Some of us watch scary movies year round and some of us watch them in the month of October. Whichever side of the coin you are on, have we got a list for you! This year we wanted to shake things up so we had each of our contributors include one older film and one modern film to watch during this spooky season.
Enjoy and maybe keep the lights on…
Abbey
The Village is a classic favorite for me that I have to watch at least once a year. The main twist of this movie blew my mind during my first watch and I think I’ve just been chasing that feeling ever since. And just for the record – if there is Joaquin Phoenix feature…I’m going to watch it. Prepare to feel good, then freaked out, then shocked, then confused and finally a little relieved.
I’m not a big fan of bloody horror and always find myself leaning towards more of a psychological thriller and Cuckoo definitely delivered. This one was extremely weird and so beautifully filmed (I mean how could it not with a setting in the German alps). This movie constantly had me looking over my shoulder for something because it would switch from perfectly pleasant to unsettling in a split second. I truly could not predict what was coming next and there was a whole lot going on, but I think it’s absolutely worth the watch. Even the title Cuckoo foreshadows how everyone slips into their own kind of madness but you may leave this movie a little confused.
Jen
In an attempt to watch all of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, I recently watched Dream Warriors (the 3rd in the franchise) for the first time! I must say, this one was much more fun than I was expecting. Campy? Of course! But the practical effects are always so fun to see and, in my opinion, creepier than any CGI. Patricia Arquette stars in this cult classic that continues the story of the kids of the Elm Street kids. If you are a fan of classic, campy horror, and haven’t checked it out yet, I recommend!
I recently went to the theater to see Longlegs without reading anything about it, or seeing a single preview, and wow, I was creeped out! Nicholas Cage stars as Longlegs, and in typical Nicholas Cage fashion, goes ALL OUT! His looks, his voice, his singing…totally disturbing! Longlegs is definitely more thriller-horror, but has some truly terrifying/creepy moments that will stick with you long after the movie ends. Highly recommend, but make sure to have something positive to watch afterwards!
Evan
A man-eating piano, floating heads, and a banana that kills are just a few things that come to mind when I think of the film House. Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, with writing help from Obayashi’s 10-year-old daughter, House is a surreal barrage of some of the most absurd, silly, and inventive horror visuals I’ve seen in a film. Before making House, Obayashi’s main experience was in directing TV commercials. I think it’s partly that TV influence that gives House its distinctive feel. House is like a late-night infomercial for a fever dream, and I love it for that.
Most movies that fall in the horror category tend to revolve around a few familiar settings and subjects. I think that is why Out of Darkness stood out to me. It feels like a horror movie that tries to do something a bit new within the genre. Described by the director as “neolithic horror” The film follows a small group of hunter-gatherers as they attempt to settle an unknown land, and in the process run up against a strange and dangerous force. Even though the story takes place 45,000 years ago, the terrifying predicament that the protagonists face remains universally human and will keep you on edge no matter what anthropological era you are from.
Dan
The ‘Burbs is my favorite movie of all time. I’ve seen in more times than I can remember. Joe Dante directs a stacked cast including Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, and Corey Feldman to name a few. Its premise is simple enough; the new neighbors are weird and a trio of suspicious suburbanites think the new neighbors are murdering people and burying them in their backyard. There is a bit of mystery but in generally it’s just great to see characters making terrible decisions throughout the entirety of the film. It never gets old. And Tom Hanks, well he delivers a performance of a lifetime. It’s a perfect film for the season or if you are me, any time of the year.
Ready or Not is one of those films that I don’t want to spoil. Seriously, you can stop here and go in blind. I will say that Samara Weaving shines bright as one of the best final girls ever. It’s an unforgettable 95 minutes. It’s funny. It’s violent. It remains grounded, despite it being ridiculous. I cannot recommend it enough. Ready or Not is a modern classic and word is, they are making a sequel.
The scary times don’t stop here! We have a spectacular and terrifying lineup coming to the Hult Center, check it out below!
