Magical Picks for Fans of Hocus Pocus

Description: A fantastical comedy with a gothic twist, featuring ghosts, the afterlife, and chaotic supernatural antics. The film's visual style is both eerie and whimsical, appealing to a wide audience.

Fact: The name 'Beetlejuice' is a play on 'Betelgeuse,' the name of a star in the Orion constellation. The film's iconic dinner party scene was inspired by a Salvador Dalí painting.

Description: A dark fantasy film featuring witches with a mix of humor and horror, appealing to both children and adults. The story revolves around a young boy uncovering a witch conspiracy, blending supernatural elements with a coming-of-age narrative.

Fact: Based on Roald Dahl's novel, the film's special effects were groundbreaking for its time, particularly the transformation scenes. The Grand High Witch's appearance was so terrifying that it had to be toned down for the final cut.

Description: A quirky, gothic comedy about a macabre yet loving family who embrace the strange and supernatural. The film's tone balances dark humor with warmth, making the bizarre feel endearing.

Fact: The snap-snap dance was inspired by a 1960s dance called 'The Drew.' The film's production designer drew inspiration from Charles Addams' original New Yorker cartoons.

Description: A stop-motion animated musical that blends Halloween and Christmas themes in a dark yet charming way. The film's unique aesthetic and storytelling create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a poem by Tim Burton in 198Jack Skellington's face was designed to resemble a traditional jack-o'-lantern.

Description: A family-friendly ghost story that mixes humor, heart, and spooky elements. The film explores themes of friendship and acceptance, with a friendly ghost as the central character.

Fact: Casper was the first fully CGI lead character in a feature film. The movie's mansion was the same set used for 'The Haunting' (196and was later repurposed for 'Batman Returns.'

Description: A magical realism story about sister witches dealing with love, family, and curses. The film combines whimsical supernatural elements with heartfelt family drama and a touch of romance.

Fact: The Owens family house was a real location in Washington state, and it became a popular tourist attraction after the film's release. The midnight margaritas scene was improvised by the actors.

Description: A lighthearted fantasy about a hidden town where supernatural beings live, discovered by a young girl. The film combines family-friendly spookiness with themes of self-discovery and bravery.

Fact: The film was shot in St. Helens, Oregon, which now hosts an annual 'Spirit of Halloweentown' festival. The original script was much darker before being rewritten for a younger audience.

Description: A dark fantasy stop-motion film about a girl who discovers a parallel world with sinister secrets. The film's eerie yet enchanting visuals and themes of curiosity and bravery resonate with audiences.

Fact: Coraline was the first stop-motion film to be shot in 3D. The animators used over 200 different faces for Coraline to express her emotions.

Description: A supernatural comedy with a gothic setting, featuring ghosts, curses, and a mysterious mansion. The film balances scares with humor, making it accessible for families.

Fact: The movie is based on the Disneyland ride of the same name. Many elements, like the stretching room and the singing busts, were directly inspired by the attraction.

Description: A stop-motion animated horror-comedy about a boy who can see and communicate with ghosts. The film blends spooky elements with humor and heart, exploring themes of acceptance and courage.

Fact: ParaNorman was the first stop-motion film to use a 3D color printer for facial animation. The town in the film was inspired by real New England locations.