A Fan's Guide to Halloween & Autumnal Films for the Family!
I love autumn, it’s always been my favorite time of year. It’s when leaves turn colors, when cool winds blow from the mysterious gray horizon, and when sweaters and pumpkin lattes become a deliciously commonplace experience. As a kid, celebrating Samhain (or Halloween as it’s commonly celebrated in the United States), one of my favorite things to do was watch Halloween films, and I’ve continued that tradition ever since.
Now, this list isn’t for the die-hard horror fans out there, for that, check out my friend Christina’s superb list of Halloween horror films. I’ve compiled a selection of films that fit an aesthetic vibe of autumn and fall, a few holiday classics for Halloween, and a few lighter horror and horror comedy films that older teens and adults will enjoy.
There are a few films here that touch on the scarier side of the season, but I’m of the mind that this is an important dimension for kids to explore. From age 9 to around age 13, kids are experiencing some huge upheavals in their inner lives, and the way that horror touches on such dark themes can be really helpful as they go about the experience of growing up. There are also a couple of comedies here that kids probably shouldn’t see, but I make a point to mention those outright.
Ultimately, there’s a little something here for everyone, offering a wide and eclectic film experience to capture the best of all your autumnal Halloween needs.