7 Essential Horrors for Halloween

7 Essential Horrors for Halloween

Now that the leaves have begun to fall from their branches and the supermarkets are full of black and orange decorations that can only mean one thing, Halloween is approaching. Halloween, like every annual holiday, holds something special for all of us. Whether it's trick or treating, dressing up or just being scared stiff, Halloween's macabre atmosphere brings appeal to many. For me the best part of the holiday is watching excessive amounts of horror films. Now the genre isn't for everybody but it's a genre I hold close to my heart and this time of year is the perfect time to embrace the wonderful world of horror cinema. Horror being such a broad genre there are tons of films to choose from when looking for something to watch. To narrow that down, here are 7 essential horror films to watch this Halloween.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch(1982)

Now I know what you're thinking, how could there possibly be a Halloween film without Michael Myers? Well believe it or not the third installment of the iconic franchise did not involve the Shatner mask-wearing murderer. Instead it focuses on witchcraft and the Celtic background of Halloween in a plot involving killer masks. This sounds ludicrous I know, before watching it I had the same attitude but the film was surprisingly fun. With excellent performances from Tom Atkins (Night of the Creeps) and Dan O'Herlihy (Robocop) and one of the most terrifyingly ambiguous endings in any horror film that I've seen, Halloween III does not deserve the criticism it gets. It is certain to put one in the mood for Halloween, although it might put you off jack o lantern masks for the rest of your life.

Sleepy Hollow(1999)

Perhaps the highlight of director Tim Burton's career, Sleepy Hollow is an adaptation of Washington Irving's tale of a ghostly headless horseman who terrorizes the eponymous town. The atmosphere is eerie throughout but in typical Burtonesque fashion there are plenty of comedic moments to ease the tension. With a stellar cast including the likes of Johnny Depp (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and Christopher Walken (True Romance), Sleepy Hollow is an exciting and macabre thrill ride throughout. However the real highlight of the film is the beautifully gothic setting, perfect for Halloween.

House of 1000 Corpses(2003)

Rob Zombie is one of those directors that you either hate or you love. For me it's the latter as I can't help but admire Zombie's sheer love for the genre. What better way to show this than his blood-filled directorial debut House of 1000 Corpses. Set on Halloween, the film follows a group of teenagers who get caught up with a family of homicidal maniacs portrayed by the likes of Bill Moseley (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2) and the late Karen Black (Easy Rider). The film pays homage to old grindhouse films and has a sort of grungy yet colourful atmosphere. What better way to spend your Halloween than to watch Dwight from The Office get tortured by the maniacal Firefly family.

Frankenstein(1931)

One of the defining films of the horror genre, James Whales adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel has become an iconic piece of horror cinema and Boris Karloff's portrayal of the monster is unforgettable. Frankenstein is a true classic and my favourite adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel, from the moment Colin Clive screams "it's alive!" to the shot of the burning windmill viewers are treated to a true gothic masterpiece and a Halloween essential. 

Halloween(1978)

You all saw this one coming. John Carpenter's classic slasher film set on all hallows eve, what better way to celebrate Halloween than watching a film named after the holiday? The atmosphere is tense throughout as the sinister Michael Myers kills unsuspecting teenagers one by one while being pursued by his former psychiatrist Dr. Sam Loomis. With performances from Donald Pleasance (Phenomena) and the scream queen herself, Jamie Leigh Curtis (The Fog) Halloween is a must for all fans of the genre and an essential for Halloween viewing.

Night of the Demons(1988)

What's better than a group of teenagers being stalked by demons on Halloween night? A group of teenagers being stalked by demons on Halloween night in the eighties. That's right it's the cult classic, Night of the Demons. Perhaps not as well known as the other films on this list, Night of the Demons for me is the perfect film for Halloween. Not only does it take place on Halloween but it also explores the traditions and urban myths surrounding the holiday. With razor blade-riddled apples, possessed mirrors and a rather lengthly opening sequence, the film manages to makes us both laugh and jump from start to finish. However the most unsettling scene is Angela's surreal dance to Stygmata Martyr by the darkwave band Bauhaus.

Trick 'r Treat (2007)

In my opinion, Trick 'r Treat is not only one of the best Halloween films of all time but one of the best horrors in recent years too. Although it has it's laughs, the film does not hold back on the gore factor and is full of blood, vomit and dismemberment from start to finish. Focusing on the holiday and it's traditions, this frightful anthology film has everything from werewolves to homicidal principals and features an all star cast including Anna Paquin (True Blood) and Brian Cox (Manhunter).

So there are seven spine chilling films to make your Halloween that extra bit terrifying and to get you in the mood for the holiday itself. Honourable mentions include the Scream franchise, Psycho, Ginger snaps and basically the majority of horror films out there. I hope you've enjoyed my list and I hope you have a happy and safe Halloween.