I always seem to watch TV more at this time of year. It is so nice to get comfy and cosy, the darker evenings make it so easy and it is a great way to spend the evening. There are so many different things to watch at this time of year. You can go down the full horror road if you enjoy being scared but you can also watch something funny, nostalgic or just a little bit spooky without spending the rest of the night wondering what that noise was downstairs.
If you’re looking for something to add to your watch list this month here are some of my favourites!
Hocus Pocus!
We have to start with Hocus Pocus! This is one of those films that always makes me think of this time of year. The Sanderson sisters, the black cat, the costumes, the candles and all the decorations just work so well together. It's also one of those films that doesn't take itself too seriously. There are witches, spells and plenty of silly moments but it's not going to have you hiding behind the sofa every five minutes. I've watched it so many times over the years and I still enjoy it. I also think it's one of those films that changes as you get older, you notice jokes and little details that probably went straight over your head when you were younger. You can of course watch Hocus Pocus 2 if you fancy keeping the Sanderson sisters going for a little more time!
Wednesday!
If you fancy watching something a little darker but don't actually want to sit through a full on horror film, Wednesday is a good one to put on. I love that it has that creepy feel without being too scary, so you can enjoy it without spending half the episode hiding behind a cushion! Wednesday Addams is such a good character for this time of year and I really like what they've done with her in the Netflix series. Her sense of humour is so dry and completely straight-faced, which makes some of the funniest moments even better. She can say something that is actually quite funny while looking like she hasn't made a joke at all. She's at Nevermore Academy, where there are strange students, creepy corridors, mysterious deaths and, of course, a few monsters thrown into the mix. I also love the mystery side of the show. Trying to work out what is going on and who you can actually trust gives you something to think about while you're watching. There's enough going on to keep me interested without it becoming too complicated.
The Great British Bake Off!
Bake Off might not be the first thing you think of when you think about October viewing but sometimes you need a break from ghosts, monsters and people making terrible decisions in horror films. There's something about watching Bake Off with a cup of tea that just works at this time of year. I also like having something completely different to watch and there's something very comforting about watching someone calmly make a Victoria sponge while Paul Hollywood looks slightly concerned. It's also perfect background TV if you're blogging, doing some housework or scrolling through your phone while pretending you're watching.
Beetlejuice!
Beetlejuice is another October classic. It's strange, funny, weird and just creepy enough without becoming a full horror film. Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice is also one of those characters you can never really forget. The whole film has that classic Tim Burton style, with unusual characters and a story that feels completely different from most films. It's definitely worth watching again if you haven't seen it for years. Then after it there's also the newer Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice to add to the list.
Gilmore Girls!
Not everything you watch at this time of year needs to involve scary stuff. Sometimes you just want something wholesome and cosy! Gilmore Girls is one of my favourite choices when I want something easy to watch. Autumn leaves, jumpers, lots of coffee, a small town setting and Stars Hollow make the whole show feel very autumnal. It's comfort TV at its best. You can put it on while you're doing other things around the house or you can sit down and properly get into it. It's one of those shows that makes you want to drink far too much coffee and live in a small American town where everyone knows everyone else's business. Even if you have watched it before, there's something nice about going back to a show you already know when you don't want to think too hard about what to watch.
The Nightmare Before Christmas!
Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween film or a Christmas film? I refuse to get involved in that argument. At this time of year it is a Halloween one. With Jack Skellington, Sally, Halloween Town and the songs all make it such a fun film to watch. It's also one of those films that feels different from everything else. It's creepy but it's also sweet, funny and charming. It's only a couple of months until Christmas, you can always watch it again later and decide it's suddenly a Christmas film. Hehehe
Stranger Things!
If you want something with a bit of everything, Stranger Things is a really good one to put on! You've got horror, mystery, monsters, friendships, strange things happening and of course loads of 1980s nostalgia thrown in. I love all the old bikes, clothes, music, hairstyles and the way everything looks. It really does make you feel like you've gone back in time and there's something about watching them all riding around on their bikes that makes me want to get on one myself although I'd probably last about five minutes! I also love the group of kids and how they all end up getting dragged into things they definitely didn't ask for. You'd think after everything they go through they might decide to stay at home for a change but nope! There's always another mystery to solve or something strange going on. You get the friendships, the arguments, the funny moments and all the little stories going on at the same time. If you've already watched it it's definitely worth a rewatch. I always think I remember everything and then realise I've forgotten loads of little details. The only problem with Stranger Things is telling yourself I'll just watch one episode before bed. We all know how that ends. One episode turns into another, then another and suddenly it's far too late. Oops.
Harry Potter!
As soon as September hits, I always get the urge to watch the Harry Potter films! You could work your way through all eight films over several evenings or spread them out a bit. I am doing one a week on a Sunday afternoon at the moment. What's not to love about the Harry Potter films? The films get darker as the story progresses, so you can start with something fairly light before gradually getting into the more serious ones later in the month.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
If you fancy some 90s nostalgia, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is another one to add to your watch list! You've got vampires, demons, monsters, witches and plenty of ridiculous situations but there's also loads of humour and characters to follow. It's one of those shows where you can settle in for a proper rewatch because there are so many episodes. There's also something very entertaining about watching a show from the 90s now and seeing the clothes, hairstyles and technology. Some of it has aged well and some of it really hasn't but that's part of the fun.
Corpse Bride!
If you like Tim Burton, Corpse Bride is definitely worth watching! It has the gothic look you'd expect, with a slightly strange story and some brilliant animation. It's spooky without being terrifying, which makes it a good option if you want the atmosphere without spending the evening scared of every creak in the house. I also think it's quite a sweet film underneath everything else. It's not just about being creepy for the sake of it. It's another one I'd happily watch with a hot drink and a pile of snacks.
What do you like to watch on TV in October?
