There are only a few days left in October. This is prime spooky time, people! Sip your pumpkin lattes, chug your Oktoberfest, and choose your movies wisely before we are barged with Christmas carols. Once you've hit the basics, "Hocus Pocus" and "Halloweentown", dive into the real stuff. From "Donnie Darko" to "Jennifer's Body", I've compiled a list of the best films to binge in October, along with some hidden gems to leave you in the mood to slay some pumpkins and sleep with the lights on.
1. 28 Days Later - 2002
Danny Boyle's post-apocalyptic story plays out on-screen like a gritty nightmare you can't wake up from.
"Have you got any plans, Jim? Do you want us to find a cure and save the world or just fall in love and fuck? Plans are pointless. Staying alive is as good as it gets."
2. Harry Potter And The Chamber of Secrets - 2002
We grew up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. You won't admit it, but even Draco has a tiny place in your heart. Re-watching this classic serves to remind us all that there is still magic left in the world.
"I'll be in my bedroom... making no noise and pretending I don't exist"
3. Beetlejuice - 1988
Beetlejuice...Beetlejuice...BEETLEJUICE! It's October folks, let's get weird with Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis. Don't forget about our "Stranger Things" mom, Winona Ryder.
4. Jennifer's Body - 2009
It's unclear if Diablo Cody was going for comedy or horror. Whatever genre you put it in, it's charming and awkward with buckets of blood, sex, and girls who kill boys.
"I am not insecure, Needy. God... that's a joke. How could I ever be insecure? I was the Snowflake Queen."
5. Rocky Horror Picture Show- 1975
It's just a jump to the left! Tim Curry is astounding as the sweet transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania. Whether you choose to dress up and go to a live show or watch it from the couch, make this classic cult film a part of your Halloween celebrations.
6. Corpse Bride - 2005
There's no celebrating Halloween without watching at least one Tim Burton film. You'll enjoy it if you're single, in a relationship, or your soul is dead like mine.
"With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way into darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine."
7. Scream - 1996
"Scream" will always impress me with its twists, dark humor, and awareness. After watching all the cliché horror films before it, "Scream" brought life back into the genre.
"Now Sid, don't you blame the movies. Movies don't create psychos. Movies make psychos more creative!"
8. Pan's Labyrinth - 2006
Guillermo del Toro is one of the most talented directors of our time. He combines fantasy, history, and dark creatures in this amazing Spanish film.
9. The Conjuring - 2013
This movie will keep you up at night. I warn you to watch with friends or with all the lights on.
10. Halloween - 1978
No description necessary.
11. Cabin in the Woods - 2011
Warning I'm going to spoil a key plot point.
Weed saves the day in this one.
"Whatever he's been smoking's been immunizing him to all our shit."
12. Donnie Darko - 2001
The best movie to binge on Halloween is Donnie Darko. It's not just a movie. It's an experience that leaves you pondering for days. It manages to be dark and spooky, yet still charming and meaningful. It sticks. You may find yourself humming the soundtrack days later or googling Roberta Sparrow.
"I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief because there will be so much to look forward to."
