What’s up, witches!? Happy Spooky Szn! Holy shit is it Mid-October already? That can only mean one thing— Unless you’re a year-round sicko, you best bust out your favorite vintage hockey mask or pair of black leather gloves and start binge-watching horror movies like you mean it before we turn the page into Noir-November! If you're one of those millions of saps overwhelmed with indecision in the face of too many content options, fear no more— We’ve got you covered with the perfect assortment of frightful films to fuel your scare meter from Friday the 13th through All Hallows Eve.
Donnie Darko (2001) dir. Richard Kelly
A psychologically titillating sci-fi thriller that defies any singular interpretation, Donnie Darko follows the fever dream reality of an angsty teen and the movie’s namesake, Donnie Darko. Through otherworldly schizophrenic visions, Donnie is informed about the exact timing of the world's impending doom. Donnie’s life is further thrown into a spiral by his adventurous sleepwalking escapades and a mysterious plane engine that drops from the sky destroying the Darko family home. The set-up for this psychotic thriller is top-tier and stands alone in its ability to satiate the curiosity of the viewer while crafting a rich story that remains just out of reach for those who seek to guess what comes next. Side characters stack as the story develops and deeper mysteries are sewn throughout the plot as Donnie seeks to put to a stop to the end of the world.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) dir. Wes Craven
A seminal Wes Craven classic, chock full of canary-clad characters just begging to be slashed open by the nightmare. Freaky Fred Kruger is an all-timer of a conniving villain who plays by his own rules. You best not give him the upper hand as he thrives on fear and those who let it fill their dreams with terrifying images brewed within his brutal mind. Freddy is a fearsome foe for any who dare encounter him but will he finally find his match on Elm Street? Find out as we follow Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) and her friends in their fight against sleep itself.
The Evil Dead (1981) dir. Sam Raimi
The Evil Dead, directed by Sam Raimi, is a cult horror classic that delves deep into supernatural terror. Raimi's directorial prowess is on full display as he leads the audience through a blood-soaked nightmare that leaves you quaking in your seat. Just like Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street, this film introduces a group of young characters who are caught up in a supernatural mystery they must band together to fight against. The Evil Dead is almost entirely set in and around an eerie, isolated cabin in the woods. Unlike Freddy Krueger, the malevolent force here is a sinister ancient evil awakened by a forbidden book, the Necronomicon. The story unfolds with a relentless assault on the characters, who must fight for their lives against this relentless force. Similar to the enigmatic world of "Donnie Darko," "The Evil Dead" creates an atmosphere of impending doom, keeping viewers on edge as they navigate through a nightmarish experience, where fear and survival are the only options. Raimi's skillful direction colludes with a chilling narrative to make The Evil Dead an enduring horror classic.
Dog Soldiers (2002) dir. Neil Marshall
Following a group of oddball soldiers, a training mission gone wrong brings about an epic duel for life against a pack of vicious werewolves. The shaky quick-shot movie can be a bit disorienting during dialogue-heavy scenes, but the style is perfect for the film’s many action sequences. Where the movie falls short is deep meaningful character interactions, it makes up for in thrilling scenes and satisfying practical effects.
Malignant (2021) dir. James Wan
Malignant is a spooky tale that leaves the viewer in the shadow of a devilish mystery for much of the film. Leaving clues in dialog, character reactions, and feeling just out of reach, the true sinister mastermind behind a gruesome streak of murders is revealed only through a Giallo-esque investigation, coinciding with an epically satisfying conclusion.
All in all, this October movie list is a great way to spend your nights the rest of the month. Id like to give a big thank you to the one and only Mr. Jack Young for helping me curate this list of films. Be sure to check out your local theatres as well, they will have some spectacular programming of films and movies you may never hear of otherwise!
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