With the spookiest season approaching, Halloween movies are a must during October. No other Halloween tradition lives up to the hype of classic must-see Halloween movies. While kids in their costumes are out trick-or-treating, you can treat yourself to one of the classics. Here are some recommendations for must-see movies that will leave you remembering childhood or throwing your popcorn in fear.
There aren’t a ton of Halloween-focused movies that are considered truly scary. The Halloween movies and Trick R Treat are some of the most notable Halloween-based horror movies. For other horror films, these movies can be watched at any point during the year but are your typical scary movies that are great options for the Halloween season.
Halloween (1978)
The original Halloween (1978) is a cult classic. I advise all film gurus and spooky season lovers to invest time in watching the original Halloween every October. This film, and the following movies, is a perfect blend of scare factor and Halloween. The film introduces the horror genre’s most feared character, Michael Myers. The iconic slasher film blends the spirit of the Halloween season with a true horror aspect. Halloween can be watched for free on Plex and other streaming services.
Halloween (2018)
A great updated version of the original is Halloween (2018). If you’re one for classic characters and homages to the original but with a touch of modernization and excellent film work, the 2018 film is the one for you. This film skips over all Halloween movies made after the original and picks up 40 years later. Halloween (2018) focuses on the effects Michael Myers still has on the town of Haddonfield and 1978 survivor Laurie Strode. Halloween can be watched on Netflix, Peacock, Hulu and other streaming services.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) was sure to give first-time watchers the creeps. This classic horror movie was unique for its time, introducing its iconic horror villain, Freddy Krueger, killing teens in their nightmares. The teen slasher blurred the lines between imagination and reality, with its plot continuing to influence future horror films and continuing Freddy Krueger’s killing spree in future movies. Nightmare on Elm Street can be watched on HBO Max and other streaming services.
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist (1973) scared viewers after its premiere in the 70s. This film sets the bar high for following horror movies because there have never been movies like the original. The movie follows a demonic possession and the iconic exorcism. Its religion-focused scare factor had it restricted and banned in many European countries. The controversy had views experiencing physical reactions, such as vomiting and fainting, because of “disturbing” scenes. To most nowadays, this film is nowhere near having those effects on viewers. The Exorcist can be watched on HBO Max and other streaming services.
The Shining (1980)
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Shining (1980) focuses on the seclusion of a family staying at the Overlook Hotel. The novel is influenced by the night King stayed at the Stanley Hotel. The 1980 movie was filmed in the famous Stanley Hotel, showing homage to King’s experience.
While it has a thrilling and twisted plot line, King did not approve of the 1980, claiming it doesn’t follow along with his original novel. King eventually made his film version in a mini-series in 1997. The 1980 film has a very unique style with many silent parts. A sequel, titled Doctor Sleep, was ultimately made in 2019, explaining the original in deeper explanation and the meaning of “the shining.” The Shining can be watched on HBO Max and other streaming services.
Frankenstein (1931)
The original Frankenstein (1931) film continues influencing many monster-focused horror films. Boris Karloff’s fantastic performance as the monster launched an instant success. This movie helped shape the American horror film genre. Its introduction to special effects, like lighting bolts, popularized the usage in future films in the industry. Following the film’s success, Universal Pictures continued its success by making other classic horror films like Dracula (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941). Frankenstein focuses on the creation of life and Dr. Frankenstein’s obsession with playing God. After its fallout, the film shows the representation of ethical and scientific limits. This film is a must-see for anyone searching for a true classic and groundbreaking movie. Frankenstein can be watched on Peacock and other streaming services.
For anyone who loves Halloween-time horror, these movies are for you. Some other suggestions for horror movies to watch during October are Trick R Treat, Friday the 13th, and Sleepy Hollow. While this has mainly focused on horror movies, there are some great movies to watch during the spooky season that won’t keep you up at night, such as Corpse Bride, Coraline, Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and many more
