Anyone who has talked to me for more than five minutes knows that I love horror movies. I love a solid character study. An engaging mystery. I find it interesting to watch unlikely characters thrown together with dire stakes. Or people who have known each other for years suddenly pushed to their limits. I even enjoy that adrenaline rush that accompanies watching a creepy movie from the safety of your couch―my anxiety-riddled brain appreciates that these scares are provided in a controlled environment.
So, to celebrate the approach of Halloween, I have compiled a list of 31 horror movies―one for each day of October―that I highly recommend. Obviously, this won't include everything. There are so many great movies out there. Some I haven't seen, some I've accidentally forgotten. The movies below just happen to be the ones I think about a lot (and would love to discuss if you feel so inclined...)
They are in no particular order as that would take forever but I am listing the three scariest movies I've ever seen (and liked) at the bottom.
Ready to scream? (too cheesy? don't care)
Scream (1996)―my all-time favorite
Rope (1948)―I could talk about this one all day
The Conjuring (2013)―feels authentic and spooky and even hopeful (of all things)!
Saw (2004)―if you say you didn't have a crush on Adam you're lying
Halloween (1978)―followed by any of the bizarre sequels!
Night of the Demons (1988)―this film is bonkers and amazing!
Psycho (1960)―because Anthony Perkins is brilliant
Thirteen Ghosts (2001)―because Matthew Lillard is brilliant
30 Days of Night (2007)―stylistically fresh, gritty and dark
The Curse of the Cat People (1942) ― the most non-horror sequel to a horror movie ever
Us (2019)―perfection, absolute perfection
Ready or Not (2019)―Samara Weaving! (make it a double-feature with The Babysitter)
The Others (2001)―so haunting you'll feel the mist on your skin
It (199o miniseries)―has some major Are You Afraid of the Dark? vibes
Night of the Living Dead (1968)―I don't like zombies but this is damn good...
28 Days Later (2003)―[see above]
House of Wax (2005)―surprised by how good this was
Cry Wolf (2005) ― I'm not saying this is great horror, but my teenage self had fun
Final Destination (2000)―one of the first I ever saw and so much fun
Final Destination 2 (2003)―impressive spin
Scream 4 (2011)―favorite of the Scream sequels!
The Wolf Man (1941)―classic
The House by the Cemetery (1981)―because if I had to watch it in college you do too!
Trick 'r Treat (2009)―darling little creeper
Hell House (2015)―very indie and surprisingly startling
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)―one of the best horror concepts around
The Invitation (2015)―incredible on so many levels
Silent House (2011)―yes, I know it's a remake but I've only seen this one
The Perfection (2018)―fucking disturbing!
Sinister (2012)―fucking disturbing!!
The Sacrament (2013)―fucking disturbing!!!
Hope you enjoy...
