Emma Stapp
Reporter
At last, the time has come for witches, ghosts and vampires. The time for fallen leaves, sweaters, apple cider and most of all — spooky movies. Because it’s October, I’ll be listing some of the best movies to watch during spooky season. Whether you want something scary, silly or family-friendly, this list of recommendations will have something for everyone.
If you want classic horror … “Halloween” is the one for you. John Carpenter’s 1978 classic truly revolutionized the genre and started the trend that led to other franchises like “Friday the 13th” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” “Halloween” has the perfect balance of heart, humor and scariness. One can’t help but root for Laurie Strode (played masterfully by Jamie Lee Curtis) as she fights for her life against one of the strongest, most terrifying villains of all time — knife-wielding maniac Michael Myers. While parts of the film are dated, it has certainly stood the test of time and will always be hailed as an iconic, integral piece of horror history and a spooky season essential.
If you want a musical … “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the one for you. Campy, glitzy and somewhat unsettling, “Rocky Horror” strikes the perfect chord, somewhere between disturbing and a whole lot of fun. The absolutely killer (pun intended) soundtrack alone is reason enough to watch this movie. Aside from that, the wacky characters, fascinating costumes and makeup and brilliant performances by the like of Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon make this movie a certified cult classic.
If you want a slasher …” Scream” is the one for you. Easily my favorite horror franchise, the “Scream” movies have lovable characters, satirical whodunnit mysteries and one of the most infamous fictional killers ever — Ghostface. The first movie changed the horror genre forever, proving that audiences were ready for a more satirical, meta-approach. While the first movie is commonly referred to as the best, I’d argue that while it’s the perfect start to the franchise, it also serves as a segue to more intricate plots and character development. If you’re looking for a movie where you root for the final girl, the detective, the reporter and, at times, the villain, look no further.
If you want a comfort movie …”Practical Magic” is the one for you. In my opinion, this movie has everything a person could possibly want — a beautiful setting, a perfect soundtrack (Stevie Nicks is prominently featured), and Sandra Bullock. At its core, “Practical Magic” is about family and the bond of sisterhood, but the witchy antics along the way have earned it its reputation as a spooky season staple. When it’s time to cozy up with your favorite blanket and decompress, there’s nothing better to watch than “Practical Magic.”
If you want something for the whole family … “Coraline” is the one for you. Visually stunning and brilliantly written, the film is truly a triumph in stop-motion animation. Though it is a great movie to watch any time of year, I think that it’s best suited for Halloween season because of its eeriness and autumnal aesthetic. The adventures of curious, blue-haired Coraline have captivated both young and old for over a decade now, and I have no doubt that the film will continue to resonate with people for generations.
Watching these films with friends and family is one of my most cherished Halloween traditions, and I hope that this spooky season, everyone stays safe, has fun and watches great movies.