With the calendar turning from September to October, Spooky Season 2020 is officially here. One of the hallmarks of the season is always the diligent planning of the Spooky Season viewing schedule – or, if you have the stones to go for it, the #31DaysofHalloween. The movies and show specials really do make the season….well, at least now that I’m too old for downtown Nashville on Halloween, and not single enough for all of the debauchery that goes on there. But, that’s okay – that’s what happens when you turn 34.
And, in all of the years since Aura and I retired from downtown parties, I think I’ve finally pinned down my quintessential Spooky Season viewing plan. There are only six movies that I have to watch each and every year, and folks, I’m finally comfortable enough with this list that I’m willing to share it with you. I like the number six – it’s enough for a little over one a week, so the viewing plan doesn’t consume your life. It gives you, as I call it, significant seasonal feels. And, it gives you plenty of room to sprinkle new or unusual movies/shows in to keep your Spooky Season fresh each year. For instance, I’ve already mixed in Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween for 2020. Was it good? Hell no. Was it good for a fun seasonal vibe? You bet your fucking ass.
I would also add that in order to achieve full effect with this viewing list, you should find a nice festive decorated room to watch these movies in. You should burn a nice pumpkin/fall scented candle. And, get all of the caramel apple, pumpkin, clove, or candy corn flavored snacks or beverages that you can. That will officially make for a Spooky Season overload.
The Quintessential Spooky Season Viewing List
Monster House – Super underrated in the grand scheme of Spooky Season, and I’ve found that it’s a great way to start the season. It’s not centered around Halloween, merely touching on it as the story develops. The fall scenery and creepy premise make it the perfect movie to ease into Spooky Season in late September.
Sleepy Hollow – Nothing sets the tone for October quite like Sleepy Hollow. One of the OG spooky stories, I can remember being TERRIFIED by the thought of a headless horseman when I was a kid. The dark, foggy ambience created by Tim Burton for this one amplify the mood of the season. Not to mention, you can’t go wrong with Christopher Walken. LFG.
The Wolfman (2010) – This one may be considered a bit of a ‘deep cut,’ but I absolutely love the Benicio Del Toro, Emily Blunt, and Anthony Hopkins remake of The Wolfman that dropped back in 2010. It’s the classic tale with an updated twist, and like Sleepy Hollow, the ambience of this film just screams ‘classic creepy.’
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown – The Charlie Brown movies are nothing but pure childhood nostalgia. Nothing takes me back like these stories – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas…you can’t have a holiday without Charlie Brown.
Hocus Pocus – Is it a basic ass bitch move to have Hocus Pocus on this list? Sure. Is it even really that good of a movie? No way. But, it’s probably THE quintessential movie of the season. There’s a reason it’s leading the box office 30 years after it was released. The people have spoken.
The Nightmare Before Christmas – Aura and I have concluded Spooky Season with The Nightmare Before Christmas every year for the last four years, and I’ve figured out that it’s absolutely perfect in that role. With the tie-in to Christmas, it’s a nice way to transition from Halloween onto the next set of holiday movies. Plus, it’s got just the right amount of spooky vibes.
What do you guys think? What are your must-watch Spooky Season movies?
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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