Got to be completely honest, I don’t like Hocus Pocus. I have been completely and utterly confounded by the fact that it’s a staple of the spooky season for far too many people.
However I will also fully admit that I have only seen Hocus Pocus exactly ONCE when I was a child. And since I’m on-board the honestly train, first time I went to Salem it freaked me out. So I’m not as practically warm to all things Salem as some people even though I do have some good memories of going there.
But that is neither here nor there. I thought for Halloween I would revisit Hocus Pocus and give a it second chance. Maybe I will like it more as jaded grumpy adult or maybe not, We’ll see.
Who doesn’t love watching creepy and scary media around Halloween and with anime they’re so many options.
Supernatural and horror anime are very popular across different anime genres. There is the straight up horror anime, action, supernatural comedies, romances and even creepy anime for children. So no matter if you like the goofy elements, the terrifying aspects or a combo of Halloween there is an anime choice for you.
This is a list of anime that are just fun to watch in October. This is not a definitive list by any means, there are many other anime that great to watch at Halloween.
Anime are listed in alphabetical order and therefore not ranked. Also this post is an repost of my hubpages article and does favor older titles.
I like to think that I’m a big fan of the Muppets but I admit I tend to pass on their made for Tv/streaming specials.
While I do recall their Haunted Mansion special coming out in 2021. I just was not in the mood to watch it then and after that I just forgot all about its existence.
Not sure how this title came across my mind agian for the spooky season but here we are 5 years on and I’m ready to give it a watch.
Maybe I’ll be surprised and it’s sleeper hit that will be a staple of the season OR maybe it more akin to other Disney’s Muppet offerings as in it tried but doesn’t really match the classic Muppet’s humor.
Unusual Halloween Costume Ideas from Disney Movies
Sure there are a plethora of costume options from Disney movies that one can pick for a Halloween costume. These opinions range from heroes, villains, princesses, side-kicks and more.
But here is a list of some more unusual halloween ideas from Disney animated movies. Some are more unusual, some are just different costume opinions from a popular character and might be less “unusual” but not seen as much a party versus some other picks.
I hope it’s not great secret that I love costumes and Halloween is THE time of year when most everyone else is one the same page. And to start off this delightful spooky season of Halloween I thought I would highlight my many posts dedicated to Halloween costumes. Be them ranking or buying guides.
Scrooge (Michael Caine) getting a gift from Beaker
There is something altogether perplexing that the Muppet version of Charles Dickson’s “The Christmas Carol” is regarded as the best film adaptation of the novel.
However if you take into account that The Muppets excel at blending heart-felt moments with artistry, innovation, and silliness then it’s not surprising. There also a clear reverence for the source material that is clear in making Gonzo the narrator that is refreshing as well as Michale Caine’s depiction of the crotchety, old miser turned upbeat generous gent bout town and his inspired acting choice of playing it completely dramatic against The Muppets.
All the pieces of this adaption work well, even the pretty darn historical accurate costumes.
But this post is a ranking of the songs from The Muppet Christmas Carol. The songs on the whole are very good and there is no single song that stands out as weak or bad. They are all really good.
But which song is the best?
That is subjective opinion. This ranking is my own opinion and your own may very well differ.
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate 5 times that Quasimodo and Esmeralda* actually got together at the end as a romantic couple. And not in the tragic way like in the novel but in the happy romance kind. (* one of the “Esmeraldas” has a different name but she is essentially Esmeralda.)
Quasimodo d’El Paris
Patrick Timsit as Quasimodo & Melanie Thierry as Esmeralda
This odd modern comedic retelling does in fact have these two getting together at the end. It’s a weird version to be sure but it does have it’s moments and it’s a nice change of pace for a live-action version having these two get together at the end.
The Magical Adventures of Quasimodo
Esmeralda give Quasimodo a little hug
While this Children’s TV Show version doesn’t in fact have Quasimodo and Esmeralda officially as couple, they are cute and flirty with each other and it was clear that was the direction for these two had the show gone on longer.
The Jetlag Version
Quasimodo and Esmeralda embrace
The Jetlag version ends with Esmeralda and Quasimodo running off together after a very loving embrace.
Enchanted Tales
Melody and Quasimodo
Melody is essentially Esmeralda in all except in name, so she counts. While the Enchanted Tales version is decidedly mediocre these two get married at the end and that is very romance. (Very Romance is a Bluey-ism)
And Last but not Least HUNCH!
Quasimodo and Esmeralda in Hunch, The Critic
While this is a fake musical from the 90s show The Critic, it still counts! In the show “Hunch” is an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical and it’s clear that Esmeralda and Quasimodo has a romantic attachment. (Put a pin in this one for now.)
So this years let’s rank which of the main Hunchback movies has the “scariest” movie poster. None of these are actually scary or even remotely spooky but some skews more towards a “scary look.” Scary looking can mean a lot different things like grotesque, dread, moodiness, use of dark colors and shadows, or having a sense of mystery. Heck even that “monster movie” look would work towards looking scary.
Posters were based on which one IMDB uses because some of these versions have a few posters. This also meant to be fun and the ranking isn’t about how good the poster is.
#8. The Disney Version
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Poster
This bright and very cheerful poster depicts all the characters and their personality. Nothing scary about this one. Frollo does look ominous but more like he ready to make a high stake deal rather than what he actually does in the movie.
#7. Quasimodo d’el Paris (1999)
Quasimodo d’el Paris Movie Poster
Defiantly a poster for a comedy movie. It does have a bit of mystery with Quasimodo facing away but that does add much to the “scary gothic factor.”
#6. The 1977 Version
1977 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
A little odd that Esmeralda is cast in shadows and Quasimodo’s face is highlighted. While the muted tones help, this poster is for a drama.
#5. The Hunchback (1997)
1997 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
Nice moody colors but otherwise not scary. At least Quasimodo is not super illuminated even though he is a focal point even though his pose doesn’t add any scariness.
#4. The 1982 Version
1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
This defiantly has a moodiness. It MIGHT have ranked a little higher if Quasimodo had been in shadows.
#3. The 1923 Version
1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
Notice how Quasimodo is in shadows which adds a mystique? Again it doesn’t really read “scary” or monster movie but there is a nice tension with Esmeralda being unaware of the on-lookers behind her.
#2. The 1956 Version
1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Poster
Finally a “monster movie” vibe. Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s pose is quintessential 1950’s monster movie poster. Though the vibe is soften with the other aspects of the poster but it very much trying to invoke “monster movie.”
#1. The 1939 Version
1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Poster
Quasimodo draped in shadows looming over Esmeralda is the “scariest” these posters get. It’s at least gives Quasimodo a menacing mystique to draw an audience into the movie. It has that 1930s era monster vibe similar to the King Kong’s poster.
While Disney Esmeralda is a gold standard for a compelling Halloween costume, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame does offer some more unexpected costume ideas. They range in complexity from items that may already be in your closet to more elaborate designs.
These are in no order but the last one might be the most scary one of all……
1. Djali
Djali, Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Djali is the best (a Literal GOAT.) One could get a goat costume and add the gold hoop earring or you could do a cute Disneybounding type look with a cute gray outfit, goat ears and the earring, sort like the SNL A Girl’s Halloween skit.
You could also do the same with Achilles and copy his bridle but less people might get it unless you were with a Phoebus.
2 & 3. The Guards
Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Often called the Brutish and Oafish Guards, these two are very mean and hostile in the movie. Basically a medieval knight costume and one has a bushy mustache. Could be very fun as a duo.
Bonus points if you do a Patrick Star impression, if you know than you know.
4. The Old Heretic
The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Old Heretic is a running gag throughout the movie. It’s a fairly easy costume with tattered clothing and a white bread.
Bonus points to those who include some kind of prison prop to the costume like a cage or a pillory.
5. Fire Vision Esmeralda
Esmeralda as a fire demon dancing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This is a really cool variation of Esmeralda. In “Hellfire” Frollo sees visions of her dancing in the flames. One could do this costume in a few ways like one her costumes but in lightweight fabrics to suggests flames. I love this idea so much.
6. Creepy Hellfire Judge
Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This would be so wonderfully creepy, especially as a group of them with someone dressed up as Frollo. Really this one is pretty simple, it’s dark red hooded cloak with a blacked out face mask. I also love this idea
7. Creepy Statue
Frollo stares at Notre Dame during the Bells of Notre Dame FDisney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The way the statues stare down at Frollo in damning judgment is very chilling indeed. This idea is more conceptual than actually a recognizable part of the movie but you may have fun as a creepy judgment statue.
8. Nightmarish Gargoyle
Another one of Frollo’s hallucination as costume idea. Basically this idea is the hellish, nightmare gargoyle that casts Frollo into a figurative hell. This gargoyle is a nice contrast from the comedy trio.
9. The Torturer
Frollo with Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
A bit character to be sure but this guy is scary as he loves what he does. The costume is simple and similar to guards but with a black hood, a whip, spike gauntlets, plus a mustache. Doesn’t have a lot of screen time but he makes an impression as he adds to Frollo’s sick sense of humor.
Worst case scenario everyone thinks you’re a torturer and can’t place your costume from the movie but that can be you’re own little secret.
10. The Church Lady
A Noble Lady, God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This could be a harder costume to make but it could be an interesting costume. She does bare a slight resemblance to Frollo too.
11. Madeline
Madeline, Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney
Nothing is scarier than a Straight-to-Video Disney sequel, so why not lean-in to it and dress up a Madeline. It’s not too hard a costume as it consists of a light-green skirt and bodice with white sleeves and a short blonde wig. I’m terrified just thinking about the Hunchback II.
Would you dress up as any of these for a costume party?
