Movies, cartoons, and music for Halloween

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For many, October is not just the tenth month of the year, but the time of anticipation of Halloween. This holiday is associated with carved pumpkins, decorative skeletons, and unusual treats like witch finger cookies. With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to find the most striking costume and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It's also a good time to watch interesting films and shows that can bring laughter, mild horror, and evoke nostalgic memories. Don't forget about music to set the right party mood, as the right soundtrack is an essential part of celebrating Halloween.

We asked our authors and colleagues to share recommendations for films, cartoons, TV series, and music that help get you into the Halloween spirit. As a result, we've compiled a diverse selection: here you'll find heartwarming cartoons about miracles, gripping fantasy, and horror films for thrill-seekers. We've also prepared a great selection of music—from ambient to post-punk—to set the right mood for this mystical period. Here's our list of recommendations for creating a Halloween atmosphere through films, music, and other media. These pieces will help you immerse yourself in the mysterious and mystical world of this holiday. Start with classic horror films that have become a Halloween staple. Consider modern horror films that offer a fresh take on the genre. Don't forget about theme music to set the right mood. Choose a playlist filled with eerie melodies and sound effects. Also, consider reading scary stories or listening to horror audiobooks to add an element of intrigue.

These tips will help you fully enjoy Halloween and create a unique atmosphere.

• "Alice in Wonderland" and the story of the angry witch;
• the animated series "Over the Garden Wall" and lyrical indie rock;
• the psychological horror "Brooklyn 45" and the hypnotic and creepy album Disasterpeace;
• "The Simpsons" and Celtic ambient;
• the kind cartoons "Frankenweenie" and "ParaNorman, or How to Train Your Zombie";
• mysterious stories about meetings on the border of worlds and the soundtrack to the film "The Legend of the Green Knight";
• the new "Hocus Pocus" and Michael Jackson's Thriller;
• modern post-horrors and classic post-punk;
• "This "All Agatha" and punk rock;
• Halloween episodes of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and ABBA;
• the ancient comedy horror "Teledead," which scared the crap out of our editor.

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I never set out to create a Halloween atmosphere, but some traditions arise naturally.

I am attracted to two main motives about Halloween: the reality of the mystical and its dark side. For me, this holiday is associated with The Addams Family and Burton's Alice in Wonderland. In these films, the dark absurd fits harmoniously into everyday life, sometimes becoming more appropriate than the traditionally real. Halloween allows you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere where the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead are erased, and the unusual becomes part of the everyday.

Strange things sometimes happen in life, and one day the absurd entered my life through Alice. A few years ago, my friends and I hosted a "Dark Mad Tea Party" themed Halloween costume party. The party featured a pumpkin-headed Mad Hatter in a box, Alice in a bloody apron, and a slightly demented Dormouse and March Hare. We decided to save the props after the party. Since then, cardboard Absolem mushrooms have been stored in a cupboard, and a Cheshire Cat, seemingly eating someone's eye and gradually disintegrating, is pinned to a corkboard. Glittery bats hang on the front door. Every time I go for tea, I encounter a web of threads, a reminder of that mad party.

For me, the most atmospheric song for Halloween is "Scarlet Vow" by the Aviators from the album "The Twist at The End." The song tells the story of a witch who returns to town to seek revenge on the priest who banished her, which only strengthens her power. This track creates a sense of the inevitability of evil and the futility of revenge, as well as the inevitability of punishment. Listening to "Scarlet Vow," I imagine a flaming witch against the backdrop of an endless black night, surrounded by her demonic minions. This song perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween, immersing the listener in a dark and enchanting atmosphere.

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One of the best ways to create a Halloween atmosphere is the animated series "Over the Garden Wall." The plot centers on two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who get lost in a mysterious forest and strive to return home. They are aided in this exciting adventure by unusual characters: an Eastern Sialia named Beatrice and a wise old woodcutter. Over the course of ten episodes, the heroes visit amazing places, such as a city of dancing pumpkins, a school for forest animals, a tea magnate's mansion, and even a frog ferry. This animated series perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween, combining elements of mysticism, adventure, and humor.

The creators strive to convey the autumnal atmosphere as much as possible using a color palette dominated by dark reds, yellows, browns, and grays. The events unfold on Halloween night, but we won't go into too much detail about the plot. It's worth noting that Cartoon Network has announced a new two-minute short to commemorate the franchise's 10th anniversary, which will air on November 3rd. This is a great reason to start watching Over the Garden Wall now.

Every important event has its own soundtrack, and the approaching Halloween is a great time to update your playlist. Mitski's album The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, one of the most significant indie records of last year, perfectly evokes the atmosphere of autumn cold, yellowing leaves, and rainy landscapes. In this album, the singer deeply explores the themes of love and loneliness, which makes it especially relevant at this time of year. One of the most popular tracks, My Love Mine All Mine, has already accumulated over 1.2 billion plays on Spotify and has gone viral on social media, where two million users have shared posts with this song. This is perfect music for those moments when you want to be alone and immerse yourself in your thoughts.

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Revisiting my favorite horror films for Halloween is one of my most enjoyable traditions. At the end of October, I usually turn on classic slashers from the 70s and 80s, as well as other cult B-movies. It's my guilty pleasure, so don't judge. However, sometimes I try to find lesser-known horror films that can surprise with their atmosphere. Recently, I discovered the intimate, eerily creepy psychological horror film "Brooklyn 45" directed by Ted Gaghan. Although not widely known, this film manages to immerse the viewer in an atmosphere of fear and tension, making it an excellent choice for Halloween viewing.

The plot follows veteran friends gathering on Christmas Eve for a spiritualistic séance. As often happens in such stories, things get out of control: first, doors start slamming, and then even strange events occur with the heads of some of the participants. For an hour and a half, the viewer spends time in the same room with the characters, trying to figure out what is happening and why they decided to engage in this risky activity. The film is reminiscent of Lumet's Angry Men, but adds elements of horror, creating a tense atmosphere.

If you are looking for interesting horror films, then you should pay attention to "It Follows" directed by David Mitchell. Although this film is often mentioned in various collections, I would recommend taking a step further and enjoying its soundtrack without being distracted by the visuals. The music by the composer Disasterpeace creates a unique atmosphere that can immerse you in a world of persistent fear. With the curtains closed and the lights dimmed, you can truly appreciate the power of the sound effects. From the very first note, you'll be amazed at how music can be both terrifying and captivating. This album is a true work of art that will captivate you and give you an unforgettable experience.

Editor of the publication "Kino" Skillbox Media, specializing in writing articles on entrepreneurship, education and culture. He's actively developing his skills at Skillbox, which allows him to create high-quality content and share captivating stories about people who have achieved success in various fields. The first thing that comes to mind is the Halloween episodes of The Simpsons. It's like being immersed in a tent with a lantern, telling spooky stories about a red hand, a black sheet, and green fingers. These episodes are not only entertaining but also create a unique atmosphere, perfect for Halloween. Watching such episodes allows you to enjoy a combination of humor and horror, which makes them a popular choice for the holidays.

I recommend paying attention to the album Seanteach by the artist Föhn, which was released in October 2024. This album can be classified as Celtic ambient, perfect for quiet moments. On January 1st, I prefer to listen to music with a frosty and ringing sound, and this playlist can be called "the morning after Halloween." The album creates an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility, making it an excellent choice for winter days.

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I'm not a fan of Halloween or its aesthetics, but I value my friends. When they start discussing the holiday in a group chat and suggest getting together, ordering delicious food, and watching something interesting, I, of course, agree. However, I must clarify right away that horror films are not for me, as I get scared easily.

This year, we decided to watch several Halloween-themed cartoons. I've always been a fan of Tim Burton's work, especially his work "Frankenweenie." This cartoon tells the story of a boy who resurrects his dead dog in the same way Dr. Frankenstein revived his monster. The cartoon's plot is simple and kind, but it is filled with attributes that create the perfect atmosphere for All Saints' Day. The black-and-white style is reminiscent of the 1931 classic Frankenstein, and characters like creepy, hollow-eyed children and hunchbacks with crooked teeth add elements of horror. Equally engaging are the silly adults, whose actions can be just as frightening as the patchwork monster itself. This cartoon is a great blend of cuteness and horror, perfect for Halloween.

One of my favorite cartoons is "ParaNorman, or How to Train Your Zombie." Even though it's not Tim Burton's work, the film is still worth watching. The main character, a boy named Norman, has a unique ability to communicate with ghosts. Because of this, he is considered strange, and he faces bullying at school and even in his family. However, when a zombie outbreak begins in the city, his abilities become extremely useful. I don't remember the plot in detail, since I watched this cartoon a long time ago, but I intend to rewatch it in the coming days, because I remember that the ending is simply amazing. "ParaNorman" is not only a captivating story, but also a profound allegory about acceptance and friendship that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Editor of the “Movies” section in Skillbox Media. She enjoys weird fiction, studies Renaissance philosophy, and is a big fan of cat memes.

At Halloween, I always remember its ancient roots, rooted in the festival of Samhain. It's not so much a holiday of fear as a liminal moment when worlds intersect. It's a time when one can safely commune with the spirits of the dead and encounter fairies from the hills. Halloween isn't about fear and horror, but about encountering the other and the strange. I'm inspired by films like Ridley Scott's Legend and Guillermo del Toro's Hellboy, especially the second installment with its magnificent elves. I also recommend the Swedish original Let the Right One In. And, of course, Under the Skin with Scarlett Johansson, where she plays a non-human creature, also reflecting this theme. These works immerse you in an atmosphere of encounter with the unusual and mysterious, which perfectly matches the spirit of Halloween.

Dave McKean's "MirrorMask" is reminiscent of "Coraline," but on a larger, more intense scale. Among the animated films, the atmospheric and mysterious "Blood Tea and Red String" and the widely acclaimed "Over the Garden Wall" stand out. These works share a dark aesthetic and deep meaning, making them interesting for fans of fantasy and mysterious stories.

If you want to experience real fear, check out the most terrifying films of the last decade. Among them, "Wounds" by Babak Anvari, "The Empty Man" by David Pryor, and "Hereditary" by Ari Aster stand out. Also worth mentioning is Phil Tippett's unique stop-motion animated film "The Mad God," a veritable symphony of monstrous forms and images. These films are not only frightening but also deeply moving, making them a must-see for horror fans.

On such autumn evenings, the compositions of Heilung with their pagan motifs, the ancient mystical music of Daemonia Nymphe, and the darkly playful melodies of Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio sound perfect. Don't forget the work of the Russian band "Rowan Tower", whose repertoire includes the songs "Red Samhain" and "Black Samhain", perfectly suited to the atmosphere. I also recommend paying attention to Daniel Hart's soundtrack to the film "The Legend of the Green Knight". This movie and music set the perfect mood for a spooky Halloween evening.

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"Hocus Pocus" is a film that leaves warm memories from childhood and continues to evoke positive emotions in adulthood. I love its dynamic plot, which harmoniously combines funny and creepy moments. The film's characters are vibrant and memorable, making it even more appealing to viewers. Furthermore, beyond the core horror theme, the film masterfully explores the themes of the protagonist's coming of age and the development of family relationships, adding depth and meaning to the traditional horror genre.

I never thought about it as a kid, but now I realize what a remarkable cast this film has: Bette Middler and Sarah Jessica Parker in their prime. A second installment was released in 2022, with the same actresses reprising their roles as the main villains, almost 30 years later. It's a great opportunity to organize a Halloween movie marathon, immersing yourself in the atmosphere of magic and humor that have become the hallmark of this iconic film.

Compositions such as Michael Jackson's "Thriller", which combines elements of horror and meme culture, are ideal for creating the right musical atmosphere. Also worth paying attention to are the tracks of the band Dead Man's Bones, which immerse you in a mysterious atmosphere. No less atmospheric are the soundtracks from the TV series "Stranger Things", which are easily recognizable and create a unique mood. These musical works will perfectly complement any project related to the theme of horror and mysticism.

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I am fascinated by modern horror films, especially the post-horror subgenre. I don't like films with sudden jump scares; I prefer a slow, gradual buildup of tension. Post-horror films typically lack jump scares, which makes them more profound and intriguing. Among the well-known films, I can recommend The Lighthouse, Get Out, and Midsommar. Less popular films include Escape Now, Gretel and Hansel, February, The Cult, and The Eyes of My Mother. These films create a unique atmosphere, leaving the viewer in suspense and making them think about what's happening.

There's also "A Ghost Story," which reimagines the core elements of the horror genre, transforming them into a deep and heartbreaking drama. The film explores not only fear but also human emotions, making it a unique representative of the genre.

To create a Halloween atmosphere, I recommend paying attention to classic post-punk and gothic rock, which became popular in the late seventies and eighties. These genres of music are perfect for a holiday filled with mysticism and mystery. The sound of gothic melodies and the dark rhythms of post-punk will create a unique atmosphere that will perfectly complement your Halloween events. Pay attention to the works of bands such as Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure. Their music is not only breathtaking, but also immerses you in a world of dark fairy tales and mysterious stories, making it the perfect accompaniment for a festive night.

A philosopher and film and theater critic who, in his free time, interviews and analyzes B-horror films.

For me, Halloween is a collective event when we get together with friends and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Important elements are bright decor, unusual costumes, and interesting entertainment. While you could throw a horror marathon, I think it's best left for other days. October 31st is the day I prefer to choose films and music that create a special atmosphere. A legendary B-movie familiar to all fans of the genre, and even if they haven't heard of it, they at least know about its cult status. This film is a shining example of Canadian independent cinema. The plot revolves around a series of mysterious murders in a town where people fall victim to vampires. This causes concern at the local church, as the dead are devoted parishioners. Father Alban turns to Jesus for help, who is always ready to come to the rescue. However, to do so, he will need to update his style and buy a skateboard.

Don't expect any outstanding visual aesthetics from this film: everything is inexpensive but tasteful. The atheists in leather jackets and sunglasses alone are worth noting. This is a parody horror film that intertwines various elements: punks, church ministers, activists, atheists, vampires, vampire hunters, wrestlers, and professional athletes. And don't forget, it's also a musical!

Marvel TV series and specials on the Disney+ platform have been a real breakthrough for the Marvel Universe in recent years. Movies filled with constant repetition are starting to cause fatigue among viewers. At the same time, Disney+ opens up new horizons, allowing for experimentation with formats and storylines that aren't possible with feature-length films. Television projects not only diversify content but also deepen character and story development, introducing fresh ideas and unexpected twists. This makes Marvel series on Disney+ an important part of the universe, capable of attracting both longtime fans and new viewers.

"Werewolf by Night" was released as a Halloween special two years ago. This project introduces viewers to the universe of Jack Russell, known as Werewolf by Night, an ordinary man who fell victim to a curse that turns him into a wolf-like creature. This is the studio's first truly bloody project, which uses a black-and-white filter, which made it possible to show it on screen. The special episode introduces new characters, and you shouldn't expect complex drama from it. The plot is that a legendary monster hunter dies. Other hunters, wanting to take possession of his title and ancient artifacts, are going to perform an ancient ritual. However, a monster is hiding among them. The story is cohesive and accessible, even for viewers unfamiliar with the Marvel universe. "It's Agatha" is a new series this season, the final episodes of which will air on Halloween. It's a road movie of sorts, but set in a fantasy context. The main character, Agatha, is familiar to viewers from the series "WandaVision," where she caused numerous problems for the main characters. Now she faces a reckoning: she loses her magical powers and embarks on a journey along the mysterious mythical Road. If you love classic witch stories, this series is a great choice. It will also attract Marvel fans, as it introduces new characters that many fans have been waiting for.

The American band Palaye Royale embodies the perfect Halloween vibe. Each new release continues this tradition and impresses. Their fifth album, released a few months ago, confirms this once again: here Halloween is presented in a vulgar, sexual, and open format. The album is filled with energetic guitar riffs and frank lyrics. Despite the variety of moods in the tracks, some of which may deviate from the band's usual style, the album sounds harmonious from the first to the last track. Palaye Royale successfully creates an atmosphere that is perfect for fans of both rock music and Halloween themes.

The punk classics present their debut studio album, which is permeated with an atmosphere of total paranoia and horror. The album cover includes the image of the monster from the poster of the film "Evil Red Planet" (1959) and the UFO from the film "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers" (1956). The album is ranked number 32 on Rolling Stone's list of the 40 Greatest Punk Rock Albums of All Time, highlighting its significance in music history and its influence on the development of punk rock.

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On Halloween, I usually listen to ABBA's "Dancing Queen," which reminds me of one of the best episodes of "Community." During this time, I also love rewatching my favorite TV series. My two top recommendations are the aforementioned "Community" and any Halloween episode of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." These shows are perfect for creating a festive atmosphere and allowing you to enjoy humor and creative storylines in the spirit of Halloween.

I associate ABBA with an unforgettable episode of the second season of the series "Community," where the characters participate in a Halloween party. In this episode, they accidentally contract a virus that turns everyone into zombies, and the famous composition "Dancing Queen" plays in the background. This musical track, in my opinion, perfectly conveys the atmosphere of the holiday. For me, Halloween is not only about darkness and fears associated with the dead or mystical stories. It is a day when you can be yourself, expressing your creativity and madness. ABBA's music in this context creates an amazing contrast to the events and perfectly complements the holiday atmosphere.

"Community" is a unique take on American pop culture, combining a variety of references and tropes. The series skillfully plays with these elements, creating a captivating and original work. It is an homage to American television and cinema. I was in college when this series premiered, and its themes were especially close to my heart. My friends and I often watched it together, and it created many fond, nostalgic memories. While "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" offers viewers light and good-natured humor, it also has a heartfelt atmosphere. This series is perfect for watching when you need a mood lift.

Long-running series often have memorable episodes that become events for viewers. Friends' Thanksgiving-themed episodes are particularly popular and highly anticipated. Community also boasts four memorable Halloween episodes, the second and third of which are considered true masterpieces. These episodes create a unique experience for fans and become an important part of the show's cultural legacy.

The third episode plays on many Halloween stereotypes and features numerous funny Easter eggs. Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Halloween episodes always center on a competition between the characters: they must steal a cleverly hidden object to earn the title of genius and the coolest detective, a title they can hold for the rest of the year. The idea itself is intriguing, and these episodes also feature numerous references to popular action films starring actors like Tom Cruise and Bruce Willis. These episodes are full of humor, action, and suspense, keeping viewers guessing as to who will ultimately win the prize.

At Halloween, I prefer to immerse myself in the atmosphere of classic, classic TV series. They give the holiday a special atmosphere that I enjoy much more than Tim Burton films, children's horror films like Hocus Pocus, or old horror films. Classic TV series have a unique charm and can evoke nostalgia, creating the perfect backdrop for Halloween.

Editor-in-Chief of Skillbox Media. Enjoys reading reference books and encyclopedias, studying foreign languages, and spending time by the water, drawing inspiration from nature.

I remember the time when video salons existed. In the evening, you could come and see an action movie or, if you were lucky, an erotic film. One time, I came and stumbled upon a horror film—"TV Dead." Or something like that. A film about zombies that crawled out of a damned television when you turned it on and devoured people. It was a completely absurd American horror film from the 1980s. It seems funny now, but back then, Soviet audiences were confronted with it for the first time: blood, guts, screams. Such horrors were truly exotic for him, and this created a unique impression.

I always returned home along brightly lit streets. Near my house there was a dark alley with a lone lantern. One day, as I was passing by, I noticed a zombie slowly moving toward me, dragging its leg. Panicking, I grabbed a stone and pressed myself against the fence in a dark corner. The zombie muttered something incoherent as it approached my hiding place. I was about to strike when I suddenly caught the smell of alcohol. In the end, I wasn't eaten, but after that incident, I couldn't bring myself to turn on the TV for two weeks.

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"TV Dead" (1987) is a comedy horror film that became a cult classic in the post-Soviet space thanks to its popularity in video salons. This film is classified as a B-movie due to its low budget and lack of distribution—it was released directly to video. "TV Dead" is remembered by audiences for its unusual approach to the image of the living dead: unlike the usual slow-moving zombies, the characters here are intelligent and unaware of their death. Although the film impressed with its rough aesthetic in the 1980s, it was tastefully made and today stands as the perfect example of trash film for fans of cringe horror. The film continues to attract attention and spark interest among new generations of viewers, confirming its status as a cult classic.

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