final girl 🔪 lacey

Criteria: Takes place on April Fool’s Day, or features a prank-gone-wrong and people regretting it.

1. April Fool’s Day (1986)

This is a pretty run-of-the-mill slasher flick, until you get to the end. There’s actually more than one twist. So I found it really enjoyable. It also all takes place on April Fool’s Day (hence the name). Rotten Tomatoes Score: 41%

trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5kqwEzidks

2. Slaughter High (1986)

Features a prank-gone-wrong on April Fool’s Day and the kid’s revenge at a 10-year high school reunion. Audience Score: 33%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln2n9ZyUflA

3. Killer Party (1986)

Apparently 1986 was the year of the Apri Fool’s Day horror films. This film features a frat party at an abandoned haunted house. There’s a possession involved. Its a little different than the first two. Audience Score: 40%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSbACF9xPFw

4. I’m Just F*cking With You (2019)

Another film from Hulu’s Into the Dark series, this film features a traveler, who is secretly an Internet troll, who meets a psycho motel manager who torments him with escalating practical jokes. Audience score: 60%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2VrkYlkYPA

5. April Fool's Day (2008)

This film is dubbed a “remake” of the 1986 film, but apart from the name and the twist ending (and other twist ending), this film has nothing in common with the first film. So it gets its own number on this list. Give it a watch, there are attractive people on it. Audience score: 17%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NCqDLdsYSE

6. Carrie (1976) 92%

Obviously not an April Fool’s Day film per se, but it does involve a prank-gone-wrong and the people involved regretting it. So I’m counting it! #DEALWITHIT Rotten tomatoes score: 92%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuO26oJQLVs

7. The House on Sorority Row (1983) 56%

Kinda a confusing plot, but once it all comes together it makes sense. Also a prank-gone-wrong movie. Full of revenge, at a party. Again. There is also a remake of this one, and it has some of the more brutal kills that I’ve seen. Rotten tomatoes score: 56%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXuAbe4OUJE

8. Hell Night (1981) 56

Another frat ritual pranking-gone-wrong. People die, a final girl survives. Whats interesting about this one is the final girl is actually the actress who plays Regan on The Exorcist (Linda Blair)! Give it a watch! Rotten tomatoes score: 56%

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrzWXF5SUm8

9. Urban legend (1998) 

This film is underrated in my opinion. It features some of the best urban legends you’ve ever heard. But also a prank that involves the death of a bystander. So its on the list. Plus Jared Leto. mmmmmm. Jared Leto.  Rotten tomatoes score: 21% 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4d1_D90BwU

10. Joy Ride (2001)

This film features two guys who prank a lonely truck driver, and pay the price. I actually love this film. Paul Walker and Steve Zahn are so young! WATCH IT! Rotten tomatoes score: 74%

1. Contagion (2011)

Remember that movie where Gwyneth Paltrow dies in the like the first 10 min? This is that one. Where they follow the path of the virus as is moves from person to person.  Maybe after watching this one people will be more likely to stay home during this viral crisis. Seriously. You’ll be giving it to innocent people. Stay home, idiots. 85% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sYSyuuLk5g

2.Outbreak (1995)

Staring Dustin Hoffman and Rene Russo, this one is about stopping an outbreak in a small town before they simply have to bomb the whole place into oblivion, killing thousands of innocent people. The moral dilemma is in place, kill thousands to save millions? What would you do to save the people you love? Whether infected or not? What if this disease was also created as a biological weapon? 60% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5povsMKfT4

3. 93 Days (2016)

This film  is about the real-life 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria and its successful containment by health workers from a Lagos hospital. This one is very emotional, as you learn about each hospital employee who lost their lives due to one patient’s lie about his exposure to the disease. It is also uplifting as well. There is a lot of prayer and church involved, just to warn those who may not be prepared. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPeNgs6bMkY

4.The Andromeda Strain (1971)

Based on a novel by Micheal Crichton, this film takes place after a satellite crashes close to a small town in Arizona. It brings with it a deadly alien contagion that wipes out the entire town except for two survivors. The story follows the team of scientists that work to eliminate the virus before it spreads. This one is very sci-fi, definely less realistic. But a good watch, or read if you have the time. 69% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMbSpnlOOtE

5. The Crazies (1973) & (2010)

Whether watching the original or the remake, Trixie one biological weapon you definitely don’t want anywhere near you or your loved ones. Those infected go “crazy” and murder their loved ones as well as commit scary suicides.

The original follows the town effected by the virus and the team trying to fight it. The remake has way more gore, and only follows the sheriff and his pregnant wife as they try to survive the bloody-thirsty townsfolk and the scared military. 67% Rotten Tomatoes Score for 1973 version, 71% for 2010 version.

Trailers - (1973) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyHyp7hmmsA (2010) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7w9uWFIMBs

6. 28 Days Later (2003)

Alright, can’t have a virus list without at least one or two zombie films, right? This movie is always on lists like this. A zombie outbreak happens due to animal rights activists, and 28 days later, a bicycle messenger wakes up from a coma (in London) to find what has happened to the world during his absence. He and several other survivors work to stay alive.  87% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7ynwAgQlDQ

7. Stephen King’s The Stand (1994)

A four-part miniseries tells the horror story of King's "The Stand." A supervirus that leaked from a lab kills most of the population in what appears to be the plague. The survivors fight to stay alive as they break into groups of good and evil, and then the last episode is “the stand” between good and evil. More religiously apocalyptic than the rest, but not a bad (long) watch.70% Rotten Tomatoes Score 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsMp2pZK-Cw

8. Train to Busan (2016)

Here’s another zombie movie! A man, his estranged daughter, and other passengers become trapped on a speeding train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea. 93% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDSv79OktgY

9. Cabin Fever (2002)

Eli Roth is VERY attractive, I just wish his movies were better. Another zombie flick, but takes place in a cabin with a group of friends.VERY GORY Give it a go.62% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A10CG-eXCKY

10. Pandemic (2016) 44%

This one is interesting. Zombie flick, but it goes a different route than the rest. Give it a watch as well. I personally enjoyed it. 44% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SllHJHiSwpo

11. Rec (2007) 

The original (better) version oft he movie Quarantine, this one is about a TV host who gets trapped in an apartment building due to a quarantine following a virus who gives the infected super-human strength. A found-footage first person, but done fairly well. 89% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLizS5GFBQI

12. 12 Monkeys (1995)

Two words; Time trippy. A prisoner from the 2030′s travels back to 1996 to stop a plague that exterminates the majority of the world’s population and drives whats left of mankind underground. He gets sent to the wrong time and then the right time and its confusing. But worth a watch (I also think there’s a show now, too?). 90% Rotten Tomatoes Score

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15s4Y9ffW_o

Honorable Mention - World War Z

-THE BOOK-

The book is SO SO SO much better than the movie. So the book made it on the list, not the movie. If you’re self-quarantining like you should be, you have time to give this a read or a listen. DO IT!

Criteria: Movies that take place around or during Valentine’s Day.

1. My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Can’t beat the best. Anatomical hearts, gas masks, and miners. (I’m literally watching this while making this list).

2. Valentine (2001)

Never turn a nerd down at a Valentine’s Day School Dance. Revenge is sometimes served  David Boreanaz-style. (Sexy-af.)

3. My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)

Remakes aren’t always terrible. This one, however, is. Give it a watch anyways. 

4. St Valentine’s Day Massacre (1967)

Okay so this one is a documentary. But who doesn’t love crime documentaries?

5. Hospital Massacre (1981)

This one is trippy to say the least. But its still a V-Day horror movie.

6. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

This one isn’t exactly a horror. Kinda a mystery. But give it a try. 

Criteria: Movies involving loops in time. Meaning repeating the same hour, same time, and same place over and over.

1. Time Lapse (2014)

Everything changes in the lives of three friends when they find a camera that predicts the future.

2. The Endless (2017)

Two brothers go to a cult that they had escaped from as children...for some reason. They soon learn why no one else leaves. And escape again to save their lives or be doomed for the same fate.

3. In the Tall Grass (2019)

Another Stephen King adaptation created by Nexflix, this one takes forever before you figure out that not only are simultaneous timelines involved it all loops. Definitely makes me nervous when driving next to TALL GRASS!! 🌿🌱🍃😱

4. Happy Death Day (2017)

Personal Fave. A girl has to relieve her Birthday and murder over and over. She tries to solve her murder and hope it’ll stop the time loop.

5. Groundhog Day (1993)

Cause the whole list is based on it. Duh.

BONUS — Russian Doll (2019)

Thanks goes to Netflix yet again for this list. It’s a series, not just a movie. But it’s amazing!!

rCriteria: Has to take place on or around the New Year, or simply takes place mostly at one party or event. (This list was hard to compile).

Antisocial (2013)

Zombie Apocalypse on New Year’s Eve?! Yup. You’re welcome.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCM4Uu7DC2w

Day Watch (2006)

Sequel to Night Watch (2004). Supernatural guardians help protect the forces of light a darkness. Check it out 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtVD97ss7rU

Into the Dark: New Year, New You (2018)

A group of girls get together to ring in the new year. When they play “Never Have I Ever”, the night twists into a thriller. Another Into the Dark movie. Available on Hulu

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoiHyngQQsU

New Year’s Evil (1980)

Lonely women wanting to celebrate New Year's Eve become easy prey for a maniacal murdering misogynist whose New Year's resolution is to kill women at every stroke of midnight.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tivSU9zQXfs

Terror Train (1980)

A canadian slasher starring none other than Jamie Lee Curtis! Its another cliche slasher flick. Dangerous killer seeking revenge. But give this one a try anyways.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn2ks-w-Lqo

End of Days (1999)

Another Apocalyptic New Year! Starring  Arnold Schwarzenegger.  This was of course released around the time of the Y2K prediction. Fitting, eh?

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzkwtbyiaME

Into the Dark: Midnight Kiss (2019)

Playing on the tradition, this Into the Dark episode film centers around the coveted “Midnight Kiss”. Finding an attractive stranger and kissing them at midnight. Never use someone and throw them away. They will seek revenge, wearing a weird dog mask thing. 

Trailer -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FG33I0ZJxM

Steel Trap (2007)

This released then the Saw films were popular,  so unsurprisingly this is about dangerous guy who locks people up in a STEEL TRAP. Yes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miJuqEtLYxw

Midnighters (2017)

When a couple accidentally hit a man with their car, they put him in the backseat and go home to avoid the consequences.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9vMvpn9P40

Bloody New Year (1987)

Six teens are warped back in time to a 1959 News Years party in a hotel. Haunted by a terrible presence it is not long before a series of horrible and deadly events unfold. Will any of the unfortunate teens make it through the macabre celebration.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCSN7LLOVNc

The Exhibitionists (2012)

Filmmaker Walter Todd exploits his friends and family during a New Year's Eve party by exposing their darkest secrets and sexual perversions. Staring Laverne Cox from Orange is the New Black!

Trailer - https://www.traileraddict.com/the-exhibitionists/trailer

Cronos (1993)

Ok. So, it’s not exactly as though the plot hinges on the holiday, but New Year’s Eve does factor into the narrative and a major scene set at a New Year’s ball. An antique dealer finds a 400-year-old scarab that, when it latches onto him, grants him youth and eternal life -- but also a thirst for blood. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cc4T64SxoZA

The Signal (2007)

Mya (Anessa Ramsey) and Ben (Justin Welborn) are very much in love, but she cannot quite find the courage to leave her awful husband, Lewis (A.J. Bowen). However, when a mysterious transmission starts turning people, including Lewis, into murderous maniacs, the lovers must go on the run.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy6Akrt4ePQ

Night of the Virgin (2016)

Nico, a naive 20-year-old, is determined to lose his virginity at a New Year's Eve party. When he finds Medea, a cunning and attractive mature woman, he thinks he finally has a chance, but Medea has much more sinister plans.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS5M3BbJgvg

Ghost Keeper (1981)

Three travellers find themselves trapped overnight at a deserted Rocky Mountain hotel, guests of a bizarre host.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OT7x9rPtTU

Criteria: Movies that take place on or around the Christmas Holiday. Unfortunately I didn’t choose horror films around the other winter holidays. And I apologize. 

The 12 days of Christmas starts this Saturday, the 14th. Here are 12 movies for you to watch each day, with the last movie being watched on Christmas. 

Jack Frost (1997)

This isn’t the 199 movie with Micheal Keaton (although they’re both equally terrible). This is another ridiculous movies you have to see to believe. A freak accident causes a notorious serial killer to become a murdering snowman. Seriously. That’s the plot. Watch and enjoy. You’re welcome.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev0NkYfkgYE

2. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

Who needs a serial killing toy-store Santa? EVERYONE OF COURSE! This movie provides a pretty standard slasher movie. However, this one happens to take place around Christmas. And the killer is in a Santa suit.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNBJfv5pIdY

3. Treevenge (2008)

Killer Santa's, killer snowmen, killer TREES? Yes. This only a 15 minute video. And the amount of hilarious gore they fit in is just superb. I love this one.

THE WHOLE MOVIE - https://vimeo.com/5048966

4. Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

Christmas. Zombie. Musical. Does anything else need to be said?

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfWIfwKJ7vA

5. Pooka! (2018)

If you’ve actually been reading these posts, you’ll have read about my love and support for the Into the Dark series on Hulu. This is the Christmas movie/episode from last year. Its weird and trippy, but also kinda puts a whole new spin on the Christmas Carol. Try it out.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciGTk80JkbI

6. Better Watch Out (2017)

A Christmas home invasion movie. Or is it? This one is a Shudder exclusive. Give it a try if you can.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b88Z3Xa9v4s

7. P2 (2007)

Surviving your stalker while trapped in a parking garage with him over Christmas break? She does it. The final girl is the only girl in this flick. Yes, the dog dies, but it won’t be overly upsetting. Don’t worry. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZiThcBydSA

8. Gremlins (1984) 

What? Did you forget this was a Christmas movie? It is. Watch it. Love it. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9DNOuEv7iI

9. Black Christmas (1974)

Don’t be confused by the remake they did in 2006. Or by the SECOND remake they did this year. The original is always the best. This is one of the movie that helped pave the way for other Slasher films. Plus the body in the attic is more and more disturbing each time someone else finds it. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iqLGD7C6VM

10. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)

This movie is so so good. It ties together four different Christmas stories in one night. And then there’s William Shatner. Honestly I can’t recommend this one enough. So underrated!

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z3ybMTpqFw

11. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

I know, I know. I hate subtitles too. But seriously this one is gold. ITS SO GOOD!! WATCH IT!  THEN FIND ME AND TALK TO ME ABOUT IT!

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwT3wtUCv9Y

12. Krampus (2015)

If you recall my favorite Halloween movie, you know I’m a huge fan of Micheal Dougherty. He directed this film as well. And I adore it. It might be bias but this movie is just so fun. So many levels of horror with a dash of whimsy. So yes. On the last day of Christmas, watch this one. You won’t be disappointed. 

Criteria: Horror movies that take place on or around Thanksgiving. (Or at least take place during a meal of some kind.)

1. Thankskilling (2008) & Thankskilling 3 (2012)

Be warned, this movie is super raunchy, super inappropriate, super gory, and super fun to watch. However, its not for the tame movie watchers our there. The first film is simply about a turkey (named Turkie), who decides to go on a murder spree. Yes, its exactly as pointless as it sounds. But its a ton of fun to watch and laugh at. (As for Thankskilling 3, its about how the last copy of Thankskilling 2 is stolen bu puppets and Turkie has to fight to obtain it. So actually Thanksgiving 3 is actually the real sequel). Give it a go! It’ll give you something to think about while eating your turkies. Oh, I mean TURKEYS.

Trailer for Original - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPlg9U5YbY4

Trailer for sequel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-u5baokRi0

2. Addams Family Values (1993)

Not a horror movie, but hilarious. And pretty dark. Who could forget the First Thanksgiving play? It’s also a movie about family, so it fits.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVlPzTPLC4M

3. Kristy (2014)

This one takes place at a college where a girl is the only one on campus over Thanksgiving break. Its a decent and kinda unique movie about survival and individuality. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZK6ZiiOUuk

4. Boogeyman (2005)

Not necessarily a Thanksgiving movie, but it does take place on a man’s visit home for Thanksgiving. This man lost his dad as a child by “The Boogeyman”. When he comes home, he confronts his childhood terror. (Its hard to find Thanksgiving horror movies, so deal with this being on the list (and the next movie as well). 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWzP5EjGHDY

5. You’re Next (2011)

This one really isn’t set around Thanksgiving, but its takes place during a big family meal, so I think it fits in this list (fight me). But this is also one of those movies that takes a common slasher story and turns it upside down so we get something somewhat fresh and watchable. So it gets an exception on this list.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufUQWpEkbf0

Bonus: Pilgrim (2019)

If you haven’t heard me talk about it, Hulu has a series that I really enjoy. Its called “Into the Dark”, which is produced by Blumhouse. Its an anthology series that has a new full length horror film each month to help celebrate the seasons. This month movie is called “Pilgrim”. Its kinda a home invasion movie but also bring more than that to the table (Get it? TABLE! THANKSGIVING TABLE!). Give this one a try on Hulu or on Plex. And check out some of the other movies from this series. (There are now 14 of them. All full length.)

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GWYyOGhNR0

Criteria: Non-animated movies that were released before the year 2000. They were odd, unnecessarily scary, and will always be remembered fondly.

1. Labyrinth (1986)

You remind me of the babe. David Bowie’s bulge. Enough (or never enough) said.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT_xpFZe20A

2. The Neverending Story (1984)

If you take out the creepy pedophile-ish luck dragon, this movie is amazing. However, I’m still not over the death of  Artax. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3DcWtkKeIY

3. Dark Crystal (1982)

Nightmare fuel. But super artistically done. If you’re sensing an irrational fear of puppets from this list, you’d be correct. I haven’t watch the show on Netflix yet, but I’ve heard good things. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3_owZfYVR8

4. Time Bandits (1981)

Classic. Scary. Educational? Stand by for mind control.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vioocIR0gHQ

5. Legend (1985)

Tim Curry. Devil.   Tome Cruise. Young. Give it a go. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kxJTC4BHqQ

5. Dragonheart (1996)

Severly underated dragon movie. Dennis Quaid and Sean Connery are awesome in this one. Why would’t you want to watch this? Not scary but still decent fantasy.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF9tgeo1HuA

7. Ladyhawke (1985)

I’ll be honest, I actually didn’t see this one till recently, but I know a lot of people of a similar age did see it. And I really enjoyed it, so it gets a decent spot on this list. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs4o_5jyhw

8. Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

My memory of this one was foggy, but it holds up. Whether you remember it or not, give it a watch. Its been remade - most recently is Race to Witch Mountain with Dwayne Johnson.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnhcZXZMajQ

9. Return to Oz (1985)

Oh. my. gosh. this. movie.

Never attempt to watch classic movie sequels. This one is the worst. The fun quirky adventure that is The Wizard of Oz has turned into a horrible mess between purgatory and hell, But for some reason making this list makes me want to watch this one, so I guess lessons must be learned more than once. 

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qSkoAvDWVU

10. Willow (1988)

Another fantastic fantasy film. Gotta love it.

11. Witches (1990)

Absolutley horrifying. I know a few people that say this movie ruined their childhood. I believe it.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rsvEPzrZKM

12. Little Monsters (1989)

Fred Savage was such a little asshole - I mean cutie! Such a little CUTIE! To be honest, this one just wasn’t one of my favorites. But it was made for kids, and it is mildly scary.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN0rM9vTTEU

13. The Last Starfighter (1984)

This one is also super underated. Its funny and adventurous. Not super scary but a great sci-fi.

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q-Qs3loKoc

14. Batteries Not Included (1987)

This one is cute. Cute aliens. Cute elderly folks. Cute story. Cute.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fBdAHwFAf0

15. Short Circuit (1986)

Silly robots from the 80′s.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR7DMY1Z4Bk

Reminder - Most of these are on Plex and are available to watch. 

Criteria: Horror movies that take place on Halloween or the holiday happens at some point in the movie. 

1. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

No better Halloween movie has ever been made. This is not only one of my favorite Halloween movies, its one of my favorite movies ever made. Fans have been chomping at the bit for a sequel from Michael Dougherty for the last 12 years, and I’ve never given up hope. However, there were some comic books based on this film that have been released. (I have them, I can lend them out if you’re interested.

Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ66Htmmq4M 

2. Halloween (1978) / Halloween (2018)

Two Birds; One Stone. You can’t have a Halloween film list without putting John Carpenter’s Halloween slasher flick. And because its in the same franchise, I added last years killer skip-sequel Halloween film. Directed by David Gordon Green. I’ve also recently discovered that Green will also be directing two more Halloween/Michael Myers film in 2020 and 2021. It might be a money grab, but i can’t say I wouldn’t be thrilled for more.

1978 trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHuOtLTQ_1I 2018 trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek1ePFp-nBI

3.The Crow (1994)

It can’t rain all the time. Brandon Lee RIP

Trailer-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5uPZ7ocsqA

4. Idle Hands (1999)

Super underrated comedy. Ridiculous, but that’s where it hides its charm. A young cast, small amount of gore. Decapitation, emergency amputation, Jessica Alba. What else could you want?

trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcVrp--9UUc

5. Murder Party  (2007)

This movie is such gold. I can’t believe its flown so under the radar. Its hilarious but also does have some horror aspects as it progresses. Definitely worth a watch. Or maybe I’ve been living under a rock for the last 12 years. Made by a group of nonprofessionals called “The Lab of Maddness” and a budget of zero, they green-lighted this this film on their own. They worked their assess off with a very cold studio with little staff and cast. The finished result is so great.  Okay, rant over. Check it out.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdoGi5RwaC0

6. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Gotta put in a Tim Burton, right? I actually really love this movie. With a bunch of underrated films in this list I give you an overrated one. Just judge gently.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RsKwn_Je1k

7. Donnie Darko (2001)

Fortunately this movie is enough of a cult classic that most people have seen it. Its a trippy ride but also melts in a feeling of dread and unease. Bunny masks. Yeah. Never the same again.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzLn8sYeM9o

8. Ginger Snaps (2000)

Werewolves on Halloween? Who would’ve thought? These sisters also appear in two more movies together in this small franchise. Decent movies. Pry a must watch for the genre savvy. 

trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRXT1J0kqdY

9. The Hollow (2015)

This one is very unique and I just recently discovered it. I really enjoyed it. Give it a watch as well. 

trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYvp4BkcpcE

10. Hellions (2015)

And interesting end to our Halloween List. Critics didn’t like it but I did. Decide for yourself.

Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJFMadL6ddI

This movie list has to include Halloween at some point in the film. These are family/kid friendly films that stand above the rest.

1. Hocus Pocus (1993)

This is just the best Halloween movie in general. If you disagree, you’re simply not correct. Come little children, the times come to play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t05xT1D5VpI

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

One of my favorite movies ever. Putting Tim Burton on the map, this is the only time you’re actually allowed to think about Christmas before December. Life’s no fun without a good scare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr6N_hZyBCk

3.Halloweentown (1998)

This one is directly out of my childhood. Definitely an all-time fave. Judge if ye must. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k-N-weEkso

4. Casper (1995)

Can I keep you? More nostalgia. 

https://i.ytimg.com/an_webp/e8RATQJIngU/mqdefault_6s.webp?du=3000&sqp=CLS0ne0F&rs=AOn4CLA3IsXtp4gN2YFg25kMdQQbHAZ1PQ

5. Fun Size (2012)

This movie is so much better than it has any right to be. It’s so so funny for a Nickelodeon movie! Seriously give it a chance if you haven’t seen it. It is PG-13, though, so just be aware. You also get a pre-Evil Dead/Castle Rock/Don’t Breathe Jane Levy. A scream queen that’s giving even Jamie Lee Curtis.

https://i.ytimg.com/an_webp/TPaYkQc1Ylw/mqdefault_6s.webp?du=3000&sqp=CNClne0F&rs=AOn4CLCvdQ_bUD8xSbZ8wVgDl_wh2Ta83g

 6.The Addams Family (1991)

You can’t think Halloween without thinking about the the creepy, cooky, altogether ooky Addam’s Family. *snap snap*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G388UMkJIBE

7.E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Was I the only one who thought E.T. was scary as hell? The fear has obviously faded with time. Getting #7 on this list and all... still better than Mac and Me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYAETtIIClk

8. Monster House (2006)

Seemed odd to leave this one off. It was a little past my younger years but its still a cute film. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEkeZhWbW7U

9. Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

This one apparently is a lot of people’s favorite movie. Honestly the humor this movie boasts isn’t really my thing. Plus holy crap that troll is 100% nightmare fuel. But here ya go errrbody. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SjYoYUfh-w

10. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)

Classic. No Halloween movie list should be without this one. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N4-HDlgo40

BONUS ROUND!! Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Films!

The Book of Life (2014)

This one is another movie that didn’t get as much attention as it should have. It’s so cute and has a cute message. Give it a go as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i69CJc1BgE

Coco

This one is so fun to watch too. Happy tears and giggles!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6RYejo6Hk

Criteria: Horror movies that take place in the fall season, but don’t take place on Halloween. (Halloween will be getting its own list.)

1. Scarecrow (1988)

This is honestly just a decent horror movie regardless of when you watch it. It gets in your head and slowly fills you with dread as the story continues. The weirdest part is that most of the characters are criminals, but they still don’t deserve this fate. Fairly disturbing and pretty gory.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=scarecrows+1988

2. Children of the Corn (1984)

Yep. This one. He Who Walks Behind the Rows. Corn. Nebraska. People burning. Creepy kids. Thanks, Stephen King. Decent amount of gore. You will fear children after this watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJLOIlgI1LE

3. Pumpkinhead (1988)

The word pumpkin is why this is a fall season movie. (Lame, I know.) But Pumpkinhead is such an underrated creature. He does have sequel films,but the original is so twisted. This movie actually scared me as a kid. And it holds up. Give it a watch, or a rewatch. Adequate amounts of gore in this creature feature.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uIQ4Zn9Ijc

4. Husk (2011)

Okay so I put more than one scarecrow movie on this list, but this movie has a new original idea. Not super scary, but an interesting watch. Once again, plenty of gore. Bonus: The final girl is a final guy, kinda.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKIBH4nqM8o

Just look at this face, though. Chilling. 

5. Jeepers Creepers (2001)

This one just feels like a fall harvest time movie. Plus the creeper pretends to be a scarecrow sometimes. But this is just a classic. A part of the essential horror criteria that I’m pretending is a thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T7TFIOZ2xU