My Favorite Halloween Movies and TV Shows

Its reaching that time of the year and I would like to share my list of films and tv shows to watch for the Halloween Season. These are all handpicked from a very biased place, filled with my fallible tastes and interests. This is no way an attempt to list the definitive best films to watch on Halloween. If anything, this is my attempt to relive conversations at a video store.

The Crow

IMDB: 7.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (Audence Rating: 377,266)
This isn't a traditional pick to watch for Halloween. But give me a chance to explain. First, the film fits the theme. A dead spirit returns on a night of celebration called Devils Night to take revenge. I didn't know this but Devils Night was a real and messed up tradition in Detroit. It was the night before Halloween, people would light buildings, dumpsters and cars on fire. Additionally, the conspiracy surrounding Brandon Lee's death on set has been portrayed as a result of his fathers curse (Bruce Lee).  It's superstition. The film is a strange pendulum swinging between reality and fiction. And if Halloween is anything, it's a time when reality and fiction meet. It's a quotable film, filled with the gloom of post punk and it's one of my favorite revenge flicks.

Addams Family Values

IMDB: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 63% (Audience Rating: 386,691)
There are certain films from the 80's and 90's that people hold sacred in their heart. And some of them have aged terribly like a spent rocker. I refuse to name them in fear of retaliation. And they're probably valid. But my point is, I think The Adams Family film is rock sold. Clean of doubt. The cinematography is still slick, the set, costumes and special effects still hold up. Lastly, the humor still functions as a working component of the film, you know and not "of an era". It's a world that celebrates gallows humor, the strange and love. Funny Strange Love.

Over the Garden Wall

IMDB: 8.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% (Audience Rating)
Over the Garden Wall is one of favorite animations series. It's a self contain, 10 episode story.  It follows two lost brothers, Wirt and Greg as they try to find their way home. The creator Pat McHale was inspired by Gustov Dore, Folk Art, Vintage Postcards and old Disney shorts. Its a unique style caught in the backdrop of a beautiful autumn.  There's an under current of creepiness that prevails throughout their journey. And from the woods they come across surreal and fantastical characters that feel like they are born from the American mythos.  It's filled with sincere moments and finishes with a worthy conclusion. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in animation.

Candyman

IMDB: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 62% (Audience Rating: 134,228)
Of the holy trinity of slashers; Halloween, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. I was raised on Nightmare on Elm Street. But that isn't the slasher film that stuck with me.  The slasher that had seen the most repetition in my video player was Clive Barker's Candyman. I was too young to appreciate the clever adaptation into American history. But as a kid  I was drawn to the Candyman summoning ritual. The element of permitting the supernatural to enter your home.  I laugh now but it had become real in our house and the game put the fear of god in me. As an adult I would still recommend the film, the true horror of Candyman is the ugly crimes of slavery. And if your home alone and you want to test your Halloween spirit. Stare into your bathroom mirror and lock eyes with your reflection. Repeat after me. Candyman.

Halloween Specials

For my last pick, instead of a film, I chose to list my favorite Halloween specials. I understand this is a limited selection. Please leave a comment with your favorite.

• The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror V (season 6)
• Community - Epidemiology (Season 2, Episode 6)
• Aaahh!!! Real Monsters - The Switching Hour (Season 1, Episode 1)
• Parks & Recreation - Meet N Greet ( Season 4, Episode 5
• Buffy - Fear Itself (Season 4, Episode 4)
• Freaks and Geeks - Tricks and Treats - (Season 1 - Episode 3)
• Justice League : A Knight of Shadows 9 Part 1 & 2 (Season 1- Episode 21 & 22)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE

I hope you all enjoy the Halloween season. I'm always impressed with the costumes, cooking, and decorations . From me to you, I found an Irish Samhain blessing, have fun and take care.

At all Hallow's Tide, may God keep you safe
From goblin and pooka and black-hearted stranger
From harm of the water and hurt of the fire
From thorns of the bramble, from all other danger
From Will O' The Wisp haunting the mire
From stumbles and tumbles and tricksters to vex you
May God in His mercy, this week protect you