October means great things; cooler weather, a fall atmosphere, and Halloween! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons, and one of those is that it becomes socially acceptable to watch horror movies. I have decided to create a 31-Day Halloween Countdown Horror Movie Challenge along with some of my personal recommendations for each of the categories.
October 1st: Psychological Horror Movie
Mother!: While I'm severely overdue for a rewatch, this psychological horror film and its underlying meaning left a lasting impact on me. Jennifer Lawrence's performance is haunting in this film and helps prove what an incredible actress she is.
1408: If you like psychological horror and love Stephen King, this film is a perfect pick for you!
October 2nd: Haunted House Movies
Paranormal Activity: Despite opinions from some, I love "Paranormal Activity" movies. When trying to pick a favorite in the franchise, I had such a hard time because they are all so good in their own respects! I most recently rewatched "The Ghost Dimension" and, overlooking some pretty bad CGI towards the end, I was left scared.
The Poltergeist: A classic haunted house movie, this is a "must-see" for anyone who calls themselves a horror fan. In fact, I think I am long overdue for a rewatch of this movie as well.
October 3rd: Zombie Movies
Zombieland: I grew up on "Zombieland," which might explain why I am the way I am today. This movie is so fun, such a classic, and definitely great to watch during the Halloween season.
Resident Evil: If you want a zombie movie that is less lighthearted, any movie in the "Resident Evil" franchise is undoubtedly a great pick. This is another movie I grew up watching, and in retrospect, the zombie dogs may have been one of the reasons I grew up afraid of dogs.
October 4th: Found Footage Horror
The Gallows: I remember streaming this movie off some bootleg website when I was in high school and being scared shitless because, reasonably so, the slightly more grainy quality just makes movies scarier, especially found footage films. This is one of the reasons I still enjoy watching things on VHS. They are just better that way.
The Blair Witch Project: You can't even speak of the found footage subgenre of horror films without acknowledging the movie that started it all.
October 5th: Supernatural Thrillers
The Sixth Sense: M. Night Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense" is a supernatural thriller that has stood the test of time. It's a film that keeps you guessing until the very end, and that twist is something I'll never forget. Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment delivered exceptional performances that added to the film's eerie atmosphere.
October 6th: Monster Movies
Godzilla: When it comes to monster movies, "Godzilla" reigns supreme. The original 1954 Japanese film is a classic in its own right, and the more recent Hollywood adaptations have brought the iconic monster to a new generation. Whether you're a fan of the classic or the modern versions, Godzilla is the king of all monsters.
October 7th: Classic Horror Icons
Halloween (1978): John Carpenter's "Halloween" introduced the world to Michael Myers, one of the most iconic and enduring horror villains of all time. The film's suspenseful atmosphere and haunting score are just as effective today as they were back in 1978. It's a must-watch for any horror enthusiast.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" gave birth to another horror legend, Freddy Krueger. The concept of a killer who attacks you in your dreams is brilliantly terrifying, and Robert Englund's portrayal of Freddy is legendary. This film will make you think twice about falling asleep.
October 8th: Possession and Exorcism
The Exorcist: "The Exorcist" is an essential possession and exorcism film that set the standard for the genre. While it's not one of my favorite movies
The Conjuring: "The Conjuring" is a modern classic that explores the paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film's tension, jump scares, and atmospheric horror make it a standout in the possession and exorcism subgenre.
October 9th: Home Invasion Horror
The Strangers: While I don't consider myself to be a fan of this movie, "The Strangers" is a home invasion horror film that preys on our fear of the unknown. In this movie, Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a couple terrorized by masked intruders in their remote vacation home,
October 10th: Folk Horror
The Witch: "The Witch" is a haunting exploration of folklore, superstition, and isolation. Set in 17th-century New England, this A24 film follows a Puritan family facing the malevolent forces lurking in the woods surrounding their farm. It's a slow-burning, atmospheric horror that will leave you with a sense of dread.
Midsommar: One of my all-time favorite movies, "Midsommar" takes the folk horror genre to a sun-drenched, unsettling Swedish commune. The film explores the rituals and traditions of the commune during a summer solstice festival, leading to increasingly disturbing and surreal events. Ari Aster's direction creates an eerie and unforgettable experience.
October 11th: Torture Horror
Saw: "Saw" is the film that introduced audiences to the sadistic games of the Jigsaw Killer. In this torture horror classic, victims find themselves in elaborate traps that test their will to survive. The moral dilemmas and gruesome scenarios make "Saw" a memorable and chilling addition to the horror genre.
Hostel: Eli Roth's "Hostel" takes the concept of torture horror to a disturbing extreme. It follows a group of backpackers who become victims of a secret organization that allows wealthy clients to torture and kill them. The film's unflinching brutality and suspenseful atmosphere make it a harrowing experience.
October 12th: Psychopaths and Killers
The Devil's Rejects: Rob Zombie's "The Devil's Rejects" is a gritty and brutal horror film that follows the sadistic exploits of the Firefly family. As they evade the law, their rampage of violence and depravity leaves a trail of chaos in their wake. It's a relentless and unapologetic descent into madness.
American Psycho "American Psycho" is a horror film that delves into the mind of a wealthy and narcissistic serial killer, Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale. The film's dark humor and social commentary add depth to its disturbing portrayal of a killer's psyche.
October 13th: It goes without saying that you've got to spend Friday the 13th in October watching one of the "Friday the 13th" movies. My personal recommendations include the second "Friday the 13th" film, and the shitty 2009 remake if you are in need of a good laugh.
October 14th: Remakes of Classics
Carrie (2013): "Carrie" is a modern remake of the classic telekinetic horror film based on Stephen King's novel. Directed by Kimberly Peirce, this version of "Carrie" stars Chloë Grace Moretz as the titular character, Carrie White, and Julianne Moore as her overbearing and fanatically religious mother, Margaret White.
Halloween (2007): Rob Zombie's remake of John Carpenter's classic "Halloween" is a brutal and gritty reimagining of the Michael Myers story. The film explores the origins of the iconic killer and delves into his psychopathic tendencies. Zombie's vision brings a new level of intensity to the Halloween franchise.
October 15th: Werewolf Movies
An American Werewolf in London: This horror-comedy classic follows two American tourists who are attacked by a werewolf while traveling in England. The film is known for its groundbreaking special effects and dark humor.
October 16th: Family Friendly Horror Classics
Beetlejuice: Tim Burton's "Beetlejuice" is a darkly comedic Halloween classic that follows a recently deceased couple who hire a mischievous ghost to help them scare away the new inhabitants of their former home.
Hocus Pocus: "Hocus Pocus" is a beloved Halloween family film that follows three witches resurrected on Halloween night. While, in my opinion, I think this film is overhyped, it is a classic film that simply cannot be ignored.
October 17th: Sci-Fi Horror
Cube: "Cube" is a mind-bending sci-fi horror film that traps a group of strangers in a maze of deadly, booby-trapped rooms. As they struggle to escape, they must contend with their own paranoia and each other's dark secrets. It's a claustrophobic and suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. In my opinion, this movie is so great, so meaningful, and so underrated.
October 18th: Creepy Old People
The Visit: When it comes to creepy old people, M. Night Shyamalan's "The Visit" takes the concept to unsettling heights. In this film, two siblings visit their grandparents' remote farmhouse, only to discover increasingly disturbing behavior from their elderly hosts. It's a chilling exploration of the fear of the unknown and the horrors that can lurk in the most unexpected places.
October 19th: Phobia Horror
Gerald's Game: Based on Stephen King's novel, "Gerald's Game" delves into the realm of phobia horror. The story follows a woman who becomes trapped in a remote cabin after her husband dies suddenly during a kinky sex game. As her isolation intensifies, she must confront her deepest fears and traumatic memories. It's a psychological thriller that will make you question your own phobias.
Arachnophobia: For those with a fear of eight-legged creatures, "Arachnophobia" is the ultimate horror experience. This film combines humor and horror as it tells the tale of a deadly spider infestation in a small town. The tension between the comedic elements and the arachnid terror creates a unique and spine-tingling atmosphere.
October 20th: Madness Horror
The Shining: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's "The Shining" is a masterpiece in madness horror. Jack Torrance's descent into madness while caretaking the haunted Overlook Hotel is both disturbing and iconic. The film's eerie atmosphere, unsettling visuals, and Jack Nicholson's unforgettable performance make it a timeless classic in the genre. It's a journey into the depths of insanity that will haunt your dreams.
October 21st: Chicago Horror: I know this category is a stretch, but you trying to come up with 31 different movie categories for Halloween time.
Child's Play (1988): In this classic horror film, a possessed doll named Chucky terrorizes a young boy and his mother in the Windy City. The film blends supernatural horror with a dose of dark humor, making it a memorable entry in the Chicago horror category.
Candyman (1992): Set in the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago, "Candyman" explores the urban legend of a vengeful spirit with a hook for a hand. This film delves into the city's history and social issues while delivering spine-tingling scares. "Candyman" is a chilling reflection of the city's darker side and remains a landmark in the genre of Chicago horror.
October 22nd: Haunted Objects
Annabelle: The "Annabelle" series explores the chilling concept of haunted objects. Based on the real-life possessed doll from the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, these films delve into the malevolent forces tied to the doll and the terror it brings to those who possess it.
October 23rd: Texas Terror
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974): Start your Halloween season with a classic as you venture into the Texas wilderness with Leatherface and his family of deranged cannibals. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" remains a cornerstone of horror cinema, known for its raw, gritty terror.
X: A24 and Mia Goth are two of my favorite things in the world of cinema right now, and this movie is perfection. It is such a fresh, original 21st-century slasher and I recommend it all the time.
October 24th: Vampire Movies
30 Days of Night: If you prefer your vampires more traditional and terrifying, "30 Days of Night" is a chilling choice. Set in an Alaskan town plunged into darkness for a month, it explores the relentless onslaught of bloodthirsty vampires and the fight for survival.
October 25th: Body Horror
The Human Centipede: If you have a strong stomach and a taste for extreme horror, "The Human Centipede" is a grotesque exploration of body horror. It follows a deranged surgeon who creates a horrifying human experiment by connecting his victim's mouth to the anus. This film is not for the faint of heart.
October 26th: Cult Horror
Rosemary's Baby: Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" is a classic cult horror film that explores the sinister machinations of a group of Satan-worshipping neighbors. Mia Farrow's performance as Rosemary is both vulnerable and disturbing as she unravels the dark secrets surrounding her pregnancy.
October 27th: Apocalyptic Horror
28 Days Later: Dive into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by rage-infected humans in "28 Days Later." This film combines the horror of a fast-spreading virus with the desolation of a crumbling society, creating a harrowing survival story.
October 28th: Body-Swapping Horror
Get Out: Jordan Peele's "Get Out" combines social commentary with body-swapping horror as it tells the story of a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend's family estate. The film tackles themes of racism and identity while delivering spine-tingling thrills and an unforgettable twist.
October 29th: Time Loop Horror
Happy Death Day: This time loop horror film puts a unique spin on the genre as it follows a college student who relives the day of her murder repeatedly. She must uncover the identity of her killer to break the cycle. "Happy Death Day" combines suspense with dark humor for an entertaining Halloween watch.
October 30th: Self Aware Horror
Scream: As Halloween approaches its climax, Wes Craven's masterpiece is a must-watch for any horror fan. It revitalized the slasher genre with its blend of scares and humor, and the iconic Ghostface killer has become a symbol of the Halloween season.
October 31st: Comedy Horror
Scary Movie 2: One of my favorite movies of all time, this one is the perfect way to cap off your 31-Day Halloween Countdown Horror Movie Challenge with a few laughs and a nod to the genre you've been exploring all month. This parody film hilariously spoofs some of the most iconic horror movies, making it a fitting and lighthearted way to end your Halloween movie marathon.
What do you think? Is there anything I left off of my list that should have been on here? Let me know!
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