Well, it’s that time of year again, the time of ghosts, ghouls, goblins, witches, and all sorts of scary things. October 31st is often referred to as All Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, or as it’s more well-known as, Halloween. This is the night when kids dress in costumes and go trick-or-treating, and adults dress in costumes to get drunk. In addition, there are those of us who like to watch horror films to get us into the Halloween spirit. Many people like to get nostalgic over Hocus Pocus, stick to the classics like Halloween, or just go with whatever. While I generally enjoy watching horror films all year round, there are certain films that I save for Halloween. For Halloween this year, I figured I’d do something different and put together something special, so why not a list? So, here’s my 10 best horror films to watch on Halloween!
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
While Halloween is the more popular film to watch, I personally think the third entry is the best Halloween film. By that, I don’t mean it’s the best film in the franchise, but that it’s the best film about Halloween. If you think about it, the original could take place at anytime of the year, and it wouldn’t change things. This, however, is a film set on Halloween that takes advantage of the holiday and explores its lore and mythology. Originally intended to be the start of a new anthology series, the film sadly failed when it was released. Over the years, it got a critical reevaluation with many defending it and has since gained a major cult following. With a story that combines witchcraft with technology, great cast, awesome score, and memorable set pieces, this film is fantastic. This is essential viewing for Halloween and get my highest recommendation!
Creepshow (1982)
George A. Romero is a name that has become synonymous with zombies, thanks to his classic Dead series. Stephen King is a name that I think need no real introduction, given his massive body of work. So what happens when these two titans of terror come together to make a movie? You get Creepshow, a horror anthology made of five stories that pays homage to the EC Comics of the ’50s. With Romero directing and the stories being written by King, this movie is filled with so much creativity and imagination. While most anthologies usually have one or two good segments amongst several bad ones, all five segments here really work. Even if there’s one segment that you don’t like as much as the others, you’ll still enjoy it nonetheless. Combining horror and dark comedy, Creepshow is, as the tagline reads, “the most full you’ll ever have being scared!”
Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
If Halloween III is the best movie about Halloween, then 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat is one of the best. Much like Creepshow, this is another horror anthology, but here, each of the segments is interconnected and flow together. Originally conceived from a short film called Season’s Greetings, the film has had a somewhat troubled release history. The film was screened at various film festivals and conventions with the intent of it being released theatrically. Sadly, the film went direct-to-DVD, but it received tons of critical appraisal and soon became an instant cult hit. Just like Halloween III, this film perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday and reminds us why we celebrate it. Each of the stories revolve around someone not appreciating the holiday and being tormented by the mysterious and childlike Sam. If you’re a huge fan of the holiday, Trick ‘r Treat is a must-watch.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton is a name that’s been associated with the weird and macabre, at least in his early days. While much of his work nowadays fluctuates in quality, his ’80s and early ’90s work was on point. One that especially stands out as a great watch for Halloween is his 1988 horror-comedy, Beetlejuice. Featuring Michael Keaton as the titular ghost with the most, this film is a delightful mix of scares and fun. While not particularly scary save for a few scenes, this really captures the fun dark spirit Halloween is known for. Not only is Keaton phenomenal, but you’ve also got Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder to root for. The only unfortunate thing now is that the film features Jeffrey Jones, but that shouldn’t detract from its enjoyability. With a great style, iconic score, fun characters, and imaginative filmmaking, Beetlejuice makes the dark look fun.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
In the ’30s and ’40s, Universal Studious were the kings of horror with their now iconic monster movies. Amongst them were classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Bride of Frankenstein, and The Invisible Man. Then, in the ’70s, following the success of Blazing Saddles, Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder decided to pay their respects. Of course, while Young Frankenstein is a comedy, the film also works as a tribute to the Universal monster movies. From the black-and-white cinematography and old school set design, to the familiar archetypes and tropes, this film is spot on. While the jokes aren’t as risqué as those in Blazing Saddles, nearly all the jokes in this film land. You know it’s especially funny when even the cast and crew couldn’t stop laughing between takes. Even if you’re not a fan of the Universal monsters, Young Frankenstein is a comedy anyone can enjoy.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Speaking of George A. Romero, many of today’s horror creators owe a great debt to this master of horror. While there had been zombie movies before, it was Night of the Living Dead that started the modern zombie genre. Made on a small budget with unknown actors, the film became an instant hit and is regarded as a classic. Much like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, this film has become a staple of the Halloween season. No matter what time of the year it is, watching this feels like it’s late at night on Halloween. Even taking away its historical significance, Night of the Living Dead is still a fantastic film. For a 1968 film, it’s much more graphic than most would think, and it has tons of disturbing imagery. If you consider yourself a fan of zombie movies or horror in general, Night of the Living Dead is essential.
The Monster Squad (1987)
Recently, Fred Dekker got some attention for co-writing the new Predator film alongside his former writing partner Shane Black. For those who were somewhat disappointed by that film, I’ve got a film the two worked on that’s much better. That film is The Monster Squad, an ’80s youth film about kids going up against the Universal monsters. It’s easy to compare this with The Goonies since it’s an adventure film with children, but this one stands out. Even with its lead child actors and somewhat family-friendly tone, this film is definitely unlike any kids movie ever made. This was back when PG-13 meant something, so you’ve got scenes of kids cursing and being threatened by hideous monsters. It also reminds us how awesome and scary the Universal monsters can be and are all fantastic. Given its massive cult fanbase, The Monster Squad should become a staple of everyone’s Halloween season.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Yeah, I know, a ton of other lists of Halloween movies are going to have this one included. I know this is the obvious choice, but there’s a reason why this film is still celebrated 40+ years later. Not only is this film a ton of fun, but it also works as a send-up of B-movies of yesteryear. You’ve got a mad scientist, aliens, a creature made with science, a spooky mansion, and all around weirdness mixed together. This film is very ridiculous and aware of itself, but it doesn’t feel like it’s forcing it down your throat. With it being a musical, many of the songs are insanely catchy and have become iconic in their own right. This practically defined the midnight movie with showings going on even to this day with tons of people attending. Final note: while I love this film, Shock Treatment also deserves some attention.
Night of the Demons (1988)
And now for something that is much lesser-known, but still should be widely remembered as a must-watch for Halloween. Night of the Demons feels like the ideal Halloween party, full of drinking, drugs, and sex, as well as demons. This film would make a great double-feature with The Evil Dead given its sense of fun and over-the-top gore. Not only do you get some fun kills and top-notch gore, but also some fun characters and a great story. Here, we get a simple story of young people having a Halloween party at an abandoned house, as you do. One thing leads to another, and they start getting taken over by demonic forces and killing each other off. This is a film that, while scary, still has a sense of humor and doesn’t take itself seriously. If you can get some friends and drinks, Night of the Demons is great fun.
The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Ordinarily, I wouldn’t add two zombie movies here, but given it’s Return of the Living Dead, I just had too. While not necessarily a sequel to Romero’s Night, it does act as a sort of spin-off to that film. However, this one not only plays with zombie movie rules, but it’s also more of a comedy. Much like Night of the Demons, this also has a lot of the elements that make ’80s horror great. You’ve got fun and likable characters, amazing effects work, tons of gore and nudity, a good story, great atmosphere. While the movie has its fun moments, it can also be pretty heartbreaking, especially given how the movie ends. There are some genuinely sad moments throughout, between the fate of our two leads and how worse things gets. Much like with Night, Return of the Living Dead is essential viewing for zombie and horror fans.
