With Halloween quickly approaching, many of us are ready to put on our masks and celebrate the Pagan holiday. What better way to do so than by watching a horror movie (or 31 plus for every night of the month). Luckily, I am here to point you in the direction of movies that will not only scare you and your loved ones senseless, but will be classics you may have missed or never heard of. A number of these films can be found on Netflix or other streaming services, as well as your local video store. Without further explanation, let’s jump in.

Morgan (2016)

Starring Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy and Rose Leslie

Directed by Luke Scott

This film follows a group of scientists as they defend themselves from a genetically modified girl. With a relatively short run time, the film takes no time to get straight into the action. View the trailer here.

Bite (2015)

Starring Elma Begovic, Annette Wozniak, and Denise Yuen

Directed by Chad Archibald

While on vacation celebrating her upcoming marriage, Casey is bitten by a strange bug in South America. Upon returning home, she begins a terrifying transformation. While some of the acting is questionable, the special effects are not. Featuring primarily practical effects, this one is not to be missed if you’re a fan of Cronenberg. View the trailer here.

31 (2016)

Starring Malcolm McDowell, Richard Brake and Sheri Moon Zombie

Directed by Rob Zombie

Five carnies are kidnapped and forced to play the game of 31. The carnies are hunted throughout a massive compound by a group of deadly psychopaths. Richard Brake’s performance as the relentless Doom-Head makes this film an instant cult classic. View the trailer here.

The Children (2008)

Starring Stephen Campbell Moore,  Jeremy Sheffield, and Rachel Shelley

Directed by Tom Skankland

This British horror film showcases the terror a family experiences when the children begin turning on the adults during a secluded Christmas vacation. Not for the squeamish, the trailer can be viewed here.

Trick ‘R Treat (2007)

Starring Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker and Brian Cox

Directed by Michael Dougherty

This anthology features five intertwined stories surrounding a small town on Halloween night. Unlike most anthologies, there is not a single weak link to be found. While the special effects may be a bit dated now that the film has been out a decade, it’s still a worthwhile watch. The trailer can be found here.

28 Days Later (2002)

Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Alex Palmer

Directed by Danny Boyle

While zombie movies are a dime a dozen, this beautifully shot, well directed offering from Danny Boyle is arguably the best zombie film in history. This follows a small group of survivors after the epidemic starts as they work their way out of London, battling both the infected as well as human threats. The trailer can be found here.

I Spit on Your Grave (2010)

Starring Sarah Butler, Jeff Branson, and Daniel Franzese

Directed by Steven R Monroe

A young woman seeks revenge on a group of rednecks who assault her in a secluded cabin. While the original is also an amazing film, this will test your stomach. The sequels are not awful, but the first entry in the remakes trilogy stands out as a revenge tale that isn’t to be missed. The trailer can be found here.

Halloween (1978)

Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasance, and Tony Moran

Directed by John Carpenter

No Halloween would be complete without the original slasher film that started the craze. With countless sequels and a mediocre remake, the original stands out as an annual required view in my household and still stands out as an amazing film decades later. The trailer can be found here.

 

There you have it, your final week of Halloween viewing recommendations from my personal collection.  If you missed last week’s post, you can find it here and catch up with the rest of us.