Top 10 Halloween movies

Part 1

It’s that time of year again: Oktoberfest is on tap everywhere, and pumpkin spice has infiltrated everything. Every publication in the world is trying to sell you their "Top Horror Movies" list, including me. However, this time of year is particularly special because it’s a chance for people who aren’t typically into horror movies to come over to our side and see what the genre has to offer. What makes this difficult for me is that I watch horror movies year-round, so there needs to be something uniquely autumnal or Halloween-themed to differentiate these films. With that in mind, let’s get into it.

10. Sleepwalkers (1992)

Why it’s on my list:
Firstly, I’m a little ashamed of how much higher I wanted to place this on the list. For me, the song "Boadicea" by Enya feels like fall. I have absolutely no idea why. I think I probably saw this movie as a child around this time of year, but that’s pure speculation. Also, there are cats—and what’s more Halloween than that?

Why you should watch it:
If you haven’t seen this, you’re in for a real treat. Have you ever wondered why there aren’t more movies about were-cats or shapeshifters? Have you ever thought about what kind of chemistry Stephen King and Clive Barker would have on screen together? This movie has were-cats, and the list of cameos is wild for a film of this budget and type. Did I mention Mark Hamill is in it?

9. Ginger Snaps (2000)

Why it’s on my list:
Teen goth girls dealing with werewolf problems isn’t good enough for you? Well, this movie has the dark atmosphere that screams Halloween. It also just so happens to take place during that "special time of the month."

Why you should watch it:
If you’ve been looking for a great Canadian teen-angst movie with a horror twist, you’ve finally found it. This is also one of those home-video heroes—it performed poorly on release but was saved by all you degenerates out there with VHS/DVD players.

8. Trick ‘R Treat (2007)

Why it’s on my list:
Firstly, I must admit this movie almost didn’t make the list until a more recent rewatch. Upon reflection, there are few films more holiday-specific than this one. I also love a good anthology film. You even get to meet a Halloween version of Ebenezer Scrooge. It features Anna Paquin before True Blood and Brian Cox before he became HBO’s favorite billionaire CEO.

Why you should watch it:
Are you looking to digest several Halloween-specific stories at once? Do you wish more of your horror movies had a “happy ending”? It’s campy but still manages to maintain its edge.

7. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Why it’s on my list:
If you’re old enough to remember the months before and after this film’s release, you’ll recall that we all thought it was real. The cast's IMDb page even listed them as deceased or missing. I can think of few movies with such an effective marketing strategy. I’m a little embarrassed to admit how long I believed it was a documentary. While this isn’t the first found-footage film, it definitely sparked a resurgence in the genre that continues to this day. And, of course, it takes place during our favorite month!

Why you should watch it:
Are you a found-footage junkie yearning for a time before GPS directions and cell phones? Have you ever been tricked into believing something was real for longer than you’re comfortable admitting? A word of caution: if you’re prone to motion sickness, have some Dramamine ready before pressing play.

6. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

Why it’s on my list:
Are you kidding? It’s the return of Michael Myers! Growing up in the Midwest, the intro sequence feels like injecting fall straight into my veins. Also, can you imagine being the ambulance driver tasked with transporting Michael Myers on October 30th? It’s okay to take a sick day now and then to stay home and watch movies.

Why you should watch it:
Have you ever wondered what it would look like if Michael Myers chose the least intimidating mask in his wardrobe for his evil deeds? Ever considered whether a pickup truck full of rednecks is the solution to a serial killer problem? Seriously though—who approved that mask? Yes, Jamie Lee Curtis isn’t in this one, but it’s still a Halloween must-watch.

I hope you enjoyed the first five of my top ten Halloween movies. If you’re a fan of sequels that are better than the originals, I know you’ll subscribe and be here next week for the five best Halloween movies. I’m always looking to hear from you! What’s your prediction for the number one spot? Also, if you think 10-6 is terrible, let’s hear why!