Rose Bialk/The Mossy Log
From witches and vampires to costumed freaks and the undead, Halloween is about screaming your head off and having a good time doing it. What better way to get into the holiday spirit and find inspiration for costumes than to cuddle up with friends and watch something scary? This list provides films with a variety of scare levels, themes and styles. From eerily lighthearted to super spooky, there is something for everyone. Without further ado, here is a series of 14 scary films to watch before Oct. 31.
“Coraline” (2009)
Produced by Oregon-based stop-motion animation company Laika Studios, this cute and creepy flick tells the tale of a young girl who discovers a fantastical world through a secret door in her new house. With lovingly crafted visuals and a few well-placed scares, this movie is a worthwhile entry point into the realm of scary movies.
“DC Showcase: Death” (2019)
Unlike other features on this list, “DC Showcase: Death” is an existential short film. The main character, Death, is a character created by Neil Gaiman, author of “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book,” is featured in the DC comic, “The Sandman.” In the film, Death follows a struggling artist through a rainy urban landscape as he attempts to reconcile with his purpose in life.
“Lisa Frankenstein” (2024)
A hyper-stylized, gender-swapped “Frankenstein,” this film strikes a balance between bizarro humor, bright and bubbly visuals, and an unexpectedly heartwarming undead love story. From the writer of the cult classic “Jennifer’s Body” (another excellent watch), this film may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are looking for something unique and charming, this is an ’80s-inspired horror comedy you will enjoy.
“Practical Magic” (1998)
It is the middle of autumn in a charming East Coast town, and your sister has just committed a murder. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman make the perfect black and orange cat duo as sister witches in “Practical Magic.” Every scene is embellished with a lit candle, falling leaves or the full moon. This movie never fails to represent everything magnificent autumn has to offer.
“Fear Street” Trilogy (2021)
Adapted from “Goosebumps,” author R.L. Stine’s book series for older kids, this trilogy will bring you so much joy. Incredibly cast and produced, this film series centers on two lesbian love stories in the late ’90s and the 1600s, bringing you the story of a small town curse and the real systems of oppression that lie beneath the surface of the spooky veneer.
“Twin Peaks: Northwest Passage” (1989)
In Oregon, director David Lynch is a household name. If you have not seen anything from the “Twin Peaks” universe, it is time. Set in a beautiful, sleepy town in eastern Washington, “Twin Peaks” is a staple of surrealist horror. Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan), accompanied by an ensemble of curious characters, is led through a disturbing mystery: the murder of the local homecoming queen. Dream sequences and unsettling conversations are presented in warm cabins and cozy diners, creating both a disturbing and comforting atmosphere that is impossible to look away from.
“Frankenhooker” (1990)
Director Frank Henenlotter is a madman. You may have heard of his more popular film “Basket Case,” but all of his horror movies are full of genre staples: boobs, drugs and explosive gore. Another twist on the Frankenstein story, a grief-stricken mad scientist from New Jersey elects to rebuild his deceased wife using parts from sex workers in the city. This movie will get crazy as you keep watching, but it is a hilarious and wild ride.
“The Craft” (1996)
This (oc)cult classic practically coined the term “whimsigoth” with its romantic and haunting interpretation of the Bay Area’s pagan culture. The coming-of-age story includes covers of The Smiths and The Beatles paired with iconic scenes of ’90s grunge fashion. Watch and learn how DIY witchcraft and pure teen angst overcome something truly terrifying: the power of peer pressure.
“It Follows” (2014)
From an era of horror that was much more subtle and theme-driven, “It Follows” stands out as an emotionally driven and timeless metaphor for sexual violence and grief. After an awful date, Jay (Maika Monroe) finds herself constantly stalked by an entity that can take the appearance of anyone she knows, visible only to her. This movie has such an ambiguous air to it, leaving room for interpretation of its themes.
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1992)
Has anyone seen “Clueless” and wished Cher was more alternative? Meet Buffy (Kristy Swanson). The feature film is an origin story, predating her better-known television series. This production is the more upbeat of the two, wherein exciting montages and hokey vampire hijinks showcase this L.A. girl against the forces of evil.
Ti West’s “X” Trilogy (2022 – 2024)
These films are all strong enough to stand alone as their own period pieces, yet are brought together by three fantastic performances by the one and only Mia Goth. Each movie is distinct and stylized, but their emotional throughline and themes of fame, strength and perseverance will show you the horrifying power of female rage.
“28 Days Later” (2002)
The release of “28 Days Later” in 2002 was revolutionary for the horror genre. Director Danny Boyle’s zombies do not just run — they are relentless, rabid creatures that sprint, jump, climb and will glue you to your seat. This movie is packed with societal allegories that are sure to leave you thinking about life long after watching it. The franchise will continue to feature new installments for another few years.
“Weapons” (2025)
This movie smashed the box office and critics’ expectations for good reason. As a fan of director Zach Cregger’s previous work with sketch comedy troupe “The Whitest Kids U’Know,” it is easy to see how the death of his friend and collaborator Trevor Moore influenced this film. It is best to go into this movie only knowing the premise: at 2:17 a.m., all but one child from the same classroom rise from bed and leave their homes, never to be seen again.
“The Batman” (2022)
In this theatrical release, Batman prowls through a Halloween-crazed Gotham. The story that follows is a horrific and politically charged mystery. If you feel the need to dress in all black and rebel against the injustices of society, you may relate to Bruce Wayne and Halloween is just the time to embrace your inner Dark Knight.
With that list outlined for you, pop some popcorn, bake some Pillsbury Ghost Cookies and grab a couple of friends to get into the Halloween spirit. Happy Halloween!
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