Another year, another Halloween. It’s that time of the year where you pull out your favourite horror movies, turn off the lights and prepare yourself to be scared (or laugh if you prefer horror comedies). Although Halloween may be more of an American celebration compared to here in Australia, there are still many of us that feel the need to celebrate it with the viewing of horror movies.
Hey everyone! Today I’m here to give you a little list of horror movies that are perfect for viewing on Halloween. From modern horror gems to the films that started it all, these are some of the best horror movies you can watch this Halloween.
Before I start, I do have a few honourable mentions to hand out. I should also state that this is just a top 5, not a top 10 as I usually write. If you would like a top 10 feel free to let me know and I can fulfil your wish. Anyway, here are the honourable mentions.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007): Four interwoven stories set in the same town on Halloween results in one of the best horror comedies of all time.
Hereditary (2018): You may have heard that this is considered the scariest movie of 2018 and once it latches onto you early on, you’ll see why.
The Thing (1982): John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece is one of the best remakes of all time! It also happens to be one of the most paranoia-inducing movies I’ve ever seen.
The Descent (2005): You won’t want to go in caves after watching this British horror movie. You may be terrified during the first half, but then you’ll remember the horrifying creatures are yet to come.
The Exorcist (1973): The greatest possession movie in a genre packed to the brim with them still manages to be as terrifying as it was 45 years ago.
Now, let’s begin!
5. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick is known for his masterful filmmaking (and his questionable ways to make actors perform), and this famous adaptation of the Stephen King novel is one of his best in a career full of masterpieces. ‘The Shining’ is a genuinely terrifying movie that doesn’t rely on cheap jumpscares or buckets of gore. Rather it builds suspense through the creepy atmosphere and a slow-paced ride that will make you breath a sigh of relief by the time it’s finished. Jack Nicholson’s performance is one of the most terrifying I’ve ever seen and frankly, I would say the character of Jack Torrence is one of the greatest horror characters of all time. If you love atmospheric horror movies with little to no jump scares, ‘The Shining’ is waiting for you to check in.
4. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if every horror movie monster came into one movie? Drew Goddard’s horror comedy answers that with one of the smartest horror movies of the decade. ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ may only appear as yet another horror movie centred around a group of young adults going to a cabin in the woods, only to find that something dark lies within. But what you actually get is an entertaining, almost spoof-like movie that pokes fun at the genre, while also making an original horror movie. Yes, there are some scares, but ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ is more than just that. It’s smart, funny and one of the most rewatchable horror movies you’ll ever watch.
3. Suspiria (1977)
Who would’ve thought that a horror movie could be both terrifying and saturated in colour? Dario Argento’s gothic horror masterpiece is one of the first horror movies I ever saw and I can safely say it’s one of the best. ‘Suspiria’ is a horror film like no other. You can usually tell if you’re watching a horror movie just by looking at the colours and lighting. Usually, it’s always dark and eerie with a slightly grey colour palate. This, on the other hand, is almost fairytale like with some of the most vibrant colours you’ll ever see in a horror movie. Goblin’s unsettling score elevates it onto another level of creepiness and it may even make you terrified of dogs for weeks. With the remake coming out shortly, you should definitely check this classic out. It still manages to be one of the most graphic horror movies I’ve ever seen.
2. Scream (1996)
The ultimate modern horror movie is a textbook example of how to parody your own genre. Wes Craven’s ‘Scream’ may well just be the greatest combination of horror and comedy I’ve ever seen! The opening with Drew Barrymore has gone down in history as one of the most terrifying movie scenes of all time and once you watch it, you’ll understand why. ‘Scream’ isn’t your average horror movie as it pokes fun at the genre. The characters watch horror classics, they talk about the rules one must follow to survive a horror movie and they even poke fun at the cliches of the genre. If you want to watch the definition of modern horror, then you should look no further then this classic! While you’re at it, you may as well just watch the other three ‘Scream’ movies (two of the sequels are great, one of them is not so great).
1. Halloween (1978)
How could my number one pick not be ‘Halloween’ itself? John Carpenter’s horror classic has spawned countless sequels and remakes, with none of them even close to matching the greatness of the film that made the slasher genre one of the biggest in the horror genre. Michael Myers still remains as one of the most terrifying horror movie icons. Not only because of the William Shatner mask but because he is human. The opening scene where you see the murder of his older sister from his six-year-old eyes only sets the stage of what he is capable of. ‘Halloween’ is also iconic for introducing us to Jamie Lee Curtis, the Scream Queen herself. Watching her getting stalked by Michael still creeps me out and when you hear him breathing, you will most likely be sitting on the edge of your seat. Everything about this movie is iconic (including John Carpenter’s incredible theme) and it will always be the greatest horror to watch on Halloween!
There you have it, my top 5 best movies to watch on Halloween. I hope you enjoyed reading it and hopefully this will give you an idea of what to watch on Halloween! As always, if I left a movie out that you think is a must watch on Halloween, comment below and let me know. Thanks!
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