When we think of Halloween, we think of the illuminating jack-o-lanterns, the skeletons dancing about, the ghouls and ghosts that lurk around, you name it. Also, it makes a great time to watch some Halloween-themed movies, or any movie containing the element of horror.
There are so many movies out there that have the Halloween factor. However, here is a list of some classic and/or vintage Halloween (or even horror) movies that are definitely worth watching this season.
Frankenstein (1931)
In this 1931 horror classic, a mad scientist named Dr. Henry Frankenstein (portrayed by Colin Clive) attempts to create a life form by using parts from exhumed corpses. Although he succeeds in animating the famous monster, it escapes into the countryside, wreaking havoc in the process. Unbeknownst to Dr. Frankenstein, the brain used to create the monster is that of a madman. The monster, portrayed by Boris Karloff, is one of the most recognizable characters in history, especially during Halloween season.
Here is a link to the original trailer and here is the iconic "It's Alive" scene.
The Mummy (1932)
"The Mummy," released in 1932, is about a reincarnated Egyptian mummy, Imhotep (also portrayed by Boris Karloff), who was discovered by a team of British archaeologists, along with a scroll in his coffin. Years later, Imhotep, under the alias Ardeth Bay, attempts to search around Egypt for a girl perceived to be a long-lost princess.
Here is a link to the original trailer of "The Mummy."
Scream (1996)
This movie, "Scream," is one of the most iconic horror films in history and is definitely worth watching during Halloween season. Plus, it will send chills down your spine upon watching this horror classic.
In the movie, a teenage girl named Sidney (portrayed by Neve Campbell) is targeted by a masked serial killer, known as Ghostface, who targets her and her friends in a deadly game of horror movie trivia.
Here is the link to the "Scream" trailer.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Although "Creature from the Black Lagoon" is not a Halloween movie, it does have a sense of classic horror. In this movie, a team of scientists travel to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil to research fossils, unaware that a strange amphibious monster known as the Gill-Man lurks underneath the dark waters.
Watch the classic trailer here.
Dracula (1931)
"Dracula" is certainly one of the classic horror movies to watch during Halloween season. In addition, Count Dracula (portrayed by Bela Lugosi) is part of the classic Halloween icons that include Frankenstein's monster and the Wolfman.
Based on a stage adaptation of the novel by Bram Stoker, the vampire Dracula hypnotizes a British soldier then travels to London, taking up residence in an old castle in the process. There, he sucks the blood of his victims and converting them into vampires at nighttime.
Here is the link to the original trailer for "Dracula." This is the link of Count Dracula introducing himself to Renfield.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
This classic horror movie can guarantee you some nightmares thanks to Wes Craven's elements of scariness and the gruesome appearance of Freddy Kruger. The first "Nightmare on Elm Street" movie, released in 1984, is part of the slasher film franchise and introduces the horror icon. In this movie, Freddy preys on teenagers in their dreams, which in turn, kills them in reality. It is up to Nancy, portrayed by Heather Langenkamp, to solve the mystery before it is too late.
To watch the original trailer, click here.
Carrie (1976)
This supernatural movie is definitely one of the classics worth watching during Halloween season. Even though the movie is not Halloween-themed, it definitely provokes a sense of suspense and a bloody prom definitely worth remembering.
Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, "Carrie" is about a young teenager (portrayed by Sissy Spacek) who faces bullying from classmates at school and abuse from her fanatically religious mother. Whenever things go out of hand, Carrie unleashes telekinetic powers against her enemies.
To watch the original trailer, click here. This is the famous part where Carrie is doused in blood.
Friday the 13th (1980)
When we think of Friday the 13th, you probably heard that it is an unlucky day and will bring misfortune. This year - 2023 - Friday the 13th was on October! The first movie, "Friday the 13th," would eventually evolve into a franchise consisting of 12 films.
Horror icon Jason Voorhees, known for his iconic hockey mask and machete, was actually not the central character in the first movie, but would later serve as the serial killer for the subsequent movies in the franchise. In fact, it was his mother, Mrs. Voorhees, who was the antagonist of the original film. In this movie, Crystal Lake hides a brutal past, which involved Jason drowning in the lake. However, that does not deter camp counselors from opening up the summer camp. Unfortunately, a group of counselors is being killed one by one by a brutal killer.
Watch the original "Friday the 13th" trailer here.
The Exorcist (1973)
"The Exorcist" has a definite sense of paranormal horror and is considered to be one of the scariest horror movies ever made. Thanks to the horrifying special effects and the sense of eeriness, get ready for a scary movie night for Halloween.
In this movie, a young girl named Regan (portrayed by Linda Blair) starts to act odd, so a priest thinks she may have been possessed by the devil. So, he enlists the help of another priest to conduct a difficult exorcism.
Click here to watch the classic trailer of "The Exorcist."
Psycho (1960)
You probably remember the famous shower scene from "Psycho," and you are probably afraid to shower after watching this classic suspense movie. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, a secretary (portrayed by Janet Leigh) steals $40,000 from her employer's client, then checks into the Bates Motel run by Norman Bates and his domineering mother.
Here is the trailer for Psycho and the infamous shower killing scene.
The Shining (1980)
While this is not a Halloween movie, "The Shining" will surely give you a dose of suspense and sends chills down your spine! You probably remember Danny Torrance reciting the backwards word for murder, "redrum," as well as the ghosts of the Grady twins. Based on Stephen King's novel, Jack Torrance takes a job as a winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel and takes his wife and son with him. The hotel harbors dark secrets and Jack slowly becomes maniac and terrorizes his family.
Here is the original teaser trailer for "The Shining."
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This movie is a wonderful addition to classic Halloween movies worth watching during this season. It combines both Halloween and Christmas into one. In this movie, pumpkin king Jack Skellington becomes tired of the regular Halloween routine. He comes across Christmas town, but attempts to bring Christmas to Halloweentown causes chaos.
For the original trailer, click here to watch it.
コメント