It is finally spooky time and there are a lot of ways to celebrate it. Watching Halloween movies seems like the best way to do that. Don’t overthink it.
There are many different movies for any situation to get your Halloween rocks off. I present to you (the reader) 15 fun, different options so you don’t have to research. You don’t even know how lucky you are to have this list. Buckle up.
Obligatory Zombie Movie
Zombie cinema has been around for decades. The first notable one coming from George A. Romero with his 1968 classic “Night of the Living Dead” which became his first of many. In 1979, Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” hit the silver screen and became a cult classic. Eventually, it earned a big budget remake by director Zack Snyder in 2004.
Every Halloween movie list needs one about sauntering ghouls of the night. Or in this case, ones that haul ass. “Dawn of the Dead” (2004) should be the pick for zombie movie season. It’s a fun, terrifying take on apocalypse movies with the survivors holding out in a mall. While fast, unrelenting ghouls await them.
The movie blends atmospheric horror that Romero once excelled in with high octane Snyder action. The result is an underrated popcorn flick that can satisfy the zombie satiation this Halloween.
Every List Needs a Vampire Flick
Vampires are the stuff of legends with stories going back hundreds if not thousands of years ago. They became an absolute staple of cinema with the 1931 release of “Dracula.” With more and more revamped takes coming after that movie, us movie goers got many different, creative iterations.
In 1987, “The Lost Boys” was released and made vampires fucking cool. It was directed by Joel Schumacher and features the same traits, but just looking 80s as fuck. It’s a fun, popcorn flick with great kid performances and a cool soundtrack. I know y’all love the Stranger Things shit. “The Lost Boys” should be on your list.
The “What The Fuck” Slasher
If you’re going to add a slasher to the list season, you have a lot of options. Good and bad options. I have a great option. Especially if you are a fan of the Red River Rivalry in college football. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” is so fucking cool. The first installment is a masterpiece, not debate there. But the second installment is so dynamic with its genre blending.
Fun performances, great set design, insane gore, and Dennis Hopper wielding two chainsaws. It is so badass. One of my favorites. You can read more about it here.
A Horror Movie For Western Lovers
I’m going to start getting pretty niche here. And that’s perfect because horror gets very niche with its choices. If you’re wanting a horror western, I got you. “Bone Tomahawk” is a 2015 horror western directed by S. Craig Zahler and it stars Kurt Russell. That sounds pretty awesome right?
There is something already so eerie about atmospheric westerns. You mix in the horror elements and it becomes a shock fest. It is shot great, it is disturbing, and it has Patrick Wilson. It is a true hidden gem and it can be enjoyed by the cowboys/cowgirls out there.
Horror, But Mostly Comedy
Let’s switch gears from horror for a little bit. I’m feeling like this list is too brooding. We want to laugh! Fear not, idiot.
“The Burbs” is a hilarious movie that sprinkles in horror elements. Starring Tom Hanks and directed by Joe Dante, this movie is a great crowd watch with many laugh out loud moments. It also is kinda scary.
Smoke first, make a drink, order Mod Pizza, and then pop this puppy on for a great abdominal workout.
Trippy Horror
If you love those Colorado vitamins, you should definitely watch “Climax.” Tons of crazy filmmaking decisions in one movie. Now, this one isn’t particularly the scariest. But it’ll lock you in its 97 minute chamber and you won’t be able to get out. That’s all I’ll say about that. Just don’t get too high when you watch it. Trust.
An Animated Movie
All I gotta say is that “Hotel Transylvania” is a fucking dope movie. That shit is funny. Add it to the list.
Impress Someone On Date
Okay, hear me out. You’re on a date with whoever. Y’all go to a haunted house or a pumpkin patch or some shit. Whatever, whatever. Get a little tanked at the bar and you head back to your place.
After all that, put on “Scream.” Trust me.
Scary Puppet Movie
No, it’s not “Saw.” Those are fun movies, but I’m really trying to give you the opportunity to dig deep here. My pick is “Magic” starring Anthony Hopkins. An older, atmospheric horror that gets weirder every frame. Anthony Hopkins is great in it and this will be a memorable ride for you.
Don’t Forget Sci-Fi
I’m so torn on this. I really want to say “The Thing” because it happens to be the best science fiction horror of all time. It’s fucking badass. Let’s do something short and disgusting. “The Blob” (1988) is a unit of a gore fest. Crack open some pumpkin beers with the boys and this is an absolute romp.
Horror That Feels Too Real
The horror that is scariest to me is when it feels grounded and real. Like it could happen to anyone. “Green Room” directed by Jeremy Saulnier is a fantastic and realistic nightmare. Who knew Patrick Stewart as a skinhead would be that scary? It is beautifully shot and directed with genuine performances. This is a vibe check, so be careful.
This One Is Insane
“I Saw The Devil” is one of the craziest horror movies I’ve ever seen. It combines kung-fu action with disturbing horror elements creating a genuinely jaw dropping outcome. Do not watch this on a first date. They will never talk to you again. But if you can stomach it, watch it because this shit is crazy.
When Kids Are Scary
Kids fucking suck, dude. I don’t want em. Especially after watching “Eden Lake.” A movie full of angry, British kids. Very disturbing, but well made. It is the scariest movie I’ve ever seen that has a bunch of kids.
Ghosts and Demons
In my opinion, ghosts and demons are very overdone. There are so many great examples that have been seen by everyone. Wether it be “The Exorcist” or “The Conjuring”, they all are very popular. I have an underrated option. “The Exorcist III” is an absolute batshit sequel that is terrifying. It is directed by William Peter Blatty, whom wrote the original novel, creates insane atmosphere for a man who didn’t have much experience.
Brad Dourif is so fucking good in this as well.
For The Vibes
I cannot think of a better Halloween vibe movie than “Hubie Halloween.” Adam Sandler and his crew crew assemble for a perfect Halloween throwback. It really does remind me of a 90s fall classic and it’s great. The entire you’re watching this, you’re thinking “oh man, I want to live there.” That’s what I do. Anyways, it’s super fun and gets you mentally ready for Spooky Day.
Well, There You Go.
15 great movie options for October. There are many more obviously, but these are the best ones. You’re very welcome.
Get out there and watch them. I promise you that this won’t steer you wrong.
Happy Halloween. Watch Movies.
