As we begin to get into the October Halloween season, many may dwell on the popular, same-old seasonal movies. However, it can be extremely boring watching or rewatching the same movies every year. If, like me, you are hoping to expand your taste and watch something different, I’ve got a few recommendations. After searching Letterboxd, I’ve put together a list of movies to give ideas, and add sparkle to this season.
Starting off family friendly, non-weird, and relatively tame we have Frankenweenie, a personal favorite of mine since I was younger. Directed by Tim Burton in 2012, and relatively short, Frankenweenie is an adorable, uniquely made movie about a boy, his dog, and some very Frankenstein activity. Considering this movie is PG, all you have to worry about are heart-touching and/or emotional scenes.
Another great family friendly movie I recommend especially for preteens or teenagers is Practical Magic! This is great for those who like comforting, romantic movies. It’s funny, heart-warming, and rated PG-13. The story consists of two witch sisters’ love lives, family, and sisterly bond. This movie carries a strong fall vibe, and if you enjoy watching things like Gilmore Girls in the fall, I’d suggest giving this a try.
Getting into the vintage movies, I suggest Psycho: A mystery, thriller, and horror mix made in 1960. The main character- a woman on the run after stealing money to run away with her boyfriend- gets murdered in a motel. What makes this film even better is the fact it’s filmed in black and white, which just adds to the spookiness. It’s truly a classic. I do, however, recommend this film for the more mature audience.
Vampires are a staple for Halloween, and largely considered as the ‘first’ vampire in film is Nosferatu. There are multiple movies: the original black and white silent film from 1922, a late 70’s version, and there is a new one coming out December 2024! If you’re interested in old films, vampires, and some really spooky character design, you should check out Nosferatu. My best recommendation is the original 1922 version.
Continuing with vampires, we have the large collection of Dracula. With the first Dracula movie being released in 1958, it’s been a classic since, and over 8 more Dracula- or Dracula related-movies have been made since. There’s many to choose from, but it’s always best to start with the first. In the original, Dr. Van Helsing, a vampire hunter, happens upon Dracula. He has to stop Dracula, who is killing and targeting people, and even Helsing’s ailing fiancee. Dracula is definitely a holiday icon, so these movies are absolutely perfect to watch during the Halloween season.
Onto some cult classics: The Craft and Donnie Darko are staples, and although I said lesser-known, I thought it would be a crime to not include these. Starting with The Craft, a 1996 horror/fantasy film set around a group of witches in high school. The group of girls all work together with great supernatural power, but it takes one to overload on power before everything starts to fall apart. This movie is meant for an older audience, but it’s definitely a must watch at some point in your life. It’s witchy, tense, and overall an amazing movie.
Donnie Darko has a very large fan base and following, but for very good reason. Made in 2001, it is an amazing thriller sci-fi for older audiences. Donnie Darko is about a teenage boy that seems to be suffering from hallucinations, including seeing a ‘person’ in a rabbit suit that tells him the world will end soon. This movie has funny scenes sprinkled in, and can be unsettling at parts, adding to the appeal. The movie being set around Halloween in the later scenes makes it a perfect watch.
I’ve saved the strangest for last. Two movies that will be the most unsettling or interesting. First, Messiah Of Evil. Labeled an “Obscure gem” on IMDb; a 1973 horror supernatural also meant for an older audience, set around a girl looking for her father. She ends up at the beach town of Point Dume, where she realizes there is very strange, cult-like activity happening. I love this movie’s aura, as it’s just so pleasing to the eyes. This is better for those who want weirder movies, but nothing in comparison to my next, and last suggestion.
You could know David Lynch from his other classics: Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, etc. I originally wanted to put Twin Peaks on this list, but I thought it wouldn’t fit as well as the unsettling Eraserhead. David Lynch made Eraserhead, a fantasy horror film, in 1977. All I can say is, in this movie a very odd creature ‘child’ is born, and as usual with David Lynch, this movie is full of creepy filming techniques and scenes. Not exactly a first recommendation, considering its strange nature, but not to be looked over.
