Spooky season is now upon us! With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start breaking out our favorite Halloween movies. Parked on the couch with a cozy blanket and some candy, there’s really no better way to spend the holiday. But what’s a good movie without an amazing soundtrack?
Let’s take a look at some Halloween movies with incredibly memorable soundtracks!
The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Tim Burton classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is filled with a bevy of tunes. Following the main character Jack Skellington (the Pumpkin King) on his journey through Halloweentown, the animation does not shy away from music. One may recognize the popular, “This is Halloween”, played at the very beginning of the film. Or “What’s This?”, sung during Jack’s adventure into Christmastown. Both are fantastic songs that capture the amusement and wonder that is Jack Skellington.
One song that’s not often discussed is “Sally’s Song.” Sung by Jack’s (unknown) love interest, Sally, the track is full of remorse and longing. During her song, Sally sings of her concern for Jack now that he has gone to Christmastown. She expresses that she hopes he is safe and feels that Jack will never reciprocate her feelings. It’s the perfect heartbreak ballad for unrequited love.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a spooky, dark movie filled with lament and a great soundtrack.
Hocus Pocus
Another classic Hocus Pocus, released in 1993, is a Halloween comedy film. Although this movie has many popular hits, there wasn’t an official soundtrack until 2013. The film follows three witches based in Salem, MA. After being released by two teenagers snooping around an abandoned house, they are on a mission to become immortal. The traditional “good vs. evil” trope mixed with the comedic value makes for a fun film. And the music matches. It’s nothing short of fun and upbeat.
Of course, the film includes the classic “I Put a Spell on You.” This song has been widely popular across social media, particularly because of its use in this movie. However, the song, “Sarah’s Theme” has also gained some traction over the years. This piece is on the slower, gentler side, used as a mechanism to lure out children.
The soft lyrics and almost dream-like tune are enough to immerse any viewer into the film.
Halloweentown
Halloweentown is a Disney classic I’m sure everyone watched when they were younger. The movie centers on a young Marnie, who finds out she is a witch on her 13th birthday. Known for her love of Halloween, her mother refuses to let her and her siblings celebrate for reasons unannounced to the viewer. We quickly find out that Marnie’s grandmother Aggie is a witch and resides in Halloweentown. The movie is filled with adventure, excitement, and music to envelop the viewer in all things fall.
Although none of these songs have lyrics, the instrumentals provide a whimsical experience. “Halloweentown Theme” begins with operatic vocals and prominent twinkling sounds in the background. However, it quickly turns halfway through into an upbeat, catchy tune. Meanwhile, “Aggie’s Bus Flies In,” encapsulates the goofy and carefree nature of Marnie’s grandma.
Each piece, although word-free, is nothing short of an asset to this film.
Corpse Bride
Another Tim Burton classic, Corpse Bride, is a musical fantasy film. Based in a Victorian era, the main character Victor Van Dort prepares for his arranged marriage to Victoria Everglot. In a whirlwind of events, Victor finds himself accidentally engaged to a ghost named Emily. During his time with Emily, Victor learns that she was murdered years ago on the night of her elopement by her fiancé, who stole the family jewels. Although quite a sad plot line, the music aspect adds a touch of hope to the film.
“Remains of the Day” is a jazzy musical piece that is used to tell the story of Emily and how she ended up in this position. Using music as a way to immerse the viewers into Emily’s demise only increases their interest. On the other hand, “Tears to Shed” is a more solemn tune to express the sadness that Emily feels at Victor’s rejection. The track perfectly showcases the loneliness she feels.
Despite being such a sad song, “Tears to Shed” has become a Halloween staple.
What Do You Think?
Get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy your Halloween with these classics. What’s your favorite Halloween movie? Are there any other films you plan on watching? Either way, make sure your Halloween is filled with fun and the perfect music!
