With October over as quickly as it came, let’s review some of our favorite Halloween movies from last month. 

Analog Horror

The Blair Witch Project: Rated R

Where to watch: Hulu, Disney+

With analog horror on the rise in media, especially in newer video games, this 1999 film sets an exceptional early example for indie developers/filmmakers. With a carefully crafted storyline and a beautiful execution, The Blair Witch Project tells the story of three film students that went missing making a documentary about a local legend in Burkittsville, Maryland. The beginning of the movie goes at a very slow pace, with a large amount of time dedicated to arguments between the characters. Without spoiling too much, the audience is kept in the same type of confusion as the characters, and in my opinion that adds the perfect amount of immersion in a genre that tries to replicate reality. In all, The Blair Witch Project is an interesting movie, and definitely worth the slow burn. Personally, I’d give it a 9/10 just because I’m a sucker for analog horror. If you have Hulu, give it a watch! 

Sci-Fi Horror

Cube: Rated R

Where to watch: VUDU, Tubi, YouTube Movies

The 1997 Sci-fi horror film Cube is one of my all-time favorite movies. Starring David Hewlett, also known as Doctor Rodney McKay from Stargate, this movie focuses around a group of characters that mysteriously find themselves inside of a giant, deadly cube filled with even deadlier rooms. While you’re watching, the movie manages to rattle your brain, and keeps you in suspense of what is to come for your favourite character, which probably will change as time goes on. I’d give this movie a 10/10: Sci-fi is my favorite genre, and if you’re looking for something brain-twisting but still chilling this spooky season, break out your YouTube account and strap in – you never know when the rooms will change places. 

Natural Horror

Mimic: Rated R

Where to watch: HBO Max

Mimic centers around an entomologist, her husband, and a shoemaker battling the deadly infestation of a genetically engineered bug that mimics its predator. This is a great movie to add to your Halloween binge watching, as the use of lighting and pacing makes for a wonderful suspense-filled atmosphere.  Not to mention, the 1990’s puppets and CGI always add an extra layer of creepiness onto the movie. While it is a little predictable, what’s a good horror movie without just a tad of predictability, right?  I thought the plot was actually pretty creative, so all of that combined is why my rating of this movie is a 7/10. If you’ve got HBO Max, it’s a good movie to watch late at night: I definitely wasn’t keeping an eye on my windows or anything. 

Slasher Horror

Tucker and Dale VS Evil: Rated R

Where to Watch: Netflix

Although this movie is a mock of popular slasher horror and can’t really be considered a “traditional” horror movie, I knew Tucker and Dale VS Evil had to go onto this list purely because of the enjoyment I got from watching it. It also felt kind of cheap to put Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street for this category. Regardless of how you judge horror movies though, most people I’ve watched this with have agreed that it is certainly a very good movie. The titular Tucker and Dale suffer through a series of mishaps and unfortunate events involving a group of teenagers during what was supposed to be a relaxing camping trip. Like I said before, this is just a good movie with a little bit of horror on the side. But why is it under ‘slasher’ you may ask? One word: teenagers. If you even sometimes like your horror a little bit lighter, this is the movie for you. I’d give it an 8/10, so if you’re looking for a good time with some goofy characters, head over to Netflix and check it out. 

Body Horror

Hellraiser: Rated R

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video 

Being utterly truthful, Amazon Prime Video isn’t good for much, but it’s home to what in my opinion is a great body horror movie. Of course, being made in the 1980’s, this movie is more akin to Beetlejuice or The Fly than it is to something like Human Centipede. However, 9 times out of 10, early CGI and cheesy acting aren’t always bad things. Telling the story of the unfortunate, but somewhat deserved, happenings of the Cotton family, Hellraiser holds a special place in my heart as the first movie that really had me avoiding dark spaces and prevented me from sleeping as a kid. Watching it now though, I can make critiques of the pacing, or say that there’s just a few unnecessary details that take away from the scariness, but that doesn’t stop me from giving this movie an 8/10. Before you watch though, remember: it may be the 80’s, but this movie can still make you curl your toes!

Comedy Horror

Beetlejuice: PG

Where to watch: Rent for $3.99 on Amazon Prime, free with a Peacock subscription and HBO Max

The characters in Beetlejuice 1988 have a great dynamic. I love the contrast between Adam and Barbra being so ‘normal’ and Lydia and Beetlejuice being odd and seen as weird and different. It’s not very scary, but it has great makeup, costuming and effects. It’s unique and fun to watch. The fact that this was made in the 80’s makes it even better and much more impressive. It is super funny, but not always appropriate for younger kids despite its rating. I definitely recommend this movie and I’d rate it a 9.5/10. 

Psychological Horror

Fractured: Rated R

Where to watch: Netflix.

The 2019 film Fractured shows Sam Worthington, who plays Ray, the main character, doing an amazing job convincing the audience of what he’s going through. This movie is less scary, but is more intense and contains a heavier topic. It has good plot twists and an amazing storyline. The movie does get boring at times, but it will definitely twist your mind and make you second guess yourself. It has an amazing ending and I’d rate it an 8.5/10.

Teen Horror

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: PG-13

Where to watch: Netflix subscription, and Amazon prime to rent.

Every character in Scary Stories to tell in the Dark has their own, well developed personality and charm which makes the movie engaging and enjoyable. The end has great jumpscares as well as spectacular special and practical effects. It’s an amazing combination of the stories from Alvin Schwartz’s novel and makes a fun and entertaining movie. This is one of my favorite horror movies. If you’re really into sfx makeup and behind the scenes for movies I really recommend watching this movie and its BTS. Definitely a 10/10 for me.

Apocalyptic Horror

A Quiet Place: PG-13

Where to watch: Paramount Plus, Hulu, or Amazon Prime with a subscription.

The 2018 film A Quiet Place introduces a new concept in horror. The family in this movie has such a strong bond, and even though they can only speak using sign language they each have distinct personalities and are exciting to watch. The jumpscares in this movie are amazing. The concept of the entire movie being silent makes every little sound from the creatures more terrifying. The monsters are very scary and interesting to see them run. The suspense in between the scary parts is really exciting and well-timed. The story is very unique, but easy to grasp. If you enjoy the first movie, there is a second one that goes into more detail and completes some theories and questions you may have. I watched this movie for the first time right when the second one came out and I loved it so much I went to see the second one right away. This is another one of my favorites and I’d rate it a 9.5/10

Documentary Horror

American murder- The Family Next Door: Rated R

Where to watch: Netflix.

This 2020 Documentary shows actual footage from a real investigation, so there are no characters, only genuine people. The police are investigating a missing family, but the husband is not missing yet somehow doesn’t know where his family is. There aren’t jumpscares or creepy music, just true, horrific events. Because of the dad’s easily identifiable lies and narcissistic traits you know the end from the beginning. Despite this, the movie is still very intriguing and you want to know how it all works out. This movie is not lighthearted at all. If you like true crime this movie will be very interesting and a great one to add to your list. Just like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, you can find other interviews and information about this case on the internet. This movie is a 9.5/10 and I feel truly sorry for the family and neighbors of those who were killed. 

Supernatural Horror

The Exorcist: Rated R
Where to Watch: HBO Max

Finally on our list is the classic movie: The Exorcist. Even if you’ve never seen the movie, you have most likely heard of it. Filmed in 1973, this movie has been an iconic staple of horror movies for decades. It follows the story of a famous actresses’ daughter who becomes mysteriously ill, but after long and unsuccessful attempts at even determining what she has come down with, it’s decided that something supernatural has found its way inside our world. Personally, I love the special effects of this movie. They’re cheesy and old, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would recommend this movie to any fans of old horror movies, and although it’s a little drawn out and could be a little shorter, all in all I’d rate it a 9/10.