Fallin’ for fall-inspired TV shows and movies

Get in the holiday mood with these picks from The USD Vista

Anna Valaik / Asst. A&C Editor

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When thinking about the season of fall, many distinct images come to mind: pumpkin patches, orange and yellow leaves, warm apple cider, football games, and chilly days. Most of these pictures exist in places that undergo the changing of seasons. Sadly, for San Diegans, no such summer-to-fall transition happens, unless people count the introduction of pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks as the beginning of fall. It’s hard to prepare for the new season in such a sunny surf town.  

One way to get in the fall and Halloween mood, no matter where you are, is through TV shows and movies that highlight the season and holiday. Here is a list of various autumnal viewings that will satisfy anyone’s fall dreams.

If you are in the mood to laugh…

“Halloween” — The Office: Season 2, Episode 5
“The Office” never lacks in crazy antics, so this episode most definitely will have you giggling. Expect some practical jokes by Jim, Michael struggling to make a big office decision, and even a scene where someone smashes a pumpkin. This entire episode is set on Halloween day, and all the characters celebrate in different ways.

“Trick or Treat” — Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 2, Episode 3
Larry David, the star of this comedy show and overall ridiculous human being, deals with a major Halloween issue in this particular episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He refuses to give Halloween candy to two girls without Halloween costumes, which results in disaster for him. David never backs down from expressing his emotions, so prepare for his funny rebuttals and constant frustrations with basic social conventions.

If you are in the mood to smile…

“Halloween Surprise” — Parks and Recreation: Season 5, Episode 5
If you are a fan of Leslie Knope and Ben Wyatt, this “Parks and Recreation” episode is for you. Leslie, the perkiest, most fun-loving individual, enjoys the Halloween costume party until she learns that her boyfriend Ben may have a job offer outside of Pawnee. But, just as the title says, there is a lovely surprise at the end for this fan-favorite couple. Prepare for many laughs, but don’t be surprised if some tears and “aws!” come out, too.

“When Harry Met Sally”
Although not a Halloween movie, this film tells a beautiful love story that is set during fall. From friendship to a possible romance, viewers are taken along the progression of the title couple’s relationship in both Chicago and New York City. The iconic Central Park scene, where the grounds are covered in yellow, orange, and red leaves, is sure to transport you directly into autumn. It’s the perfect mix of love and laughter, and the charming setting makes it just that much better. Go meet Harry and Sally on the big screen; you won’t be disappointed.

If you are in the mood for a classic…

“Hocus Pocus”
No Halloween season is complete without the viewing of this comedy-fantasy film. “Hocus Pocus” revolves around three hilarious witches who were resurrected by a teenage boy in Salem, Massachusetts. Set on Halloween night, these witches are up to pure chaos and fun, casting spells and encountering a multitude of odd characters. Made in 1993, this film will take you on a journey back in time to the world of witchery.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
An even more old-timey film than Hocus Pocus, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” truly feels like a classic entertainment experience. This animated TV special is full of all your favorite characters: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Sally, Linus, and Lucy. In this particular episode, we see the “Peanuts” gang doing all the typical Halloween festivities, but what is most important to them is discovering if the Great Pumpkin exists or not. It doesn’t get more festive than watching Charlie Brown celebrate Halloween.

If you are in the mood to scream… 

 
“Trick of Treat, Freak” — Stranger Things: Season 2, Episode 2
This entire show is focused on freaky occurrences and thrilling characters, so it makes sense their Halloween episode would be even more eerie and mysterious. Set during the 1980s in Indiana, “Stranger Things” deals with the disappearance of a young boy and the supernatural events that occur after. In this particular episode, the boys dress up as the Ghostbusters and encounter the Upside Down, the Demogorgon, and other strange thrills.

“Halloween Part 1 and 2” — American Horror Story: Season 1, Episode 4
The Harmons, a family of three, move from Boston to Los Angeles, but they didn’t realize they moved into a haunted house. In this two-part episode, the Murder House’s spirits come out to play. The characters are seen carving pumpkins, discussing the origins of the holiday, and preparing for their Halloween party, but it’s not as uneventful as it sounds: murder, mystery, deceit, and crazy characters make these episodes extra spooky and terrifying. Be sure to have a blanket to cover your eyes because there will be some things you just may not want to see.