With Halloween right around the corner, we’ve compiled the staff’s favorite spooky movies to help you get in the spirit. From bone-chilling horror, to classic family-friendly fall fun — The Oakland Post has got you covered.

“Chernobyl Diaries” — Anna Drumm, Photographer

My favorite horror movie has to be “Chernobyl Diaries.” It takes place in such a neat location for a horror movie: a destroyed nuclear power plant. I think what the movie does, with the concept of radiation and how it can change living things, is super cool. It’s just a really fun, suspenseful watch.

“Coraline” — Noora Neiroukh, Photographer

My favorite spooky movie, hands down is “Coraline.” When I first watched it I was absolutely terrified, but I thought everything from the stop animation to the eerie setting was brilliantly done. I’ve watched nearly all the Theorizer videos on YouTube about the hidden details behind the film, and I still find it fascinating. I especially love it because I’m from Oregon — and Coraline moved from Michigan to Oregon, which I didn’t even notice at first!

“Scream” — Sarah Gudenau, Features Editor

My favorite horror movie is the 1996 slasher film “Scream.” Chock full of references to other movies, horror fans are sure to enjoy the film’s satire of the overplayed cliches of the genre. You’ve gotta love Randy’s rules for surviving a horror movie speech — it’s just killer! “Scream” is fun, it’s self-aware and it’s perfect for the spooky season!

“The Haunting of Hill House” — Brittany Kearfott, Sports Reporter

This is my favorite Halloween/horror show. It’s the only one of its kind that has genuinely been able to freak me out, since I’m a horror movie and show fanatic, and not many scare me. This one, no joke, terrified me so much that I had to watch AT LEAST one Disney show or movie after. It is so horrifyingly good — you must watch it.

“Monster House” — Lauren Reid, Content Editor

Featuring the best tween power trio of the 21st century, “Monster House” is definitely a Halloween staple. DJ, Chowder and Jenny supply me with all the spooky vibes I need as a mega scaredy-cat during my annual rewatch. No but seriously, the iconic “GET OFF MY LAWN” from Mr. Nebbercracker never fails to haunt me. Also, DJ’s babysitter Zee and her boyfriend Bones (weirdly resembling Jonathan Cheban) are the most underrated cartoon characters I’ve come across in my 21 years — they’re pure gold.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” — Bridget Janis, Managing Editor

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is one of my favorite Halloween movies because I love the way this movie is constructed. The stop-motion animation makes characters the best part of the film. Oogie Boogie, Jack Skellington, The Mayor and Sally are all amazing characters, and give you that creepy, realistic feeling inside. The opening credit song is definitely a must add to any Halloween playlist. This film is just a fun and lighthearted view of Halloween, and provides a magical connection and transition into the next Holiday — so it’s perfect to watch from September to December, which I do. Thank you Tim Burton for all you’ve done for Hallowen movies.

“Haunted Mansion” — Carolina Landeros, Graphic Designer

This movie was a Disney classic when I was growing up. I remember it being one of the first “horror” movies I watched, and it’s the movie that really got me loving horror movies as a kid. It’s spooky, while still providing a good mix of comedy and mystery. Also, Eddie Murphy is just such a great and iconic actor — how could you not love it?

“The Conjuring” — Jeff Thomas, Editor-in-Chief

Rescuing us from gore core horror movies (Saw, Hostel) and lackluster jump scare thrillers (Paranormal Activity), “The Conjuring” brought audiences back to the basics of the horror genre. A good old-fashioned haunted house movie with a creepy attic, poorly-lit basement and spooky backyard all setting the scene for the characters. Ed and Lorraine Warren’s backstory only added to the feeling of realism in this film. A movie experience that connects viewers to the psychological roots of human fear and superstition, it’s always a must-see this time of year.

“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” — Elizabeth Foster, Graphic Designer

“It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is such a classic and cheesy halloween movie. Even though it’s short, I look forward to watching it every Halloween season. Growing up, my family and I made a big deal to ensure no matter what we did that holiday season, we watched Charlie Brown! I am a huge animation fan, so this movie holds a special place in my heart.

“Harry Potter” — Maggie Willard, Photographer

Let’s be honest: the Harry Potter movies are great to watch all year round. But I especially love watching them around Halloween because Hogwarts has such a spooky vibe with the magic, potions and creepy creatures. All of the Harry Potter movies are so comforting, and I love the cozy fall feeling they give me. I also love how detailed all of the films are, and how they managed to mostly stick to the plot of the original books and create eight amazing movies I’ll never get tired of watching.

“It” — Tori Coker, Marketing Director

I’m someone who generally avoids anything of the horror genre at all costs — and yet, if you were to ask me what my comfort movie is at any time of year, I’d respond with this film. While the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s famously haunting novel is — in my opinion — the scarier version, the newer interpretation of this terrifying tale is my favorite for the undeniable charm it conveys even amidst Pennywise’s relentlessly chilling antics. From the delightful doses of eighties nostalgia to the heartwarming camaraderie of Derry’s ragtag group of clown fighters, you’ll come up for air just fine between each jumpscare and gory shot — though I make no promises when it comes to sleeping peacefully after that leper chase scene. Eek.

“Corpse Bride” — Gabrielle Abdelmessih, Campus Editor

If the Halloween movie you’re watching isn’t stop-motion animated and directed by Tim Burton, what are you doing? All kidding aside, the macabre imagery of this dark musical fairytale is simply stunning. Everything from the stark contrast between the pallid living and vibrant dead, to the hauntingly beautiful music — especially the piano solo — makes this film a must-watch every October.

“Dark Shadows” — Amelia Osadchuk, Photographer

My favorite spooky movie is “Dark Shadows.” Directed by the one and only Tim Burton, and starring the master of weirdly wonderful Johnny Depp, I shouldn’t have to explain more, but I will. This film has the perfect amount of vampire gloom and witty sarcasm. The plot takes place in both 1760 and the 1960’s at a creepy gothic estate in Maine. It intertwines the eras with amazing costumes and a great soundtrack. One of the first songs in the film is “Nights in White Satin” by the Moody Blues. That alone will give you the chills, and I LOVE The Moody Blues. Tim Burton perfectly executed the balance of fantasy, comedy and horror in this movie — making “Dark Shadows” just right if you are looking for quirky, spooky Halloween fun in a film!

“Hocus Pocus” — Katie Reid, Distributor

This movie is the best classic Halloween movie of all time. It has every aspect of the perfect Halloween movie — the witches, the zombie/mummy, the black cat and spirits — and combines them all together to make a not-too-scary, perfect family film. We also get the best Halloween song ever, “I Put a Spell on You,” sung by Bette Midler. And of course, I’ve been in love with Max Dennison my whole life.