My 10 go-to Halloween movies I rewatch every year

The months leading up to Halloween and the day itself are a time when I revisit some of my favorite movies that fit the tone and atmosphere of the season. While Many of them fall into the horror category and have scary moments, Many incorporate humor and satire into their stories, giving them added depth and commenting on the genre. Of course, classic like scream, The Texas Chainsaw MassacreAnd Halloween are perfect for watching this time of year, and horror movie franchises with legendary final girls are some of my favorites.

However, these movies are so synonymous with horror that I watch them almost any time of the year. on the contrary, My Halloween picks are projects that don’t feel right to watch when there’s no chill in the air. Some of the most underrated Halloween movies have gained notoriety in the past few years. I’m always interested in uncovering hidden gems that explore new territory in the niche of Halloween films. Although not all of these movies are set in the fall months, they share themes that suit a night in October better than anything.

10

Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Directed by Karin Kusama

It is tragic that Jennifer’s body was one of the biggest Halloween movie box office flops of its time. However, the revaluation around its quality has made the initial failure. The sharp script and hilarious dialogue of the writer, Diablo Cody, is one of my favorite parts of the film, How the quips between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried never get old. Although it was misbranded at the time of its release and framed as a vehicle to objectify the women in the film, that was not the intention of the movie (via Indiewire).

The film tries to unpack the complexities and nuances of relationships between young women And gives Jennifer the power back over her body and her life after being exploited because of it. Her revenge takes the form of eating boys and some fun body horror moments throughout the story. Although Fox and Seyfried are brilliant as Jennifer and Needy, the movie is enhanced by the supporting roles. As one of Adam Brody’s best movies, Jennifer’s body

9

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Directed by Mel Brooks

Of the many collaborations of Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein Might be the best and is definitely my favorite. As with most of Brooks’ projects, Young Frankenstein Revels in the tropes of the monster movie genre, with familiar beats from Mary Shelley’s famous novel and subdue them. Hilarious from start to finish, Young Frankenstein Is the perfect movie to watch when you’re not looking for thrills or scares but still want a film with a little edge.

While Young Frankenstein Made for viewers who love monster movies, it also connects with audiences who aren’t as aware of the beats of Frankenstein. Brooks and Wilder create a plot that is funny and nostalgic in itself, not just like a pastiche. It’s incredible to revisit Young Frankenstein Because of how well it holds up today. Although there are some dated elements, The humor has a distinctly modern feel that easily translated to today’s era.

8

Clue (1985)

Directed by Jonathan Lynn

Buying a movie on a board game was a risky move, though Clue Far from being an instant hit with critics and audiences, it has become a cult classic and a film I love to revisit. Featuring performances by actors such as Tim Curry and Christopher Lloyd, Clues slapstick script works thanks to the cast, who commit to their over-the-top roles and every potential ending. The multiple endings to the story are a hilarious cap on the story and connect the movie to the game.

While Clue Not the most innovative mystery-comedy, it rises above its formulaic plotting because of how much fun it is to spend time with the characters. With the rise in popularity of whodunit movies like these Knives Out series and Kenneth Branagh’s adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels, It’s fun to watch Clue And see how much the mystery genre has evolved and stayed the same. Many of the most iconic parts of ClueHow its iconic setting has influenced the best thriller stories.

7

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Directed by Drew Goddard

While there is a lot to love about traditional slasher movies and horror films, there is no question that there are parts of the genre to be critical of. The cabin in the woods Attempts to uncover both the criticism and the best parts of exploitative and gory movies that are so prevalent in cinema. The story unfolds similar to a traditional horror flick but with a compelling twist that subverts the archetypes and pitfalls of traditional scary movies.

The nihilistic edge of The cabin in the woods is what initially attracted me to the project, and I always liked how the film questions the audience as much as the antagonists of the story. In many ways, the villains and their manipulation of events are a standard for the voyeuristic enjoyment audiences get out of violent movies. It’s an interesting commentary, but it’s not too heavy-handed, because the project delivers a lot of laughs and some big jump scares.

6

Monster House (2006)

Directed by Gil Kenan

Since I was first introduced to Monster House As a child, it both introduced and haunted me. While I don’t find the movie as scary as I once did, it’s still just as compelling and serves as a time capsule of early 2000s animation, using a style and aesthetic that’s hard to find in filmmaking today. Blending the story of a haunting with the familiar beats of a coming-of-age story, Monster House remains relatable to all audiences, and the experiences of the protagonist, DJ, are universal.

The history of Monster House Is surprisingly emotional and poignant, hiding a sentimental and valuable message in the fantastic drive of the story. It is impossible not to be moved by the end of Monster House, But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of action and thrills to enthrall the audience. The trend of Monster House Moves quickly, never dragging, but providing enough space for the emotional moments to land without seeming cheesy.

5

Roy (2016)

Directed by Julia Ducournau

I’m not drawn to intensely violent or graphic horror movies, but when a film uses those elements as a goal RoyIt is hard not to be busy. Use Justin’s, the protagonist, desire for human flesh as a metaphor for sexual awakening And Desire is an incredibly compelling use of the cannibal genre, making even her most grotesque actions impossible to look away from. However, Justine’s journey to discover her true nature does not just stop at her sexuality.

In addition to the themes and narrative impact of the project, The cinematography and stylistic choices in Roy are alive and transport the audience into Justin’s unraveling world. As one of the best cannibal movies of all time, Roy Don’t rely on metaphor to drive the story forward, touching on the world of academia and the tense dynamic between Justine and her sister. Although not always easy to see, Roy Is also worth watching, even in the most disgusting moments.

4

ParaNorman (2012)

Directed by Chris Butler & Sam Fell

Paranorman is an underrated animated kids Halloween movie that should be on everyone’s list. Stop-motion horror movies are some of the best of the genre, and ParanormanThe beautifully crafted visuals effectively capture the look of a classic New England fall and the region’s legacy of witchcraft and the supernatural. Norman is part of this legacy because he has the ability to see and communicate with the dead, a trait that isolates him and sets him apart from the community.

The issue of conformity versus individuality is a central theme in ParanormanHow is the desire to be accepted and loved. There is a piece of every audience member, young and old, in Norman, And his search for self-acceptance and bravery evokes some of those same traits in the viewer. Although Paranorman Does not have the same reputation as other horror stop-motion films like CoralineIt should be better remembered for its enduring themes and empathetic tone.

3

The Love Witch (2016)

Directed by Anna Biller

The campy and stylized horror-comedy The love witch is a gorgeous project that tells modern themes but looks like it emerged straight out of the 1960s. Samantha Robinson anchors the movie as the main character, a witch, Elaine, Who seeks her true love but is consistently thwarted by the behavior of the people around her and her own deadly tendencies. The love witch Touches on the misogynistic fear of women’s power and agency and uses Elaine’s actions as a comment on what society teaches women about love.

The director, Anna Biller, made this clear The love witch is a film that is deeply in conversation with feminist theory and film history. As the horror genre has evolved and included more women filmmakers, stories like The love witch have risen to the forefront of independent cinema. The love witch is written, produced and directed by Biller, With many of the costumes and sets you work too, making the film a labor of love and the product of a unique vision.

2

Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

Directed by Halina Reijn

When setting a movie in the contemporary era, one of the most important aspects is to write dialogue that matches the way young people speak without being clunky and dated. Most of the time, this is an almost impossible task, however Bodies bodies bodies is referential and rooted in the present without feeling too much like a time capsule. This is helped by the stellar cast led by Amandla Stenberg, Miha’la Herrold and Rachel Sennot, who have all proven to be part of the groundbreaking actors of their generation.

Despite its satirical dialogue and the story’s tongue-in-cheek final twist, there are some truly terrifying moments in Bodies bodies bodies. Deeply in conversation with the works of the whodunit genre that preceded it, Bodies bodies bodies Updated his story to effectively connect with modern audiences. Although it was only a few years ago, I enjoyed it as much as when I watched it in theaters every time I watched it.

1

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme

Starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins as Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter, The silence of the lambs is one of the best and one of my favorite thriller movies of all time. Although It’s terrifying enough to sometimes draw you further into the horror genre, The silence of the lambs spends its runtime deliberately pacing the incredible story. It builds tension until the viewer feels as if they will explode with the weight of the narrative.

There are undoubtedly aspects of The silence of the lambs who are not older, Namely the way trans identities are touched upon with the character Buffalo Bill. These are moments to be critical of and should not go unspoken, but the criticism is part of an attempt to ensure that the other amazing parts of the film can still be enjoyed. The dynamic between Clarice and Hannibal is relentlessly compelling and watchable The silence of the lambs is a masterclass in how to structure a thriller.