Excellent Movies To Get You Excited About Halloween In Utah

I love this time of year, but as with most holidays, I struggle to get into the spirit of the season until it’s too late. I want to feel the effects of Halloween as it approaches. I yearn to have the anticipation I had as a kid, but most years the speed of life catches me and before I know it the doorbell is ringing and I am handing out candy to cute kids in costumes before I had a chance to get excited.

As most of us have figured out, I find that nothing sets a tone better than watching a movie. When it finishes, I feel like I have gone on the adventure with the cast. Here’s the catch, sometimes I don’t have enough time to watch a movie. Here are some movies I can have on in the “background” that are effective in getting me into the mindset of Halloween.

Being a dad in Utah we are family-based, I tried to keep the selection not too demanding of my attention, something I won’t be worried about if younger or concerned parental eyes walk into the room, and not too dark, not emotionally, but physically so I don’t have to strain to watch.

Hubie Halloween

Adam Sandler is a goofy Halloween safety sheriff of sorts, self-appointed, and teased by all the kids in the neighborhood. There is a neighborhood mystery that has to be solved by Hubie and his allies.

I like this one because it features a lot of cool costumes. Grandma’s t-shirts might push the boundary of the “younger viewers” rule, but the tone is goofy. It’s a good movie for me to kind of get lost in the Halloween spirit and I like the vibe that love conquers all.

Goosebumps

Fictional monsters from R.L. Stine's famous book series are accidentally unleashed into the real world. As they wreak havoc the characters have to capture the creatures and save their community from catastrophe.

It's funny, has enough monsters to get me into the Halloween mode. And the characters are pretty fun to watch (or listen to if I’m distracted). The characters are rich and show how a group can come together and solve problems which is great for Utah audiences.

The Transylvania movies

Count Dracula, who runs a luxury resort for monsters navigates the challenges of family life including raising and dealing with his only daughter Mavis.

This one is all about a dad and his pals trying to navigate the world. What’s more Utah-friendly than that? Probably because of driving with the movie on, I like to listen to these as much as watch them.

Matilda the Musical

This musical movie is an adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story, centered around a brilliant young girl with telekinetic powers who faces the challenges of her neglectful family and a tyrannical headmistress.

Creepy as Roald Dahl can be it feels like a Halloween movie. Catchy music and the morals of the story are funny and spookily taught plus the music helps me keep my momentum in a project. The story is full of great teaching moments.

These suggestions are a great way to get into the joy of Halloween without slowing you down during this busy time of year. Put them on without worry that family or neighbors will think you are a predator and get into the Halloween season.