No Tricks, Just Treats: 2018 Halloween Watch Guide
There’s something about the month of October where everything feels a little different.
The weather gets cooler and everything gets creepier. Technically, Halloween is only one day, but I’m really trying to milk it this year. If you’re anything like me, you’re already planning your costume, have fake cobwebs all over your house, and are prepared to only watch ~spooky~ things starting Oct. 1. Don’t worry about tracking down all of your favorite Halloween classics. Here are my recommendations for a no tricks, just treats Halloween watch guide.
On Netflix
Goosebumps (1995-1998 | 4 Seasons)
If you’re not traumatized from watching Goosebumps as a kid, you really missed out. The series, based on the books by R.L. Stine, was popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This show freaked me out then, and not much has changed. Watching it now feels weirdly nostalgic, which makes it even more creepy. If you want to add a throwback to your list, Goosebumps won’t disappoint.
Scooby-Doo (2002) + Scooby-Doo 2 (2004)
Speaking of nostalgia, Scooby-Doo is an all-time classic. And who said that all Halloween movies have to be scary anyway? Seeing the gang as real people, solving mysteries and getting themselves into hilarious hijinks never gets old. It’s light-hearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is why it’s the perfect movie to throw in the mix.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Even if you have never seen this movie, you’ve probably heard about it. Specifically, you’ve probably heard the famous quote, “I see dead people.” This is that film, and yes, it’s more than a ghost movie. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan featuring Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis, this thing was bound to be a box office success. If you haven’t seen it, use this month as an excuse to finally watch it… maybe more than once.
Black Mirror (2017 | 4 Seasons)
Sound familiar? This UK-turned-Netflix science fiction TV series blew up in 2016 after Netflix purchased the show. When I first heard about the show, I was reluctant to commit to starting a new series. But the beautiful thing is that none of the episodes are related. Each episode starts a new storyline with completely new characters, so you can skip around and find your favorites without binging the whole series. Black Mirror confronts our current reality and its potential, especially regarding technology. It can be satirical, dark, heartwarming, hilarious and shocking, and it’s all on Netflix.
The Twilight Zone (1963 | 4 Seasons)
This show was the Black Mirror before Black Mirror. Odds are, you’ve heard about it before, whether in conversation to describe a surreal situation, or maybe you’ve seen an episode or two. But you’ve probably never taken the time to actually watch more than a few episodes. Well, now’s your time. Every episode is a new story, where the characters end up in crazy situations (usually supernatural in nature) and the ending presents a twist. The show is in black and white, which adds to the already eerie atmosphere. Check it out if you’re into vintage science-fiction anthologies full of social commentary. Here’s Buzzfeed’s ranking of every episode.
On HBO Go
It (2017)
It’s been a year since this Stephen King adaptation hit the big screen. It broke the record for the most profitable horror film release ever. The hype was real and honestly, it holds up. It is one of those scary movies that never gets less scary. For one, the movie is FULL of jump scares, and clowns are always creepy, in every context. If you’re looking for a classic scary movie to get you in the festive Halloween spirit, this is It… pun intended.
E.T. (1982)
There’s something so interesting about watching a movie as an adult that you loved as a kid. You start to notice subtle ironies and allusions, not to mention the nuggets of adult humor. E.T. is definitely one of those movies. The Spielberg classic was the highest grossing film of the ‘80s and is considered to be one of the greatest science fiction films ever made. It’s a film about friendship and acceptance, two ageless topics. There are a lot of aspects of this film you could analyze, but the beauty is you don’t have to. The story is handed to you on a silver platter with lovable, relatable characters and a timeless narrative that gets better with time.
On Hulu
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003 | 7 Seasons)
Where do I even start? Buffy is iconic, let’s just put that out there now. The seven-season series, which ran from 1997 to 2003, is regarded by some as one of the best television shows of all time, and I don’t disagree. The storyline is simple: Buffy, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, has to embrace her destiny and step up to slay all vampires. Each episode is full of twists, turns, and triumphs. It’s a cult-classic that’s easy to binge, and lucky for you (and me) all seven seasons are on Hulu, which is FREE with a student subscription to Spotify Premium.
Coming to Theaters
Halloween (2018) out Oct. 19 in theaters
So, I’ll preface this recommendation with the disclaimer that I’m not a huge scary movie fan. I love Halloween festivities like pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and costumes, but I am very particular about what scary movies I’ll watch. This is the exception. Halloween is a direct sequel to the original 1978 film of the same name, and from the looks of the trailer and majority of reactions from early screenings, it will be a HIT. If you’re looking for spooky night out, plan ahead because this movie will sell out theaters quickly.
Freeform: 31 Nights of Halloween
Freeform has absolutely no chill when it comes to holiday movie marathons. This year, they’ve extended their “13 Nights of Halloween” to 31, and I’m not complaining. There’s a good mix of movies and shows playing throughout the month like The Addams Family, Maleficent, Jurassic Park, etc. The best part is the 12-hour Hocus Pocus marathon on Halloween night. And since Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year, you can guarantee I’ll be watching it for as long as I can.
Don’t see your favorite ~spooky~ show or movie? Let us know what you’re watching in the comments or on social media @AuburnCampusRec.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography by Hannah C.
Editor In Chief
Working for BeWell is a perfect fit for Hannah as she is able to combine two of her favorite things—people and writing—and call it work! Hannah enjoys listening to Coldplay, thrift shopping, laughing, and sneaking free chocolate at marketing events! Her favorite ways to work off the stolen treats are running on the track and all things cardio at The Rec.
A definite night owl (and by no means a morning person unless coffee is involved), you will rarely find Hannah at Campus Recreation before noon. Hannah plans to pursue a career in magazine journalism. Look for her some day at Vogue, Glamour, or Cosmopolitan.
