Tag: halloween

Haunting Delights – Best Horror Films to Watch this Halloween

Valentine’s Day has candy, Christmas has carols, but Halloween simply wouldn’t be the terrifying event it is without horror flicks. While the costumes and candy are undoubtedly lovely, the fun is increased by the accompanying scary movies. There are a ton of enjoyable Halloween activities to partake in every October, but my personal favourite is to curl up on the couch with a big bag of popcorn and watch horror films that frighten the living daylights out of me. Please excuse me because the list below is entirely subjective and may not include all of your favourite horror movies. 

Hocus Pocus (1993)

This timeless family favourite follows the misadventures of a teenager and his friends who accidentally awaken a trio of 17th-century witches. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy deliver unforgettable performances in this comedic and bewitching tale.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Directed by the visionary Tim Burton, this animated classic explores the curious intersection between Halloween and Christmas as Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, attempts to take over Santa Claus’s holiday. With memorable songs and a unique blend of whimsy and darkness, this film has something for everyone.

Halloween (1978)

No list of Halloween films would be complete without John Carpenter’s masterpiece. This iconic slasher flick introduced audiences to the relentless killer Michael Myers and the indomitable Laurie Strode. Its haunting score and suspenseful atmosphere have cemented it as a Halloween must-watch.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton strikes again with this darkly comedic tale of the afterlife. When a newly deceased couple finds their home inhabited by insufferable living occupants, they turn to the mischievous Beetlejuice, played brilliantly by Michael Keaton, to reclaim their space.

The Conjuring (2013)

 

For those seeking a modern scare, James Wan’s “The Conjuring” offers a gripping supernatural thriller. Based on the real-life experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film delivers genuine frights and a compelling story.

Coraline (2009)

From the mind of Neil Gaiman comes “Coraline,” a stop-motion animated film that tells the story of a young girl who discovers a mysterious, parallel world behind a hidden door. The film’s eerie and enchanting atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for Halloween.

The Addams Family (1991)

Gomez, Morticia, and their eccentric clan of characters return to the big screen in this delightful adaptation of the beloved TV series. Their macabre sense of humor and unconventional charm are sure to bring a unique flair to your Halloween viewing.

ParaNorman (2012)

This stop-motion animated gem follows Norman, a young boy with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. When his town faces a supernatural threat, he must use his unique gift to save the day. “ParaNorman” combines humour, heart, and spookiness for a memorable Halloween experience.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller about a young boy who sees dead people continues to captivate audiences with its unexpected twists and haunting atmosphere. It’s a thought-provoking choice for those who prefer psychological horror.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel is a chilling masterpiece. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of a writer descending into madness while caring for a remote, haunted hotel remains iconic. The film’s eerie imagery and unsettling tension make it a classic for Halloween.

Spooktober Binge Fest: Best Scary Films to Watch this Halloween!

Christmas has carols and Valentine’s Day has chocolates, however, Halloween simply would not be the spooky affair it is without horror movies. While the costumes and candies are definitely nice, scary movies to go with them add to the fun. Whenever October rolls around, there is no shortage of fun Halloween activities but the one for me is to curl up on the couch with a big bag of popcorn and immerse myself in movies that scare the living wit out of me. The list below is purely subjective and might miss out on some of your best horror film picks, forgive me for that. Whereas the idea of horror for me is not limited to spirits and evil forces as some psychological horrors are also noted in the list. Without further ado, here are some of the best scary films to watch this Halloween. 

  • Get Out (2017)

2017’s Jordan Peele directorial debut Get Out is an oddly spine-chilling film. The director managed to merge two themes of horror and racism into a film that charts territories you cannot imagine. The film follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) who goes to meet his girlfriend’s parents only to get trapped in a situation he never anticipated. The film’s subtle creepy hints toward the ultimate horrific reveal are what make it one of the best neo-horror films out there. 

  • The Shining (1980)

I watched The Shining only back in 2020 not knowing it was a horror film! Watching Stanley Kubrick’s films are always a treat for cinephiles but this one with Jack Nicholson’s creepy performance makes it one of his best. The ‘Here’s Johnny’ moment from the film has been parodied and holds pop-culture value to this day which proves the film’s prominence. If you wish to watch a classic horror film this Halloween, The Shining should be your pick. 

  • Hereditary (2018)  

The film is definitely not the one for everyone, but if you’re someone who can stomach gruesome visuals and wild jumpscares, then go for Hereditary. The film revolves around a mother who loses her child and descends into madness. However, there’s a big twist here that I wouldn’t reveal. The film is sure to shock you with the falling family dynamics and horrifying moments. 

  • Midsommar (2019)

From the same production house, A24, and the director of Hereditary came Midsommar in 2019. The film for sure is a slow burner where one doesn’t anticipate the steep left turn. But once the film goes ‘Goblin’ mode with its depiction of cults and their activities, it’s sure to spook you out. The twist ending is also something to take you by surprise.

  • The Conjuring (2013) 

How does one talk about horror films and not include The Conjuring? The first film in the Conjuring universe is for sure one of the best horror films ever produced. The film was so successful that it enabled the studios to churn out spin-offs and sequels that are indeed successful. The film revolves around paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren who help protect a family from evil forces. The crux of The Conjuring films revolves around the same base of saving a haunted family, which is an effective formula to base a horror franchise in, to say the least. If you end up enjoying The Conjuring, make sure to check out the sequels as they are equally scary (The spin-offs can be skipped in my opinion)

  • IT (2017)

The original IT film based on Stephen King’s novel was surely creepy but the 2017 retelling of the story is more chilling. The film revolves around a severe-dwelling murderous clown who goes around creeping children out. The ‘They All Float Down Here’ line is surely iconic in cinema history and after watching the flick ‘You’ll Float Too’. However, the 2019 sequel with the ensemble of children all grown up can be skipped. 

  • Paranormal Activity (2007) 

The Paranormal Activity film surely made a fool out of me when I watched it as a kid. The found footage approach to filmmaking portraying a documentary-style horror film was an innovative outing. However, knowing that it is a scripted film as opposed to real people going through paranormal activities in their homes does break the illusion a little. Watch this film if you’re looking for a raw horror movie with little to no pretentious horror film tropes. 

  • Devil (2010) 

With a runtime of 80 minutes, M Night Shyamalan written Devil should definitely be on your horror binge list. The film revolves around five strangers getting stuck in an elevator and dying one by one. The film has a twisted reveal in the end that is tied up to Biblical teachings. Made on a budget of $10M, the film rake up a box office collection of $62.6 million, which should indicate how good this elevator horror film is.

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