SCARY MOVIES YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS OCTOBER
I’ve watched hundreds of films growing up that have ranged from the 1920’s to the 2020’s. Movies from various genres and languages but I always fall back to Horror when possible. Directors like Hitchcock, Romero, Carpenter, & Craven have made some of the most memorable films. So what movies should you watch this October and why? Below I will be adding a new movie periodically through the month of October.
Chances are you have most likely already heard of Hitchcock or Psycho. But, if you haven’t then you might be wondering why? It could be that you just haven’t been exposed to movies of that era or expanded your movie pallet. But that is okay, black & white film is not for everyone but should be explored at least once or twice.
Psycho brings an insidious style of horror to its viewers. It is not about jump scares or gore but rather about the unknown. Remember this is a time when the knowledge and social norms we have today were not present. Norman Bates who is the main character embodies ideas and practices that can be uncomfortable and macabre.
This is the type of film the requires attention or a second watch. I suggest to watch it alone when you can truly absorb what is happening. If you end up enjoying this film I recommend you watch some of Hitchcocks other films.
Where to watch? Netflix
There are amazing movies and there are amazing movie franchises. Scream falls under both categories successfully. Wes Craven introduced one of the most beloved villains of all time in Ghostface. Scream has also become one of the best if not the best slasher films of all time while doing so.
This movie and franchise revolve around Sidney & Ghostface. With this being the first film it is hard to not consider it the best of all of them. Characters like Gale Weathers, Dewey Riley, Billy Loomis, & Stu Macher make the movie even more enjoyable. If you are fan of character development and friend groups then you will truly enjoy this movie.
Where does the horror lie? It lies in the fact that you never know what is going to happen next or with who. It keeps you on your toes at all times and can even make you jump off of your seat. It gives you a false sense of security through Ghostface’s humor and antics. A movie that should be watched with the company of someone to really take full advantage of the storyline.
Where to watch? Max
When people think about scary they usually point to “The Exorcist” and for good reason. When this movie originally came out it was gruesome and in the right ways. It became synonymous with horror. Chicago native Friedkin was able to take William Blatty’s best selling book into a best selling film.
The movie focuses on a handful of character but they all tend to revolve around Pazuzu and evil demon presented early on in the film. He takes over and possesses Regan while she was playing with an Ouija Board in her basement. This is a great movie to watch if you enjoy things based on real life stories. The movie also does an amazing job at presenting lots of hidden information and imagery that you might only catch if you watch it very closely.
The scariest part of this film is Regans transformation and how she goes from playful fighting to turning into a cold blooded killer through her possession. A true masterpiece of its generation that has cemented itself in horror history due the shocking actions that we see on our screens.
Where to watch? Max
Jennifer Kent’s best work to date has to be “The Babadook” a psychological thriller that moves the viewers emotions from sadness through anger. It makes it hard to keep your eyes on screen when you have to witness the torment of a single mother and her child by a Boogeyman.
Babadook begins to torment this small family early on in the film. But even before his torment this single mother and child were already struggling to live peacefully together due to various life events. So when he comes into play he is heightening those fears and emotions to a level unbeknownst to them. Revealing truths that even the viewer may find hard to believe. Creating a film whose horror not only lives through its jump scares but through the emotional pain and torture of an individual.
Credit is due to Kent who brought his movie to life through her vision. Bringing back a scary figure who has lied dormant in film for many years in The Boogeyman. A truly spectacular movie that will scare not only children but even an adult.
Where to watch? Netflix & Sling
Perhaps one of the best movies of all time should not hav existed at all. Nosferatu which is Romanian for Vampire was directed by German Director Murnau. He had adapted Bram Stokers Dracula into one of the most iconic silent films of all time. With the help of various composers over the years we now are able to listen to a wonderful soundtrack that sets the mood in every scene.
Although the film is based on Dracula there are a lot of differences that change the direction of the movie. Count Orlok’s appearance, demeanor, and actions bring the most horror to the film. A true gothic horror film that does an amazing job at bringing the viewer into the film. Through the scenes you will feel like you are Hutter himself who is the main protagonist. The thoughts of Hutter and the viewer change alike as new information is presented. If you are one for horror with a bit of romance and suspense then this movie will be nothing short of that.
Without Nosferatu ideas we know of vampires today might not have existed. While this movie is silent in essence the music and the story speak louder than some of todays films. Alongside the immense performances of the actors that play Nosferatu, Hutter, & Ellen.
Where to watch? Tubi, Prime, Sling, & Wikipedia