Halloween weekend is in full swing. For those who don’t know how to spend the day or don’t have any plans, what about having friends over for a horror movie night? This article features Azusa Pacific University students’ opinions on the best Halloween movies.
Growing up, I never enjoyed watching Halloween movies because the spooky scenes would bring aftereffects when going to bed, waking me or bringing nightmares during my sleep. During my childhood, I never accepted my friends’ invites to a movie night where they would watch Halloween movies.
Horror movies, in general, are the genre that I would run away from. During the release of The Nun or IT 2, I would be the one friend in every friend group who would willingly not go to the theater.
Although I’m describing myself as an individual who is afraid of being unable to sleep during the night and being haunted by thoughts (which I am), I have watched one Halloween-themed movie that has caused me great fear of watching scary films in the future.
The one I watched and consider the best movie to be is “Coraline.” For many people from my generation, it was a movie that kept us awake past bedtime. Even today, I vividly remember a few critical scenes that kept me awake at night. The creepy scene where Coraline is gifted a button to become like the new family in the alternate reality and the escaping from the doll’s mother’s house kept me awake during the night (a point that can’t be emphasized enough). After that movie, I told myself I would never watch a Halloween or horror-themed film in the future.
With that said, let’s look into what students think is the best Halloween movie!
Student’s Opinion of the Best Halloween Movie
Yihan Kang, a freshman majoring in nursing, says that “Happy Death Day” is the best. “I consider this the best Halloween movie because it was the first film I watched to celebrate Halloween, marking my introduction to the world of creepy movies.”
Kang adds, “The blend of humor and horror really hooked me, and I loved how it kept me guessing with its unique time loop. It’s the kind of film that gets you thinking about choices while still delivering the thrills!”
Yeonsoo Kim, a junior majoring in nursing, told me that ”The Nightmare Before Christmas“ is the best Halloween movie ever made.
“‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ should be one of the best Halloween movies that I have seen! My favorite movie is because it’s Disney—if anything has a Disney label, then that product, movie, or video will be my favorite. Not only that! The music played during the movie brings the holiday feel and helps develop the characters, revealing their personalities and thoughts.”
Quinn Pascua, a sophomore majoring in allied health, told me the best Halloween movie had to be “The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”
“The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’ was the best Halloween movie ever! Sidenote: I don’t usually watch Halloween movies, but the Charlie Brown Halloween-themed is the only one I’ve watched. The movie is very simple, returning to the childhood nostalgia of watching Charlie Brown as a child. The show’s unique humor makes it relatable, and the iconic characters make this the best Halloween movie!”
As a cinematic arts major, Brian Peveler offered his opinion and expertise on the best Halloween movie.
Peveler says “Monster House’ is the best Halloween movie because it has an element of fear, but a child can still enjoy it, and it has a very good moral in the end. It doesn’t glorify death like many other horror movies, disgusting, despicable movies, and no, this movie is charming, cheerful, and fun.”
In summary, listening to students’ best Halloween movies reminded me of my childhood and brought back movies I had forgotten. One of the movies mentioned was “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which I forgot about. I also loved how there was a Halloween-themed Charlie Brown movie. For me though, instead of Happy Halloween, I wish a Holy Evening to everyone!