Round Table Times
Who Doesn’t Love Watching a Good Scary Movie on Halloween?
Erika Batchelor, Staff Writer
October 15, 2015
It’s October and that means it’s time to watch all your favorite spooky movies. Whether you love scary movies or hate them, here are some of our favorite Halloween movies.
Classics:
The Shining (1980) ”“ This Stanley Kubrick film stars Jack Nicholson as a crazed novelist who (spoiler alert) tries to chop his family up after a particularly stressful winter at the Overlook Hotel. A cult classic, this movie will have you in chills from start to finish.
The Exorcist (1973) ”“ Everyone has heard of The Exorcist. When a young girl starts to act terribly awful, her mother calls for help, ultimately getting a priest who believes she has been possessed by the devil. Filled with spinning heads, levitating, and little girls speaking in tongues, this famous film is a must see during the Halloween season.
Halloween (1978) ”“ 6 year old Michael Myers murders his 17 year old sister and gets locked away for 15 years. Now 21, he escapes prison when being transferred, and returns to his quiet hometown to strike again. This classic slasher flick has been scaring us for decades.
Contemporary:
Paranormal Activity series (2009-2015) ”“ With 5 films already released and one coming out later this month, this series is one of the most popular in the horror movie genre. Using home-videos, camcorders, and security camera footage, the movies pull you in, making the whole experience feel real.
The Conjuring (2013) ”“ With characters based off real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film follows the Perron family as they experience strange happenings at their new farmhouse. The Warrens find out the house’s disturbing history, and events escalate quickly.
Insidious series (2010-2015) ”“ This film series follows the family of the Lamberts in the first two films, as the son and father are both put into trouble when possessed by malevolent spirits. The third film is a prequel, and revolves around a young girl who is helped by the same psychic as the Lamberts. With creepy music (tiptoeing through the tulips anyone?) and jump scares, these films will have you on the edge of your seat.
American Horror Story (2011-present) ”“ This creepy FX television series has been famous for its spooky storylines. With a new plot every season, this show never gets boring. If you’re willing to invest time to watch a scary tv show, this is a great choice. Now on its fifth go around, each season has something different to offer. If you’re into haunted houses, creepy asylums, witches, freakshows or hotels, this is the show for you.
Kid friendly:
Hocus Pocus (1993) ”“ We all love this classic Disney Halloween film starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as a trio of witches. The Sanderson sisters are resurrected and determined to stay that way ”“ by sucking out the souls of children. Ultimately their plot fails and they turn to dust, but the events that ensue when they are awoken will have you on a wild ride.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) ”“ Is it a Christmas movie? Is it a Halloween movie? In this Tim Burton stop motion dark fantasy musical, Jack Skellington ”“ also known as The Pumpkin King ”“ lives in Halloweentown, a fantasy world filled with scary inhabitants. When he stumbles upon the magical Christmastown, Jack becomes obsessed, deciding to take on the task of Christmas. With fantastic visuals and songs that will get stuck in your head, this film is a mandatory Halloween watch.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) ”“ One of the best Peanuts holiday specials, Charlie Brown and his gang take on Halloween. Despite the ridicule from his friends, Linus believes fiercely in the Great Pumpkin. While the others go trick or treating, Linus stays in the pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin to show. The iconic “I got a rock.” line gets us every time.
