Rebecca Williamson, Hocus Pocus (1993)
If you don’t know the movie Hocus Pocus (1993), then you must be a dead witch waiting for a virgin with a lighter to bring you back to life. This classic Disney film is directed by the legendary Kenny Ortega and stars three big-name actresses as the main witches. These women were hung during the Salem Witch trials but vowed to come back if a virgin were ever to light their magic candle. After accidentally bringing the witches back from the dead, main characters Max, his sister Dani, his love interest Allison and the cursed black cat Binx must put an end to the three women’s’ evil ways or risk perishing at their hands. Incredible acting, a groovy musical number and tons of comedic moments keep Hocus Pocus from being too scary for anyone. Plus there’s talk of a sequel in the works, so you’d better watch the original movie to prepare for the day when the witches will (most likely) return.
Madelyn Dewey, Practical Magic (1998)
I am, as you probably know, singularly enamored with female empowerment and women helping women. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that I love the Halloween movie Practical Magic (1998). Two sisters, born into a family of female witches, are the protagonists of the film. In time the sisters grow older and are faced with the violence of men and the heartbreak of death. These women, their magical aunts and any female help they can find must work together to battle an evil male entity or risk being haunted by him forever. If you’re looking for a spooky movie with an emotional arc or just want to see women coming together to help each other, Practical Magic might be for you.
Colin Beasor, The Blair Witch Project (1999) and Sinister (2012)
When I was in elementary school one of my fondest Halloween memories comes from the day-long “Goosebumps” marathons that Cartoon Network would host every Halloween. Since then, my taste in the horror genre has evolved to incorporate movies which may not fit the typical horror archetype. Movies such as The Blair Witch Project (1999) and Sinister (2012) are among my favorites because they push the boundary of reality and fiction. The Blair Witch Project is filmed in an amateurish fashion, using a camera that anybody could pick up and film with rather than with Hollywood-grade equipment. Sinister similarly has scenes which use Super 8 mm film, creating an eerie atmosphere to foster a creepy experience.
Leila Sassouni, none
While I do not necessarily have a favorite Halloween song, album or movie, I do have a memorable activity that I loved participating in as a child. I miss the trick-or-treating days. I remember that my friends, family and I would very eagerly head to neighborhoods within our town where we knew the residents were the most generous with their candy distribution. They did not give out the mini-sized candies, but rather the delicious kit-kat bars and other enjoyable treats. I remember dressing up, too, to embrace the fun and spooky spirit of Halloween. I just miss the simpler days of being a child.
Nick Widman, “The Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett
My favorite spooky song ever since I was a kid was the song “The Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett. I don’t remember when I was introduced to the song, but for as long as I can remember my Mom has blared the song on repeat all throughout Halloween night and while we were carving pumpkins and making cookies. My Grandma even created her own weird shuffle dance for the song that involves her shaking her biceps and doing a hip wiggle, and it is now a major Halloween tradition in my family. I love the song and Pickett’s ominous voice and each time I hear it I can’t help but think of my Grandma boogying out to it.
Kara Burke
Halloween is the most exciting time of the year, not just because of the holiday itself, but it’s also when commentary YouTuber Danny Gonzalez releases his spooky-themed rap songs. There’s “Spooky Boy” (2017), “Spooky Guy” (2018), “Spooky Ho” (2019)—and the newest song—“Spooky Man” (2020). My personal favorite is “Spooky Ho” because it can help us all embrace our inner Halloween hoe with beats to throw it back to. Gonzalez ended the series this year after four consecutive years of spooky songs. They are all comedy rap songs, but despite the joking nature of the lyrics and their corresponding music videos, Gonzalez never shies away from laying down those bone-shaking beats.
Aliyha Gill
Arguably the best character of spooky season is Thackery Binx from the movie Hocus Pocus (1993). Binx is a human boy turned immortal black cat living in Salem, Mass. After losing his little sister to the evil Sanderson sisters, his soul is trapped in a feline body. Although this was perceived as a curse, I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t trade all their human responsibilities for an eternity of cat naps and free snuggles. Not only does Binx remind us to appreciate our siblings, but he also gives us hope that one day, our house cats will come forward and tell us they’re really humans from the 17th century with interesting backstories.