Brooke Pollock / Daily Nexus

Sick of candy? Here are some spooky movies, shows, music and more to consume this Halloween, courtesy of the Artsweek Staff.

MOVIES

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Is there anything more quintessentially Halloween than three old witches riding brooms and tormenting children? No, there isn’t and honestly I wish I could spend my Halloween like the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus” (1993). Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy are perfect as the antagonists, even if everytime I watch I hope they somehow prevail over the teenage inhabitants of Salem who brought them back from the dead. When I was young this movie slightly terrified me. Now, being older, I find the over the top nature of the witches, plot and tone to be comforting — a perfect backdrop for carving pumpkins and drinking hot cider. So go out, scare children and embrace your inner witch!
Zack Kramer, Staff Writer

“Pearl” (2022)
Ti West’s slasher film “Pearl” has quickly risen to cult-classic status since its 2022 release and is a must-watch for every Halloween movie marathon. As a prequel to the “X” film trilogy, the movie explores main character Pearl’s backstory before she becomes the disturbing killer in “X.” Trapped on an isolated Texas farmhouse with her strict mother and ailing father, she dreams of escaping her bleak life by any means necessary. Unlike most horror films, “Pearl” features bright lighting and vibrant colors that sharply contrast her mental descent, creating an unsettling, uncanny atmosphere. With fans donning her iconic bloodied red dress and braided bun this Halloween, Pearl cements herself in the slasher villain Hall of Fame.
Lynna Tran, Reporter

“I Saw the TV Glow” (2024)
Jane Schoenbrun’s 2024 horror masterpiece “I Saw the TV Glow” is not for everyone. With a superficially unsatisfying and seemingly random plot bound to alienate realism-seeking audiences, “TV Glow” shirks traditional storytelling in exchange for thrilling originality. Unforgettable visuals, beautiful writing and gut-wrenching performances support the film’s mesmerizing feeling of impending doom, but its true terror lies in the real-life implications of the story’s central allegory. The movie’s haunting existential horror will force viewers to confront and potentially change their own lifestyles. As the film posits, “There is still time,” and watching “I Saw the TV Glow” is most definitely a good use of that time.
Jake Turner, Reporter

“Practical Magic” (1998)
The 1998 Halloween cult-classic film “Practical Magic” is the ideal spooky-yet-whimsical way to spend the night of Oct. 31. The film follows the journey of two witch sisters in their search for love, despite a curse that dooms anyone who dares to love them to an untimely death. Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this mystical story transports the viewer into the world of modern-day magic as two women must fight a possessed ex-boyfriend. “Practical Magic” is the perfect blend of romance and thriller, chalked full of empowerment, sisterhood and, of course, a little Halloween magic.
Bella Astin, Reporter

“Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
For me, “Sleepy Hollow” (1999) is THE Halloween movie. It isn’t the scariest one, but it’s undeniably spooky and atmospheric. Tim Burton, acknowledged as the master of gothic thrillers, delivered one of his finest works with this film. The story of a mysterious, headless ghost murdering people in the small town of Sleepy Hollow combines mystery, horror and romance, creating unforgettable visual sequences. A bare forest shrouded in mist, dark figures roaming narrow trails, ghosts, witches and ancient curses — the film has it all. Both Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci feel perfectly suited to the eerie Victorian setting. All the viewer needs is to cozy up in an armchair by the fireplace and enjoy the thrill of the spooky tale.
Kirill Vorobyev, Staff writer

SHOWS

“The Haunting of Hill House” (2018)
Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel of the same name, Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting of Hill House” is a modern ghost story that navigates family and themes of trauma, grief, secrecy and guilt. The haunting score, memorable jumpscares and impressive acting by an ensemble cast make this series an unforgettable watch. The cinematography features striking tracking shots as the camera moves through the scene, including a 17-minute continuous shot in Episode 6, “Two Storms.” Expect to see ghosts lurking in dark corners of the background and a chilling atmosphere that make this show perfect for a spooky Halloween night. If you’re like me, you’ll want to give this series a second watch, as knowing how it all ends adds layers to the experience.
Kaitlin Lee, Science and Tech Editor

“Gargoyles” (1994-97)
Stone by day! Warriors by night! Disney’s “Gargoyles” is a 1994-97 animated series about a clan of medieval gargoyles awoken in modern-day Manhattan — which they vow to defend, as once they defended their castle. Regarded as far more complex than many of its afternoon contemporaries, “Gargoyles” has a deep love for all things Shakespearean — casting classically-trained Keith David as Goliath, the Gargoyles’ leader, whose deeply-sewn pain is matched only by his hope that his kind might someday coexist with the humans who have, in fear, so often shunned them. While occasionally employing the bat-winged adornment of dark fantasy, “Gargoyles’” vision of the 90s urban sprawl highlights the night’s mysterious beauty just as well as any of its time-worn castles do. It is this gothic aesthetic, as well as the show’s focus on monstrosity and the other, that make it the perfect Halloween watch!
Macoy Greco, Reporter

MUSIC

“I Eat Boys” by chloe moriondo
Inspired by the cult-classic movie “Jennifer’s Body,” chloe moriondo’s “I Eat Boys” is the ideal song to elevate the Halloween mood. Paired with a gory music video, moriondo sings equally gory lyrics about her plans to lock boys in her basement and then eat them, as a way to express her dislike of disrespectful men. With lyrics like, “I’ll eat you whole / Pull out your teeth and take your soul / Stir some blood into the punch bowl,” moriondo delivers an eerie and unsettling vibe as she paints the gruesome picture of her plans for the men that disrespect her.
Diana Mateescu, Staff Writer

“The Black Cat Nero” by ATEEZ
ATEEZ’s “The Black Cat Nero” is the perfect K-pop addition to any Halloween playlist. The song is originally sung by first-generation K-pop group, Turbo, which ATEEZ have adapted into a theatrical Halloween cover featuring much more rock-forward instrumentals that embody the Halloween spirit. The song entails a person befriending a black cat, one of the most iconic symbols of the Halloween season. Paired with a performance video of all the ATEEZ members dressed as vampires, this is the perfect track to get you into the Halloween mood.
Diana Mateescu, Staff Writer

“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
”Thriller” by Michael Jackson is a frightening, catchy and oh-so thrilling delightful Halloween tune that is the perfect blend of startling thrills and ghoulish delight. The song perfectly blends many spooky tales of creepy creatures with the intoxicating draw of a fast- paced beat, perfect for a terrifically fun and lively dance. It is also an expertly crafted blend of Jackson’s exhilarating vocals and his passion for the funkadelic drama of the 80s era of the pop genre. Such a masterful combination has unsurprisingly resulted in an undeniably enticing cult classic, one which has stood the test of time and has proved to be a great choice for any exciting holiday get together.
Sophia Sullivan, Reporter

BOOKS

“Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
In a violation of the long-standing “always read the book before the movie” sentiment, I actually watched the film adaptation of “Coraline” before reading Neil Gaiman’s 2002 novel and became obsessed with the creepy, sinister and twisted story told through impressive claymation. Watching the movie inspired me to read the novel back in middle school, which made me fall in love with the story even more. Gaiman’s writing is superb — he has a unique ability to craft such a disturbing tale while also maintaining Coraline’s childlike innocence. Unlike the film, the novel gives a closer look at each character, from the loveable Wybie to the horrifying Other Mother. “Coraline” is tense and chilling, yet still suitable for young readers with a strange fascination with horror (like me when I read it).
Lauren Chiou, Artsweek Editor

PRODUCTIONS

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
For being from 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a true timeless Halloween classic for me. Does X probably find it problematic? Maybe, but it is such a classic campy, queer B-movie that you simply must see. The musical numbers and insane plot developments — from the “Frankenstein”-esque to literal aliens — still remain fresh rewatch after rewatch. Even better is to see it live with a shadow cast and fellow-goers (which of course happens at UC Santa Barbara every quarter!), in order to experience the absurd traditions that have developed from its cult following. So don’t wait in antici…pation, just watch it and let me know when you finally get “Time Warp” out of your head!
Zack Kramer, Staff Writer

This appeared in the October 31 print edition of the Daily Nexus.