It’s finally October, and with it comes one of the best times of year—the “spooky season,” Halloween. Most would agree that one of the best things to do in order to celebrate the season is to sit down and watch a good, scary movie. If you’re looking for a festive film to watch this month, you’re in the right place. Here are my personal recommendations for fantastic films for Halloween, and why you should check them out.
“Beetlejuice” (1989): This Tim Burton classic is perfect if you’re looking for a festive, but not too frightening film. It’s a hilarious and fun movie, though its writing isn’t its only strength. “Beetlejuice” has a uniquely eerie aesthetic similar to Burton’s other works, and it’s powered by uses of stop motion and incredibly interesting set & character design.
“The Fly” (1986): Truly an underrated horror film in my eyes. It has a very interesting plot, following a scientist who slowly begins to transform into a fly-like creature after a teleportation experiment gone awry. It blends a unique body-horror plot with truly disgusting practical effects and makeup that will blow your mind. This is a truly gnarly movie—watch it at your own risk.
“Evil Dead 2” (1987): If you want a movie that’s both genuinely funny and genuinely scary, “Evil Dead 2” is for you. This is one of my personal favorite horror films. It’s a hilarious time with hijinks and humor pulled straight from a cartoon, as well as some great, gory horror. Although this is a sequel to “The Evil Dead” (1981), you don’t have to watch the original. It’s relatively the same plot, but without the charm and wackiness of its sequel. I found the first iteration to be somewhat of a slog to get through. If you’re looking for a real horror film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one is for you.
“Monster House” (2006): This is another film that isn’t too scary; however, it’s an animated horror meant for kids, so for as far as those could go, it doesn’t hold back. There’s some scenes in this movie that I think were really pushing towards a more mature rating. Outside of the horror aspects of “Monster House,” the writing is really clever on multiple fronts. It’s the kind of movie that rewards you for paying attention, as there’s a lot of foreshadowing towards the solution to the mystery the film builds up. The humor is also genuinely funny. If you’re not the type for “serious” horror movies, but still want something “scary,” check this underrated gem out.
“Trick R’ Treat” (2009): If you really want a festive film, “Trick R’ Treat” has to be your go-to. It’s a huge celebration of the traditions and characters that make up Halloween. It’s told in a non-linear anthology format, which may be jarring to some, but I feel it makes it stand out among most other horror and Halloween movies. This movie is characterized by its dark comedy and tales, which feature Halloween tropes. There are some uncomfortable gruesome scenes, but if you can handle that, watch this underrated film for the perfect Halloween celebration.
