7 steps to throwing a magical “Hocus Pocus” movie night

If you’re anything like us, you make a point of watching Hocus Pocus every Halloween.

And maybe you also like to go all in on your movie night. You don’t just pop in that old DVD and hit play. Rather, you give your Hocus Pocus viewing a festive air worthy of the Sanderson Sisters.

Well then, you’ve come to the right place: Here are 7 steps to throwing a magical Hocus Pocus movie night — tried and tested by myself and HelloGiggles’ Associate Editor Anna Gragert.

1Go all in on the Halloween decorations

Set the tone with cauldrons, pumpkins, candles, bats, and so on and so on. Committing to holiday decorations will *definitely* get you ready to watch Max, Allison, Dani, and Binx take on that infamous trio of witches. And like, who wouldn’t want an excuse to take Target’s holiday collection by storm?

2…and SNACKS

It wouldn’t be a Hocus Pocus viewing party without the best seasonal snacks fall has to offer! We had pumpkin pie on hand. (But honestly, anything pumpkin will do.) Plus, candy corn and popcorn. Essentials, if you will.

3…and DRINKS!

Let’s not forget seasonal drinks! We opted for cider. But, of course, there are a whole lotta drinks that’ll put you in the fall and Halloween spirit — and not just PSLs.

4Dress to impress

Go all out as the Sanderson Sisters! Because yes, Hocus Pocus adult Halloween costumes exist. You can also be a DIY queen and throw a ‘lil somethin somethin together yourself, as the sisters or otherwise (if otherwise, may I suggest Binx?). If you’d rather save your costume expertise for Halloween, why not dress in black and/or orange? We opted for all black (a tribute to the black flame candle) but seriously, there are *plenty* of ways to dress the part.

5Have a furry friend? Keep him/her close

Because there’s no better way to appreciate the glory that is Binx than by watching with a black cat of your own (if you have one). If you do have a black cat, but maybe it’s back at your parents’ place (this is me, speaking from experience), you can always show your fellow watchers photos on your phone and/or get your parents to FaceTime your cat in (yes, seriously). And if you aren’t a black cat person…well, that’s just rude.

6Light a black flame candle

Take a cue from your favorite trio of witches, with a helping light from Max, when picking your mood lighting. [You can find some (and other BFC-related products) on Etsy. Or, here’s another opportunity to DIY it up.] Because it’s all in the finishing touches, am I right? And who doesn’t love a spooky candle?  That’s right, EVERYONE DOES.

7Rejoice in the splendor that is Hocus Pocus

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the main event. Look, I’m a fan of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, and I know I’m not being dramatic when I say this is some of their best work. Not only that, but Hocus Pocus is cheeky and fun. It has a musical number to end all musical numbers, and its ’90s touches will give you all the nostalgia.

Translation: Hocus Pocus is a perfect Halloween film worthy of an epic movie night. I mean, look at how much fun we had! So what are you waiting for?