Coraline
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/06/movies/06cora.html
Why You Should Watch It: Coraline is like that perfect blend of creepy and somewhat suspenseful without gorey images or a plot line that would scar you for life. It's essentially about a girl who moves into a new town and discovers a whole other parallel universe, in which she has parents who aren't her parents and is a thousand more time more exciting than her real life; that is, until things start to go a little awry. While it has some creepy and spooky elements, the plot is twisty and entertaining. It has just the right amount of sppoky for Halloween, but won't necessarily leave you awake for days in fear. Plus, Coraline is a strong-willed female character, and we love to see it.
Where to Watch It: Available on Amazon Prime for $2.99
The Craft
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115963/
Why You Should Watch It: This movie is one of my all-time favorites! The synopisis is as follows from IMDb "A newcomer to a Catholic prep high school falls in with a trio of outcast teenage girls who practice witchcraft, and they all soon conjure up various spells and curses against those who anger them"(IMDb). Things get darker and darker pretty quick, and the storyline has some awesome spooky elements that I wouldn't want to spoil for you. What's more Halloween than some witchy spells at a Catholic school? The movie also has a 90's grunge feel with lots of teenage angst, and in 2020, I think we can all relate to that angst.
Where to Watch It: Available on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99
The Babadook
https://www.amazon.com/Babadook-Movie-Poster-24x36-inches/dp/B01N0AR7BW
Why You Should Watch It: Now this may be a more controversial choice. The Babadook is about a widowed woman who is raising her son on her own and essentially succumbs to her depression which is then represented through the spirit/monster The Babadook. I've had friends tell me that the Babadook scared them, which I will admit has some great jump scares, but I don't believe it should leave any permanent scars on your psyche. It's also a great commentary on mental health, which is always a plus on Halloween night.
Where to Watch It: Available on Netlix; and on Amazon Prime (included with membership)
Psycho
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psycho_(1960_film)
Why You Should Watch It: First of all, Alfred Hitchcock is a genius. Second, this movie has that great black and white, vintage feel that makes a Halloween just a little spookier. Psycho also doesn't have a lot of gore, but still allows for enough graphic scenes to get your heart pumping. It's about a woman who stops at a Motel off of Route 56, and a seemingly nice man helps her out... until he's not so nice; as self explained by the title.
Where to Watch It: Amazon Prime Video $3.99 rent
Scream
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117571/
Why You Should Watch It: Scream is Halloween classic that has the perfect amount of cheesiness to etake the edge off, but enough spookiness to keep you engaged and in the spirit of Halloween. For those who don't know, it stars Drew Barrymore, who has to avoid being killed by a serial killer in a seriously creepy mask. Definitely recommend for just right fright this Halloween.
Where to Watch It: Amazon Prime Video: $2.99 Rent
Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
