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The days are growing shorter, and a chill has entered the air in more ways than one. As flannels re-emerge, so do the skeletons in the closet. Take out the old Halloween decor, get the pumpkin carving supplies and dust the cobwebs off your favorite childhood movie. Cold weather calls for cozy movie nights.

Thousands of movies have been part of our childhood. From “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” to “Hocus Pocus” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, each of these films has been out for decades but continues to hold a special place in our hearts. Yet as our lives change, so do our perspectives. Do the experiences we gain as we enter different stages of life lead us to changed perspectives toward these beloved movies? If we were to watch them again today, would we view them as quality films, or just hold on to the nostalgia of childhood?

Take, for example, the Harry Potter series. The first Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone”, had a production cost of $125 million. While not necessarily up to par with the production technology of this day and age, it had arguably impressive graphics and digital effects considering that it was produced at the turn of the century. Yet the value of a movie goes beyond its production value. How many of us can still hear the line “Yer a wizard, Harry” in Hagrid’s distinctive accent, which has since taken on a life of its own in a variety of gifs, memes and more? Who didn’t, as a child, wildly swing a stick around and recite spells like “Wingardium LeviOsa” (not levioSA!). It may be 24 years since the first movie hit the theaters, but I’m willing to bet there will still be plenty of Hogwarts witches and wizards trick or treating this year at Halloween — a testament to the long lasting impact of the franchise.

Other movies with lower budgets continue to see popularity long after their release. For example, “Hocus Pocus” was released in 1993 and had a budget of $28 million, a mere fraction of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Yet it holds all of the classic Halloween essentials: black cats, magic witches, zombies, spooky candlelight, jack o’ lanterns and more. The dynamics of the Sanderson sisters leave little to be desired for anyone who has grown up with siblings, made evident by iconic (and relatable) lines like “Why was I cursed with such idiot sisters?” Come October, there is little better way to embrace the spooky season than to turn out the lights, kick back and watch this classic childhood horror film.

The quality of a movie goes beyond its price tag. These movies have gifted us countless characters to look up to, iconic lines to quote and jokes that have lived long past their prime. Maybe if we were to view them for the first time today, they wouldn’t have the same effect. After all, how many people would jump at the chance to see a movie about children disappearing in a giant candy factory while Oompa Loompas merrily dance in the distance? Yet, to quote that very movie, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.” And you can’t put a price on that.