As the pumpkins are slowly traded out for snowmen, there is a break called November. This time of year, watching a good movie can be a great way to stay entertained while keeping the cold outside; however, November can feel like a bizarre month because finding the right film to match the time of year isn’t as easy as October and December. It is important to find movies that bring a combination of spooky and comfy in wholesome stories. There are creepy, eerie movies that fit the month of November perfectly.
Starting with one of the more obvious and traditional options, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a great November film. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is the epitome of the time between Halloween and Christmas as it follows a journey between the realms of both holidays. Tim Burton, the director stated that it is meant to be a Christmas film, but many watch it throughout October and November.
The central protagonist, Jack Skellington, struggles to be content with every Halloween being the same and tries to branch out. There are many ups and downs, especially when he tries to play the role of Santa Claus. It is a creepy but wholesome film with a much bigger plot beyond scares, making it great for a cozy November night and even over Thanksgiving break.
Continuing with the theme of Burton films, “Corpse Bride” is a spooky and complicated love story. It follows an arranged wedding between Victor and Victoria; however, Victor ends up accidentally proposing to a dead woman, Emily. The story continues to demonstrate the woman's' vulnerability displayed over a spooky, dark background with a few musical numbers mixed in. “Corpse Bride” isn’t just a Halloween movie, but rather a wholesome story about feminine vulnerability and love. This makes it a great watch when the scary season is still lingering.
This one might be controversial, considering it is a movie centered around murder and fear, but the Scream franchiseis a great option. The Scream films are classic scary movies featuring many characters who grow and struggle together, while being chased by the serial killer Ghostface. It is about terror and the people. The films also have some pretty great Ghostface reveals and continues to keep the audience guessing. Have a “Scream” watch marathon this November.
Looking at a less scary film, ”Practical Magic” follows two witch sisters as they dive into the world of darker magic. This film has a beautiful story about love and sisterhood as the characters overcome several challenges. The two main characters are relatable women who also happen to be witches. The story is another example of a mix between mystical and beautiful. This film could also be the perfect addition to a girl's night.
November can feel like an awkward pause at times, but some movies bring mystical and scariness into simple, wholesome stories. Each of these films portrays a story of connection and relationships with a spookier setting, which makes them perfect for November. This month, find ways to continue the celebration of Halloween while preparing for the family holidays.
Kyra Dapore is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kyra know by emailing her at kd364521@ohio.edu.
