October is finally here, and that means TV platforms are loaded with cozy, feel-good fall series and spine-chilling Halloween films. Several Walsh Jesuit students shared their favorite fall movies and shows, ranging from heartwarming classics to terrifying thrillers.

Freshman Lyla Ondak kicked off the list with a fall favorite. “I love Gilmore Girls and watch it every fall,” she said. The beloved series, available on Netflix, is set in the charming town of Stars Hollow. It follows the lives of single mother Lorelei Gilmore and her teenage daughter, Rory, as they navigate everything from prep school pressures to complicated relationships. The warm, small-town setting and family dynamics make Gilmore Girls a perfect seasonal pick to pair with a fresh bowl of popcorn and the couch.

For those seeking something a bit darker, sophomore Preston Baker points to a Halloween classic. “Freddie Krueger is my favorite villain, and A Nightmare on Elm Street is really scary,” he said. With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes rating, this iconic film follows teenager Nancy Thompson as she confronts terrifying nightmares in which a dead murderer haunts her dreams. Available on Max, Hulu, and Prime, the film keeps viewers guessing: are Nancy’s nightmares real, or is it all in her head?

Not everyone enjoys the horror genre, though. Junior Gianna Bednarik recommends a lighter Halloween staple, saying, “My favorite Halloween movie is Hocus Pocus because I’ve watched it every October with my family since I was young.” This family-friendly favorite, streaming on Disney+, is set in Salem, Massachusetts, where teenager Max Dennison accidentally resurrects three witches from the 1600s. Packed with magic, humor, and mischief, Hocus Pocus, which also has a sequel, is a fall must-watch for all.

Elyse Bonsky, also a junior, highlighted a fantasy favorite that stands the test of time. “Beetlejuice is a classic Halloween film that everyone should watch; it’s very unique and not super scary,” she said. This quirky movie follows a recently deceased couple who enlist the help of the mischievous ghost Beetlejuice to scare off the new family moving into their home. However, Beetlejuice has his own chaotic plans in mind. Streaming on Max, Hulu, and Prime, this film continues to entertain, with a highly anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice 2, currently in theaters.

Looking for even more fall entertainment? Some additional student favorites include American Horror Story, Halloween, The Addams Family, Friday the 13th, and Halloweentown. Whether you’re in the mood for something spooky or cozy, there’s no shortage of options this season.