With the spooky season in full swing, it only makes sense for the arts and entertainment section to recommend some Halloween media. Whether it runs in the background while getting ready for Halloweekend or as the centerpiece of a classic Halloween movie marathon, horror movies are essential for this time of year. But what if you’re, perhaps, a chicken? You’re in luck, so am I! Here are some of the best Halloween or horror-adjacent movies that will get you into the spirit of the season while skipping any blood-curdling fear.
The Corpse Bride (2005)
If you’re looking for a spooky, slightly off-putting movie with a little bit of romance, look no further than “The Corpse Bride.” The movie starts with love, opening with an admittedly well-matched, arranged couple, Victor (Johnny Depp) and Victoria (Emily Watson) just before their wedding day. In his nervous state, Victor stumbles into the woods. Here, he meets and accidentally marries Emily (Helena Bonham Carter), the titular Corpse Bride. Victor and Emily journey through the underworld, with Victor searching for a way back to Victoria and Emily searching for a loving marriage and her murderer. “The Corpse Bride” remains solemn throughout, but ends on a memorable, bittersweet note. The film also remains beautiful despite regularly having characters in active decay. The slightly chilling atmosphere, supported by a fantastic score by Danny Elfman, provides just enough creepiness to kick off Halloween. Though most Tim Burton or Henry Selick stop motion movies will fulfil your cravings, “The Corpse Bride” is a personal favorite.
The Fear Street Trilogy
If you can handle gore, but perhaps not any psychological horror, the “Fear Street” trilogy might be the series for you. Netflix’s entry into the teen slasher canon includes “Fear Street: 1994,” “Fear Street: 1978” and “Fear Street: 1666.” It all builds to one central mystery: Why are teenagers being murdered and what does it have to do with the witch, Sarah Fier? Drawing on 90s slasher films and horror royalty such as “Friday the 13th,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Scream,” “Fear Street” is a shining example of horror-lite. The series is a nice taster for horror, though it won’t leave you with any sleepless nights. It has it all: fraught romance, semi-historically accurate mystery, tests of bonds, found family and, of course, blood and guts. While it may be a stretch to call it a horror movie (spoiler alert: a girl gets her head pushed through a meat grinder), this is a gory thriller that can get you in the spirit of the season. Maybe skip the sequel “Fear Street: Prom Queen,” it simply cannot stand with its predecessors.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
What better way to get into a spooky spirit than to revisit a classic tale? “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” is a double feature you can’t miss. Though “The Wind in the Willows,” involving Mr. Toad (Eric Blore), is plenty spooky, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” following Ichabod Crane (Pinto Colvig, Bing Crosby), is a real cornerstone of Halloween media. This short segment is an adaptation of the short story of the same name by Washington Irving. Set in 1790 Tarrytown, New York, the audience follows Ichabod Crane—noted ditzy school teacher—on Halloween night as he parties, encounters the Headless Horseman (Billy Bletcher) and ultimately disappears. A cautionary tale suited for all ages, this is a solid family movie worth adding to your Halloween movie rotation.
The VelociPastor (2017)
This movie is a truly ridiculous horror-comedy. Following the death of his parents, a priest (Gregory James Cohan), goes on a journey of self discovery in China, which ultimately leaves him with the ability to turn into a velociraptor. After the support of a sex worker (Alyssa Kempinski), he comes to terms with his new power and uses it to fight crime. With a were-velociraptor, in all honesty, what more do you need? If you need more VelociPastor in your life, fear not, “The VelociPastor 2” is officially in production. I, for one, cannot wait to see how the thrilling adventures continue.
The Addams Family (1991) & Addams Family Values (1993)
What is Halloween if not creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky? Serving as the antithesis to the nuclear family, poking fun and commenting on the oppressiveness of the dynamic, the Addams family is an American institution. Bring a little social commentary into your Halloween line-up. If you want a touching, but ultimately odd, story about the strength of familial bonds, be sure to watch “The Addams Family.” If you want more of this message, but also fear normality—or worse, pastels—check out “Addams Family Values.” The Addams family keep up the gothic, Halloween energy all year round, so what better series to watch during the spooky season?
Of course, there’s always the option of turning to paranormal shows: “Interview with the Vampire” (2022), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997), “Teen Wolf” (2011), “What We Do in the Shadows” (2019) or even “Supernatural” (2005). Given network television’s delicate sensibilities, these tend to be fairly light on true horror. Even if you’re too cowardly to watch a real horror movie on Halloween, I hope you do something to get into the spooky spirit. Happy Halloween!