With Halloween just around the corner, there’s no better time to break out the horror movies and have a marathon. From classic slasher flicks to the bone-chilling thrillers, scary movies do not discriminate, and there is a film for all horror-lovers. Whether you’re easily scared or can take the shock, here are some must-haves for the ultimate marathon.
“Dawn of the Dead”
1978
As hordes of zombies swarm the cities of the United States, the last of humanity is left in the hands of four people. Stephen, his girlfriend Francine and two SWAT members, Roger and Pete, fight for survival in a country dominated by the undead. Zombie culture is rapidly growing in the media, so “Dawn of the Dead” is not only a classic, it is the epitome of undead entertainment.
“Insidious”
2010
Josh and Renai Lambert move to a new house with their two sons, Dalton and Foster. Soon, Dalton, the elder of the sons, sees a terrifying figure in the attic, which sends him into a three-month coma. Renai and Josh soon learn this is no regular coma but the paranormal. As the family fights this entity, they soon realize, “It’s not the house that’s haunted.” Delving into the spirit world is not for the faint of heart, but even the bravest cannot prepare themselves for the spine-tingling chills this movie brings. “Insidious” gives even the dead the creeps.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street”
1984
Multiple teens fear falling asleep as a deformed murderer, Freddy Krueger, is on the loose, haunting their dreams just to kill them in reality. The young couple, Nancy and Glen, fight to stay awake to solve the mystery of this killer nightmare. Sleeping after watching this movie is as easily accomplished as a New Year’s resolution. It has been nearly 30 years since “A Nightmare on Elm Street” made its debut, and it is still one of the most terrifying movies out there today.
“Friday the 13th”
1980
Young counselors decide to set up camp at the infamous Camp Crystal Lake despite the natives’ warnings due to the brutal murders that took place at the camp. The counselors soon learn this is not mere superstition as they are hunted down by aggressive killer Jason Voorhees. Friday the 13th has been considered unlucky for centuries, but this day has never been more feared than after this 80s film came to theaters. Now summer camp has never looked so deadly.
“Halloween”
1978
Young Michael Myers murdered his older sister Judith on Halloween night and was locked away. Fifteen years later, on the eve of Halloween, he escapes and goes on a murder spree in his hometown of Haddonfield, Ill. A Halloween movie marathon is never complete without this classic flick. Some fear Halloween because of monsters and spirits, but Michael Myers will change their minds with his pasty white mask and bowie knife.
Of course not everyone can handle the jump scares and gore, so here are some movies for the easily-scared Halloween lovers.
“Zombieland” 2009
In this comedic zombie flick, a group of survivors from all around the United States join together to fight the undead, make survival rules and find humanity’s last Twinkies. Not all zombie movies have to be serious, and “Zombieland” is the perfect example. This movie is the perfect blend of dystopia, gore and humor.
“Young Frankenstein”
1974
This black and white film is an oldie but a goodie, as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits his family estate and travels to Transylvania. He begins to perform his grandfather’s old experiments and soon creates a monster that terrifies the town and leads the doctor and his crew into all sorts of mischief. Halloween may be the scariest holiday, but that doesn’t mean comedy is dead. With Gene Wilder as the leading actor, “Young Frankenstein” was very ahead of its time with clever humor and downright silliness.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
1993
Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King is looking for new and scarier ideas to celebrate Halloween instead of just frightening the regular people in the world. He finds a door to Christmastown and is immediately inspired by the warmth and lights of the cheery holiday, so he kidnaps Santa Clause. Jack soon realizes that combining two very different holidays may not be the best idea. Tim Burton never fails to combine eerie with beauty, and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is no exception. The dark colors and bright music are a fascinating combination and make this animated film a Halloween must-watch.
“Hocus Pocus”
1993
Three kids, Max, Dani and Allison, who live in Salem, Mass., explore an old abandoned house just to accidentally release a coven of three witches onto the town. The kids work together with a magical cat to keep the witches from retrieving their spell book so they can’t turn themselves immortal. The bad witches in this movie will “put a spell on you,” as they enchant you with humor and mischief. A film for all ages, “Hocus Pocus” breaks the witch stereotype.
“Scary Movie”
2000
This movie series is chock full of parodies of seemingly every horror movie known. Not a minute goes by without some kind of hilarious innuendo or mockery of classic horror films. No other movies in history have ever made escaping monsters and mass murderers seem so hilarious. “Scary Movie” is filled with dumb humor and is the perfect cool-down after any horror movie marathon.
