October is here, fall is in full swing, and I don’t know about you, but I could not be more excited. We have a total of 27 more days to get all of the fun, spooky vibes going, and the 13th falls on a Friday this month, so I think it’s only reasonable to celebrate with a fall-themed movie marathon. With this list of some iconic fall movie classics, the best non-toxic candles to cozy up your space, and lots and lots of snacks and chocolate, we’re hosting a movie night The Glow Files style.

I grew up religiously watching The Disney Channel’s Halloween movies every single year, so it’s no surprise that all of those nostalgic classics are always a must-watch every October. Along with those are some older favorites from the ’70s and ‘80s slasher era that are fun to watch depending on your movie night crowd. My movie marathon list is as follows (including where you can stream each one this month):

Halloween (1978) There’s obviously so many sequels and remakes to this film, but the original is by far the best and always my top-choice to get a successful fall movie night underway. (Stream on Shudder and AMC+)

Hocus Pocus (1993) This one just never gets old. (Stream on Disney+ and Prime Video)

The Craft (1996) Such a cult classic, and the outfits are just about as ’90s as it gets. (Stream on Hulu and Paramount+)

Beetlejuice (1988) Not exactly known to be a unanimous favorite, but we love old-school Winona Ryder so it’s definitely worth adding to the list. (Stream on Max and Prime Video)

Psycho (1960) No October movie marathon is complete without a Hitchcock classic. (Stream on Peacock and Prime Video)

The Birds (1963) My favorite Hitchcock. Ever. (Stream on Peacock and Prime Video)

Friday the 13th (1980) This film actually takes place at summer camp, but it’s only fitting to add this to the list when October 13th falls on a Friday this year. It’s absolutely crucial that you only play the original film from the ’80s, the remake will absolutely not do. For all the slasher film fanatics out there, there’s actually a whole movie marathon that could be had from this iconic movie franchise alone. (Stream on Max and Prime Video)

Sleepy Hollow (1999) This Tim Burton classic has all of the gloomy vibes for a cozy night-in. (Stream on Max)

The Haunted Mansion (2003) The version with Eddie Murphy or nothing. (Stream on Disney+ and Prime Video)

Practical Magic (1998) Perfect for a non-spooky, lighthearted movie night in, and of course we love Sandra Bullock. (Stream on Hulu)

Halloweentown (1998) Arguably the best fall movie ever. (Stream on Disney+)

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000) Such an underrated and nostalgic classic. (Stream on Disney+)

Harry Potter Series (2001-2011) For obvious reasons. (Stream on Peacock)

It (2017, 2019) This is one of the rare instances when I actually like the remake way better than the original. (Stream on Max)

Addams Family Values (1993) Ending the list strong with the royal family of dark comedy. (Stream on Paramount+)

No movie night is complete without the perfect ambiance to set the vibes. Candles are always a must for fall, and I have a few favorites to add to the list. I always opt for non-toxic candles made with either beef tallow or beeswax, coconut wax, soy wax, or a blend of any these natural wax alternatives. Conventional candles are usually made with paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. This type of wax can be full of toxic chemicals, and when burnt for hours on end, all of those chemicals can be released into the air (not my idea of a party). Aside from the particular wax that is used to make candles, the fragrance that they are scented with can also contain some harmful chemicals. Luckily there are so many candles on the market now that are naturally fragranced with essentials oils, rather than endocrine disrupting phthalates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), like benzene and formaldehyde. Burning these vapors in your home can acutely cause respiratory issues like sneezing, coughing, an itchy throat, and burning eyes as some chemicals released from conventional candles are pretty similar to those released from cigarette smoke. The type of material used to make the wick of the candle can also be iffy, as typical candles are made with lead wicks, but candles of the non-toxic variety often use wicks made of cotton, and other more safe materials.

On a lighter note, my favorite non-toxic candle brand is hands-down Brooklyn Candle Studio. They have very chic scents and collections, and their aesthetic is very elevated and minimalistic. They have a fall collection of candles trending right now, and the Toasted Pumpkin, Montana Forest, Woodsmoke, and Apple Cider are seasonal perfection. Their candles can be found on their website, and also on Nordstrom.com. Trader Joe’s also carries their own line of more affordable candles in-store that are always seasonally scented with essential oils, and made of a non-toxic soy blend. Slow North is another great brand to look into, and they have a Cozy Collection of candles that are perfect for the fall season. This company has a lot of warm, spicy scents that help create the most welcoming space for hosting any October movie marathon.

Next up: snacks. No movie night is complete without the perfect balance of sweet and salty snacks, lots of chocolate, and bubbly drinks. Lesser Evil popcorn in any flavor drizzled with honey on top is my favorite kettle corn substitute, I love Honey Mama’s chocolate bars in basically every flavor, Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Siete Churro Strips are beyond addictive. I’m going to eat junk food, I’m going to eat a lot of it, but I’m always going to make it healthy-ish. I like to call it elevated, sophisticated junk food if you will. You won’t catch me hosting a movie night with Snickers and Cheetos. Below is my recipe for the perfect bubbly fall cocktail that is just as delicious as a mocktail:

Apple Cider Mule

2 oz. Q Mixers Ginger Beer

1 oz. Tito’s Vodka

4 oz. Martinelli’s Organic Apple Cider

1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

2 pinches Powdered Cinnamon

1 teaspoon Maple Syrup

1. Mix in a shaker, or a Mason jar with a lid
2. Pour into a glass with ice
3. Garnish with a cinnamon stick

Happy October!

Xx,

The Glow Files.