By: Britt Melinauskas & Chloe Wilson

Sports Editor & Humor Editor

Whether you prefer to cozy up and watch a stress-free, classic autumn film, or you would like to be scared during every scene, there is no doubt that these classics are the perfect start to the autumn season. From the heartfelt Halloweentown to the infamous Nightmare on Elm Street, these films are recognizable, eerie, and the perfect introduction to the fall season. 

Firstly, let’s talk about horror films. With one of the most recognizable theme songs, the first Halloween is a top-tier thriller. Micheal Myers’s infamous mask and jumpsuit set the scene for a perfectly creepy horror movie. With the storyline of an escaped murderer stalking a justifiably terrified babysitter, director John Carpenter created an ideal film. One, two Freddy’s coming for you… Coming in at a close second, we have Nightmare on Elm Street. The vengeful spirit of Freddy Krueger makes his way into teenagers’ dreams to terrorize and kill them. Every time you see that red and green striped sweater, beware of Krueger’s terrifying, mysterious ways.

The 2009 film Coraline, directed by Henry Selick, features Dakota Fanning as Coraline as she embarks on the eerie adventure to the “Other World” where she faces the decision of becoming a sewn puppet or returning to her bland yet genuine life. The Nightmare Before Christmas is similar to Coraline, initially written by the well-known Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick. The notorious This Is Halloween opening theme song sets the film in the right tone of holiday spirit. The main character, Jack Skellington, experiences a crisis between the boredom of being the Pumpkin King and his desire for freedom, which affects his love interest as well.

Now, taking a trip to the notorious witch town of Salem, Hocus Pocus is a spooky tale of three witches and some curious teenagers. Directed by Kenny Ortega, this film features everything classically associated with Halloween: black cats, witches, and zombies. In the film Halloweentown, children are raised in a home where celebrating Halloween is strictly forbidden. After following their grandma to a mysterious town, they quickly find their family’s secret and work together to fight against the evil that overtakes their village.   

Get ready to meet the wacky Addams Family: Wednesday, Morticia, Gomez, and Pugsley. This 1991 Barry Sonnenfeld film captures their delightfully dark tale and the offbeat family in everyday life. Because of this film’s success, many sequels and franchises have followed the original Addams Family, such as Wednesday, Addams Family Values, Addams Family Reunion, and The Addams Family 2. 

Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and The Addams Family flawlessly capture the Halloween spirit. If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit, look no further –  just watch these movies!