Do you like scary movies? Spooky season is fully upon us once again as the end of October looms closer and closer. Halloween remains one of the most popular and thrilling holidays of the year. Every year, I love to do a lead up to Halloween movie marathon of all my favourite spooky films. So, for this year I’d like to share all my faves here for you to discover. So, whether you’re looking for terrifying thrills and haunting horrors, or just a cosy autumnal atmosphere this list is for you.
Scream (1996)
Image Credit: MoMA
Starting with a scream (literally!) this 90s slasher film directed by Wes Craven seamlessly blends horror and comedy as Ghostface stalks the small town of Woodsboro.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Image credit: Decider
A classic in the horror genre this film brings you a fun start that turns disturbing when a unknown killer terrorises Camp Crystal Lake. Young camp counsellors are gradually murdered one by one while attempting to set up a summer camp that they were originally warned off by locals…
The Shining (1980)
Image Credit: Entertainment Weekly
If you’re looking for a psychological scare to etch a lasting fear on your brain, then this Stanley Kubrick film is perfect for a spooky night in. Blocked writer, Jack Torrance terrorises his wife and son, Danny, while they struggle to look after a hotel through the heart of winter.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Image Credit: GQ
After finishing The Shining check out the lesser-known sequel starring Ewan McGregor as a now older Dan Torrance. Decades later, he is still traumatised by the events at the hotel. Now however the evil lurking is the True Knot, a cult who feed off and slaughter people for their ‘shine’.
Get Out (2017)
Image Credit: Vanity Fair
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut which follows a black photographer who goes to his white girlfriend’s home for the first time. As the weekend progresses, he discovers disturbing secrets after their uneasy responses to his arrival.
Saw X (2023)
Image Credit: Saw Official
If gore is your thing, then this most recent instalment in the Saw franchise will quench your bloodthirst. With even more unhinged traps, John Kramer is back but with a newfound reason.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Image Credit: Medium
High school hottie, Jennifer Check, becomes possessed by a demon and turns to satisfying her growing appetite by slaughtering her male classmates.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Image Credit: Vanity Fair
Promised eternal youth two female frenemies drink a magic potion only to find that immortality has its price. Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn are to die for in this dark yet comedic double act.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter
The Deetzes move into their new home in Winter River but the old tenants, now ghosts after a car accident, attempt to scare them away. Their actions attract Beetlejuice, a chaotic and wicked ghost, who they hire to ‘help’.
Practical Magic (1998)
Image Credit: Vox
For a more rom com feel Practical Magic is a go to. Two witch sisters (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) must try and reverse a curse stopping them from ever finding love.
Knives Out (2019)
Image Credit: Vanity Fair
While this film isn’t a horror its certainly got an autumnal feel to it, perfect for those cosy nights in. Harlan Thrombey, a mystery novelist is murdered and everyone in the Thrombey family is a suspect. Detective Benoit Blanc has his work cut out as he untangles the lies of this dysfunctional family.
The Craft (1996)
Image Credit: IMDb
Four high school girls who discover the dark art of witchcraft and form a coven. This cult classic explores the consequences of the occult as the girls go power mad.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Image credit: The Hollywood Reporter
And last but certainly not least you can never go wrong with the Sanderson Sisters. These three Salem witches are resurrected for a wicked, and chilling Halloween.
Feature image credit: Miramax
Second year Film & Media student
