For those who celebrate Halloween year-round, there is still something special about that last chilly night in October. It’s the time of year when all things spooky are celebrated.
Many horror fans find themselves feeling nostalgic for the horror movies they enjoyed as children during this time of year. Others, meanwhile, want to push themselves further with new depths of terror.
Especially this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic changing the way we interact with each other and celebrate both indoor and outdoor activities.
However, no matter what your horror style is, you should find an old favorite or a new adventure on this list. Here are our top picks for the scariest, creepiest Halloween movies to watch year-round.
Nothing quite captures the campy horror romp like Stephen Spielberg’s 1982 classic, Poltergeist. It sets itself apart by striking that perfect balance between comedy and horror. This film drips with nostalgia of horror days gone by, making it a perfect Halloween movie night selection.
The story focuses on a suburban family who soon discovers that their new home has been invaded by a malicious spirit. Then, when their little daughter vanishes, everything goes to hell.
The movie isn’t just popular for its campy scares. It also has one of the most iconic lines in horror: “They’re here!”
The Exorcist
For those looking for more of a scare, The Exorcist is a horror genre rite of passage. Go for the director’s cut if you’re truly dedicated to getting the best experience.
This film’s deft use of practical effects, and its fairly faithful adherence to the William Peter Blatty novel by the same name, are just some of the reasons The Exorcist has withstood the test of time as a genre icon.
Loosely based on real events, the movie is about a young girl who starts talking in tongues and levitating. A local priest believes she could be possessed by the devil, and he tries to perform an exorcism.
The Witch
When a Puritan family in 17th century New England is banished, they set up a farm at the edge of a massive, imposing forest. When their newborn son vanishes and their crops fail, all the family members start to turn on one another. Could it be rotten luck, or have they stumbled upon something sinister?
The Witch (stylized as The VVitch) is an excellent compromise for anyone with mixed opinions on horror. While it is absolutely blood-chilling, the on-screen visual scares are minimal and jump scares are almost nonexistent. The film gets away with this thanks to its absolutely suffocating tension, masterful storytelling, and brilliant characters.
While there is some on-screen gore, there is nothing pulpy about this film. Robert Eggers’ modern classic can be enjoyed by seasoned horror fans and uninitiated Halloween revelers alike.
Paranormal Activity
When a young couple moves into a new house, they get increasingly disturbed by an unseen presence that makes itself felt at night, when they are asleep.
In an homage to the campy Halloween feel—and Blair Witch Project scares—of all found footage films, the first Paranormal Activity film is one that should not be overlooked.
While the franchise has inarguably had its problems over the years, its first installment did something truly unique, crafting something truly horrific out of thin air and pulling the audience right into the horror. It also made a bucketload of money and became an instant horror icon, inspiring countless other found-footage films.
Halloween
You probably saw this coming, but John Carpenter’s 1978 slasher is an absolute must-see when the spooky season rolls around. By avoiding many of the more problematic tropes of slasher fare, it earns its place as an icon of the holiday.
Jamie Lee Curtis shines in her role as a competent and likable protagonist, while Michael Myers is a boogeyman who just can’t seem to die. Halloween inspired countless other slasher movies, but few have managed to be as claustrophobic, tense or effective as John Carpenter’s classic.
We also recommend watching a few of the sequels. And 2018’s Halloween is arguably the best, since it avoids the over-the-top elements of the other sequels and goes back to the original’s simple scares and plot.
Trick ‘r Treat
This is an anthology horror film that takes place on Halloween night. It tells stories of werewolves, zombies, serial killers and other things that go bump in the night.
The common element is a mysterious kid with a burlap sack on his head and orange footie pajamas, who shows up whenever someone disrespects Halloween tradition.
The film has become a cult hit, and it’s now a must-watch for horror fans every Halloween—or, to be honest, every time they feel like it. It perfectly blends humor, gore, jump-scares, and campfire stories to create something outstanding.
Night of the Demons
When it comes to 80s horror films, few are as underrated as Night of the Demons. It takes place on Halloween night, has a party with drunken teenagers—taking place in a mortuary—it has a séance, there are bucketloads of gore, and a demon in the crematorium is set loose. This is the quintessential campy 80s horror movie.
The film has a respectable body count, and the performances are delightfully over-the-top. For those who like their horror with a touch of philosophy, Night of the Demons even has that. You could call it an allegory for teen promiscuity since people who get laid end up being possessed—kind of like the recent It Follows. Its sequels might not be as iconic, but Night of the Demons is a must-watch Halloween movie.
There’s nothing quite like turning off the lights for a horror movie on Halloween night. Go for something new and horrifying or a spooky old favorite. However, you normally feel about scary movies, you won’t go wrong with one of these classics this Halloween.
Warner Brothers released the first trailer for its anticipated sports drama King Richard, starring Will Smith.
Via Deadline – The film is based on the inspirational, true story of Richard Williams (Smith). An undeterred father, Richard was instrumental in raising Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton) — two extraordinarily gifted athletes who ended up changing the sport of tennis forever.
Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage.
“This world ain’t never had no respect for Richard Williams,” he tells his daughters in the trailer. “But they’re going to respect y’all.”
According to Deadline King Richard demonstrates the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.
Reinaldo Marcus Green directed the film, from a script by Zach Baylin. Its all-star ensemble also includes Aunjanue Ellis, Jon Bernthal, Tony Goldwyn, and Dylan McDermott.
Pic’s producers are Tim White and Trevor White via their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, and Will Smith under his Westbrook banner.
Serena and Venus Williams exec produced the project alongside their sister Isha Price. Its other executive producers are James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd.
King Richard will be released in theaters in the U.S. on November 19th. The drama will also be available to stream on HBO Max (via their Ad-Free Plan) for 31 days following its theatrical release.
To check out the first-look trailer for King Richard, click play below
2021 feels like a breath of fresh air, compared to 2020. Vaccines have started rolling out around the world—meaning there is an end in sight to the pandemic—and a lot of the highly-anticipated films we didn’t watch in 2020 will come out this year.
You could be seeking blockbusters—this year will have numerous tentpoles—or indie films—Netflix alone has guaranteed to release a new movie every week this year. So, it’s a major year for cinephiles.
Here are some of the movies that should be on your watch list for the year. Let’s keep our masks on and hope that the cinematic road ahead is bright.
No Time To Die
The latest Bond film is also the last to feature Daniel Craig (unless he gets an offer he can’t refuse). It has received multiple delays, directors have changed, and cast members have been injured while filming. However, No Time To Die will finally hit theaters this year, though rumors have started circulating that it will get a further release from April 2nd to sometime in the fall.
The movie’s plot focuses on Bond searching for a kidnapped scientist. During his search, he encounters a mysterious villain wielding some dangerous new tech.
Coming 2 America
Eddie Murphy’s career is back on an upward trajectory, thanks in large part to the success of Dolemite Is My Name. So, we are naturally interested in Murphy’s next project, which happens to be a sequel to his most-loved film: Coming to America.
In the first film, Murphy plays Prince Akeem, an African prince who heads to the US in search of his future wife. The film packs everything we love about Eddie Murphy movies: a romantic arc, tons of humor, and Murphy playing multiple characters. If Coming 2 America is even half as good as the first one, it’s certain to be a success.
A Quiet Place Part II
2018’s A Quiet Place was a smash hit, so it’s no surprise that a sequel is on the way. Initially meant to come out in March 2020, it’s now been scheduled for April 2021.
The sequel follows the Abbott family as they adapt to a new life without the father. They are forced to venture beyond their home and look for people who can help them survive the monsters they faced in the first film. However, they soon learn that the monsters aren’t the only threat they should fear.
F9
F9 is the ninth installment in the Fast & Furious franchise. Here, Dominic Toretto and his crew face the most skilled driver and assassin they have encountered to date: Dom’s brother, Jakob. Jakob has teamed up with Cipher, who was the main baddie in The Fate of the Furious.
The Fast & Furious franchise has never been one for subtleness. Judging by the bonkers trailer, the latest entry is going to be more ludicrous and action-packed than ever.
Dune
Dune is one of the most celebrated science fiction novels of all time. So, it makes sense that the upcoming movie adaptation is one of the most anticipated movies of the past few years. Alongside the popularity of the novel, the film has a revered director in Denis Villeneuve, and it boasts a stellar cast with everyone from Jason Momoa to Josh Brolin. Expectations are sky-high for Dune, and after Blade Runner 2049, we know the director can make something special.
Dune will come out on October 1st.
Mission: Impossible 7
The Mission: Impossible films aren’t just among the most popular and highest-grossing action films; they are also among the best-made. With each sequel, the movies get progressively better, with better action, higher stakes, and an ever-increasing bond with Ethan Hunt and his team.
The studio hasn’t released any details of the plot, but there’s little doubt it will be as bombastic as the rest. Here’s hoping it actually releases on its scheduled date, on November 19th.
The Matrix 4
What a time to be Keanu Reeves. His career stalled in the late 2000s, but then John Wick came out and his action-star status returned. The first three films have all been hits with both critics and audiences, to the extent that two more sequels are being produced. And that’s not all; Keanu Reeves has also returned to his most popular franchise: The Matrix.
We don’t know much about this latest entry, especially since Reeves’ character Neo died at the end. However, it’s sure to be an interesting movie for fans of the original trilogy.