Do you know that we are in the heart of autumn? The month is October, and what do we celebrate every October 31st?

Of course, Halloween!

And how are we going to celebrate it this year? Don't worry, I have chosen only for you the cream of the crop of the best horror movies, and you get to choose if you want to watch them with company (or without), with a couch (or without), with a TV (hard without).

So let's see, what are we going to watch!

Halloween

Halloween without Halloween... it can't happen! With a total of 13 (!) movies in the franchise, it might seem difficult to choose which one to watch. Maybe not, let's move on.

Of course, we start with the first and best: the movie Halloween by the one and only John Carpenter, who incidentally wrote, directed, and composed the music for the film, which hit theaters in 1978 and among the 13 movies, it is undoubtedly the most popular. And not without reason, as it was the first time we saw the -almost immortal- Michael Myers and Jamie Lee Curtis making their debut on the big screen.

In case you haven't seen it, you should. The story is simple, concise, and straightforward: little Michael Myers on Halloween night kills his older sister and 15 whole years later, when he becomes a full-grown man, escapes from the asylum and returns to his hometown to kill... again!

For the more hardcore fans, there is always the option for a marathon of all 13 movies. Of course, it's difficult if not impossible, we're talking about a total of 20 hours and 44 minutes!

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Second option, let's go for a different style. Stop-motion animation this time, with the signature of Tim Burton, and music by Danny Elfman, the movie is a small masterpiece that you can watch every year again and again without getting bored until your old age, humming along with the protagonist Jack Skellington "This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween, Halloween!".

Long story short, our protagonist is Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town. One day he discovers that there is another town, that of Christmas, and enchanted by it, he decides to bring Christmas to his own town. Let's say at this point that things do not turn out as our protagonist would like, and that's where the story ends.

The movie is suitable for you if you want to celebrate Halloween but are a bit more afraid of horror movies, as well as for children, preferably over 12 years old. And if you like it a lot, of course, you can watch it at Christmas too!

Oh, and one last thing! Believe it or not, it's a Walt Disney movie!

The Conjuring

Are you one of the lucky ones and haven't seen it yet? Well, your time has come! If you're afraid of horror movies, this one is guaranteed to make your legs tremble, so please make sure to watch it with company and not alone in the dark. The talented James Wan directs this amazing horror movie, and in case his name is unfamiliar to you, the guy has movies like Saw, Insidious, Fast & Furious, and Aquaman in his portfolio. You could call it talent!

Let's get to the heart of the matter. A couple that investigates paranormal phenomena is called to help a family living in a huge house in the middle of nowhere, which is terrorized daily by "dark" presences that definitely don't have their best interests at heart. Want more? The movie is partially based on some real events. Not exactly pleasant!

So, if you belong to the other category and have seen it, then I have an alternative suggestion for you. How about The Conjuring Universe? 8 little movies that are anything but relaxing, you can watch them either in the order they were released or chronologically based on the events in the movies, starting with The Nun (2018) and ending with The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). All together, they total just 9 hours and 10 minutes. Like Lord of the Rings (not the extended versions, those are a whole different story!)

The Shining

Ah, where do I even begin. First of all, the film is based on a book by Stephen King, so if you belong to the category of “I read the book first and then watch the movie,” like me, it’s worth it — get it yesterday. If you’re not into reading, the film is by Stanley Kubrick, and Jack Nicholson plays the father’s role brilliantly — as always — what more do you want. The plot? Let me tell you.

Jack, an unemployed former alcoholic family man and father, finds a job at an isolated hotel that closes for the winter and needs someone to maintain it. So he loads up the family in the car and goes, but along the way things don’t go as they should. All alone and in the middle of nowhere, stranded in the snow up on the mountain, how could it go well. On the other hand, though, they may not be all that alone. ;)

The film is not at #64 on IMDB by chance, and in case you liked it, know that it also has a sequel. A second book following the first, which of course was also made into a film in 2019, starring Ewan McGregor and titled Doctor Sleep.

Trick 'r Treat

Reaching the end of our list, we have a movie that clearly smells like Halloween. Although it doesn't compare to the previous giants in the genre, it is still an enjoyable, friendly little movie that is especially pleasant to watch on this day. 

5 different stories intertwine, as they all coincidentally happen on Halloween. And the menu has a bit of everything: a school principal with a secret life, a college student who finds the love of her life, a group of teenagers pulling a big prank, and so on and so forth. All the stories are connected, and of course, they teach us one super important lesson; why every year we must celebrate Halloween!

In closing, I have the following to add:

• If you're not very good with horror movies, Halloween is the one and only time of the year when you can turn the tables and make your heart stone. In any other case, it's just an extra opportunity to watch your favorite horror movie for the 1008th time. 
• Horror movies need atmosphere. That's why you dim the lights, light candles if you're a connoisseur, and organize a horror movie Halloween night with friends at home. Popcorn, chips, sodas, drinks, blankets, and everyone together on the couch. This feeling cannot be compared to any other type of movie.
• On the other hand, of course, if you don't want to be with 100 people gathered, you choose the right horror movie, cuddle up with your other half, and spend the whole night just cuddling. Literally. You won't want anything else, you might even go to the bathroom together so you won't be scared.
• Finally, if you don't have another half, your friends can't make it, and you end up staying home alone, no problem my dear reader, I have the solution for you too. Put on a horror movie you've seen before (so you don't have to sleep with all the lights on afterward), create an atmosphere exactly as you like it, cuddle up with your blanket, a big teddy bear, and your favorite snacks, and don't worry; you'll never be truly alone at home. Mwahahaha!

Happy Halloween!!!

Discover even more in Halloween: Everything you need for the most “spooky” celebration!