Halloween. We all love to be scared. Everyone, to some degree, is a thrill seeker at heart, and this is the best time of year for horror eccentric adrenaline junkies to wait to be scared at their favorite haunted house or to dress up as someone or something created only in their wildest imaginations. It is only for one night, and many have traditions to celebrate these yearly transformations. Quiet is kept, but many of our favorite celebrities join us in the commemoration on All Hallows’ Eve.
In late October, celebrities don their finest costumes to dress up as their favorite characters for Halloween. Some are funny, while others are “downright” frightening. Also, what are their favorite movies to watch on this night of goons and goblins? Are there movies for the gory at heart? Or something they gather the kids to watch while eating the mountain of candy their kids gathered during their evening exploration? Let’s look at the tricks or treats of some of our favorite celebrity Halloween traditions.
Favorite Halloween Movies
What are some of your favorite movies to watch on Halloween? Some favorites are, of course, the classic John Carpenter’s Halloween, or maybe something far less scary, Hocus Pocus, or Casper, everyone’s friendliest ghost. In a recent BET article, some of our favorite celebrities’ picks may surprise you.
Rap superstar J. Cole loves the Scream movies. While Adwale Akinnouye (best known for his role as Killer Croc in Suicide Squad and Mr. Echo in the Lost television series) enjoys watching a film about a killer puppet starring Anthony Hopkins, years before his iconic role as Hannibal Lecter, in the horror movie, Magic.
Everyone’s favorite television villain, Giancarlo Esposito, loves to watch The Other, a terrifying thriller surrounding two twin brothers on a small southern farm. Megan Good sticks with the classic Halloween 4 and 5 films, which she stated she related to as a 10-year-old, Jamie Lloyd, touting that she saw this as her life’s calling.
Known for his roles in Training Day, Charlie’s Angels, and Fantastic Four, Pharaohe Monch loves that he was born on Halloween and is a fan of horror flicks. But his go-to movie is William Frieken’s The Exorcist.
However, there is more to Halloween than just scary movies. Many love to go trick-or-treating or to Halloween parties, cloaked in the craziest of costumes. It is a tradition that involves dressing up as favorite characters or coming up with inconceivable innovations. Whether it is scary and frightening or funny and hilarious, it is always fun to see what ingenious costumes creative minds in Hollywood can come up with.
In a 2024 Essence article, we discover that Ciara dressed up as Naomi Campbell in a see-through catsuit. Or when she posted on her Instagram: “Halloween starts tonight! You better twerk,” looking like Memphis rapper GloRilla. Lizzo “stepped out of the box” as LizzOzempic (wrapped in an Ozempic box with a measuring tape tied around her waist), celebrating her weight loss journey. Lauding, “Need love? Try Lizzo! Lose Guilt. Gain self-confidence.” Multi-talented Keke Palmer and her older sister, Loreal Chanel, glammed it up as the infamous group Milli Vanilli (Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan), who won the Grammy for best new artist in 1991 and had to give it back when it was discovered that they did not sing any of the songs on their debut album.
Halloween Parties
A few traditions take place in the form of Halloween galas; for example, Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project Annual Halloween, or Hedi Klum’s Iconic Annual Halloween party. Known for his celebrity portraits and community activism, Carlos Eric Lopez celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican multi-day celebration honoring the dead. He hosts an annual party or holiday bash tribute to Latin culture. “Themed “Hecho in Hollywood,” the night honors tradition, family, and the Latino trailblazers whose legacy and creativity light up the arts.”
The Rosses, Evan Ross and Ashley Simpson Ross, enjoyed last year’s Halloween with an early birthday celebration of their son, Ziggy, who was born on November 2. Wearing a pirate outfit, Ziggy was all smiles as he indulged in a lavish Halloween birthday party. In comparison, S.W.A.T.’s Shemar Moore and his family like to spend time in pumpkin patches, as highlighted in their 2024 “Happy Spooky Season FAM” Instagram video. The video shows his daughter, Frankie, enjoying the season as she runs around with her daddy on a day of fun and exploration.
Halloween is not only for the scary or the indulgence of the macabre. It is also meant to celebrate freedom. A night where insecurities are left at home and many gather for an evening of curiosity and free spirit. Yes, at times, somewhat self-indulging, but always fun.
