So we’re staying home this Halloween, we’re going to have a movie night but maybe you’re not after a standard horror movie? Maybe you’re looking for kids films? Or even a little romcom? There’s plenty of blogs telling you about the horror movies, but what’s out there, and is that all there is to watch? Here are a few of my favourite go to movies, plus a few I’ve recently seen or are looking to watch. In brackets I’ll include where I know they can be streamed from.
Let’s start with the obvious… Oh and Spoiler alert!
Horror
Halloween – Whether you prefer the Rob Zombie remake or the 1978 original, Halloween is a favourite all over the world, and of course, is named for the fateful night. I hope I don’t have to explain the premise but just in case: teens, alcohol, parties, sex, psychotic killer on the loose. Got the idea? (Netflix – remake, Prime to rent – original)
The Cube – I’m not talking Cube Two: Hypercube or Cube Zero – I mean the first one, made around 1997, this film stayed with me. Not just the way the people interacted but the tension as they moved through – waiting to see who’d die next, and who’d survive. A group find themselves in an ever changing prison of cubes where many of the rooms are boobytrapped. None of them know why they are there or how they got there, only that they need to find a way out. This film definitely gets your attention. (Prime)
Last House on the Left – There are some tough scenes in this, so be aware of a sexual violence content warning. These people are nasty, but when a group of unsavoury characters turn on a young swim champ, they bite off more than they can chew. They think they’re scary but they haven’t met her parents yet. In a genre where teens are more often the victims and the parents are ultimately unconnected to the film, it was interesting to show the parents in this light, not just willing to protect their daughter but to take revenge on her behalf. (Prime to rent)
Paranormal Activity – I’m not really one for sequels, sometimes they’re really good but often they’re not that interesting or they’re just a gored up version of the same thing. Originals stay with us because they’re new to us, in one way or another. Paranormal activity plays on the fear of the unknown and glancing away from the screen left you wondering if you’d missed something in the film, or if something had moved in your room…. (Netflix)
Horror Comedy
Zombieland – It’s the end of the world and the only way you’re going to survive is to follow the rules, an odd pair that becomes a group of four: travelling to find that safe place, dealing with con-artists, zombies and searching for the ever lusted after Twinkie. Also, don’t forget the kill of the week.
Bride of Chucky – I know the Childs Play films aren’t meant to be comedy but let’s face it, this one was not meant to be taken seriously, plenty of gore and laughs, this film was my favourite out of the whole franchise. (Netflix)
The Babysitter/The Babysitter (Killer Queen) – I didn’t watch the first one as it just looked like another horror film, which is fine if that was what you wanted. I certainly didn’t think it was a comedy horror, until I saw the trailer for the second one, then I just had to watch the first film. These have some great one liners, some cringe moments and of course, plenty of blood splatter. (Netflix)
Halloween Romance
Now I’m not going to tell you these aren’t cheesey as hell (some will be), but if you’re not into scary movies and you want your Halloween to be more about the romance, these might be just what you need. I know, all my choices for romance are hetero – sorry to those not interested in these choices, it’s just what I watch – if you can recommend others let me know and I will include them further down.
October Kiss – This one was just too cute, a woman who just can’t seem to find the right career and a guy who’s letting his career get in the way of his relationship with his kids. He hires her, she wins them over, you can see where it’s going. Corney as anything but still full of laughs and smiles, definitely good for warming your soul on an autumn evening. (Netflix)
Practical Magic – I adore this film, it’s more than just a romance, it’s got magic and mystery, people getting over their prejudice, families coming together and taking down abusive arseholes. When two (or I guess three) generations of Owens sisters go up against a malevolent spirit, they need the help of the whole town, first they have to get past the gossipy locals to find the decent people in the bunch. (Prime to rent)
Just Like Heaven – Okay bear with me, I know it’s not Halloween but when Mark Ruffalo’s character appears to be being haunted by a ghost, you’ll be praying she’s still alive somewhere – let’s face it, you won’t even miss the lack Halloween… maybe. (Netflix)
Harvest Moon – A riches to rags story of sorts, a well off young lady forced to pull her weight on a pumpkin farm, you know it probably won’t go easy for her, but no doubt she’ll find more than just a few pumpkins (Netflix).
Autumn Dreams – Not exactly Halloween but it is autumn themed so it will work, this one is about second chances, teen sweethearts that didn’t quite work out getting another chance. If you liked Sweet Home Alabama for the second chance romance then this should be your thing. Although let’s face it, no one quite beats Reese Witherspoon in a movie (Netflix).
Kid’s Films
Don’t think that just because they’re for kids you can’t watch these by yourselves, movies are made for everyone, kid’s films just means they’re child safe, no movie director would say you can’t watch their film if you’re not a kid.
Addams Family – Well loved and always fun, Angelica Houston is the Morticia many Goths would love to be like, I know I spent my teen years wanting hair like the original Morticia, and Angelica pulled it off perfectly (not saying I’m a full on Goth, more a lazy one with vintage tendencies – I’ll explain one day). I picked this version because I haven’t seen the newest one and honestly, I’m not sure about the way the characters are portrayed in the trailer – it doesn’t give me high hopes. (Netflix)
Goosebumps – I read these as a kid and loved them, though I will always be more of a Point Horror kind of girl. R. L. Stein’s monsters escape his books and wreak havoc on the town, with Jack Black being amazing as R. L. Stein, a fun but crazy plot and the monsters… so many familiar monsters! Oh and don’t forget the cameo from R. L. Stein – did you spot him? (Netflix)
Nightmare Before Christmas – In our house this is both a Halloween and a Christmas film and will get watched multiple times in between. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you the plot but just in case: Jack the king of Halloween tries to have a go at being Santa and well, it wasn’t a very good idea. Get ready for catchy songs, and just a little romance. (Netflix)
Corpse Bride – Technically a romance with a Gothy feel, Corpse Bride is a beautiful story about acceptance and love, oh and a bit of revenge too. While practicing his wedding vows, Victor accidentally makes them to the wrong girl, a rather dead one… (Netflix)
These are just a few of my suggestions, but there are many many more out there to choose from, maybe my horror films aren’t scary enough for you, maybe they’re a bit much. Only you can decide what you’re going to watch but I hope I’ve given you some ideas.
Learn & Love You 