Culture

Published on October 30th, 2025 | by Vincent Laroche

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Witchy Magic: 16 Films for a Cosy Halloween Night

There’s something uniquely enchanting about Halloween that goes beyond carved pumpkins and cobweb garlands. It’s the season when the days shorten, the air cools, and the cinematic universe offers us a chance to revisit stories full of wonder, witchcraft, fairy-tale mystery, and just the right hint of mischief. But not all Halloween films must be frightening. Some are tender, charming, nostalgic—movies made for curling up under a soft blanket with a mug of spiced tea or mulled cider nearby.

For those who prefer curiosity to terror, whimsy to gore, and storytelling to shock value, we’ve curated a collection of 16 cosy Halloween films. These are movies that transport you — to candlelit kitchens, enchanted forests, Victorian mansions, autumn orchards, seaside towns filled with folklore, and yes, the occasional witch’s cottage.

So light a candle, dim the lamp, and let the cosy magic unfold.

1. Practical Magic (1998)

A quintessential autumn film, Practical Magic is a story about sisterhood, love, inherited magic, and healing. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman play two witch sisters whose family curse affects every romance they encounter. The New England setting — crisp-leaf streets, herb-filled kitchens, and the iconic white Victorian house — practically smells like cinnamon and clove. A timeless comfort.

2. Hocus Pocus (1993)

The Sanderson Sisters have become icons of seasonal nostalgia. This film offers Halloween whimsy at its best — candlelit graveyards, spells gone wrong, talking cats, and musical mischief. It’s ideal for a light-hearted movie night that feels like childhood.

3. Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Surprisingly charming, this sequel leans into updated humor while honoring the original’s campy magic. With new teen protagonists and the return of Bette Midler’s fabulous theatrical presence, it’s a warm, fun continuation for a double-feature evening.

4. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black, this adaptation of the beloved children’s novel is visually rich and emotionally sweet. Its Gothic whimsy, stained glass windows, grand staircases, and magical clocks lend themselves beautifully to a candlelit watch.

5. Coco (2017)

Though rooted in Día de los Muertos rather than Halloween, Coco is a tapestry of remembrance, family, and cultural reverence. It’s visually sumptuous, musically unforgettable, and soul-warming. It invites viewers to reflect on memory and ancestry — a welcome theme for autumn.

6. The Craft (1996)

For those leaning toward the darker side — but still within cosy, nostalgic bounds — The Craft is an iconic tale of teenage witches exploring power and consequences. A moody, velvet-and-black-lipstick classic.

7. Coraline (2009)

A stop-motion wonderland of eerie charm, Coraline is both unsettling and enchanting, perfect for viewers who enjoy atmospheric storytelling without outright horror. The Other Mother’s button eyes remain one of cinema’s most subtle chills.

8. The Addams Family (1991)

Macabre humor wrapped in elegance. The Addams estate is cozy in its own gothic way, and Morticia Addams has become a symbol of composed glamour. Family values, but make them deliciously strange.

9. The Addams Family Values (1993)

Rare for surpassing its predecessor, the sequel has even sharper humor, a memorable summer camp meltdown, and Wednesday Addams in full, deadpan command of the universe.

10. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Studio Ghibli gives us the ultimate cosy witch film. Kiki’s journey to find her independence in a charming coastal town brings warm bread, gentle skies, and the tenderness of growing up. Perfect with tea and biscuits.

11. Over the Garden Wall (2014)

While technically a miniseries, it unfolds like a single autumnal film-poem. Wooded paths, mysterious villages, pumpkin festivals, and Americana folk music create a dreamlike, nostalgic experience. It feels like October itself.

12. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Tim Burton’s atmospheric retelling is visually sumptuous: fog-drenched forests, candlelight flickering inside dark-paneled rooms, and costumes that whisper of 18th-century New England mystery. Gothic romantic beauty with just enough suspense.

13. Stardust (2007)

A whimsical fantasy adventure with witches, starlight, sky pirates, and charming romance. It’s cinematic stargazing — magical, ambitious, and beautifully scored.

14. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A stop-motion Halloween-meets-Christmas fairytale that lives in the hearts of many. Danny Elfman’s music alone makes this film worth revisiting every year.

15. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Perhaps the cosy autumn film — candlelit feasts, wizarding classrooms, wool scarves, and enchanted hallways. Hogwarts in October is eternal comfort.

16. Bell, Book and Candle (1958)

A classic starring Kim Novak and James Stewart — stylish, witty, smoky jazz-club noir meets subtle magic. It’s romantic and autumnal in a grown-up, Manhattan-by-night sort of way.

Prepare Seasonal Snacks (Not Just Popcorn)

Food is a sensory touchstone of cozy cinema nights. Let the menu reflect autumn’s flavors:

Sweet options:

  • Caramel-dipped apple slices
  • Pumpkin bread with honey butter
  • Dark chocolate squares
  • Cinnamon-sugar roasted almonds

Savory options:

  • Cheese plate with dried figs and rosemary crackers
  • Warm butternut squash soup shots in small cups
  • Herb popcorn (rosemary + olive oil + sea salt is divine)

A tip from French hosting culture:
Serve snacks on real plates, not paper. It makes the evening feel intentional.

Pair the Film with a Seasonal Drink

Every cosy film deserves a warm beverage.

Tea lovers might try:

  • Masala chai
  • Rooibos vanilla
  • Chamomile apple

For chocolate drinkers:

  • Hot cocoa with nutmeg and a pinch of cayenne
  • White hot chocolate with lavender

For grown-ups:

  • Mulled wine with cloves + orange peel
  • Spiced rum cider
  • Pumpkin beer or autumn ale

Serve in mugs that feel good in the hands — weighted, round, comforting.

Photos by: https://share.google/images/6eciex3iGnezXRJ7d


About the Author

mm

is one of our Los Angeles correspondent. Vincent is a seasoned journalist and cinema aficionado with a keen eye for entertainment. Hailing from Paris and educated at Sorbonne University in Film and Music, Vincent brings a wealth of expertise to his coverage of lavish galas, festivals, and must-see shows. When he's not uncovering Hollywood's and Cannes's latest gems, you can find him indulging in his passions for the piano, astronomy, sci-fi literature, and vintage cars.


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