No other holiday serves up the perfect excuse to binge movies all month long like Halloween. Some poor screenagers may partake in the 25 Days of Xmas (a marathon of Christmas-themed made-for-TV trash) and lonely hearts will always use February as an excuse to watch their favorite rom-coms but for everyone else who doesn’t fall into either of those categories and is too old for trick ‘r treating, the Halloween season is built for binge-watching movies, horror specifically. Many channels will be playing the classics all month long but unlike Xmas and lovey-dovey rom-coms, there are only so many Halloween-themed horror movies, which means their lineup is probably stale.
Luckily, the SAW crew has made a list of new classics you should watch this month. Some are psychological thrillers, others are splatter flicks and there’s even a kid-friendly movie or two thrown in. The only criteria was that it had to be horror or Halloween adjacent, so much like the trick ‘r treating of days past, every day will be a new surprise. If you’re looking for an alternative to the same old Halloween classics or want ideas for your own marathon, check out the recommendations below.
Day 1—Coraline (2009)
If you’re looking for a movie that’s one part whimsy, one part spooky, and all parts fantastic, Coraline delivers in the most delightfully unsettling way. The movie follows the adventures of Coraline Jones, an adventurous little girl who finds a secret door in her new home. Spoiler alert: what’s behind that door isn’t exactly the cozy dream world you’d hope for. At first glance, Coraline’s “Other” world seems like an upgrade—better parents, a cooler house, and delicious food. But wait, there’s a catch! Everyone has buttons for eyes, and that’s when you know things are about to get *really* creepy. (Also, who thought buttons for eyes could be so disturbing?!) The stop-motion animation is breathtaking, with every frame dripping in moody atmosphere. The Other Mother (who’s both charming and terrifying) deserves her own spot in the Horror Hall of Fame. And can we talk about the talking cat? Sassy, mysterious, and way too smart for its own good – classic cat behavior, right? Coraline is the kind of movie that’ll make you shiver, laugh, and maybe even rethink opening any strange doors you find in your house.
–Ricky Rat
Day 2—A Haunting in Venice (2023)
After adapting two of the most well-known Hercule Poirot mysteries, director Kenneth Branagh (who also stars as the title character) decided to mix things up for his third Agatha Christie adaptation. A Haunting in Venice, loosely based on the Christie novel Hallowe’en Party, throws a dash of the supernatural into Poirot’s usual murder mystery antics, giving him a ghost story to solve. With a cast that includes Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh and Yellowstone favorite Kelly Reilly, there’s something for everyone here. If you need a break from slashers or werewolves, give this underrated mystery film a try.
–Marmaduke Karlston
Day 3—Mermaid Legend (1984)
It feels as though the success of a movie comes down to timing more than quality. There are so many great gems that remain undiscovered by the masses, simply because they were released at the wrong time. Mermaid Legend fell through the cracks when it was released in 1984 but if it came out now, it would be a critical darling. It’s definitely a cult classic but it remains underappreciated outside of niche audiences. Everyone who’s seen it knows it’s far too good to be kept alive simply through word of mouth. This is a Criterion Collection level thriller and you’ve never even heard of it.
The film tells the story of Migiwa (Mari Shirato), a young woman whose fisherman husband is murdered by a corrupt businessman seeking to develop the coastline where they live. After witnessing her husband’s brutal death, she embarks on a quest for vengeance, culminating in a violent and surreal confrontation. As the film progresses, the narrative takes on a dreamlike quality, with the “mermaid” theme woven into the symbolic fabric of the story. Mermaid Legend is a tale of revenge, which is a well-worn theme in Japanese cinema, however, this film elevates it to a near-mythological level.
Migiwa’s journey for retribution is not only a personal quest but also a battle against the corrupt forces of industrialization and greed that threaten her world. Her husband’s death serves as a catalyst for a broader confrontation with the powers that be. The film questions the morality of revenge and its cost on the avenger, as Migiwa becomes increasingly consumed by the violence she inflicts. While not exactly horror, its moody pacing, dreamlike atmosphere and surreal tone make it a must watch for fans of art-house cinema.
–Sailor Monsoon
Day 4—The Ring (2002)
While I prefer Ringu, the original Japanese horror film about a cursed video tape, this was the version I saw first. If I’m honest, it’s the better film – from cinematography to acting to that iconic scene of Samara coming out of the TV (surely one of the most iconic horror images of the 2000s). It looks great, with a desaturated palette contributing to the creeping dread and horror atmosphere. My only real complaint is that director Gore Verbinski creates such an emotional distance in how he frames and edits things that I ended up a little disconnected. I wasn’t quite as affected as I could have been, if I’d been more emotionally invested in Rachel, Noah, and Aidan. I understand why – the characters’ emotional estrangement is an important part of the story – but I think it reduces the horror a bit. It’s the only reason I prefer the original. For everything else, this is the version of the story to see.
–Bob Cram
Day 5—Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
It’s kind of amazing after four of five years of these lists, we have never featured a Harry Potter movie despite the inherent Halloween connection of witches and wizards–plus plenty of Potterheads like to dress up as their favorite House or character for the holiday. The third installment in the series is clearly the most Halloween-y of them all with director Alfonso Cuaron injecting strong autumnal vibes even during scenes that, chronologically, should be taking place in the Spring. John Williams provides a spooky Halloween music masterpiece with his toad choir rendition of “Double, Double, Toil and Trouble,” the Dementors add another sinister touch and the introduction of Remus Lupin even brings a werewolf into the mix. I know some people like to consider the HP series Christmas movies, so here’s an idea: watch the first three in October and then roll right along with the remaining four at Christmastime.
–Jacob Holmes
Day 6—The Conjuring 2 (2016)
In 2013, The Conjuring was such a commercial and critical success that a sequel was inevitable. I was excited by the news because I loved the first film, but of course, I knew how difficult it was for a sequel of any genre to match the quality of its predecessor. Thankfully James Wan returned to direct The Conjuring 2, which centered around Ed and Lorraine Warren’s trip to North England to investigate a haunting in Enfield. Just as with the first film, The Conjuring 2 delivered a spine-tingling ghost story with more than a few of Wan’s signature jump scares. People may come to these movies for the scares, but it’s really the story of the families affected by the hauntings that draw me in. At least with the first two films, James Wan does an effective job of making you care what happens to the characters, which in turn makes the hauntings all the more unsettling. The Conjuring 2 is perfect to watch on a rainy October night – hell, make it a double feature with The Conjuring. Be prepared to sleep with your lights on!
–Romona Comet
Day 7—The Invitation (2022)
I will almost never say “no” to a vampire film. The Invitation was particularly memorable for me because it took the classic story of the vampire looking for his bride and turned it on its head. It is so refreshing to see a would-be “damsel in distress” pushing back and seizing the power in front of her rather than let the monsters around her take control. At the same time, the film also shows that society hasn’t changed all that much from the glory days of vampire stories in the 19th century. Whether in the past or in the present day, absolute power corrupts absolutely, and one should always watch out lest they become a victim of that power, as the vampire’s previous brides found out all too late.
While not a perfect film, The Invitation fairly drips with Gothic horror, particularly once the action moves to the location of the wedding. It’s so hard to nail this type of horror without making it appear cheesy or overdone, and it still galls me that so few went to see this film in theaters because they really missed a great story wrapped in an older style of horror. It’s also a film that is prime for multiple viewings because there are subtle clues as to what’s going on that you’ll notice only on a second or third viewing.
–Becky O’Brien
Day 8—Halloween II (2009)
Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake of the classic Halloween was and still is very polarizing for horror fans. Many hated the fact that he had given a back story to Michael Myers with his redneck horror style claiming it undermined the original (it didn’t) while others (yours truly) enjoyed his vision and the story he told in his own way without just retreading the original. My only complaint would be that he didn’t go far enough to make the film his because it felt like he had to hit certain beats to make the film still feel like Halloween. Which brings me to why I think his follow-up is so damn good and underrated.
Zombie’s sequel is not a movie for fans of the Halloween franchise. After the first few minutes of the film which pays a quick homage to the original Halloween 2, Zombie fully embraces making this film his own creation. Yes, there are some of the same characters, but he gives us insights into their PTSD and the aftermath of the earlier events better than any slasher sequel has done. We see all the survivors forever changed because of his attack including the effects on Michael himself. Instead of looking at the film as a Halloween entry, view it as an examination of what horrific events do to ordinary people and you may be able to appreciate it a little more.
–Vincent Kane
Day 9—Barbarian (2022)
Barbarian is a slow descent into pure nightmare fuel, where every shadow hides a darker secret and every twist leaves you breathless with dread. It starts innocently enough: a woman checks into a seemingly harmless rental house, but from the moment she steps inside, something feels *off*. The atmosphere is soaked in tension, and the unease builds with every creaking floorboard and flickering light. The house itself is a labyrinth of terror, with hidden depths that seem to claw at your sanity the deeper you go. The film expertly plays with your nerves, lulling you into a false sense of security before plunging you headfirst into a pit of horrors you could never have imagined. What makes Barbarian truly terrifying is how it refuses to follow the usual horror playbook. Just when you think you understand its rules, it takes a sinister turn into something far more grotesque and primal. The tension never lets up, and the deeper secrets of the house—once revealed—will haunt your mind long after the movie ends.
–Ricky Rat
Day 10—Grim Prairie Tales (1990)
Part of the appeal of horror anthologies, besides the quality and variety of the segments, is the wrap around story. Not all successful anthologies need a connective tissue to introduce each story, but the ones that have a “host” or a plot device that explains why its a segmented narrative, are the most fun. Asylum is the gold standard when it comes to the wrap around but there are a ton that go the extra mile in trying to thematically tie everything together. Dead of Night and Ghost Stories have mini narratives in between segments, whereas Body Bags and Tales From The Crypt have memorable hosts that introduce each tale. One that always gets overlooked when talking about the quality of the wrap around story, is Grim Prairie Tales.
While not original (it’s a collection of eerie stories around a campfire), its setting certainly is and you couldn’t ask for better hosts. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the film’s framing narrative centers on two travelers—Arthur (Brad Dourif), a mild-mannered city man, and Morrison (James Earl Jones), a grizzled, tough bounty hunter—who meet by chance on the plains. As night falls, the two men begin telling each other tales, leading to four distinct short horror stories, each tinged with Western aesthetics and moral undertones.
The stories deal with more than just supernatural scares; they are a meditation on frontier morality. The Old West, as depicted here, is a place of moral ambiguity, where justice is often brutal, and survival sometimes means compromising one’s principles. The framing conversation between Arthur and Morrison serves as a moral debate that spans the entire film. Arthur sees the world in black and white, while Morrison’s worldview is more pragmatic and cynical, shaped by the harshness of his environment. While no individual story will knock your socks off, together, they create an interesting debate by two actors at the top of their game.
–Sailor Monsoon
Day 11—Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
Lisa Frankenstein is the kind of campy horror-comedy that I wish they would make more of. Diablo Cody does a fantastic job crafting a modernized, playful take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and perfectly captures the 80s, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia with crimpers, aerosol hairspray, Jellies, the hot glow of neon pink, and a kickass 80s soundtrack. Lisa Frankenstein is very Burton-esque, with its whimsical and gothic animated opening sequence, Lisa’s stepmother’s unique, pink house that sticks out like a sore thumb on an otherwise dull suburban street, and the creepy, overgrown cemetery complete with a wrought iron fence. It’s not shy about embracing its imitation of the 80s movies that have inspired it.
You’ll get some Heathers vibes from this film, and Kathryn Newton’s big-eyed, gothic Lisa would have fit in perfectly with the female horror heroines/anti-heroines of that era. If you’re looking for a colorful, silly, and ridiculously funny horror rom-com, you must add Lisa Frankenstein to your watchlist this month.
–Romona Comet
Day 12—Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
Everyone is quick to rewatch Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown every October, and I’ve already recommended the underrated Disney Channel Original Movie Under Wraps, so it’s time to dip back into the DCOM vault and highlight another one of my favorites. Caroline Rhea, a staple as one of Sabrina’s aunts on Sabrina: The Teenage Witch, is great as a single mom whose kids accidentally set her up on a date with a vampire in order to sneak out of the house. Charles Shaughnessy, best known as Maxwell Sheffield on The Nanny, plays a great charming vampire villain as well, and the kid actors are cut out to carry the movie as they slowly realize the danger their mom is in. It’s a breezy, fun Halloween flick and it introduces an important forgotten element of vampire lore: the spoon test.
–Jacob Holmes
Day 13—Demons (1985)
I enjoy the hell out of Lamberto Bava’s Demons. It’s a purely 80’s creation, a gory mess of a nonsense story with a ton of gore, a rocking soundtrack, and the most ridiculous action sequences I’d seen in a horror movie. I mean, there’s a guy who races around a movie theater on a dirtbike hacking off demon heads with a samurai sword! A demon tears its way out of a woman’s back! A freakin’ helicopter crashes through the ceiling! No, it doesn’t make sense – but for horror movies in the ’80s, particularly Italian ones, making sense always seemed to take a back seat to special effects, gore, and loud guitar riffs. (And usually some gratuitous nudity – though there’s not much of that in Demons.)
It’s often the first film I think of when I’m in the mood for something flashy and gory and Italian. There are better movies, there are stranger movies, there are more horrifying movies, but Demons manages to be loud, crass, and – most importantly – entertaining in a way that hits me just right.
–Bob Cram
Day 14—Scream VI (2023)
Scream VI takes the terror of the Ghostface legacy to new, chilling heights, plunging the survivors into a city where the horrors can hide behind every corner, every mask, and every shadow. Set against the sprawling backdrop of New York City, this installment injects fresh fear into the slasher formula by taking the familiar dread of Ghostface and unleashing it in a place where anonymity thrives. No longer confined to small-town horror, the vastness of the city only makes the threat feel more inescapable. The film wastes no time tightening its noose around its characters, as the killers stalk them through claustrophobic apartments, subway tunnels, and even the bustling crowds. With every ring of the phone, you can feel the ice in your veins. Ghostface is more relentless and brutal than ever, making each kill feel personal and savage. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about being hunted. With a blend of nerve-shredding tension, brutal slayings, and nods to horror fans, Scream VI expertly plays with your fears and expectations. Every scene feels like a deadly game, and the stakes have never been higher. The city may be huge, but in Scream VI, nowhere is safe. Prepare for a wild ride, and remember—no one is above suspicion.
–Ricky Rat
Day 15—Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight (1995)
When it came time for HBO’s beloved series to make the leap to the silver screen, most people assumed they would have played it safe and made it an anthology film a la Creepshow. Instead, director Ernest Dickerson gave us a feature-length demonic possession/zombie armageddon similar to Night of the Living Dead and Demons but with the same zany Tales from the Crypt energy. In particular, led by one of the best and most underrated horror characters of all time in The Collector played devilishly by Billy Zane.
However, he is just a part of one of the best B-horror movie casts of the ’90s with legit actors like William Sadler, CCH Pounder, Jada Pinkett Smith, and others. Demon Knight works by creating an intense air of claustrophobia and clashing personalities where all of the characters in the movie are fully fleshed out and given extensive backgrounds and motivations for their actions. And of course, we get the classic Cryptkeeper with his iconic voice and cringe-worthy puns.
–Vincent Kane
Day 16—Caveat (2020)
Caveat tells the story of Isaac, a drifter with partial memory loss who is hired by Barrett to look after his troubled niece, Olga, in a secluded, dilapidated house. However, there’s a catch—or “caveat.” Isaac must wear a leather harness and chain that limits his movement around the house. As the weekend unfolds, Isaac discovers that the house holds dark secrets, and Olga’s mental state may be far more dangerous than he initially thought.
A minimalist horror film that excels in creating an almost palpable feeling of unease, Damian Mc Carthy’s directorial debut is a masterclass in low-budget horror, relying more on mood, tension, and unsettling visuals than on jump scares or gore. The film is set in a claustrophobic environment, and the sense of isolation is palpable from the very beginning. The premise itself is unnerving—the idea of being chained in a creepy house with a possibly disturbed young woman is a terrifying setup. The house, with its decaying interiors and eerie rabbit figurine that serves as a bizarre warning device, is almost a character in itself, contributing to the film’s tense atmosphere. Caveat is for those who appreciate horror that leans into the surreal and psychological.
–Sailor Monsoon
Day 17—Lights Out (2016)
While the overall story leaves a bit to be desired, Lights Out puts full use to one of the most effective gimmicks of recent horror movies: an entity that can only move/exist in the darkness. This is the premise of the original short film, and stretching that premise to a full-length movie provides a lot of fun set pieces to experiment with light and darkness in fun ways. A good rollercoaster-type horror experience that will make you want to stay up all night with the lights on.
–Jacob Holmes
Day 18—The Legend of Hell House (1973)
The Legend of Hell House is that now classic set up – a group of paranormal investigators go to the ‘most haunted house in the world’ and proceed to get schooled by whatever haunts the place, falling into traps set by their own fears/ambitions/egos. If Robert Wise’s adaption of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House – the much pithier titled The Haunting – is the pinnacle of these things, Hell House is considerably further down the mountainside. Not to say the view isn’t worth it, though, to keep banging on this awkward metaphor.
When in the right mood, The Legend of Hell House is a lot of fun with enough atmosphere and creeps to keep you entertained. Roddy McDowall is always fun to watch and the direction by John Hough (of Escape to Witch Mountain AND The Howling IV, which freaks me out a little) plays with angles and lighting in interesting ways. The sets are wonderfully baroque and the exteriors are atmospheric and appropriately foggy. The music – an electronic score by Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson (both known for work on Doctor Who) – is disturbing and moody. If you’re not in the mood for atmospheric, quintessentially British horror it can be easy to make fun of. In the right frame of mind, however, it’s a classic ghost story with some good acting, sets and atmosphere.
–Bob Cram
Day 19—Alien: Romulus (2024)
As a massive fan of the first two Alien movies, I always give each subsequent entry in the franchise a chance. And while each move after Aliens has had something positive to take from it, more often than not I’m left disappointed. That was until Alien: Romulus. More than just a pleasant surprise, it’s a damn good movie in its own right. The action feels fluid while the film still takes its time to build tension, and there are several spectacular set pieces. On top of that, it’s so good to see practical effects in this day and age. If that sounds a little run-of-the-mill, then the final act will put that notion to bed. Whether or not what they went for worked seems to split opinion. Personally, I loved it. And more importantly, it really upped the scare factor. It’s certainly not a perfect movie, but feels like it’s been made with a ton of passion and dedication.
–Lee McCutcheon
Day 20—You’re Next (2011)
Home invasions are a staple in horror with most filmmakers trying to add a wrinkle or something fresh to help their home invasion story stand out above the rest. Writer Simon Barrett and director Adam Wingard were able to do just that by giving us a terrifying violent and smart film. We get some great kills and some hilarious black comedy, but Shari Vinson as Erin is the real treasure here.
A family with their significant others arrive to gather for their ailing mother until family members begin being picked off by masked killers. Trapped in the house, they must figure out a way to get help and survive multiple attacks. While all seems hopeless as bodies begin to pile up, an unlikely force arises to combat the deadly intruders. You’re Next is a fun romp filled with nasty kills, despicable people you root to see die, and a memorable horror hero.
–Vincent Kane
Day 21—The Witches (1990)
The Witches is a delightful, dark, and wonderfully weird adventure that feels like a Grimm’s fairy tale on a sugar rush. It mixes whimsy with a dash of genuine nightmare fuel—perfect for kids who love a little scare with their fun (and for adults nostalgic for childhood frights). Anjelica Huston steals the show as the Grand High Witch, delivering a performance so fabulously wicked that you can’t help but love her, even as she’s plotting to turn children into mice. Her transformation scene? Terrifying and hilarious at the same time. One minute she’s glamorous, the next she’s all gnarly claws, wild hair, and grotesque makeup that could give any horror movie villain a run for their money. The story itself is simple but engaging: a young boy and his grandmother uncover a secret witches’ convention, and chaos ensues when he’s turned into a mouse. But what makes The Witches stand out is how much fun it has with its bizarre premise. The practical effects and puppetry are pure ’90s magic, from the creepy witches’ grotesque appearances to the adorable, talking mice. The film strikes a perfect balance between scary and fun, never taking itself too seriously, but also embracing the darker edges of Roald Dahl’s tale. It’s spooky enough to keep you on edge, but quirky enough to have you laughing at its outrageousness. And the final showdown between the mice and witches? Pure chaotic joy.
–Ricky Rat
Day 22—Hell House LLC (2015)
Despite their iconic status in the horror genre, clowns have never scared me. Not Captain Spaulding, Twisty, or even IT, when in its Pennywise form. Sure, they were creepy, but I never felt actual fear when watching them. And then I watched Hell House LLC. An underrated gem in the genre of found footage, Hell House LLC documents what happened the night fifteen people died during the opening of a haunted house in Abaddon, New York. The movie does a fantastic job of deepening an underlying sense of doom as the haunted house nears opening night. It’s atmospheric and suspenseful, with effective jump scares and an intriguing backstory. And then there are the clowns. The damn clowns! I can’t say more for risk of spoilers, but never have stationary clowns ever been so unnerving.
–Romona Comet
Day 23—Night Life (1989)
The fact that Night Life is as obscure as it is, is crazy considering it’s a horror movie from everyone’s favorite decade that also involves zombies, everyone’s favorite monster. The story revolves around Archie Melville (Scott Grimes), a high school student who works part-time in his uncle’s (John Astin) funeral home. Archie is a relatable underdog, dealing with typical teenage struggles: he’s bullied at school by a group of rich kids, has an unrequited crush on his classmate, and works an unglamorous job with no clear future in sight. Things take a wild turn when the bullies die in a freak car accident and their bodies end up at the funeral home where Archie works.
Due to a series of bizarre circumstances, the dead teens come back to life as zombies, setting off a series of gruesome and comedic events as Archie and his friends fight for survival. The zombies, however, retain their vengeful personalities, which means Archie’s torment continues even beyond the grave. Seriously, these are the most aggressive bullies in the history of cinema. They give the bullies from IT and Tammy and the T-Rex a run for their money. They want to kill Archie not because they want to eat his brains (because zombies) but because they’re assholes. But that’s part of the fun of the movie. They’re exaggerated caricatures of high school antagonists that symbolize the persistent nature of high school trauma. It’s a horror comedy with zombies that subtly tackles themes of high school anxiety with great performances by Grimes and Astin. It’s a cult film waiting for its cult.
–Sailor Monsoon
Day 24—Tourist Trap (1979)
A hidden gem in the slasher genre that blends supernatural horror with classic slasher elements that are batshit crazy and fun as hell. There is a unique and eerie atmosphere, centering on a group of friends who stumble upon a mysterious roadside museum filled with life-like mannequins. What sets Tourist Trap apart is the bizarre and surreal nature of the killer’s methods, paired with Chuck Connors’ chilling and over-the-top performance as Mr. Slausen. He plays a mannequin-obsessed telekinetic tourist trap operator with multiple personalities who also has a penchant for murder and can magically turn people into mannequins. It is zany and campy, but it has some unsettling moments that make it a perfect watch for the Halloween season.
What truly stands out is the film’s creative use of sound design and practical effects, which add to its nightmarish quality. The haunting score by Pino Donaggio amplifies the tension, making even the silent moments feel loaded with anticipation. The film’s pacing is sharp, with plenty of shocking twists and genuinely disturbing scenes that keep the viewer engaged from start to finish. For fans of atmospheric horror, Tourist Trap offers a memorable experience that manages to be both campy and deeply unsettling, earning its place as a cult classic in the horror canon.
–Vincent Kane
Day 25—Creep 2 (2017)
We’ve already highlighted the original Creep in one of our earlier lists, but it’s time to give the sequel some love. Warning: this blurb contains spoilers for the first movie. The big reveal at the end of the original Creep is that Josef is not just a creep bringing in this low-level filmmaker to document his weird life, but something of an auteur serial killer who wants to keep things exciting with each new kill. So where do you go from there? Creep 2 follows up with Josef by bringing us to a point where he has the equivalent of writer’s block. He’s just burnt out and isn’t sure if he has any creative juices left in him. So when his new victim Sara arrives, he simply tells her the truth and decides to let things play out. Sara surprises him at every turn, reinvigorating him and leading to a fresh cat-and-mouse game that unfolds in an entertaining and satisfying way.
–Jacob Holmes
Day 26—Saw (2004)
It’s never too late to become a fan of a franchise. I had never seen a Saw movie until last year. I had always wanted to check the horror series out though, but never got around to it until last October when I pretty much binged all nine films (I had access to) over three days. Saw is now one of my favorite series, mostly because of how each movie expands on John Kramer/Jigsaw and/or his sidekicks. I thought knowing John Kramer was Jigsaw would ruin my experience watching the original for the first time, but it certainly didn’t. The movie still packs in twist after twist, leaving my jaw fully open by the time the credits roll. Give me all the Saw movies, I don’t care how old Tobin Bell looks!
–Marmaduke Karlston
Day 27—In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
The final film of John Carpenter’s Apocalypse Trilogy centers around a Stephen King-type horror writer named Sutter Cane who goes missing before his latest novel is released. Sam Neil plays an insurance investigator who must try and find the missing writer but falls down a trippy rabbit hole that bends what is real and is a nightmarish illusion. Arguably, it is one of the best cinematic representations of H.P. Lovecraft without adapting one of his stories. Much like Lovecraft, Carpenter tells a monster movie without focusing on the monster but how the thought or reality of them can disrupt life as we know it.
–Vincent Kane
Day 28—Thirteen Ghosts (2001)
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, gory ghost story with a dash of early 2000s nostalgia, Thirteen Ghosts is a wildly entertaining ride. The movie is like a haunted house on a sugar high, with plenty of thrills, chills, and just the right amount of camp. Picture this: a family inherits a mansion, but it’s no ordinary mansion—it’s a glass-walled deathtrap designed by a mad ghost hunter, complete with a collection of angry spirits. Sounds cozy, right? The real stars of the show are the ghosts themselves, each with a backstory so twisted that you almost wish the movie took more time to explore their individual horrors. From the menacing Juggernaut to the creepy Jackal, these spirits are the stuff of nightmares. The movie also scores major points for its unique production design. The house is practically a character of its own, with shifting walls, cryptic Latin inscriptions, and a sleek, sterile look that contrasts beautifully with the gory ghost mayhem. Sure, the plot might feel a little thin at times, and some of the characters make those classic horror movie mistakes that’ll have you yelling, “Don’t go in there!” at the screen. But honestly, that’s part of the fun.
–Ricky Rat
Day 29—Abigail (2024)
Released just this year, Abigail is already on its way to cult classic status. A modern take on the 1936 film Dracula’s Daughter, Abigail embraces the gothic aesthetic of the genre’s classics and never shies away from the tropes that have made vampire movies so successful. The ensemble is perfection, bringing a distinctive flair to their characters, no matter how brief their screen time may be. You cannot go wrong with scream queens Kathryn Newton and Melissa Barerra or Dan Stevens, who continues to add some outrageously douchey and fascinating characters to his filmography. If you’ve watched anything from Radio Silence, you already know you’re in for a bloody treat – and boy is there a lot of blood in Abigail. So. Much. Blood. But what else could you possibly want from a vampire movie if not some blood and gore? You may find it hard to find a redeemable character in Abigail, but that’s part of the fun. They’re all villains in their own way, but you will definitely find yourself rooting for a couple of them… and maybe even the titular character herself.
–Romona Comet
Day 30—Dark Water (2002)
My fascination with J-horror is still going strong, so I decided it was finally time to dive into Dark Water. This film has been on my radar for several years, not least because the film’s director, Hideo Nakata, also gave us Ringu in 1998 among many other things. Knowing this film had the same director, my curiosity was understandably peaked. Dark Water is masterful in how it presents the horror in the story. It feels like an almost normal story at first: Yoshimi is a recently divorced mother struggling to make a life with her young daughter Ikuko. Seems innocent enough…but then the horror begins to subtly creep in. There’s something very wrong with the apartment building Yoshimi and Ikuko live in, and the bulk of the film is spent with the slow reveal of what is really happening. This is where Dark Water really cemented itself as a horror film that needs to be watched more than once because while the build-up to the big reveal is slow, the reveal itself falls like a massive hammer blow that you are simply not prepared for. It doesn’t have as many scares as Ringu, but it is definitely up there among the better J-horror films.
–Becky O’Brien
Day 31—The Midnight Hour (1985)
Made-for-TV horror movies never get the respect they deserve. They’re treated like the red-headed stepchild of horror. They’re relegated to a separate category that’s often dismissed or outright forgotten. Which is why no one ever talks about The Midnight Hour, a movie that should be a Halloween staple but isn’t due simply to the fact that it was made for television. Set in the sleepy town of Pitchford Cove, The Midnight Hour centers around a group of high school teenagers who unwittingly awaken the dead after performing an ancient ritual. The main protagonist, Phil (Lee Montgomery), and his friends decide to dress up as historical figures for a Halloween party, raiding a museum exhibit for authentic costumes and an old scroll that belonged to a 300-year-old witch, Lucinda Cavender (Jonelle Allen).
During the party, they recite an incantation from the scroll as a joke, not realizing they’ve triggered an ancient curse that causes the dead to rise from their graves, including vampires, zombies, and Lucinda herself. As the night unfolds, Phil meets Sandy (Jonna Lee), a mysterious girl who helps him try to undo the curse. The film follows the teens as they try to stop the supernatural chaos while evading zombies, ghouls, and other creatures that terrorize the town. The Midnight Hour combines elements of classic supernatural horror with the campy, irreverent spirit of 1980s teen movies while maintaining a playful tone. It never becoming too dark or gruesome, which makes it more of a family-friendly Halloween movie. It could’ve easily have been a Disney movie back in the day if it wasn’t for the ending. Unlike most movies that eliminate the supernatural curse with magic, the world doesn’t go back to normal. Everyone that dies in this movie, doesn’t come back for a happy ending. It’s a ballsy conclusion to a movie you could easily show a child.
–Sailor Monsoon
Need more horror suggestions? Check out past editions of ScreenAge Wasteland’s 31 Days of Halloween!
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How many 31 Days of Halloween films will you commit to watching this month?