A story is only as good as it's characters, so since it's the Halloween season still I thought I would countdown my favorite characters. So let the countdown begin!
10) Billy the "Good Zombie" (Hocus Pocus)
Though he does not get a whole lot of screen time, Billy still provides a lot of fun moments in the movie. Given how he at first works for the witches, there's also a feeling of worry that he might catch up to Max, Dani and Allison and gives the film more of a chase feeling. In the end though, he winds up helping them and earns his rest in peace...again.
9) Lonesome Ghosts (The Lonesome Ghosts)
Quite bored, these playful ghosts decide to call Mickey, Donald and Goofy to their home to have some fun scaring them. Even though our heroic trio are the main focus of the shorts, the ghosts provide plenty of fun interactions and are some of the more fondly remembered characters from the older Walt Disney shorts.
8) Marnie Piper (Halloweentown Series)
Despite the actress change in the fourth film, the character of Marnie is still rather enjoyable largely in part to her character growth. In the first film she does start out as a tad obnoxious, but through the films grows to a powerful and confident witch who is capable of handling herself. With some help from her friends and family. Even then, we get to see her grow closer to her mother and brother from her initial attitude towards them that leaves them at odds with each other.
7) Witch Hazel (Trick or Treat)
One of the rare "good" witches, Hazel is an enjoyable character with her zany attitude. Even though she appears in only the one cartoon short, and it's comic adaptation she still manages to come across as a lot of fun - even stopping to make a potion with a spell that's "the real thing, you know right out of Shakespeare"
6) Samhain (The Real Ghostbusters)
As I've said in my review of the episode, Samhain is one of the most enjoyable parts for me. Simplistic design aside, I still rather enjoy his overall visual look because it's not overly distracting. Instead we get a rather creepy villain who is also quite powerful given how he can change the clock tower and lord over all the various minions and spooks in the city. Sadly though, he is captured after the Ghostbusters come to save the day.
5) Samhain (Supernatural)
The origin of Halloween, Samhain is one of the more well known demons in the Supernatural world. Unlike the black-eyed demons, Samhain appears to be a higher up given how his eyes are similar to Lilith. Much like the Ghostbusters version, this Samhain is able to summon and control demons and zombies. But if I had to place a bet, I'd be willing to say this guy would win out in a fight between the two versions.
4) Witch Hazel (Broomstick Bunny)
Though she appears in more than just the one Halloween short, Witch Hazel is just too much fun to leave out. From her comical cackle, to the hairpins left in her wake as she zooms off it's no doubt that this Witch can bring the comedy. Putting that aside, she also knows how to get down to business and has a threatening side as she chases poor Bugs with an axe.
3) Grandma Aggie (Halloweentown Series)
Partly higher up on the list due to the wonderful performance that actress Debbie Reynolds gives, but Grandma Aggie is also a wonderful character in a series that does hit a slow note in the fourth installment. Definitely the highlight of the series, Aggie's wise ways and grandmotherly nature make her a charming character that is a delight to watch in action.
2) Headless Horseman (Disney's Sleepy Hollow)
Even though he does not appear until the very end of the short, the Headless Horseman is still quite a frightening sight to behold. The simple design, much like Samhain, works in his favor and couples well with all the suspense that builds up to his appearance. The flaming pumpkin that he throws at Ichabod at the end of a scary chase is just the icing on the cake as the cartoon reaches it's climax.
1) The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus)
It would be impossible to list the Sandersons as separate characters, given how well they play off each other in their interactions. Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kath Najimy work so well together to bring this trio of witches to life and deliver the comedy, and the scary, a mile a minute in Hocus Pocus. From all of their great lines, interactions with each other, interactions with the present day and the showstopping number they perform the Sandersons have it all. One would be hard pressed to not laugh as you watch them seek out their book so they can suck the souls of all the children in Salem.
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