The Simpsons have been around for a long time, and the animated comedy about this family has told many stories over the years. There are more than 800 episodes, which have aired since the program launched 36 years ago.
Since the second season, which aired in 1990, the series has presented the episode “Treehouse of Horror” every year. This special is an annual collection of the Halloween-themed series, consisting of three independent segments that deviate completely from the show’s canon continuity.
10 Best Simpsons Halloween Episodes
Halloween is usually not celebrated in Brazil. However, since it is common for international series and animations to release special episodes in October, many Brazilian viewers enjoy the season.
And to help you on this journey, full of parodies of famous horror films and stories, pop culture references and lots of animated gore, here is a list of the most iconic episodes of “Treehouse of Horror”, all available on Disney+.
10. Treehouse of Horrors XX (season 21, 2009)
Referencing classics like “Sinister Pact” and “Sweeney Todd,” this Halloween special features a vengeful Hitchcock parody, a zombie attack caused by burgers made from cannibalistic cows, and Moe becoming the star of a musical in search of the perfect beer.
9. Treehouse of Horrors V (Season 6, 1994)
In a parody of “The Shining,” the family is hired as housekeepers at Mr. Burns’ summer mansion – and Homer is struck by a homicidal impulse. Then, referencing the story “The Thunder,” Homer’s attempt to repair a toaster takes him back in time, where everything he does in the past affects the future. Ultimately, the staff at Springfield Elementary resorts to cannibalizing students as a way to solve the food budget crisis and classroom overcrowding.
8. Treehouse of Horrors XXIII (season 24, 2012)
Starting with a parody of “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” Springfield’s subatomic super collider creates a small black hole that endangers the city and continues to grow. The next reference is “Paranormal Activity,” and a video sequence shows suspicious activity in the Simpson house late at night, which may be linked to Marge’s pact with the Devil. Then, in a parody of “Back to the Future,” Bart travels back to 1974 to purchase a comic book as soon as it comes out, but this causes problems in the timeline.
7. Treehouse of Horrors VIII (Season 9, 1997)
Referencing the movie “The Last Hope on Earth”, this episode shows when the French drop a nuclear bomb on Springfield and Homer finds himself the last man standing, until he encounters a group of mutants. Then there’s a parody of “The Fly” where Homer buys a matter transmitter, but it’s Bart who ends up using it after swapping bodies with a fly. Finally, referring to “The Witches of Salem,” when Marge protests against harsh punishments, she is accused of being a witch – and this turns out to be true.
6. Treehouse of Horrors II (season 3, 1991)
In the first part of this episode, the Simpsons visit Morocco, where Homer acquires a mysterious monkey paw that grants wishes but brings great bad luck, which soon turns into an alien apocalypse. So, in a parody of “The Twilight Zone”, Bart is a kind-hearted guy with the ability to alter reality with his mind, and the entire town lives in fear of him. The final story sees Homer, while working as an undertaker, being mistaken for a corpse and transformed into Frankenstein’s monster.
5. Treehouse of Horrors VI (Season 7, 1995)
The special begins with a reference to “The 50-Foot Woman”, an ion storm revives the Springfield billboards, which attack the city after Homer steals the giant donut from a statue. Next, in a nod to the classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and à la Freddy Krueger, gardener Willie attacks children in their dreams. Finally, in another reference to “The Twilight Zone,” Homer hides behind the bookcase to escape Patty and Selma’s visit, but ends up in the third dimension.
4. Treehouse of Horrors IV (season 5, 1993)
In exchange for a single donut, Homer sells his soul to the devil, who lives in Springfield disguised as Ned Flanders. Then Bart gets a heavy hit of “The Twilight Zone” and, still shaken, realizes that a gremlin is sabotaging the wheels of the school bus. Finally, inspired by “Dracula,” Lisa investigates her suspicion that Mr. Burns is a bloodthirsty vampire.
3. Treehouse of Horrors XXXIII (season 34, 2022)
Parodying “The Babadook”, Marge goes to read Maggie a bedtime story, but as she searches the bookshelf, she repeatedly finds “The Pookadook” – a book whose origin she cannot remember. Then, parodying the anime “Death Note”, Lisa begins a killing spree. Then, in a nod to the “Westworld” series, the family discovers that their entire existence is just a theme park, where drunken fanatics can revisit their old adventures.
2. Treehouse of Horrors (season 2, 1990)
The original episode, which paved the way for Halloween specials, begins with a reference to the book “The Amityville Horror”: the Simpsons move to a new house at great expense, but Lisa and Marge are afraid of an evil presence. This episode also features the first reference to “The Twilight Zone” and introduces two iconic characters from the series: Kang and Kodos. Finally, in a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic poem, “The Raven,” Bart keeps repeating the phrase “never again,” driving the narrator crazy.
1. Treehouse of Horrors VII (season 8, 1996)
In a mix between “Basket Case” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, strange noises coming from the attic and the strange behavior of his parents lead Bart to discover he has a twin brother who wants to reconnect with him. The episode continues with yet another reference to “The Twilight Zone,” this time Lisa’s science project generates a mini-universe thanks to Bart’s use of static electricity. Ultimately, Kang and Kodos disguise themselves as Bob Dole and Bill Clinton so that one of them can win the 1996 U.S. presidential election and finally conquer Earth.
The 10 Best Simpsons Halloween Episodes to Watch on Disney+ appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
