Gather round. The temperature is dropping, the days are getting shorter and the leaves are dying. It can only mean one thing: menopause! Or autumn. Definitely autumn. Having already discussed those films that embody the season, let’s get specific. Which films do you watch in celebration of Halloween? Join me after the jump, and I’ll tell you which five spooky films I think are essential for the holiday!
Halloween
How could I not put Carpenter’s film on this list? It’s the classic Halloween horror movie and of course one of the early entries in the slasher genre. That Michael Myers’ frighteningly blank visage has spawned too many sequels and two Rob Zombie updates speaks to the character’s endurance. Could anyone ever usurp his place as the ultimate Halloween bogeyman? Probably not.
Night of the Demons 2
But what if you just want to watch a bad horror movie that you can laugh at and still enjoy some Halloween spirit? Well, that’s when you’re going to put on Night of the Demons 2. Yes, the sequel. Don’t bother with the first movie. Just jump right to this campy, gory laugh riot sequel which you will be quoting for weeks.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Did stop motion wizard Henry Selick have any idea in ’93 that his film would become a Halloween classic? It’s essential viewing every year, and though I thought the 3-D re-release was a disappointing money-grab, I watch this one on DVD multiple times during the month of October. It embodies the holiday and the season so well. Plus it strikes a perfect balance between family-friendly and adult, if you care about that kind of thing.
Trick ‘R Treat
Originally slated for a fall 2007 release but shuffled around before finally seeing the light of day on DVD in 2009, Michael Dougherty’s anthology film is an instant Halloween horror classic, destined to be required October viewing. Four spooky tales are interwoven over the course of Halloween night in one town. It’s scary, full of autumn/Halloween spirit and most importantly it’s a lot of fun.
Lady in White
I know what you’re thinking. “This was on your autumn movie list, you cheater!” Actually you probably didn’t even read that post so maybe I’m bringing attention to this unnecessarily, but just hear me out. I think this movie so well captures the childhood Halloween experience that it’s okay for it to do double duty as a recommended Halloween movie and a recommended autumn movie.
So, Crassholes, which movies would you add as essential to celebrating the Halloween season? Let’s hear your suggestions. Oh, one final thing: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown can die in a fire. Srsly, it’s the worst.