Halloween time is here, and for many this is the perfect time to set the mood by switching on Netflix in search of some spirited movies. Depending on the mood or pure interest, Netflix offers classic horror, gory horror, family-friendly, and so much more. You may end up stuck on the couch and bed for the whole month, but here are some movies that are must watches for this time of year.
You could never go wrong with classics. These take you back to where some may think was the prime of movie-making. A great example of this is Wes Craven’s, Scream. In the peaceful town of Woodsboro, California, protagonist Sidney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) mother is mysteriously murdered. Two years later, two more murders occur, and Prescott questions whether they are related to her mother’s. In little time, Prescott, along with her group of colleagues, soon become stalked victims by the unknown killer. The movie takes viewers on a ride filled with suspense and uncertainty. The person behind the infamous ghost mask could be anyone, and it leaves the viewer guessing on who it could be. It’s a classic slasher many horror fans continue to love.
Staying within the classic genre, 1976’s The Omen (directed by Richard Donner) provides an eerie sense of paranoia. The Omen tells an unsettling story with American diplomat, Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck), who adopts a child, Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens), just after the passing of his wife and newborn child. However, soon after Thorn is appointed an ambassador, strange happenings plague those around Thorn. A priest begins to explain Damien is not human due to his past origins. The plot certainly gives a knot in the stomach and has viewers waiting on the next ill-fated event.
Some other classics to consider are Children of the Corn and Silence of the Lambs. All of these and more will keep many up, afraid of what could be haunting around the corner.
While many may say nothing can beat the classics, a recent film has proven to be a strong candidate.
Take yourself into a room, laying on a bed. Nothing but complete darkness, and any little noise causing the heart to beat with fear. Jennifer Kent’s, The Babadook, sends that unnerving terror down the spine. In this motion picture, a troubled widow, Amelia (Essie Davis), struggles to raise her son Samuel (Noah Wiseman) as she is still mourning her husband’s death. One night, a strange children’s pop-up book appears on the bookshelf in Samuel’s room. It tells a chilling story of Mister Babadook, a strange being who begins to torment his victims once discovered. This psychological horror keeps eyes wide open with its dark, gloomy setting. It keeps the viewers anticipating the big jump scares that present films are known for, but this film constantly plays with the mind to very end, leaving audiences speculating what really happened.
Another recent film to take a look at is Mike Flanagan’s, Oculus. It continues this trend of uncertainty where Kaylie and Tim Russell (Karen Gillan and Brenton Thwaites) investigate a peculiar mirror which they believe is the cause of their parents’ death nearly a decade ago. This film leaves your brain meshed, confused as to what is happening, and hoping what you are seeing isn’t real.
Of course, Halloween movies don’t always have to keep you up at night. There are plenty of family-friendly films that everyone can watch and experience on the happier side of the season. Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas is probably one of the best movies to watch during this holiday season. It’s a 90s classic known throughout, especially it being a part of Disney. This movie tells the tale of Jack Skellington, who becomes tired of his village, Halloweentown, celebrating the same holiday every time. When he accidentally stumbles into Christmastown, he finds a new light and is fascinated by all of the colors, presents and decorations involved. The story goes on to show how Skellington strives to show his village this new-found holiday spirit. With the unique characters and catchy music, you could find yourself singing along throughout the movie.
The Disney villains are loved by many during this time. A great flick to watch is Disney’s Mickey’s House of Villains. If you watched Mickey’s House of Mouse, this will give a nostalgic feel when watching Jafar and many other iconic villains overrun Mickey and his friends to take control.
These films are perfect for many Disney lovers who just want to sit back, relax, and not worry about spilling their pumpkin spice latte from unexpected jump scares.
There are countless films on Netflix, although most are for those fans who wish to be scared, there are those for all to watch and enjoy. Scary or fun, these films are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
