by Oana-Maria Moldovan
As Halloween approaches, film lovers are looking for the best features to celebrate the spooky season. Whether you’re into terrifying horrors or prefer family-friendly flicks (which seem to be fewer and fewer each year), there’s been something for everyone this year.
I know it’s cliche, but what’s Halloween without a bit – or a lot – of horror?
Truthfully, we can’t talk about this celebration of the dead without horror. The genre had played a pivotal role in transforming Halloween from a relatively niche holiday into a mainstream cultural phenomenon. What began as a Celtic festival has, with the help of horror cinema, grown into a multi-billion-dollar global event celebrated with parties, costumes, haunted attractions, and, crucially, horror movie marathons.
Don’t believe me? Well,Halloween's early ties to the supernatural – ghosts, witches, and spirits – were a natural fit for horror cinema. As films like “Frankenstein” (1931) and “Dracula” (1931) introduced these gothic, otherworldly characters to mass audiences, they also solidified the cultural connection between Halloween and the macabre.
By the 1950s and 1960s, these films had become staples of Halloween programming on TV, shaping how people celebrated the holiday.
No film has done more to link horror movies directly to Halloween than John Carpenter’s aptly titled “Halloween” (1978). Set on Halloween night, with masked killer Michael Myers stalking his victims, the film not only became a massive box-office hit but also sparked the slasher film genre.
Its success created an association between the holiday and horror films, leading to a surge of movies released each October that capitalise on the spooky atmosphere.
While slashers and supernatural horror films dominated much of Halloween’s relationship with horror, the 1990s and 2000s saw the rise of family-friendly horror films like “Hocus Pocus” (1993) and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). These films opened the door for younger audiences to embrace Halloween’s spookier side, making the holiday more inclusive and expanding its cultural reach.
Horror movies have been instrumental in turning Halloween into the cultural phenomenon it is today. They have helped shape the imagery, characters, and rituals of the holiday, turning October into a month-long celebration of fear, suspense, and the supernatural.
Now that that is settled, let’s get on with the list.
Horror Faves
“Cuckoo” stars Hunter Schafer and transports viewers to the eerie Bavarian Alps, offering an unsettling experience filled with surreal and bizarre phenomena. The film stands out for its atmospheric visuals and is perfect for those who like their horror served with a touch of the strange and otherworldly.
Art the Clown is back for more chaos in this brutal slasher that trades in its Halloween roots for a Christmas-themed massacre. Following the survivors of the previous film, “Terrifier 3” brings another blood-soaked chapter for buffs of over-the-top violence and horror.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, “Alien: Romulus” promises to deliver a chilling new chapter in the iconic Alien saga. For fans of extraterrestrial horror, the anticipation is palpable as the film teases more heart-pounding encounters with the infamous Xenomorphs. With its signature blend of sci-fi and terror, Romulus is set to reignite the claustrophobic dread that made the franchise legendary, pushing the boundaries of space horror for a new generation.
The nightmare is far from over. The Halloween franchise returns once again with “Halloween: Season of the Boogeyman”, offering more spine-chilling confrontations with the unstoppable Michael Myers. As the embodiment of pure evil, Myers’ reign of terror continues to evolve, bringing fresh intensity and blood-chilling scares to every corner of this latest installment. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will be gripped by the relentless tension and classic slasher atmosphere that define this timeless horror saga.
Shrouded in mystery and dread, “Caddo Lake” takes us into the eerie world of supernatural thrillers, where unexplained disappearances plague the titular body of water. With psychological tension mounting and whispers of something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface, this film promises an unsettling, slow-burn descent into darkness. Plus, with Dylan O’Brien playing a dirt-covered, Southern-accented role, the atmospheric thriller is sure to captivate with both eerie visuals and strong performances, keeping you hooked as secrets unravel.
“Chime” is a psychological horror that delves deep into the concept of fear and identity, questioning what truly lies within us. As the characters confront their darkest fears, this film weaves together psychological terror and surrealism to deliver a haunting and thought-provoking experience.
Expect a mind-bending twist on the traditional horror-thriller, as “It’s What’s Inside” explores the depths of human paranoia and the consequences of obsession. This gripping film merges psychological horror with elements of mystery, unraveling a dark secret that will keep you guessing until the final reveal. Prepare for intense performances and a plot that will challenge your perceptions of reality.
I must admit that each year I get increasingly disappointed in the non-horror spooky film enterprise.
My love for Halloween came from growing up on movies like “Casper” or “Hocus Pocus”, and later, when I got to middle school “Halloweentown” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” They shaped me, both as a movie buff and a Halloween lover.
In fact, the first movie I searched on the internet, the first film I ever watched not on TV or from a DVD, was a Halloween movie when I was eleven.
Unfortunately, these kids-friendly Halloween selections seem not so important anymore. And when they get made, they are either of poor taste or not something anyone would actually want to watch.
However, this year, we had three productions that, for the first time in some while, felt a bit like childhood.
Family-Friendly Picks
For a fun, animated option, “Orion and the Dark” tells the heartwarming story of a boy who confronts his fears with the help of a friendly shadow named Orion. It’s a delightful adventure suitable for younger audiences or those looking for lighthearted Halloween entertainment. And it’s perfect if you missed Casper, the friendly gosht.
The sequel to “The Bad Guys” brings back the lovable heist crew, but this time they’re entangled in spooky, Halloween-themed mischief. Expect plenty of laughs and action in this family-friendly caper.
Another great option for the whole family, the reboot of the beloved Disney classic “Haunted Mansion” which brings a fresh spin to the haunted house concept with a blend of comedy, mystery, and family adventure.
Some films caught our attention more than others, from their themes to the messages they were sending to their audiences; something about them just felt right.
Darling’s Must-Watches
Ti West’s “MaXXXine” wraps up the trilogy that began with 2022’s back-to-back release of X and Pearl. Set in the gritty world of 1980s Los Angeles, the movie follows Maxine Minx (Mia Goth – who else?) as she navigates Hollywood’s dark underbelly, only to find herself caught in a slasher nightmare.
With a star-studded cast including Kevin Bacon and Elizabeth Debicki, this crime-horror blend delivers both style and substance. If you’re after retro flair with a violent edge, “MaXXXine” is your pick.
But is not only that. It talks about Hollywood from a meta-perspective, almost breaking the fourth wall while doing so. The film it’s gritty in the way it acts around the characters and not the other way around, like we are used to. “MaXXXine” is more of a commentary than an easy Halloween movie.
Intense body-horror “The Substance” absolutely deserves a watch. Not only does it tick all of the must-haves of the genre, from gore to humour, its overarching message is incredibly powerful and important.
“The Substance” explores the terrifying intersection of fame and body horror, starring Demi Moore as a once-celebrated celebrity who takes a mysterious drug with sinister effects. As her body begins to reshape in grotesque and unsettling ways, the film delves into themes of identity and the price of beauty.
This psychological thriller, costarring Margaret Qualley, grips viewers with its tension and disturbing transformations, perfect for those who enjoy films that linger long after the credits roll. “The Substance” isn’t just about monstrosity; it’s a haunting essay on societal expectations and the lengths to which individuals will go to reclaim their lost glory.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” – are you even surprised? – revisits the iconic world of Tim Burton’s original classic, bringing a new generation into the fold with its unique blend of humor and horror. This sequel follows Lydia Deetz, played again by Winona Ryder, now a mother herself as she encounters the chaotic spirit Beetlejuice, portrayed once again by Michael Keaton.
The film delves into the supernatural as Lydia, now an adult, finds herself navigating the complexities of life and the afterlife. With a mix of nostalgic elements and fresh storytelling, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” balances whimsical humor with darker themes, exploring identity, love, and the ties that bind us, both in life and death.
Not in cinemas long enough, “Lisa Frankenstein” is a darkly comedic, modern twist on the classic Frankenstein tale; setting Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic novel in 1989. Directed by Zelda Williams and written by Diablo Cody (“Juno”, “Jennifer’s Body”), the film follows Lisa, an awkward, lonely teenager, who accidentally reanimates a Victorian corpse during a lightning storm.
Using her dysfunctional tanning bed and some unconventional methods, Lisa takes it upon herself to revive the undead boy and mold him into her dream man – leading to a hilarious and chaotic love story between a girl and her literal Frankenstein monster. Plus, it has a great speech about how men gatekeep alternative spaces from women.
Blending quirky humor with horror elements, “Lisa Frankenstein” brings Cody’s signature snappy dialogue and offbeat charm, while capturing the neon-soaked aesthetics of the late ‘80s. With Kathryn Newton starring as Lisa and Cole Sprouse as the reanimated corpse, this movie gave a refreshing mix of retro nostalgia, sharp wit, and a twisted romance.
It’s a coming-of-age story for fans who love their teen comedies with a macabre twist, offering a playful and irreverent take on the Frankenstein myth. At the same time is maybe the best node to Marry Shelly’s work, while still discussing the act of metamorphosis.
Halloween has always been about more than just costumes and candy for some – it’s a time to immerse ourselves in the spooky, eerie, and even whimsical side of storytelling. This year’s lineup reminds us why we fell in love with the season in the first place.
These films aren’t just about scaring us – they’re about tapping into that magical feeling of autumn nights, pumpkin-scented air, and the thrill of something mysterious lurking in the shadows.
Edited by Emily Duff