As the team’s favorite holiday sneaks up on us, we thought it would be a good idea to carve a few pumpkins and throw on some spooky films. As they say, Halloween scares promise dinner with bears. Here are thirteen films to send shivers down your spine.
1. Diabolique (1955)
Despite being the oldest film on this list, Diabolique is certainly not to be brushed off. Featuring a band of devious characters, you are thrown right into the middle of a vile scheme conspired by two unhappy women. This French thriller takes you on a roller coaster at Six Flags, and nobody’s checking for height.
2. The Birds (1963)
Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is one of those films that came to redefine the horror movie genre. Taking place in the seemingly peaceful and prosperous Bodega Bay, all hell breaks loose when the birds begin to flock. Not only is this movie a nostalgic trip, but it’s excellent camera work and cinematic shots are not to be missed.
3. Suspiria (1977)
Horror is beauty. After watching this mesmerizing film by Italian director Dario Argento, you might never look at dance the same. A young student gets admitted to a prestigious German ballet school that turns out to be more sinister than she could have ever anticipated. Argento’s use of color and cinematography drive the film’s thrilling and mysterious plot.
4. Eraserhead (1977)
This David Lynch classic is a gift. As expected with almost all of his films, it opens you up to a truly unimaginable reality. A Criterion Collection honoree, Eraserhead might just knock your Jim Socks right off.
5. Casper (1995)
Who doesn't love a friendly ghost?
6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Few movies make you more reluctant to go camping after watching than the Blair Witch Project. This film came to define the “Found Footage” subgenre of horror and thriller movies. While the camera work is quite shaky, the scares are certainly not. The Blair Witch Project is a must-watch for all spooky movie enthusiasts.
7. The Orphan (2009)
Everyone knows there is nothing creepier than a foreign orphan who wears school uniforms that are severely outdated. Crappy joke aside and without going into any spoilers, this movie is an outstanding psychological thriller with excellent pacing. If you are looking for an alternative to the classic slasher horror genre, this film is for you.
8. The Witch (2015)
Set in New England around the 1630’s, this supernatural thriller takes you back to a simpler time, or so it seems. Don’t be fooled by the beautiful cinematography, The Witch gets more evil as it’s story unfolds. If you are interested in history and folklore, this might give you the scare you’re looking for.
9. Train to Busan (2016)
Korean horror is often considered to be the best, and Train to Busan is a spectacular example. Featuring Squid Game’s Don Lee, this action packed film set on a speeding train, will have you at the edge of your seat. Although zombie films are often hit or miss, this one might take the cake.
10. Hereditary (2018)
If you’re looking for a film to live in your head and come out when you’d least expect it, here it is. Hexes, possessed souls and unfathomable events drive Ari Aster’s feature film debut. What makes this story especially creepy is it’s modern perspective on the effect of your ancestors. Be careful the next time you take your little sister to a party.
11. Climax (2018)
The extreme connection between dance and horror will forever be a theme in film and Climax is the tea cup ride. The entire piece feels choreographed, it has a mesmerizing soundtrack and features almost all non-actors. When the punch is spiked, no one wins.
12. I See You (2019)
With an abundance of twists and turns, I See You leads you to think the film is going one way and then suddenly hits you with a quick one-two in the best way possible. The less you know about this psychological thriller the better, and every watch gives you more clues into figuring it out.
13. Malignant (2021)
Just when you think you understand what’s happening in Malignant you don’t really understand. This horror/thriller, with a few jump scares, keeps you guessing until the end. Malignant is like a mix between a psychological and paranormal horror, but something more.
