-OPINION-
With the hallmark holiday of spooky season being tomorrow, many students may find themselves in a paradox because they want to do something for Halloween, but feel they are too old to trick-or-treat, haunted houses are expensive, and it’s going to be cold out, so going places might not sound fun either. That being said, this year it will be perfect for a movie night. Sitting inside with friends or family, wrapped in comfy blankets, snacking on freshly popped popcorn and watching with a horror film is a great solution.
While this month brings many different horror movie options, audiences may have different wants when it comes to the films they watch. Here is a list of our favorite horror movies by genre.
Supernatural
“It”
Based on the original novel by “The King of Horror” Stephen King, “It” perfectly showcases the common fear of clowns. Starring Finn Wolfhard as Richie Tozier, a hilarious member of the Loser Club, this movie shows the talent of young actors in horror movies and their ability to sell fear. It shows the children battling their demons that exist in exaggerated circumstances all brought on by the nightmarish clown.
“It” is available with subscriptions on Max and Amazon Prime Video. It is also available for rent on Youtube.
“The Conjuring”
On the paranormal side of the horror genre, “The Conjuring” is a movie based on a chilling true story. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga play the iconic Warren couple. Wilson portrays Ed Warren, a demonologist, and Farmiga portrays Lorraine Warren, a clairvoyant. “The Conjuring” tells the story of a family moving into a home that is haunted by many vengeful spirits who take their wrath out on the family. The incredible casting and special effects make this movie worth watching.
“The Conjuring” is available with subscriptions on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Max. It is also available for rent on Youtube, Vudu and Apple TV.
Thriller
“Barbarian”
Not many outstanding horror movies have been made in the 21st century, but this movie was a 2022 sensation and deserves a watch. “Barbarian” fronts as a movie about a woman spending the night in an Airbnb with a stranger, but it quickly unfolds with a terrifying twist. The story manages to seamlessly blend different storylines, characters and timelines in a thrilling way that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. This movie is worth the watch for its incredible storytelling and modernity.
“Barbarian” is available with subscriptions on Hulu and Max. It is also available for rent on Youtube, Vudu and Apple TV.
“The Boogeyman”
Released in June of 2023, “The Boogeyman” is another movie based on a short story by Stephen King and perfectly shows the ending that readers never got to see. With a limited budget, this movie heavily relied on jumpscares simply with sound and suspense, but this proved to be a massive success. There is never a dull moment with watchers constantly wondering what frightening sound will get them next.
“The Boogeyman” is available with a subscription to Hulu. It is also available for rent on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube, Vudu, and Apple TV.
“Ready or Not”
When a bride’s big day includes a deadly game of hide-and-seek, she has to desperately try to survive her in-laws. While this movie is not as horrifying as others, this lethal family tradition is truly shocking and will have viewers engaged and entertained throughout its entirety.
“Ready or Not” is available on Hulu with a subscription. It is also available for rent on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
Gory
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre”
Readily available with a Netflix subscription, the 2022 reboot of “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is another blood-coated murder story. The iconic killer, Leatherface, goes on a homicidal rampage after his elderly caretaker tragically dies. Leatherface wears a mask of human skin, which can leave anyone chilled to their core. This movie includes modern-day issues such as surviving a school shooting, this Netflix original perfectly revamps this classic movie.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2022) is a Netflix Original.
“Evil Dead Rise”
Requiring 1,717 gallons of fake blood, “Evil Dead Rise” is a gory masterpiece. A mother, played by Alyssa Sutherland, is possessed after her son unleashes a demonic curse on their apartment building. The acting is phenomenal and the expressions that Sutherland brings to the table are unnerving. The use of blood in this movie is unmatched by anything else and is certainly a must-watch movie for gore lovers.
“Evil Dead Rise” is available with subscriptions to Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It is available for rent on Youtube, Apple TV, and Vudu.
Classic
“Halloween”
“Halloween” (1978) is as classic as horror movies come. With a few jump scares and a silent killer that stalks his victims, “Halloween” is a simple murder story that goes light on the blood but still delivers those scary moments. The famous white mask and heart-stopping phrase “Micheal Myers always gets his victims” keeps people coming back for more, which is why there are currently 13 movies. Deeming, lead actress of the “Halloween” movies, Jamie Lee Curtis as the “Scream Queen” for decades, this movie simply cannot be skipped. In honor of the holiday, Marcus Theaters will be showing the movie starting on Oct. 27 to Oct. 31.
“Halloween” is available with subscriptions to Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video. It is available for rent on Youtube, Apple TV, and Vudu.
“The Blair Witch Project”
“The Blair Witch Project,” a found film horror movie, portrays an incredibly harrowing story. Three students go missing while investigating an urban legend. This movie is best watched without prior research, so buckle up and enjoy this 90s mystery.
“The Blair Witch Project” is available with subscriptions to Youtube, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video. It is available for rent on Apple TV and Vudu.
