comfort. I love the portrayal of Marnie as a powerful, young witch who stops at nothing to show the humans that monsters aren’t so scary after all, and that being different is truly okay. You will be launched into the Halloween spirit with this movie!

My Rating: 5 Pumpkins

Now before I get to the number one movie, I must give a shout-out to some honorable mentions.

Twitches (2005), directed by Stuart Gillard: 4.5 Pumpkins

My Babysitter’s a Vampire (2010), directed by Bruce McDonald: 4.5 Pumpkins

The Haunted Mansion (2003) directed by Rob Minkoff: 4 Pumpkins

1. The Addams Family (1991), directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun *Snap*,*Snap*

Ah, the iconic The Addams Family. This original 1991 film is filled with pure genius. It’s cute, it’s funny, it’s spooky… what could be better than that?! The Addams Family is a family of monsters who live in the middle of suburbia. We have Gomez, the dashing and caring husband/father; Morticia, the stunning and loving wife/mother; Wednesday, the witty and morbid daughter; Pugsley, the peculiar younger brother; and Uncle Fester, the mysterious long lost ‘brother’ who appears on their doorstep after having gone missing several years earlier. What a group! They are dysfunctional, yet perfect together. This live action movie (which even has an animated remake that is out in theaters now) is the ideal family Halloween movie! It showcases family values (which ironically is the name of the 1993 sequel), yet still mixes an ounce of eeriness to get you into the perfect, spooky Halloween spirit.

My Rating: 5 Pumpkins

Happy Halloween and happy movie watching!