As October nears, Halloween season is upon us. What better way to celebrate this holiday than with horror movies? Whether you are a horror enthusiast or just looking for some entertainment this Halloween season, these movies should be on the top of your list.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Starring SNL’s Pete Davidson, The Hunger Games’ Amandla Stenberg, and The Idol’s Rachel Sennot, slasher-comedy Bodies Bodies Bodies is a great movie to watch this Halloween. Directed by Halina Reijn, the movie follows a group of 20-somethings celebrating a “hurricane party” at a mansion owned by the wealthy David. The movie places a comedic spin on the typical “whodunnit” trope, with incredible comedic performances from Sennot in her role of Alice and Lee Pace in his role of Greg. The movie takes viewers on a rollercoaster as it cleverly subverts expectations at every turn. One of its standout qualities lies in its ability to deliver satisfying plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. With a soundtrack headlined by Charli XCX, and a standout cast complete with a hilarious script, Bodies Bodies Bodies should be at the top of your watch list this Halloween.
Ready or Not (2019)
Another horror-comedy, Ready or Not follows Grace, a newlywed forced to survive in a deadly game of hide-and-seek against her in-laws, the prosperous Le Domas family. As the film’s lead, actress Samara Weaving gives an outstanding performance, which is heavily enhanced by the work of the set designers and other important backstage figures. By combining elements of the supernatural alongside heavy emotional scenes, the film creates a product both comedic and dramatic in nature. Additionally, the movie's setting, filmed in a variety of castle-like mansions across Canada, helps the characters stand out both in and out of the house. If you are looking for a movie that’s both hilarious and horrifying, Ready or Not should be at the top of your Halloween watchlist.
Other standout horror films to watch this Halloween include:
Us (2019)
A film by Jordan Peele, the director of the critically acclaimed movies Get Out and Nope, Us is a 2019 psychological horror flick captivating audiences with its suspenseful, harrowing storyline. The movie follows the story of the Wilson family, who are tasked with surviving an invasion of their jumpsuit-wearing, scissor-wielding doppelgängers set on killing their real world counterparts. The eerie nature of the Wilsons’ counterparts adds a layer of horrifying suspense to the film; from the pyromaniac Pluto to the sadistic Umbrae, each doppelgänger provides a unique terror that the family has to overcome. If you're a fan of gritty slashers and unsettling twists, Us is a must-watch this season.
Midsommar (2019)
The second film by horror juggernaut Ari Aster, the terrifying Midsommar displays an unsettling journey of a group of tourists as they navigate the frights of a seemingly idyllic Swedish festival. Released in 2019, the movie subverts expectations of traditional horror by bathing its eerie narrative in the brightness of the Scandinavian sun. Following Dani (masterfully played by Florence Pugh) and her friends as they partake in the rituals of the rural commune, the film gradually builds its layers of dread and psychological horror as each member of the group is picked off one by one. Unlike many other movies on the list, which create suspense through an absence of light, the horror of the film is aided with its hypnotizing color and bright appeal. Midsommar is a mesmerizing exploration into the disturbing allure of a pagan cult, making it a must-watch for those looking for a unique cinematic experience this Halloween season.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, The Blair Witch Project was a monumental 1999 supernatural horror film that revolutionized the genre of “found footage” horror, commonly found online today. The film follows the footage left on the cameras of students Heather, Mike, and Josh, presumed to be missing or dead after setting off to search for the mythical Blair Witch. The movie uses the guise of low-quality camera and audio equipment to authentically capture the horrifying story, and doing it effectively and convincingly. Alongside the revolutionary plot, The Blair Witch Project was among the first movies in the world to have been widely released and marketed over the internet. Racking up over 160 million views in only a few months, the website promoting the movie was a pioneering example of online viral marketing for a film. For its unique style and marketing, and, hiding the horror of the movie behind its realistic production, The Blair Witch Project is aptly considered as one of the most authentically terrifying and revolutionary horror films of the 20th century.
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