Harry Potter Movie Series
I read Harry Potter growing up so I love the books. Every Christmas these movies would play on marathon mode. Now it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until I watch them. Especially the first movie. There’s nothing better than going back to Hogwarts for the holidays!

The Lord of the Rings Movies
I remember these movies also playing on marathon mode. While I haven’t read the entire trilogy, I have fond memories of seeing these movies with friends. I have these movies on in the background while I work or clean. It’s even better while making Christmas cake!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This is the typical story of a cold hearted person warming up for the holidays. It’s a classic and I love the Jim Carrey the most. I saw this movie in theaters with my dad and brother. Everytime I watch this movie I think of my dad. He passed away in 2014 but that day at the movies will always be with me. My dad was never much of a Christmas person but he enjoyed this movie.

Arthur Christmas
I didn’t have high expectations for this movie but boy was I wrong. It’s all about the true meaning of Christmas amidst all the modern day luxuries we have. It reminds me of the little things we should appreciate in life and this movie always makes me smile.

A Christmas Carol
Another holiday classic. I keep telling myself that I’ll read the book eventually… I like the animated version with Jim Carrey because the spirit of the past makes me laugh so much. You’ll just have to see it or believe me. I also really enjoy the Muppets version or the Mickey Mouse version. Any one of these three Christmas movies make me happy!

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Popular Anime website Crunchyroll recently published an article about two movies I’ve been dying to see and one of them is finally out on Netflix (the link isn’t working for me in the Netherlands but I’m hoping US readers can use it). Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni (In This Corner of the World’s original name) is a beautiful and emotional journey in a young woman’s life during World War II.

The story begins with Suzu’s childhood and we’re introduced to a creative and kind spirit made to grow up a little too quickly. At 19 she is wed to a man she barely knows and moves away from her home in Hiroshima to live with his family.

The movie follows Suzu as she grows accustomed to her new home, dealing with rations, learning about surviving bomb drops, all the while keeping her gentle and curious nature. The movie opens with her telling the audience that “Folks have told me that I have my head in the clouds a lot.” It becomes quite clear that she’s a bit of an airhead at times. She enjoys drawing, and has a real talent for it, but sacrifices it to care for her family as the war efforts heat up.

The movie wonderfully in captured Suzu’s adventures in keeping the family safe and the struggles that come with war. I’ve read that the movie was heavily inspired by photos, diaries, memories and survivor stories. Most of what happened in the movie, took place in someone’s life. It’s horrifying and humbling at the same time. I’ve often asked Sander about his family during the war. Thankfully the most trouble they had was a lack of food. Not to say this isn’t terrible, but they didn’t suffer the intense bombings that other countries endured.

I don’t want to give away any more spoilers but I highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys Anime or war time films. I’ve seen Grave of the Fireflies as well. I bawled my eyes out during that film. However, In This Corner of the World, humor is added in to help alleviate the blows dealt to the family. We laughed at times and we were silent at others. It’s no less impactful with the humor added in, don’t worry. Either way, it’s a beautiful film that deserves to be seen.

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The Haunted Mansion
This movie got a lot of negative reviews but I still think it’s super cute. It’s because my favorite Disney ride is The Haunted Mansion, but I gave it a rewatch a few days ago and enjoyed it. It follows the typical story of a father who works too hard and ends up losing his wife to a handsome figure with a mysterious past. It’s a children’s movie the entire ride but it’s not a bad one.

ParaNorman
This one is such a wonderful title. I saw it in theaters and cried. It hits a lot of emotional boxes for me. It’s a often used premise, boy can talk to ghosts and is misunderstood by this family and friends. Oh no, the dead are coming to life? Now the boy is the hero! It’s the journey that matters in this story because it’s such a heartfelt message. Especially to those who feel alone because no one understands them. I dare you to watch this and not have your heart strings pulled.

The Frighteners
Man this one’s an oldie but goodie! I recently rediscovered The Frighteners this year when I had flashbacks to my childhood. I remember watching it when I was in my preteens and got the urge to find it after all this time. It will not disappointed! I loved this movie and it’s pretty dark so it’s not for kids at all. If you like ghost stories with a dramatic twist, I recommend The Frighteners.

Sleepy Hollow
Who could ever forget one of Johnny Depp’s more gruesome titles, Sleepy Hollow? I know I shouldn’t have been watching it but as a child, but I was obsessed with this movie. The entire premise of it had me hooked, which explains why I enjoy horror so much. Not the gory kind, even though this movie is all about the gore. Even so, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has always been a Halloween favorite of mine. This version of it is for adults who enjoy witchy sex appeal and dark themes.

The Addams Family
Who could forget everyone’s favorite spooky family? The Addams Family is another classic that I love watching year after year. It’s always made me laugh and come on, who could say no to the stunning and talented Anjelica Huston? I would advise watching every Addams Family movie with friends and of course, family! They might make you laugh and question if they have the perfect family. In my eyes, they do.

Hocus Pocus
I’ve saved the best for last! If you have no idea what Hocus Pocus is, please find a copy and watch it ASAP. This movie defines Halloween for me, spooky legends, demonic (yet comical) characters, immortal animals and a happy ending. I love this movie so much but I’m so sad to see the sequel will not have any of the original cast. This movie gives me life every Halloween!

I know and acknowledge that most of these movies are not to everyone’s taste but this is my list! I would love to see what you recommend watching! Open my eyes to some new Halloween films that will send tingles down my spine!

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