By Abby Knox, Opinions and Editorials Editor

As the chillier weather extends its stay and people find their finishing touches for their numerous Halloween costumes for this upcoming weekend, they may be looking for something to throw onto the TV to continue the ambiance. These Halloween movies are sure to add to the spooktacular holiday. 

Whether people are big scaredy cats and the scariest thing they will watch is “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” or they are here for the thrill and will watch even the scariest of movies, like “The Conjuring,” there is a movie for everyone. Personally, nothing screams Halloween more than the iconic “Halloween” theme song. 

There are a total of 13 “Halloween” movies, with the first one released in 1978. The theme song evokes fear across generations and music leaves viewers on the edge of their seat, unaware of what is to come next. 

For those that cannot quite handle the horror, they may be inclined to watch the stopmotion classic “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which some consider a Christmas movie. However, the Halloween theme of the movie as well as the setting of “Halloween Town” has led many to call this a Halloween classic.

“Jack Skellington is scary, but wants to give to people. Halloween is supposed to be scary, but all he wants is to give to the kids,” sophomore nursing major Ella Horvath said. “It’s very creepy, but I like it.” 

The “Terrifier” trilogy lives up to its name. Known for its killer clown with white and black makeup look, Art the Clown terrorizes the town on Halloween night. Speaking no words throughout all three movies, his silence only adds to the fear of viewers. 

The next movie on my list for those that cannot handle the thrill is “Spookley the Square Pumpkin.” This 47 minute animated film was a huge part of my childhood. The film focuses on Spookley accepting his differences as a square pumpkin teaching kids the importance of self-love. 

Another movie that may not immediately come to mind when thinking of Halloween movies is the 2022 film “Smile.” Its release in September made it a perfectly timed psychological thriller.

“I think the idea that the smile, which is normally associated with joy and happiness, being the scary thing is really engaging,” sophomore neuroscience major Ansley Varisco said. 

When I think of my childhood and Halloween, I am reminded of the “Goosebumps” series. With over 60 books and two movies, this series surely instilled fear in little me. Slappy the Dummy, one of the main characters in “Goosebumps,” has a fearful ambiance that continues to scare young children to this day. 

I have not been able to look at a red balloon or yellow rain jacket the same since the 2017 release of “It.” Featuring the shapeshifting demonic clown Pennywise, this movie is still raved about over eight years later. 

No matter which Halloween movie is your favorite, I hope these Halloween movies make this holiday one full of fearful fun.