We decided to make some horror movie recommendations to make your Halloween a little scarier. Not every author participated because obviously, not everyone likes horror movies.
Pop your popcorn now. Here’s what we’ve got.
I’m a firm believer that horror movies at Halloween should be based on superstitious subjects, no slasher movies or sci-fi. I’ve got five picks.
1. The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s interpretation of the Stephen King novel is a masterpiece of horror. I have also found over the years that the more times you watch this movie, the more details you notice.
2. Let the Right One In (2008) – This vampire movie from Sweden is as original as it is unsettling. Going into the movie theater I thought to myself, how scary can a movie be in Swedish? How wrong I was.
3. An American Werewolf in London (1981) – I had to include at least one werewolf movie in my list, and it had to be this one, although The Howling is also excellent. This movie has some funny moments but it’s genuinely scary and contains the most shocking ‘dream within a dream’ sequence ever made.
4. The Witch (2015) – I loved this movie so much that I wrote a review of it when it came out. It’s a great story and the attention to period detail is outstanding.
5. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – An obvious classic. I watch it at least once a year. It draws you in slowly and messes with your head. Like the main character, you start second guessing yourself. This can’t really be happening, can it? Also, like The Shining, you find new things with each viewing.
I am a big fan of Hammer Horror classics and Egypt. So here are my absolute favorites:
1. “The Mummy” – 1959 Version, with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.
2. “The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb” – 1964, Starring Terence Morgan and Jeanne Roland.
3. “Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb” – 1972, based on the Bram Stoker novel, “Jewel of the Seven Stars”. Stars Andrew Keir and Valerie Leon.
Halloween and scary movies go hand in hand, and there’s something paradoxically comforting about watching an old favorite while curled up with a bowl of candy corn (I’m saving my popcorn for November 8th). With that in mind, I’ll share some of my favorite horror films, perfect for Halloween. I think my first pick for a Halloween movie is still Halloween (the real one from ’78 with Jamie Lee Curtis). It’s got it all: escaped maniac murderer, creepy music, sleepy small town USA, along with cute teens and little children to up the fear factor. In that vein, I also enjoy Night of the Living Dead (the original).
Another of my horror favorites is John Carpenter’s The Thing. There is something really compelling about a “monster” that can take on human (or dog) form and function among other humans. I still shield my eyes during the dog scene, though. For creep factor, I still enjoy watching The Blair Witch Project; although found footage has become an annoying trope now, it was pretty new then, and I find the whole film incredibly creepy. I also like films having to do with the ocean, so Jaws, Deep Blue Sea, and Open Water are all contenders. Whatever you choose to watch this Halloween, may you feel that cozy feeling that comes with much-loved tradition and a little bit of an escape from the actual horrors facing our great country.
I have so many horror movies that they take up two shelves in my entertainment center. The ones below I also bought on Amazon Prime so I can watch whenever. Plus, if they’re on a streaming service I don’t pass them up.
My Top SIX:
1. Halloween: CLASSIC. Do I have to expand?
2. The Conjuring: This movie still scares the crap out of me even though I know it by heart. It’s a true story, too. For more read below. James Wan is the new Carpenter.
3. The Thing (Carpenter): I have a thing for Carpenter! Also Kurt Russell. The claustrophobia, losing trust, no communication, etc. You have one set and only a few characters. And no CGI crap.
4. Sinister: Is he going crazy? What are those noises? How did this or that appear? WHAT IS GOING ON?! The lawnmower scene….I still have to cover my eyes. Ethan Hawke is great.
5. Lights Out: Another one associated with Wan! This one, especially the beginning, will make your heart race. What are the secrets? Is it mental illness or more? Can anyone escape? Love it.
6. 30 Days of Night: Best vampire movie EVER MADE. Like The Thing it’s also the claustrophobia and no communication to the outside world. Do not skip this one. I mean it.
Honorable mentions since I’m a horror freak:
• Ghost Ship: The absolute GREATEST opening scene of a horror movie. I’m serious. Also, a great soundtrack. Criminally underrated.
• Cabin in the Woods: BRILLIANT take on all the scary movie tropes without being corny. Also Chris Hemsworth. COME ON, LADIES.
• James Wan movies (directed or produced or wrote) in general like the Insidious series and the entire Conjuring universe. The Nun is underrated. Wan is respectful of Catholicism and gets it right.
The first two Insidious movies are stellar but the others are just as good. The third one will tear at your heart though. Such a sad back story. I’m tearing up thinking about it so give ALL the Insidious movies a chance!
• Host: It’s only on Shudder but OMG I had a hard time sleeping! If you LOVE horror you must get Shudder. Just do it.
• Train to Busan: A classic. It has everything: reminds you family is the most important, petty differences don’t matter in a time of survival, and yes, you do need help to survive a zombie apocalypse. The ending will make you cry.
If you have a favorite that we didn’t mention, leave your recommendation in a comment.
Happy Halloween and happy viewing.
Featured image via YouTube.
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