As we enter the spookiest season of the year, it is only fitting that we take a look at some of the best Halloween movies to watch this October.
Nothing gets you in the Halloween spirit quite like a scary movie. From the nail-biting to the knee-slapping, there’s a little something for everyone with some truly terrifying and hilarious selections.
5. Halloween (1978)
Where better to begin than the slasher of the same name. The original Halloween laid the foundations for the horror genre we know today, with groundbreaking visuals and music that remained with audiences for decades. Everyone knows the face hiding the face of Michael Myers, a ghostly visage that became a cultural icon, inspiring such as Freddy Kreuger and Jason Vorhees. This is the perfect film for the season, taking place and revolving around Allhallows Eve, with beautiful visuals of yellowing trees in the American suburbs. With memorable scares and incredible performances from Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie and Donald Pleasence as Dr Loomis, Halloween is a timeless classic that will get you in just the right mood this Autumn.
4. Hocus Pocus
Who said Halloween had to be scary? There are plenty of fun Halloween-spirited movies out there, but I think none quite capture the absurdity or delight quite like Hocus Pocus. I especially have a soft spot for this film for the nostalgia, the effects and atmosphere are still unique by today’s standards. Above all else, however, the highlight is the Sanderson Sisters. The performances from Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker are the reason the film became an instant hit. Having just reached its 30th anniversary, Hocus Pocus remains a classic Halloween story for all ages and is definitely worth a watch, or perhaps even a rewatch, this October.
3. Frankenweenie
Sticking under the Disney umbrella, I also wanted to show some love to the Tim Burton movie, Frankenweenie. It wouldn’t be a true ranking without mentioning Tim Burton, the director is the staple of stylised horror that works well for younger audiences, even recently with the widely renowned Wednesday series. Frankenweenie however is notably special in its balance of dark themes within a whimsical adventure. The focal point of a child dealing with the grief of losing their pet is a powerful one which certainly brings out a lot of emotion. That combined with beautiful stop-motion animation results in a wonderful movie that is artistic and moving in all the right ways.
2. Hereditary
Scary movies may not be for everyone, but if you’re like me and want something terrifying to cover your eyes from, you must watch Hereditary. Now critically acclaimed director, Ari Aster, broke into the horror genre with this film and it is a triumph of modern cinema. Perhaps no other film has instilled as much genuine fear in me as this. If I can give any advice, it would be to go in completely blind and not watch in the late hours of the night. But even with the fantastically executed horror in the film, there is still a superb story all about family, just not the Fast and Furious kind.
1. Talk To Me
Finally, for the number one spot, I had to go for the brand-new release, Talk To Me. This writing and directorial debut from YouTubers Danny and Michael Philippou was a huge surprise when it came out this summer. It is a fantastic idea that creates a very nuanced modern horror story that uses social media and mobile phones to its advantage. There is some social commentary on drug use and peer pressure but on top of that you have an incredible concept which is incredibly creepy and yet somewhat desirable. With a sequel already in the works, there is no better time than now to introduce yourself to this incredible film.
I love a good Halloween movie, whether it is a whimsical adventure or a disturbing thriller. Horror brings the most genuine reactions from audiences in my opinion, and it’s part of the reason I love the genre and these specific films. And since trick or treating isn’t exactly suitable, I cannot think of a better way to get into the spooky spirit.
