Spooky Films to Watch this Halloween
One of the best ways to get into the spirit of the spooky season is through watching films. We’ve come up with a list of the best films to watch this October to get you in the spirit of Halloween. We know not everyone loves full on horror - so we’ve made sure to cater for all different types!
1. The Classics
There’s something so nostalgic about old horror films and the way they were made. Very different to the horror style we see now, here are a few of the classics everyone needs to have seen at least once in their life.
The Shining
Premiered in 1980 starring Jack Nicholson. It’s based on the best-selling Stephen King novel where Jack Torrance is experiencing writer’s block, so decides to get a job as a caretaker in a hotel that’s closed down for the season. He finds out that the previous caretaker killed himself and his whole family, and the events begin to unfold.
Carrie
Premiered in 1976 starring Sissy Spacek. It’s also based on a Stephen King novel. Carrie is a shy girl with no friends in highschool; an outsider. She is often bullied at school by her peers and has an unstable mother with a poor home life. She gets invited to prom by the popular boy in school, only for it to be a prank that sends her over the edge. She seeks revenge through her telekinesis powers.
Scream
Premiered in 1996 and still remains one of the highest-grossing slasher films of all time. It follows a group of California teens who use their knowledge of horror films to fight against real life killers. One of the first horror films to use established actors, this has a great cast starring David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Neve Campbell, Drew Barrymore and more!
2. Horror Comedy
Not everyone likes the feeling of being scared for a straight two hours and a bit of comedic relief can really help! Here are a few horror comedies for a lighter mood this Halloween.
This is the End
One of the most iconic comedic casts, starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Emma Watson, Craig Robinson and more! This movie premiered in 2013 and follows the famous actors, playing themselves, as they attend a Hollywood party and the world starts coming to an end.
Zombieland
The United States has been taken over by zombies, and a group of strangers roadtrip the country in search of safety. Premiered in 2009, starring Jesse Elsenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin.
The Scary Movie film series
One of the most recognisable horror film series, Scary Movie pokes fun at actual horror films in a parody format. As of 2022, there are five in the series, so why not make a movie marathon out of it?
3. Modern horror
It’s no secret some of the best horror films are being made today. With the progress of special effects in film now, these will leave you feeling genuinely terrified.
Get Out
One of the most notable horror films in recent years. It premiered in 2017 and stars Daniel Kuulya, who plays Chris Washington. Chris is in an interracial relationship with Rose Armitage and they plan a visit to meet Rose’s family, who don’t know Chris is African-American. Events unfold as Rose’s wealthy family are stranger than they seemed.
A Quiet Place
Starring John Krasinski and Emily Blunt, this film premiered in 2018. It follows a world that’s been taken over by monsters with ultra-sensitive hearing, leaving survivors having to live in silence.
Midsommar
Starring Florence Pugh (as Dani) and Jack Reynor (as Christian) who take a trip to Sweden with a group of friends for a festival, only to have found themselves trapped in a cult.
4. Family favourites
For the families with kids who still want to enjoy a great film.
Harry Potter
No need to explain the plot for this one, Harry Potter is loved by all ages and a great series of films to sit down with the family to watch. The first few films are more kid-friendly, so stick to those for the younger ones and finish the rest when they go to sleep!
The Addams Family
When the missing brother of the Addams family (Fester) comes back, they’re thrilled. However some members begin to suspect if he is who he says he is, as he can’t remember details about his life.
5. TV series special Halloween episodes
If you’re looking to watch just a few episodes from your favourite series instead of a whole film, here’s a list of special halloween themed episodes.
Friends: The One with the Halloween Party
Season 8, episode 6. Rachel and Monica host a halloween party where everyone has to dress up. Debates begin on who’s costumes could beat who up, and thus which friend could beat which friend up. Ross and Chandler begin an arm-wrestling match and Phoebe gains feelings for her twin sister’s new fiancé.
Brooklyn 99
Each season has a Halloween heist episode, where the team has to decide who the ultimate genius is.
The Office
Another show with a number of Halloween episodes. In the first one of the series, season 2 episode 5, Michael is told he needs to fire someone due to budget cuts but leaves it to the last minute. He now has to fire someone in the middle of the Halloween celebrations.
How I Met Your Mother
Season 1, episode 6. The Slutty Pumpkin storyline. After Ted meets a girl dressed as a slutty pumpkin at a Halloween Party, he returns to the same party each year in hopes he finds her again. There are multiple Halloween episodes in HIMYM, so watch as the years go by and they finally meet again.
Glee: The Rocky Horror Glee Show
The Rocky Horror picture show is one of the best horror films, and Glee did a whole episode dedicated to it where they perform it as a play and sing the hit songs.
Hopefully this list gave you an idea of some films to watch this season to get you into the Halloween spirit. Grab some snacks, candy and blankets and have fun!