6 underrated Halloween movies to seek out this year

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for the macabre, I find myself yearning for the unconventional during Halloween. The usual suspects on the annual rec lists are indeed classics, but they can start to feel like worn-out costumes after several Halloweens.

Year after year, we’re accustomed to finding the same popular choices on Halloween movie recommendations, such as “Hocus Pocus”, “A Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Halloween”, and “Nightmare on Elm Street”. Each of these movies truly deserves a spotlight, they’re timeless classics.

Instead of sticking with the usual Halloween picks, consider these alternative films that, surprisingly, are overlooked during this season. However, they perfectly fit the bill for a chilling viewing experience.

1. Something Wicked This Way Comes

According to Ray Bradbury’s novel titled “Something Wicked This Way Comes“, it offers an excellent chilling and comforting viewing experience for October. The narrative unfolds during Halloween season and revolves around two teenage best friends, Will and Jim, who encounter a peculiar carnival that suddenly appears in their town, managed by the ominous Mr. Dark.

In no time, the boys realize that the circus inhabitants are presenting town residents with unexpected deals. However, similar to many stories about wishes coming true, these propositions always come with a hidden condition. Frankly, tracking down this movie might prove challenging. It isn’t accessible for streaming, but I managed to secure a DVD version at a bargain price on Amazon a few years back.

2. Death Becomes Her (Peacock, Tubi)

Throughout the year, Death Becomes Her has frequently been brought up in discussions. This is because Sabrina Carpenter referenced the movie in her “Taste” music video and Coralie Fargeat’s film The Substance received some positive comparisons to the unique Robert Zemeckis-directed film starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. If you haven’t seen Death Becomes Her before, you’re in for a delightful experience.

3. A Cinderella Story (VOD)

Hear me out. Even though A Cinderella Story (the original 2004 movie with Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray) is by no means a scary film, it still has a huge segment that takes place during a Halloween masquerade party, complete with a costume-trying montage and the start of a silly-yet-adorable rom-com story. I love seeing Halloween parties depicted in movies, and so you could throw in Mean Girls and make it a double-feature night if you’re interested in some decor or costuming ideas without the scares!

4. Night of the Demons (Peacock, Tubi, Shudder, Prime Video)

Regarding horror movies and Halloween celebrations, the 1988 film “Witchboard,” directed by Kevin S. Tenney, is an excellent pick for Halloween night or as background entertainment during gatherings. The plot revolves around a group of teenagers hosting a party in an eerie old funeral parlor, and as you can guess, events start to become frighteningly ominous. If you find yourself hooked and eager for more, there are even two sequels and a remake available to continue the chilling narrative.

5. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (VOD)

Steven Spielberg’s endearing sci-fi film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has easily stood the test of time and become a classic, one that has been incredibly influential (just look at Stranger Things) and beloved by many. Halloween is a great time for parents to show this movie to their kids for the first time, since many seem to forget that the kids do use Halloween as a plot point in the story! And I remember the first time I watched it as a kid, it scared me, so the film still holds up.

6. Ginger Snaps (Peacock, Shudder)

Some might say that Ginger Snaps is a timeless masterpiece, and I believe many would concur, although oddly enough, this movie often fails to make the cut on top-tier lists. However, let me stray from the topic. If you’re fond of horror films with strong female leads and werewolf themes, then you’ve come to the right place. An added bonus is that it includes Halloween in its narrative and serves as a precursor for Jennifer’s Body.

2024-10-06 00:25

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