12 pieces of pop culture that will get you in the Halloween spirit (even if you’re a scaredy cat)
If slashers aren’t your thing, there are other ways to enjoy Halloween through pop culture. What movies, TV shows, and books will get you in the holiday spirit?
There’s a chill in the air. Leaves are starting to fall. Halloween is just around the corner. But, if you’re like me, you have a hard time getting into the spirit of the season with only the litany of scary movies to choose from.
Fear no more, fellow scaredy cats. If slashers aren’t your thing, see below 12 pieces of pop culture guaranteed to get you in the mood for Halloween. (Warning: Hocus Pocus is nowhere on the following list. There’s plenty of propaganda already out there for that.)
Movies
Practical Magic (1998)
My all-time favorite witchy movie, Practical Magic, stars Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as sister witches who are unlucky in love — a simple premise that ultimately serves as a strong ode to sisterhood.
There are a few queasy moments in this movie (though the ’90s CGI makes it bearable), and it can be triggering for survivors of domestic violence or assault. But the lasting message of the movie has resulted in a prequel landing at HBO Max. And as a bonus, the soundtrack is a classic.
Bewitched (2005)
While the original 1964 series about suburban housewife and witch Samantha is also a delightful Halloween watch, I’m recommending the Nora Ephron meta-romantic comedy about a couple who falls in love remaking that sitcom, starring Nicole Kidman (playing a witch once again) and Will Ferrell.
It’s high concept and Ferrell can be insufferable at certain moments, but it’s an overall feel-good movie about magic and love. What more can you want for Halloween?
Ghostbusters (2016)
Arguably the scariest thing on this list, the Paul Feig-helmed reboot was unfairly buried in sexist criticism upon its debut. If the original movies are more your thing, fine. Move right along.
But the 2016 film was far friendlier to women and queer people than the originals and it’s totally acceptable to have multiple interpretations of the same property.
All that said, this film works exceedingly well as a Halloween film, offering a few jump scares and countless laughs along the way.
The Addams Family (1991)
While you could watch the original series or the newly released animated film, we all know the best iteration of the “altogether ooky” family is the 1991 film. With just enough creepy bits to get you in the Halloween spirit, The Addams Family is a hilarious romp about the monster family we all love.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Segue your Halloween right into Christmas with this early Tim Burton animated production about a Halloween king who discovers Christmas. There are some creepy moments, but the musical numbers add plenty of heart.
Television
Bob’s Burgers, “Teen-a Witch” (2016)
There are several great Halloween episodes of Bob’s Burgers, but this season seven episode mines comedy from a classic Bob’s scenario–eldest child, and very good girl, Tina turning bad.
In “Teen-a Witch,” Tina desperately wants to win the school’s Halloween costume contest, and turns to witchcraft. A guest spot from Billy Eichner as the school librarian (and possible warlock?) adds some extra magic.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Halloween” (1997)
Arguably any episode of Buffy is appropriate to get you in the mood for Halloween. But some episodes are genuinely scary for the easily spooked (including the stellar “Hush” from season four if you’re feeling brave).
This season two episode finds the Scooby Gang turning into the costumes they’re dressed as on Halloween due to a magical enchantment, allowing for fun role reversals and hijinks. If you’ve never seen an episode of Buffy, this is also a good entry point to start with the seminal series.
Freaks and Geeks, “Tricks and Treats” (1999)
If a good cry is more up your alley than a good scare, have I got the stuff for you. The canceled-too-soon teen dramedy follows brother and sister Sam and Lindsey Weir on their journey navigating different social circles in a 1980 Michigan high school.
“Tricks and Treats” offers some classic ’80s movie moments as the geeks try to escape the school bully while trick or treating only to meet a heartbreaking end. If you don’t get a little verklempt, you may indeed be a monster. (Bonus: spot some of the most famous actors in Hollywood before they were big!)
30 Rock, “Jack Gets in the Game” (2007)
Okay, this one is a bit far-fetched in terms of being a Halloween episode. But it’s what birthed
“Werewolf Bar Mitzvah” into the world, arguably the greatest Halloween song of all time.
Books and music
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
In a broad sense, Carry On is based on Rainbow Rowell’s book, Fangirl, specifically, the series of books her main character, Cath, is obsessed with and writes fan fiction about. In a more narrow sense, Carry On is “Harry Potter but make it gay” and she just released the sequel. Speaking of which…
The Harry Potter Universe
Fall is the perfect time to cuddle up with a favorite book, a cup of tea, and a cozy blanket. Rereading Harry Potter is the perfect way to kick off your Halloween. Or, if you’ve somehow never read them, now’s the time to start.
Double up with a movie marathon of all eight films and the Fantastic Beasts franchise and you’ll be feeling truly magical.
“Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
If you don’t listen to this song and feel completely in the Halloween spirit by the time it’s over, I don’t even know why you’re here.
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