The months leading up to Halloween and the day itself are a time when I revisit some of my favorite movies that fit the tone and atmosphere of the season. Whileplenty of them fall into the horror category and have scary moments,many incorporate humor and satire into their stories, giving them added depth and commenting on the genre. Of course, classics likeScream,The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, andHalloweenare perfect for watching this time of year, andhorror movie franchises with legendary final girlsare some of my favorites.
However, these movies are so synonymous with horror that I watch them almost any time of year. Conversely,my Halloween picks are projects that don’t feel right to watch when there isn’t a chill in the air.Some of themost underrated Halloween movieshave gained notoriety throughout the past few years. I’m always interested in uncovering hidden gems that explore new territory within the niche of Halloween films. While not all of these movies are set during the fall months, they share themes that suit a night-in in October better than anything.
Jennifer’s Body
Cast
Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody, Jennifer’s Body is a horror-comedy film starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. When a newly possessed high school cheerleader (Fox) turns into a succubus specializing in seducing and killing her male classmates, her best friend (Seyfried) is the only thing that stands in the way of her sultry killing spree.
It’s tragic thatJennifer’s Bodywas one of thebiggest Halloween movie box office flopsof its time. However, the reevaluation surrounding its quality has made up for the initial failure.The sharp script and hilarious dialogue from the writer, Diablo Cody, is one of my favorite parts of the film,as the quips between Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried never get old. Though it was mismarketed at the time of its release and framed as a vehicle to objectify the women in the film, this isn’t the movie’s intention (viaIndiewire).
Her revenge takes the form of eating boys and some fun body horror moments throughout the narrative.
The film attempts to unpack the complexities and nuance of relationships between young womenand gives Jennifer the power back over her body and her life after she’s exploited because of it. Her revenge takes the form of eating boys and some fun body horror moments throughout the narrative. Though Fox and Seyfried are brilliant as Jennifer and Needy, the movie is enhanced by the supporting roles. As one ofAdam Brody’s best movies,Jennifer’s Body
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Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein is a comedic homage to classic horror films, directed by Mel Brooks. Released in 1974, it stars Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who inherits his infamous grandfather’s castle. Initially dismissive of his ancestor’s work, he later becomes intrigued by his experiments after discovering a hidden journal.
Out of Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks' many collaborations,Young Frankensteinmight be the very best and is certainly my favorite. As with most of Brooks' projects,Young Frankensteinpokes fun at the tropes of the monster movie genre, utilizing the familiar beats of Mary Shelley’s famous noveland subverting them. Hilarious from start to finish,Young Frankensteinis the perfect movie to watch when you’re not looking for thrills or scares but still want a film with a little edge.
WhileYoung Frankensteinwas made for viewers who love monster movies, it also connects with audiences who aren’t as aware of the beats ofFrankenstein. Brooks and Wilder craft a plot that is funny and nostalgic on its own, not just as a pastiche. It’s incredible to revisitYoung Frankensteinbecause of how well it holds up today. Though there are some dated elements,the humor has a distinctly modern feel that easily translates to the contemporary era.
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Clue
Based on the classic board game, Clue features an ensemble cast that includes Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Michael McKean, Martin Mull, and Lesley Ann Warren. In the film, six strangers, each with a dark secret, are lured to a mansion by a mysterious blackmailer who is then killed when everyone has arrived. The group, accompanied by the butler and the maid, must work together to determine who the murderer is before it’s too late.
Basing a movie on a board game was a risky move, and thoughCluewas far from an instant hit with critics and audiences, it’s become a cult classic and a film I love to revisit. With performances from actors like Tim Curry and Christopher Lloyd,Clue’s slapstick script works thanks to the cast,who commit themselves to their over-the-top roles and every potential whodunit ending. The multiple conclusions to the story are a hilarious cap on the narrative and connect the movie to the game.
WhileClueisn’t the most innovative mystery-comedy, it rises above its formulaic plotting because of how fun it is to spend time with the characters.
WhileClueisn’t the most innovative mystery-comedy, it rises above its formulaic plotting because of how fun it is to spend time with the characters. With the rise in popularity of whodunit movies like theKnives Outseries and Kenneth Branagh’s adaptations of Agatha Christie’s novels,it’s fun to watchClueand see how much the mystery genre has evolved as well as stayed the same.Many of the most iconic parts ofClue, like its iconic setting, have influenced the best thriller stories.
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The Cabin in the Woods
The Cabin in the Woods strictly follows the traditional slasher movie dynamic: a group of teens heads to a remote location for the weekend only to find themselves beset by monsters. However, what they don’t know is that the inevitable horrors they will face have all been arranged by a mysterious team watching from a facility deep underground.
Though there’s a lot to love about traditional slasher movies and horror films, there’s no question that there are parts of the genre to be critical of.The Cabin in the Woodsattempts to unpack both the criticisms and the best parts of exploitative and gory movies that are so prevalent in cinema. The story unfolds similarly to a traditional horror flick but with a compelling twist that subverts the archetypes and pitfalls of traditional scary movies.
The nihilistic edge ofThe Cabin in the Woodsis what initially drew me to the project, andI’ve always liked how the film interrogates the viewer as much as it does the antagonists of the story.In many ways, the villains and their manipulation of events are a stand-in for the voyeuristic enjoyment audiences get out of violent movies. It’s an interesting commentary, but it doesn’t get too heavy-handed, as the project delivers plenty of laughs and some great jump scares.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
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Monster House
Monster House is a 2006 animated film directed by Gil Kenan. The story follows three teenagers who discover that a seemingly haunted house in their neighborhood is actually a living, breathing entity. As they investigate, they uncover the sinister secrets lurking within the house’s walls.
Ever since I was first introduced toMonster Houseas a kid, it both entranced and haunted me. Though I don’t find the movie as scary as I once did, it’s still just as compelling and serves as a time capsule of early 2000s animation, using a style and aesthetic that’s difficult to find in filmmaking today. Blending the story of a haunting with the familiar beats of the coming-of-age story,Monster Houseremains relatable to all audiences, and the experiences of the protagonist, D.J., are universal.
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The story ofMonster Houseis surprisingly emotional and poignant, hiding a sentimental and valuable message within the fantastical ride of the narrative.It’s impossible not to be moved by the end ofMonster House,but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of action and thrills to enthrall the audience. The pace ofMonster Housemoves quickly, never dragging, but providing enough space for the emotional moments to land without seeming cheesy.
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Raw
Raw is a French-Belgian horror drama film directed by Julia Ducournau. The film follows Justine, a vegetarian veterinary student, who undergoes a drastic transformation after a hazing ritual introduces her to raw meat. As she grapples with newfound cravings, her identity and morality are challenged. Raw stars Garance Marillier and Ella Rumpf in leading roles, offering a unique exploration of coming-of-age themes interwoven with darkly compelling horror elements.
I don’t find myself overly drawn to intensely violent or graphic horror movies, but when a film uses these elements as purposefully asRaw, it’s difficult not to be engaged. UsingJustine’s, the protagonist, desire for human flesh as a metaphor for sexual awakeningand desire is an incredibly compelling use of the cannibal genre, making even her most grotesque actions impossible to look away from. However, Justine’s journey to uncover her true nature doesn’t just stop at her sexuality.
While not always easy to watch,Rawis well worth viewing, even during the most disgusting moments.
In addition to the themes and narrative impact of the project,the cinematography and stylistic choices inRaware vivid and transport the audience into Justine’s unraveling world.As one of thebest cannibal movies of all time,Rawdoesn’t rest on the metaphor to drive the story forward, touching upon the world of academia and the tense dynamic between Justine and her sister. While not always easy to watch,Rawis well worth viewing, even during the most disgusting moments.
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ParaNorman
ParaNorman is a stop-motion animated movie about a young boy who uses his ability to see and communicate with the dead to save his town from an ancient witch’s curse. The voice cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Jodelle Ferland, Bernard Hill, Tucker Albrizzi, and John Goodman.
ParaNormanis anunderrated animated kids Halloween moviethat should be on everyone’s list. Stop-motion horror movies are some of the best of the genre, andParaNorman’s beautifully crafted visuals effectively capture the look of a classic New England falland the area’s legacy of witchcraft and the supernatural. Norman is part of this legacy, as he has the ability to see and communicate with the dead, a trait that isolates him and sets him apart from the community.
The issue of conformity versus individuality is a central theme inParaNorman, as is the desire to be accepted and loved.There’s a piece of every audience member, young and old, inside Norman,and his quest for self-acceptance and bravery ignites some of the same traits in the viewer. ThoughParaNormandoesn’t have the same reputation as other horror stop-motion films likeCoraline, it should be better remembered for its enduring themes and empathetic tone.
ParaNorman (2012)
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The Love Witch
The Love Witch, directed by Anna Biller, follows Elaine, a modern-day witch, who uses magic to make men fall in love with her. Set in a meticulously crafted 1960s aesthetic, the film explores themes of love, desire, and gender dynamics through a unique blend of horror and satire. Samantha Robinson stars as Elaine, whose quest for romance leads to unforeseen complications.
The campy and stylized horror-comedyThe Love Witchis a gorgeous project that has narratively modern themes but looks like it emerged straight out of the 1960s.Samantha Robinson anchors the movie as the central character, a witch, Elaine,who seeks her true love but is consistently thwarted by the behavior of the men around her and her own deadly tendencies.The Love Witchtouches upon the misogynistic fear of women’s power and agency and uses Elaine’s actions as a comment on what society teaches women about love.
The director, Anna Biller, has made it clear thatThe Love Witchis a film deeply in conversation with feminist theory and film history.
The director, Anna Biller, has made it clear thatThe Love Witchis a film deeply in conversation with feminist theory and film history. As the horror genre has evolved and included more women filmmakers, stories likeThe Love Witchhave risen to the forefront of independent cinema.The Love Witchwas written, produced, and directed by Biller,with many of the costumes and sets her work as well, making the film a labor of love and the product of a singular vision.
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Bodies Bodies Bodies
Bodies Bodies Bodies is a comedy/horror/thriller from 2 AM. When Bee (Maria Bakalova) travels to a hurricane party with her girlfriend Sophie (Amanda Stenberg), they find themselves surrounded by affluent 20-somethings with very different world views. When the party finally kicks off amidst the coming storm, the debauchery leads to a game of “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” However, when a power outage occurs during the game, and a murder occurs in its stead, the party takes a turn for the deadly.
When setting a movie in the contemporary era, one of the most important aspects is to write dialogue that matches the way young people speak without immediately being clunky and dated. Most of the time, this is an almost impossible task, butBodies Bodies Bodiesis referential and rooted in the present without feeling too much like a time capsule.This is helped by the stellar cast led by Amandla Stenberg, Myha’la Herrold, and Rachel Sennott, who have all proven to be part of the groundbreaking actors of their generation.
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Despite its satirical dialogue and the tongue-in-cheek final twist of the story, there are some genuinely frightening moments inBodies Bodies Bodies. Deeply in conversation with the works of the whodunit genre that came before it,Bodies Bodies Bodiesupdates its narrative to connect with modern audiences effectively. Though it only came out a few years ago,I’ve enjoyed it just as much as when I watched it in theaters every time I revisit it.
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The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence of the Lambs follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling, portrayed by Jodie Foster, as she seeks the help of imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins, to solve a series of gruesome murders. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this 1991 psychological thriller delves into the dark world of criminal profiling and the complex relationship between a young investigator and a brilliant, but dangerous, psychopath.
Starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins as Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter,The Silence of the Lambsis one of the best and one of my favorite thriller movies of all time. Thoughit’s terrifying enough to sometimes lean further into the horror genre,The Silence of the Lambsspends its runtime deliberately pacing out the incredible story. It builds tension until the viewer feels as though they’re going to explode with the weight of the narrative.
The dynamic between Clarice and Hannibal is relentlessly compelling, and watchingThe Silence of the Lambsis a masterclass in how to structure a thriller.
There are undoubtedly aspects ofThe Silence of the Lambsthat haven’t aged well,namely the way that trans identities are touched upon with the character Buffalo Bill. These are moments to be critical of and shouldn’t go unspoken, but this criticism is part of an attempt to ensure that the other amazing parts of the film can still be enjoyed. The dynamic between Clarice and Hannibal is relentlessly compelling, and watchingThe Silence of the Lambsis a masterclass in how to structure a thriller.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
