By Gabrielle Smith
In my opinion, Halloween is one of the best holidays! Here I have a list of the best films to watch in no particular order to get into the Halloween mood!
Slasher Films
1. “Halloween” (1978)
Michael Myers escapes from his psychiatric hospital, returning to his hometown to terrorize Laurie Strode and her friends on Halloween night. The original is the best and I would definitely recommend watching the newer 2018 rendition of the film as well.
2. “Friday the 13th” (1980)
The killer, Jason takes his revenge out on the camp counselors of Camp Crystal Lake.
3. “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
This film is about a supernatural being named Freddy Krueger who strikes terror in people’s dreams.
4. “Scream” (1996)
The film is a typical slasher film. It follows a group of teenagers trying to survive the torturous nature of a masked killer. If you like this one then I highly recommend that you watch the entire series (“Scream 2” [1997], “Scream 3” [2000], and “Scream 4” [2011])
“Scream 5” has been rumored to be released in January of 2020.
Horror/Thrillers
1. “The Amityville Horror” (1979)
This film is a definite must watch since it is completely creepy and horrifying!
2. “Trick ‘r Treat” (2007)
This film is interesting because it intertwines multiple stories into one, which creates the bigger picture.
3. “Psycho” (1960)
Marion Crane meets an unfortunate fate when staying at the Bates Motel. This psychological horror thriller is definitely weird. If you haven’t watched this movie yet, put it at the top of your list.
4. “Saw” (2004)
For the people who like a gruesome film to freak out with, then watch this movie. This film is about a sadistic serial killer that traps two people and forces them to play a series of ruthless games.
5. Anything Stephen King
I don’t know what is, but watching these psychological films always gets me in the spooky mood of Halloween. I recommend watching “Pet Cemetery” (1989), “IT” [1990] as well as the 2017 remake, and The Shining (1980).
6. “The Conjuring” (2013)
This film is fun to watch because it gives off eerie vibes that put you into a chilling Halloween mood.
If horror or slasher films are not your thing and you are just looking for some fun movies to put you into the Halloween spirit, then these films are for you:
1. “Hocus Pocus” (1993)
This classic movie is my all-time favorite. It is so much fun and it is sure to put you in the holiday spirit of Halloween.
2. “Practical Magic” (1998)
This film follows sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) who are witches. They find themselves in a bit of magical trouble that puts the sister witches in a bind.
3. “Beetlejuice” (1988)
The quirky film follows an adventure of a couple who attempts to haunt their own house in order to rid it of the people who newly reside in it. In a failed attempt to do so, they accidently attract the unpredictable spirit of Beetlejuice who only makes matters worse.
4. “Ghostbusters 1” (1984) & “Ghostbusters 2” (1989)
These films are the best and will definitely get you into the Halloween mood. The title says it all, who are you going to call?
