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All-time best Halloween movies to keep your holiday spirit strong until Thanksgiving

By Ciara Anderson, ‘16

The best thing about Halloween is the plethora of acceptable movies to watch in the month of October. Some are better than others and some are so bad they are good. Some horror films are too gory, while some are just right. Some are acceptable for all ages; some should have an age restriction. Don’t really know which movies would be perfect for the upcoming Halloween movie marathon party, or just a day inside with some pumpkin pie and hot chocolate? Here are a few suggestions.

  1. The People Under the Stairs- This is the movie to watch when you need a bit of light humor and horror. This is ladled with social issues and cannibalism… yes cannibalism.
  2. Hellraiser- There has never been reason enough to not open presents from strangers. This movie brings the terrors of another dimension to life.
  3. Nightmare Before Christmas- One of Tim Burton’s best; this is a great film to watch at any time of the year.
  4. The Silence of the Lambs- Hannibal Lecter’s first appearance on the big screen. This movie is scary because of its shock value, but an all-time classic it will remain. Another cannibalistic film for the books!
  5. Nightmare on Elm Street- Johnny Depp’s first appearance on the big screen. If this isn’t reason enough to watch this cult classic, then Freddy’s lullaby should be enough. 1, 2, Freddy’s coming for you…
  6. Scream- Another Cult classic. This is a franchise all in itself where Ghost face originated. Slasher films have never been so cool.
  7. Killer Clowns from Outer Space- As if clowns weren’t scary enough; they ruined eating cotton candy for pretty much everyone.
  8. Shaun of the Dead- In the land of all the spoofs of horror films, this one is the best. Take a horror break with this gem.
  9. The Purge- Anything that can happen in real life is scary.
  10. Rocky Horror Picture Show- A Tim Curry classic, time warping good times for all!
  11. Pet Sematary- There is no typo in Sematary... “S” for scary!
  12. The Amityville Horror- This classic will beg the question why people still don’t believe in evil spirits. Just build a new house… Unless a movie needs to be made, then move into one where everyone was killed inside!
  13. Texas Chainsaw Massacre- No horror marathon is complete without this film, old and new.
  14. House of a 1000 Corpses- Rob Zombie outdid himself with this film. It’s terrifying, gory, and amazing.
  15. The Shining- The creepiest film ever…
  16. Friday the 13th – The unluckiest day ever, just be nice to everyone!
  17. Halloween- Michael Myers. The killer of Halloween!
  18. The Conjuring- Basically the Amityville Horror but based on a true story and therefore scarier.
  19. It- In an era of clowns, no one did it better than Tim Curry.
  20. Hocus Pocus- End your marathon with a lighthearted film dedicated to the three witches that captured the hearts of all Disney lovers!