Ah, Halloween. Though some of us may feel a little too old for trick ‘r treating, that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the holiday in a different way; movies! Here are ten great flicks perfect for capturing the spirit and fun of the holiday.
- “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” – 1974
What better way to start this list off than with this? A group of teens on a road trip get picked off one-by-one by a chainsaw wielding maniac; a classic set-up, executed masterfully. There is a wonderfully tense atmosphere with a gritty documentary aesthetic, and still manages to give you the spooks without gore and too many jump scares.
- “Let the Right One In” – 2008
Let the Right One In isn’t the scariest film by any means, but it definitely is a film that’s great at bringing out some motion. This is a frighteningly adorable love story between a bullied little boy and a blood-sucking creature of the night that’ll make you “d’aww” for one moment and recoil in fright for the next.
- “The Descent” – 2005
In this film, a group of spunky young teen girls decide to dive deep into the bowels of a metaphorical hell. There is decent acting, good tension, and most important of all, the sheer claustrophobia; all wrapped up nicely in a film that will always leave you asking, “What next?”
- “Noroi: The Curse” – 2005
In he first found footage film of this list, Noroi stars a group of paranormal investigators who soon realize that they are in over their heads with an ancient curse and malevolent spirits. You’ll get wrapped up into the mythology of the world in no time, and before you know it, you’re going to be on the edge of your seat until the very end.
- “The Cabin in the Woods” – 2012
In this film, a group of teens go out into a secluded cabin in the woods for a vacation of chilling, and eventually, freaking out, once they realize that everything around them is out for blood. Little do they know, that these forces of darkness are being controlled by something a little more… human. It is a great little twist on a classic set-up.
- “[REC]” – 2007
A news reporter follows around a team of firefighters who are faced with the challenge of rescuing an apartment full of survivors of a zombie outbreak. This movie doesn’t hold your hand through it; it’s downright brutal at times. The panic and stress of all the actors definitely feels real. Another great addition to the found footage genre, and another great addition to the list.
- “Dead Alive” – 1992
Dead Alive, is the story of a shell of a man who spends his days taking care of his elderly mother, who may or may not be a horrible eldritch zombie creature. Includes pretty impressive special effects and loads of laughs in every scene. Definitely a fun ride.
- “The Evil Dead Franchise” – 1981-2013
Continuity was never ever a strong suit of the Evil Dead series, so you could honestly pick up any one of them, and get something special out of each one. If you’re looking for some straight up horror, go for the original (1981) or the remake (2013), and if it’s something more lighthearted that you’re wanting, go for the sequels (1987, 1992)
- “The Return of the Living Dead” – 1985
A zombie flick that’s the perfect combination of shock, camp, and embracement of the genre. Zombies pop up, some folks survive, most don’t, you know the drill already, but you’ll be loving it every step of the way.
- “Trick ‘r Treat” – 2007
This film is Halloween. It is a neat little anthology of spooky tales (I can honestly see these being told as campfire stories), which all do a great job at celebrating the best parts of the holiday. I’ve been watching it annually for a few years now, and I do hope you take up the tradition as well. You’re sure to have a smile on your face from start to finish.
