For some of us, horror movies are less a seasonal thing and more an everyday part of life. Many movies considered “Halloween classics” are more or less just “classic” in my mind and do not require a special occasion for viewing (far from it). Still there are a few flicks in my collection I just don't feel right without a watchthrough on or around the only holiday worth celebrating. So on this Samhain I give you:
5 Movies RevTerry Has to Watch on/around Halloween!
(fuck that's a long title)
1. Halloween (1978) and Halloween II (1981)
I include these two as one entry as even though the first is definitely the stronger, they make one great overall story. The first is the granddaddy of the genre and creates earnest scares with little to no bullshit flash. On the list for obvious reasons but also because Part 1 is one of my all time favorites.
2. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
Despite being sort of a non-sequel and making a lot of people mad at the time, Season of the Witch holds well enough on its own. The masks, song and left-field Irish magic are all great, but Tom Atkins pretty much secures its spot in the Halloween playlist each year.
3. Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
A little bit of a strange pick, the surreal follow-up continues to explore the themes of the first but also pays homage to late 70s Italian horror at times. Its inclusion on the list of need-to-watch films is mostly due to a personal reason, as it was Halloween the first time I watched it all those years ago. So kind of a strange pick, but fuck you, it’s awesome.
4. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Michael Dougherty’s anthology is the most recent of my picks. It displays a strong respect for the holiday and gave us Sam, Halloween's official tendon slicing mascot. The fun, almost, Tales From the Crypt (TV 1989-1996)-like tone and practical effects made it an instant classic.
5. Night of the Demons (1988)
This one's a trashy blast and features some creative lipstick work by Linnea Quigley. Its the perfect mash-up of 80s sleaze and holiday spirit. Equal parts satire to exploitation (in a good way), it never gets old, and I look forward to it each year. Bad Halloween parties make great entertainment.
Honorable mentions: Jack-O (1995), Satan’s Little Helper (2004), Dark Night of The Scarecrow (1981), Trick or Treat (1986), Trick or Treats (1982), Ginger Snaps (2000) and The Changeling because they will pretty much get played at some point every October.
Love,
Did I miss something important? What are your picks? Let us know on the Tumblr or comment below.
Links:
9(ish) More Films RevTerry Will Most Likely Watch on/around Halloween. (aka Part II)
Links:
9(ish) More Films RevTerry Will Most Likely Watch on/around Halloween. (aka Part II)
