A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that two-thirds of Americans celebrate Halloween, with classic film enthusiasts often leading the festivities through traditions inspired by iconic horror like “Friday the 13th” and cult favorites such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
As spooky season descends, a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research illuminates just how deeply ingrained Halloween is in American culture. According to findings from an October 9-13 poll, approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults are set to engage in some form of Halloween celebration this year. This widespread participation, detailed by AP News, underscores the holiday’s enduring appeal, especially for families and devoted fans of classic cinema.
The poll, which surveyed 1,289 adults, provides a fascinating snapshot of America’s diverse Halloween habits, from traditional trick-or-treating to more niche, film-inspired festivities. For many, Halloween isn’t just a day; it’s a season-long ode to creativity, community, and the thrill of the macabre.
The Heart of Halloween: Community and Candy
In Blairstown, New Jersey, the spirit of Halloween is particularly vibrant, thanks in part to its unique cinematic history. As the primary filming location for the original 1980 horror classic “Friday the 13th,” the town naturally draws tourists and embraces the spooky vibe. Sherry Jenkins, 69, a self-proclaimed “Halloween person,” embodies this local enthusiasm. Every year, she hosts friends and distributes candy to over a thousand trick-or-treaters, firmly rejecting “healthy alternatives” after a memorable raisin-related incident.
Jenkins’ approach to Halloween candy is shared by the vast majority of Americans. The AP-NORC poll found that a mere 5% of U.S. adults plan to hand out healthy snacks instead of traditional candy. This reinforces the deep-seated tradition of sweet treats as a central element of the holiday.
Parents Lead the Way in Spooky Celebrations
The poll highlights a significant trend: parents of children under 18 are substantially more likely to celebrate Halloween. About 8 in 10 parents report having plans, compared to roughly 6 in 10 adults without young children. Parents also lead in key activities:
- Taking kids trick-or-treating
- Dressing their children in costumes
- Wearing costumes themselves
This generational enthusiasm is evident in families across the country. In Kingman, Arizona, 34-year-old Jessica Byrd declares Halloween her “favorite holiday,” a sentiment echoed by her 15-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. This year, their film-inspired costumes include Byrd as Oogie Boogie from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” her son as Snorlax from Pokémon, and her daughter as Tigger from “Winnie-the-Pooh.”
Similarly, Fred Joncas, 34, from Durham, North Carolina, shares the excitement with his 3-year-old daughter. Their trick-or-treating plans involve Joncas as Abby Saja from “KPop Demon Hunters” and his toddler as a Pokémon character, a tradition his daughter has eagerly anticipated since May.
Mega-Fans: Living the Halloween Life
While many participate, a segment of the population elevates Halloween to an art form. Jessica Byrd’s Kingman home, for instance, is a year-round shrine to the holiday, adorned with witches, skeletons, and bats. This level of dedication reflects a deeper connection to the holiday’s creative potential. The poll shows that about 3 in 10 U.S. adults display Halloween decorations in their home or yard, and roughly one-quarter carve a pumpkin.
Kathy Rice, 75, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is another “huge Halloween person” who fondly recalls elaborate childhood celebrations. Her extensive decorations include a large furry spider, illuminated faux pumpkins, and a “Trick-or-treat, smell my feet!” cauldron. She even maintains a unique spooky season tradition with a neighbor, exchanging treats and trinkets in her cauldron.
Classic Film Echoes in Halloween Traditions
The enduring legacy of classic films often finds a special place in Halloween festivities. Sherry Jenkins’ town of Blairstown, New Jersey, actively promotes Halloween, leveraging its fame as a filming location for “Friday the 13th.” This highlights how certain films become inextricably linked with the holiday, inspiring local events and drawing fans to cinematic landmarks. The town’s embrace of its horror film heritage enriches the Halloween experience for residents and visitors alike, intertwining local identity with classic cinema.
Not all film-related Halloween traditions are about scares. Karalyn Kiessling, 31, from South Lyon, Michigan, and her husband consider themselves “moderate Halloween people.” While they enjoy dressing up for parties, their celebration also includes an annual viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This cult classic, known for its interactive screenings and fervent fan base, offers a distinct brand of fun. As Variety has documented, the film’s unique blend of music, camp, and audience participation has made it a Halloween staple, creating a communal viewing experience that transcends generations.
The Enduring Appeal of Scary Stories
Beyond costumes and candy, Halloween provides a unique opportunity to engage with the thrill of the spooky. About one-third of U.S. adults plan to pass out candy, and a similar share, 31%, intend to watch a scary movie. Sherry Jenkins, for one, enjoys a good horror film: “It gets your heart rate going but it’s not real so you feel safe,” she explains.
This desire for safe thrills connects directly to the enduring popularity of classic horror cinema and cult films, which offer a controlled environment for experiencing fear and excitement. Whether it’s the slasher suspense of a “Friday the 13th” or the campy spectacle of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” these films provide the perfect backdrop for Halloween, solidifying their status as beloved components of America’s annual spooky celebration.
