Movies to Watch this October
With Halloween being just a couple of weeks away, I thought it’d be good to put together a list of movies I enjoy that will help you get in the spooky spirit. Here’s my list of movies to watch before the 31st.
Halloween(1978)
Can’t go wrong with this classic. JLC is the ultimate scream queen.
Halloween Kills(2021)
If you’ve turned on your TV or drove down the street, I’m sure you’ve seen the ads for Halloween Kills. With its release this Friday(October 15), naturally it’s being included on this list.
Hellraiser(1987)
Clive Barker constantly pushes the boundaries and I’m here for it.
Trick r Treat(2007)
Sam is my favorite new age horror icon. Anthologies are some of my favorites and to have all of the stories intertwined is very impressive. Seamless.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space(1988)
While it may not be “scary”, it’s definitely fitting for the season and very nostalgic.
A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)
Freddy is one of the horror icons that will be remembered forever. Nightmare on Elm Street put a fear into all of us at some point or another. 1,2 Freddy’s coming for you. I think we all knew that song too. 3, 4 better lock your doors. Learning how they filmed this bedroom scene in particular too, made me appreciate it even more for its artistry.
Scream(1996)
I adore Neve Campbell and I think she played Sidney flawlessly. I could watch Skeet Ulrich all day. Despite not accomplishing all their goals, Billy and Stu were still a great duo.
Demonic Toys(1992)
I remember watching this movie repeatedly with my cousin. We loved how campy it was and the silly jokes made by the “baby” just got us.
Ghoulies(1984)
Ghoulies I-III are recommended. After that, they’re not really Ghoulies.
The Exorcist(1973)
All of my friends, despite being adults, are still terrified of this movie. The things that were happening to the actors on and off set and the realness of the horrors that were experienced during filming add to the scariness of this movie.
Hell House LLC(2015)
Earlier this year one of my friends asked for movie recommendations that were free to watch on streaming services. I told her she should watch this one and she called to tell me the next day that she had to turn this movie off not even halfway through. I think this movie was very well done considering found footage has been oversaturated.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It(2021)
This was my favorite installment in the Conjuring films. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are superb, their chemistry is unmatched.
Annabelle(2014)
I really enjoyed the first Annabelle film. Annabelle Wallis(Mia) is a great actress and played the part perfectly.
Braindead(1992)
When I was growing up, I knew this one as Dead Alive. The VHS artwork stood out whenever I would go to the video store. Most people don’t see a horror movie and think, “that reminds me of my childhood” but this movie does that for me.
It(2017)
Bill Skarsgard understood the assignment.
Candyman(1992)
Tony Todd will forever be Candyman. Who else would allow REAL bees in and around them for a role?
Children of the Corn(1984)
Growing up in the Midwest, you can imagine just how many cornfields surrounded homes. After watching this movie, I would watch the stalks carefully and notice all the nuances.
Insidious(2010)
Insidious is one of my all-time favorite movies. I think they did a great job with casting, the story, makeup and effects and especially sound. Sound is key for a horror film. If you put any scary movie on mute, the mood is gone.
The Strangers(2008)
The title of this one explains exactly why this film is so terrifying.
Thir13en Ghosts(2001)
There is no other film like this one. The film gave pure horror vibes. The acting was on par and the fact that they packed so many distinctive ghosts in one film is very impressive. I would not want to deal with the Jackal, let alone adding the Juggernaut, the Angry Princess and the Hammer. I would LOVE to see a series based on each of them.
The People Under the Stairs(1991)
I’m not sure there’s another couple out there that you so badly want to suffer as much as these two.
The Curse of La Llorona(2019)
I hadn’t heard too much about this film prior to seeing it but I think it was very well made. When James Wan is involved, you know it’s going to be good.
The Descent(2005)
If you’re claustrophobic, then this film will definitely stress you out. The creatures in this one are very unique and the idea of being stuck underground while being hunted is horrifying.
Tales from the Darkside(1990)
I think it’s starting to show what generation I grew up in. I loved the stories in this anthology. There are not enough gargoyle depictions in horror movies.
Howl(2015)
This is one of the best representations of werewolves out there. Howl did a very good job with building the tension, revealing the monster and still keeping a very good story.
House on Haunted Hill(1999)
This is one remake that did not disappoint.
Urban Legend(1998)
We’ve all heard the urban legends. I’m just happy that it was all rolled into one movie. Any film that brings on Robert Englund to play a role other than Freddy is going to get extra points with me.
Resident Evil(2002)
I love horror video game movies. Mila Jovovich is an amazing actress but I don’t think anyone else could have played Alice.
Clown(2014)
I really liked the story in this one. It’s original, it’s well-thought out and the clown that Kent eventually turns into is terrifying. Knowing that the only thing that will get it to stop so Kent can move on with his life is if he feeds it children so either way it’s a no-win situation.
There are so many other great movies to watch in preparation for Halloween. I would love to hear the movies you would add to this list.
