October is one of my favorite months, if not my favorite. When I have time, I like to dedicate the month to watching all kinds of scary movies and Halloween movies (as the two definitely do not always coincide). I've put together a list of my personal favorite October movies.
Disclaimer: I am in no way saying these are the best scary movies. I love scary movies, but I haven't seen nearly enough to make my favorite scary movies list, which is why I'm also including Halloween movies and creepy movies.
5. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock was by no means a good person, but there is no question that he could direct. Psycho starts out slow, but it progresses as we get a look into the mind of Norman Bates. The movie's suspense comes from the slow reveal of the relationship between Norman and his mother. Even after seeing the movie several years ago, the ending still sticks with me, and it creeps me out every time I watch it.
4. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Hannibal Lecter is one chilling character. The fact that he's a cannibalistic serial killer isn't actually the main plot of the movie. His state of mind and willingness to only do what pleases him do serve as a source of conflict. He remains calm and collected even when he is the only persons who can understand a serial killer who is about to take another victim. The creepiness and suspense of this movie are excellent for the season.
3. Beetlejuice (1988)
Although not really considered horror, Beetlejuice still has some creepy premises. These include cheery topics such as death, otherworldly sandworms, caseworkers in the afterlife, being helpless, and of course, unwanted teenage marriage. The dark humor offsets these otherwise creepy topics.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the definition of cult classic. There are still midnight showings of it. Where I live, the local shadowcast group is doing a showing every weekend for the month of October. The movie is a throwback to old horror and science fiction movies. It has its own strange plot, mixed together with great music. While certainly not for everyone, I tell people that if you try to understand Rocky Horror, you won't like it.
1. Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott's Alien is such a good psychologically terrifying movie, even the tagline is enough to strike fear: "In space, no one can hear you scream." That tagline serves well to set up the isolated, claustrophobic danger of the film. The alien can be around any turn, and no one is going to hear you scream for help.
