Everyone's favorite time of the year has returned. Ah, yes- now that autumn is upon us, Halloween is right around the corner, and nothing says Halloween like a scary movie. There are some who claim they are simply "not into scary movies," but let's face it- there's no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than to indulge in a spooky movie marathon. If you're really looking for the perfect collection of films to watch on an October night, look no further. Here's a list of the scariest movies for this Halloween season:
1. Halloweentown Series
Kick off your night with a Disney classic: Halloweentown. Anytime I see this flick playing, the little kid inside of me goes crazy. I mean, who wouldn't go crazy over a world where it's Halloween everyday!? And let's be real- world's coolest grandma most definitely goes to Aggie Cromwell.
2. Hocus Pocus
Undoubtedly the best Halloween movie of our generation, Hocus Pocus is the perfect film to continue your fright night of movies. The Sanderson sisters will captivate you and have you laughing all night, but it's still creepy enough to make you jump out of your seat. I mean, do you see these witches? Yikes.
3. Ghostbusters
Continue your night with what I like to consider a lighter, more comical version of Paranormal Activity. Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! (Really, does anything beat that theme song?)
4. The Conjuring
Speaking of ghosts, let the marathon continue with a more modern film: The Conjuring. I wouldn't watch this one alone. When strange events take place in the Perron home that cannot be explained, paranormal experts are called in to help. It's the classic haunted house theme with an evil twist that will have you on the edge of your seat, probably with your eyes shut.
5. The Strangers
Just so you feel better, I'd lock your door before moving on with the marathon. The Strangers is centralized around a home invasion by psychologically disturbed maniacs. You'll probably think twice about that sound outside that was "just the wind" after watching this film.
6. Scream
Ah, Scream- the movie that inspired almost every boy's Halloween costume in the 2000's. It also inspired hilarious spoof scenes in the Scary Movie saga. But don't let that fool you- this movie, also about a break-in, will leave you triple checking that your doors are locked.
7. It
Warning: If you are afraid of clowns, just skip over this one. But if you're not already petrified of these circus freaks, you're about to be. Based on the novel by Stephen King, It is all about a freakish clown named Pennywise that has the ability to transform into your biggest fear. Because apparently a psychotic clown isn't scary enough...
8. The Nightmare on Elm Street
After a scary flick, everyone's first move is totally to just run to bed and escape being awake. After all, once you're asleep all the scary thoughts go away, right? Wrong. The Nightmare on Elm Street will leave you restless. In this movie, falling asleep means subjecting yourself to the wrath of the terrifying Freddy Krueger. But let's be real, the scariest part of this film is the idea of being sleep deprived.
9. Halloween
Right up there with Freddy is my man, Michael Myers. Halloween tells the story of a demented serial killer that comes out on Halloween night to take the lives of teenage babysitters. The Halloween saga may have gone too far, as there are a total of ten films. My advice? Stick with the original and keep the lights on.
10. The Shining
This next one is not the typical horror movie. The Shining, written by Stephen King, is a psychological thriller that will scar you for life. Jack Nicholson plays Jack Torrence, a man who becomes influenced by a supernatural presence to eventually try to kill his wife and son. I commend you if you make it as far as the iconic "Here's Johnny!" scene.
11. Poltergeist
Two things that should never be put together are little kids and scary movies. However, the creators Poltergeist didn't hesitate in doing so. When the Freeling family moves in to their new house, it is the youngest sibling Carol Anne that attracts supernatural spirits. If you have to turn off the television after this one, I completely understand.
12. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Kudos to this guy, Leatherface, for somehow still sneaking up on people despite his weapon of choice being a chainsaw. What some call one of the best horror films in cinematic history, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is so violent that it was outright banned in multiple countries. The scariest part about this film? It was inspired by real-life crimes.
13. The Exorcist
Okay, so it's no surprise that we're saving the best (and by best I mean most horrifying) for last. Some believe that old scary films aren't so bad, but I can assure you, you will never be the same after you watch The Exorcist. The story follows the demonic possession of a twelve year old girl and her mother's journey in trying to bring her back. This film is not only thoroughly disgusting but also absolutely terrifying. If you know what's good for you, you won't watch this film alone.
So, there you have it: the ultimate scary movie marathon. Get the popcorn popping and grab a friend; you're about to embark on a frightful journey and I wish you the best of luck. If none of these scare you, you either need psychological help or you're the next Stephen King.
