Are you staying in this halloween and need a movie rec? We’ve got you covered. On our spooky scale from family fun to utterly terrifying, we have something to everyone.
Family Friendly
1. Nightmare Before Christmas
Especially for those already looking forward to the festive season, Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king. Jack is bored of the annual routine of frightening humans when he accidentally stumbles on Christmastown. All bright colours and warm spirits, Jeck is excited, and plans to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa. A little bit creepy but full of fun and adventure.
2. Coraline
Another stopmotion classic, Coraline is potentially the most nightmarish childrens film. While exploring her new home, Coraline discovers a secret door, behind which lies an alternate world that closely mirrors her own but, in many ways, is better. She rejoices in her discovery, until Other Mother and the rest of her parallel family try to keep her there forever. Coraline must use all her resources and bravery to make it back to her own family and life.
3. Hocus Pocus
The least scary option on our list is this cult classic family favourite. If you somehow haven’t already seen this, the plot follows the Sanderson sisters; 3 witches who resurrect after 300 years to exact revenge and begin a reign of terror. They do this because Max, a young boy who moves to Salem with his family, lights the cursed Candle of Black Flame. There’s also a modern sequel, if one film isn't enough.
Slow Burn
1. A Quiet Place
Not so much of a horror as people think, A Quiet Place starring Emily Blunt and John Krasinski is full of thrills. The film follows a family of four as they navigate a new world filled with monsters that will only attack if you make a noise. A Quiet Place truly keeps your heart in your mouth and the attention to detail is unmatched.
2. Split
A man with 23 personalities manages to kidnap three teenage girls in broad daylight. Locked away from the outside world, the girls do everything they can to escape before his 24th personality makes its horrifying debut.
3. Rosemary’s Baby
4. The Witch
5. Get Out
Fun Slasher
1. IT
Topping our truly terrifying meter is IT, based on the novel by Stephen King. Not for the faint of heart, IT follows a group of bullied kids in the summer of 1989, who band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster. The monster disguises itself as a clowen to prey on the children of Derry, a small town in Maine. Full of jumpscares and definitely not for those with coulrophobia, IT is the movie to watch if you want a fright night.
2. Halloween
3. Jennifer’s Body
4. House of Wax
#NoSleep
1. The Grudge
Karen Davis moves to Tokyo, where she encounters a supernatural spirit that possesses its victims. After a series of horrifying and mysterious deaths, Karen makes a vow to stop any further deaths.
2. The Exorcist
3. Amityville Horror (new home at a bargain price)
4. Insidious