Francine and Hayley here again to share our favorite Halloween and horror classics, just in case you find yourself needing something spooky to get you into the Halloween spirit! Our picks will give a healthy range of spooktacular whimsy and bone-chilling scares that will make you fully hide under the covers!
Hayley’s Picks:
“Halloweentown” – Duwayne Dunham
This for me was a childhood staple! Definitely a safe, family-friendly pick for anyone who doesn’t care for the jumpscares, gore and thrills, but still wants a movie to get them in the Halloween spirit. As a child, this was my introduction to the wild imagination of world-building as I was transported right alongside Marnie and her siblings to Halloweentown. Benny the skeleton taxicab driver, really sells the magic, though with dated animatronics (it came out in 1998) compared to nowadays tech, at the time he filled my young heart with whimsy allowing me to believe in the reality of Halloweentown. A must-watch if you have younger siblings, or even if you’re looking for a fun film to toss on while carving pumpkins!
“Halloween” – John Carpenter
Combining the worlds of thrasher horror and psychological thrills, the original Halloween is the scary movie to watch if you’re looking for the type of film to keep you up all night. Full of jumpscares, it gives the adrenaline rush we all crave in watching horror films, without sacrificing any of the plot. Contemplating all the other horror classics, something about this film takes the cake for me. Maybe it’s the title, maybe it’s the knowledge that Halloween is the anniversary of Michael’s killings, or perhaps it’s that allure of Michael always “coming back” that keeps me coming back, I can’t be too sure… but what I can be sure of is that this movie is a must watch for any avid horror fanatic or Halloween enthusiast!
“The Sixth Sense”- M. Night Shyamalan
The movie that made me fall in love with psychological thrillers and ghosts and my introduction to the plot twist-riddled mind of M. Night Shyamalan. This film perfectly balances out the frightening nature of spirits, death and the afterlife while also creating a sense of spontaneity, suspense, shock and sitting on the edge-of-your-seat enticement. Bruce Willis stars alongside a young Haley Joel Osment, exploring the idea of what happens after we die – do we pass on? Or are we stuck repeating our demise until closure is found? Buckle up for this one, get your comfort blankets out, and dive into this psychological tale of those gifted with a Sixth Sense to see what comes after we die.
Francine’s Picks:
“Lisa Frankenstein” – Zelda Williams
In 1989, high school outcast Lisa Swallows accidentally resurrects a charming Victorian corpse, launching her into a wild mix of romance and murder. This horror-comedy blends dark humor with a fresh take on teenage love creating something pure camp – a reminder that films can be fun and unserious! The cast features rising scream queen Kathryn Newton, childhood icon Cole Sprouse and Liza Soberano in her American film debut. Directed by Zelda Williams, daughter of the beloved Robin Williams, it’s an instant cult classic in my eyes and a must-watch this Halloween.
“Us” – Jordan Peele
A family vacation takes a terrifying turn when they encounter their sinister doppelgangers. I usually avoid horror, but I make an exception for Jordan Peele, especially around Halloween. “Us” is my favorite of his films because it left a lasting fear from my first watch, with Lupita Nyong’o delivering haunting performances as both the protagonist and her doppelganger. With its unsettling atmosphere and unexpected twists, “Us” cements Peele’s reputation as a visionary in contemporary horror.
“Eyes Without a Face (Les Yeux sans visage)” – Georges Franju
Dr. Genessier, a brilliant but disturbed surgeon, is obsessed with restoring his daughter Christiane’s disfigured face after a car accident. He kidnaps young women to transplant their faces onto her, leading to a chilling exploration of identity and beauty. This 1960 French film is a haunting blend of horror and tragedy, admired for its striking visuals and poetic storytelling. The eerie ending still haunts me– especially when I look out into the woods on campus…I’d highly recommend this film for Halloween if you’re looking for something different from the typical horror fare.
As Halloween approaches quickly, we hope our recommendations inspire you to discover new gems or revisit beloved cinematic classics. Whether you prefer lighthearted fun or chilling tales, there’s something for everyone on this list. From Francine and Hayley, we wish you a spooky and enjoyable Halloween filled with unforgettable films!