If you love the month of October as much as I do, then you know that you can't go throughout the month without having a movie marathon.
Since I'm a horror movie junkie, my binges include the classics: Scream, It, The Exorcist, and the like. But if you can't stand gore or creepy crawlies, have no fear -- I have separated the list into two different genres with five movies each, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! Let's get started:
Not So Scary Halloween Movies
1. Practical Magic
Starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, this 90's title is everything you want in a Halloween movie that isn't scary. It has witches, ex-boyfriends getting their just desserts, wacky aunts, a hot cop, and magic. Check it out if you enjoy cult classics.
2. The Mummy Trilogy
No, I don't mean the new (and god-awful aside from Sofia Boutella) Mummy starring Tom Cruise, I mean the classic, starring the great Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
This series is funny, action-packed, and filled with great special effects considering its from the 90s to early 2000s. There are three of em, so it's perfect to fill your weekend with. Thank me later for giving you an excuse to enjoy the beauty of Oded Fehr (Ardeth Bay).
3. Young Frankenstein
If you haven't seen this classic, stop everything you are doing and watch it. It's hilarious, and Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman are great together if you are looking for some laughs rather than some scares. It's a parody of the classic horror genre and has some of the best homage jokes to date. Give it a shot.
4. Creepshow
A George A. Romero and Stephen King classic, Creepshow 1&2 have short tales based on King's short stories. Compared to today's definition of thrills and horror, these aren't particularly scary and are pretty fun to watch if you enjoy anthology style films.
They are mixed with comic strip style effects and have cameos from the King himself. If you can handle minor scares and creepy crawlies, definitely give these a try if you like fun cinematic adventures.
5. Ghostbusters
Everyone loves Ghostbusters, and unless you live under a rock, you have to have heard of this series. Whether it's the reboot or the classic, these are a must see if you haven't checked them out already.
They have some of the most famous pop culture jokes and references, so if you are a film junkie of any sort, these would be a perfect addition to your October movie list.
For the Horror Junkie
6. The Scream Series
The Scream series is one of my favorite classic cult horror series to date. Directed by the late great Wes Craven, the original Scream revitalized the horror genre of the 90s and tried to subvert specific slasher film cliches - making it a pioneer of its time.
Surrounded by significant controversy and praise alike, you can't call yourself a horror junkie if you haven't seen these at least once - or twice.
7. The Conjuring 1 & 2
James Wan (Saw director) is one of my all-time favorite modern horror directors and screenwriters, and his films are some of the few that can actually scare me.
Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren's experiences, these two films threw the horror genre into a spiral of spin-offs and sequels, and feature some of the best - and unique - jump scares and thriller cinematography to date.
Check these out, along with Annabelle, Lights Out, Insidious 1-3 and Wan's upcoming creations based on these two original movies.
8. Stephen King's Miniseries and Movies
Stephen King's tv miniseries and films are some of the best horror/thriller films I know and are underappreciated. Carrie, Rose Red, It, The Shining, and my all-time favorite, Pet Semetary, are all based on King's intricate tales.
Most of them run long, so if you want something to keep you occupied for a few hours, give these a try - you can also read their companion books to get a feel for the stellar storytelling genius of King.
9. American Werewolf in London
An oldie but a goodie, this film solidified my love for the horror movie genre. Directed by the famed John Landis, this cult classic has some of the best makeup artistry and special effects of the 80s.
You can't get away with loving horror and monster movies without seeing this one, so check it out, and maybe give its sequel, An American Werewolf in Paris, a shot as well.
10. 28 Days/Weeks Later
If you love zombie films and are looking for one with an exciting twist, try this duo. It has super fast zombies, intense chase scenes, and will leave you on the edge of your seat until the end.
It features a more drawn out view of the post-apocalyptic world than other zombie films and is a great, fresh approach to the common theme. If you like this, check out the more modern film with the same themes, World War Z starring Brad Pitt.
And there you have it! Let me know what you liked, didn't like, and what you thought should have been included. Drop your suggestions in the comments!