If you’re like us, you’ve watched Hocus Pocus every October for the last two decades (and why not? Bette Midler IS Halloween). If you’re ready to change things up (and no, that doesn't mean watching Nightmare Before Christmas...) these films should scratch the itch. Pair with spirits for an extra spooky time (sorry, we just couldn’t help ourselves).
Watch: Shaun of the Dead – The zombie apocalypse movie to rule them all. It's funny, jumpy, and features some classic zombie-gore. There’s even a little romance, so you really can have it all. Drink: Boddington’s Pub Ale. Drink every time someone says “pub,” someone says “Winchester,” or a zombie gets whacked.
Watch: Rocky Horror Picture Show – Fun fact: RHPS has the longest-running theatrical release in history, screening in cinemas across the world every year since 1975. Why the unstoppable run? Most performances turn into cult-like, fan-cast performances. If you haven’t been, check your local cinema listings. Drink: Irish Coffee. You’ll need the liquid inhibition and caffeine to get you through a midnight viewing/performance.
Watch: Clue – Doesn’t get more Halloween than a who-done-it in a gothic mansion. The 1985 theatrical release included three possible endings, with different theaters receiving one of the three finales. The original "Gotta catch 'em all." Drink: Anything from a can…and open it yourself. Invite your friends and give each a different drink in a paper bag. Bonus points for whoever guesses what they got first. A little trick, a little treat.
Watch: Coco – Disney Pixar pulls at the heartstrings in this gorgeous film about Mexico's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions. Plus, the song “Remember Me” hits us with the feels every time. We're not crying, you're crying. Drink: Spiked Horchata. How you spike it is your call, but rum, bourbon, and tequila all pack a good punch. Garnish with a little cinnamon.
Watch: Ghostbusters – Because Bill Murray can do no wrong and we miss Harold Ramis. Channel the supernatural with the 1984 box office smash. Apologies in advance for the theme song being stuck in your head for the entirety of November. Drink: Chartreuse Mezcal Margarita. 1 part mezcal, 1 part Green Chartreuse, 1 part maraschino, 1 part lemon (or lime) juice. BYO Proton Pack.
Watch: Rosemary’s Baby – Paranoia, persecution, and parenthood – what could possibly go wrong? Guy and Rosemary Woodhouse find the dark side of domestic bliss in their NYC apartment building. Best to watch if you’ve already got kids... and they don't have their father's eyes... Drink: Manhattan. Chilled.
Watch: Beetlejuice – (Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!) It's said that Tim Burton's only character direction for Michael Keaton was that he “lived in every time period, but was of no time period.” The result: a lovable ghoul and a quirky underworld that feels more like a fun-house than eternal damnation. Drink: Pina Colada (and a Shrimp Cocktail). That calypso dance scene just has us feeling some sort of way... DAAAYOOO, me say DAYOO...
Watch this: Silence of the Lambs – BEWARE: Our copywriter was born after her mother went into labor while watching Silence of the Lambs in theaters. Soon-to-be moms, you've been warned. Drink: A Nice Chianti. Maybe a little fava bean snack?
Watch: Ghost – Fact: Patrick Swayze is the ghost of our dreams. Also fact: Ghost kicked off a national ceramics craze after premiering in July 1990. Just yes to all of it. Drink: A buttery chardonnay (by the bottle) and a box of tissues for each person.
Watch: The Addams Family – They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky, they're altogether... the First Family of macabre and fantastic inspiration for next year's group costume. #AngelicaHouston4Evr Drink: Sangria. Get a little monster smashed.
