2019 is our inaugural horror movie countdown to Halloween. No theme this year — just good movies.
We’re giving mini reviews of our favorite horror flicks. Check back every day in October for a new review!
October 1: The Love Witch (2017)
Modern witches with a heavy dose of 60s flamboyance. Elaine works with potions and a seductive stare to lure the perfect man into her arms — too bad they all die. Filled with nostalgia and laughs, The Love Witch is a love letter to an easier time that was the 60s. You’re instantly transported back to pompadours, gothic architecture, and convoluted storylines, a fantastic contribution to a movie night.
October 2: Chopping Mall (1986)
The 80s are so in right now, and rad slashers are no different. Chopping Mall puts a whole new twist on “shop ‘til you drop” as teens fight for their lives against killer mall security robots. Boobs, beer, guns, and robot laser eyes are pretty much the entire movie, with every other line being extremely quotable. Ridiculous premise, but plenty of laughs and action to the max!
October 3: You Might Be The Killer (2018)
How meta can you get? Friends Sam and Chuck debate if Sam’s the campground killer in this smart slasher. Don’t let the non-linear (and oftentimes, backtracking) storyline dissuade you from watching; it’s full of exciting kill sequences and references to your favorite horror flicks. A great addition to the likes of Scream and The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
October 4: Blood and Black Lace (1963)
Nothing is more Italian than 1960s women being slapped around and murdered. A poster child for Giallo, Blood and Black Lace offers compelling detective work trying to find a killer in a fashion house. It’s set to jazzy music and surrounded by beautifully colorful sets. Every bit of Blood and Black Lace is exciting, from the story to the murders.
October 5: The Night of the Virgin (2018)
What a wild ride The Night of the Virgin is! The sexual antics of a virgin looking for love at a New Year’s party leaves Nico in a heap of trouble as he finds out his date may be onto something evil. Filled with all the gore and bodily fluids you could possibly handle, this movie will leave you grossed out but satisfied with the story. Beware, you’re walking a fine line between kink and crude. And did I mention the crotch-gripping twist ending?
October 6: Furry Nights (2016)
It’s a wildly absurd plot but I have to admit I had a good time watching this. Friends making movies in the woods anger a group of furries (yes, those furries) who then try to off them one by one. Furry Nights left me confused and annoyed at the shenanigans this group got themselves into, but it’s so ridiculous that I couldn’t help but smile. Not for serious horror lovers, but a goofy “bad movie night” pick for sure.
October 7: Sleepy Hollow (1999)
We get a taste of peak Tim Burton in this retelling of the tale of the Headless Horseman. Beautiful landscapes and the acting chops of Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci make Sleepy Hollow a mood-setter not to be missed come fall-time. Be careful not to lose your head with the amazingly-sculpted sets!
October 8: Stan Helsing (2009)
I love parodies… when they’re done right. Unfortunately, Stan Helsing missed its mark, especially compared to other comedy greats like the Scary Movie series. If you’re somehow still in 2009, this may be funnier, but a decade later the jokes feel childish and old. I did get a few helpings of nostalgia watching my favorite horror creatures battle against Stan and his friends, but this one I probably won’t be watching again. You’re better off with the Wayans Brothers.
October 9: Stephen King’s Silver Bullet (1985)
With Stephen King properties like IT and Castle Rock a hit as of late, I thought it’d be good to watch one I haven’t seen before. Silver Bullet tells the story of a boy, Marty, and the people of his town fighting against what they think is a murderer. They could only wish it were that, as they discover a werewolf terrorizing everyone. Said werewolf isn’t terribly frightening, but it’s an exciting ride following Marty and Gary Busey on their lycanthropic adventure.
October 10: Hitokowa: Deadly Hauntings (2013)
J-horror meets anthology. Hitokawa: Deadly Hauntings gives us multiple short stories of ghouls and ghosts that haunt everyday suburbanites. These (non-connected) stories offer a new view on ghosts, and how the Japanese deal with the spirit world. While some stories may seem familiar, there are plenty of twists to keep you entertained.
October 11: All Hallow’s Eve 2 (2015)
There’s something about indie/low-budget horror that just makes me feel so spoopy! All Hallow’s Eve 2 follows in the footsteps of (the not related) All Hallow’s Eve with an anthology of stories wrapped up by a woman being stalked by a pumpkin-headed killer. The woman watches a mysterious VHS tape and sees serial killers, trick or treaters, and monsters under the bed. My favorite is the story of a pumpkin carving gone wrong. Not a direct sequel to All Hallow’s Eve (and sadly missing Art the Clown), but a lesser-known anthology with some solid, creative stories.
October 12: The Fifth Floor (1978)
Supposedly based on a true story, Kelly the disco dancer fights her way out of a hospital psych ward where she was wrongfully committed after having a seizure. She endures looney (but well-meaning) residents, a very rapey psych tech, and no one believing her story of being poisoned. It’s quite 70s with the title sequence an entire disco song. The story doesn’t make too much sense either — people in the 70s weren’t that naive, were they? Not too scary to be honest, but if you’re into movies about asylums, give it a watch.
October 13: Bad Moon (1996)
Perfect movie for a full moon! And I’m sure that regardless of your thoughts on werewolves, we can all appreciate excellent practical effects like those seen here. A very 90s mother, son, and dog team discover how Uncle Ted may be the thing that goes bump in the night. Ted struggles with his nighttime urges to transform and brutally murder hikers, while courageous and goodest boy ever Thor saves his family from being eaten. The werewolf can be stiff at times and, to be honest, the transformation scene was absolute trash, it’s still a fun ride around the woods.
October 14: Dan Curtis’ Dracula (1974)
This iteration of the classic vampire tale felt a lot more dramatized than a movie normally would be, come to find out it was originally made for TV. Dan Curtis’ Dracula (aka Bram Stoker’s Dracula) is still a worthy addition to the family. Beautiful set pieces and regality only Jack Palance and the rest of the cast could hold. Unless you are a super-Drac fan, you may find this a little boring at first, but stick around for the climactic fight scenes and zoom-ins in the second half.
October 15: The Wrath (2018)
Asian horror is often rife with curses, and South Korea’s The Wrath is no different. In a medieval kingdom, Ok-bun is taken to be the new wife of a wealthy family’s son. But there is little to be happy about; Ok-bun is tormented by the jealous sisters-in-law and a curse is killing off family members. If you love period pieces and jumpy grudge-ghosts, The Wrath is the perfect selection. The audience gains insight into an ancient culture’s dealings with the supernatural, all set to beautiful set-pieces and some spicy “tea” fitting of a modern K-drama.
October 16: Sweet, Sweet Lonely Girl (2017)
If you like quiet horror, watch this movie. Adele must look after her sickly aunt, but is tempted toward debauchery with the seductive vixen, Beth. As she finds out how wrong this path really is, we enjoy lesbian trists, psychological torment, and a witchy atmosphere. A peaceful movie for a cool, Sunday afternoon that won’t skip out on eerie and uncomfortable awkwardness.
October 17: Viy (1967)
A priest and a witch battle to the death in this Soviet supernatural flick. Though it shows its age in dubbed acting and special effects, it’s a hell of a ride when Khoma the priest is sent to give burial rites to a woman he has come to know as a witch. Creepy creatures, ghouls, and more terrorize him for three days and… well, watch and enjoy this kitschy film. You won’t want to miss this one!
October 18: Re-Animator (1985)
Re-Animator cranks zombies up to 11. Herbert West is a Med student looking for a way to resurrect (“re-animate”) the dead. He succeeds, but with dangerous consequences as the bodies turn into violent monsters that terrorize the university hospital. Fun, frightening, and an all-around good time. A must-see for fans of body horror.
October 19: Boar (2018)
Looking for other Aussie horror besides Wolf Creek? Try Boar and get a mega dose of hippo-sized feral pigs. The namesake animal of this film goes on a rampage through the outback, killing whatever and whoever gets in its way. Super Australian. Super campy. Super fun.
October 20: Scarecrow (2013)
I am actually pleasantly surprised by Scarecrow! A group of delinquent high-schoolers must help relocate a scarecrow for the town’s festival. The scarecrow in question has other (deadlier) plans. Though the acting is as terrible as the plot, the scarecrow itself is amazing! The CG looks incredible and is blended into the scenery well, and there were a few points that were utterly frightening. A pleasant surprise indeed!
October 21: Found Footage 3D (2D Version) (2017)
It’s Found Footage inside Found Footage! You know the story, a group of filmmakers find themselves the subject of their latest haunted movie project… except in 3D this time (or 2D, if you don’t have 3D capabilities). To be honest it’s nothing we haven’t seen before, but I do enjoy meta projects as they know how to laugh at themselves. Nothing too good or bad: acting was fine, effects are fine. If you like gimmicks, try watching the actual 3D version — it might make a “meh” movie great.
October 22: Ringu (1998)
Y’all know I had to put at least one J-Horror movie up here, and why not the best one? Ringu opened the Western world up to spirits of women with long, black hair. Reiko, a reporter, combats one of these spirits when a cursed video tape threatens her family. At the time, these types of scares were completely new and invigorating. This still “rings” true today, especially with famous scenes involving the cursed tape and a certain someone coming out of a television. It’s the granddaddy of J-horror and a must-see for any horror fanatic.
October 23: Belzebuth (2019)
A second coming for the modern age. After the death of his newborn son, Detective Emmanuel Ritter becomes involved with a series of localized attacks on children, all in the name of Christ. Part exorcism movie, part paranormal police procedural, Belzebuth gives us plenty of demons and gore set to the tune of terrorist attacks we’re unfortunately familiar with today. I’m not usually one for religious horror, but Belzebuth gives me enough to work with and enjoy the mystery.
October 24: Amsterdamned (1988)
I sure hope you like camp, because Amsterdamned is it! A murderer dressed as a diver is killing people across Amsterdam’s famed canal system. Ripe with dubbed lines (it’s originally in Dutch), smoky 80s romances, and elaborately hilarious kill scenes, Amsterdamned doesn’t fail to deliver the camp. If you don’t mind terrible dubbing, you’re in for a treat.
October 25: Der Nachtmahr (The Nightmare) (2016)
Though it was a little hard for me to get into at first, Der Nachtmahr became a lovable monster movie about a teen girl with a connection to a strange abomination that relentlessly follows her around. The girl’s annoying, childish behavior is a turn-off, but she is redeemed when the creature comes into the picture. Be wary of pulsating music and strobe lights if that’s not your thing; this movie had the nightlife at its heart.
October 26: Annihilation (2018)
So I heard a lot of good things about this sci-fi psychological thriller, and seeing that it was on Amazon Prime, I decided to give it a go. Natalie Portman is Lena, an ex-soldier/doctor tasked with venturing into a mysterious alien exclusion zone that kills everyone going into it. Sci-fi isn’t my most favorite genre, but I do appreciate the suspense and mindfuckery it sometimes offers. I got all of that along with the most badass-looking mutant creatures I have ever seen. I won’t spoil it, but the “bear scene” had me literally shook. If you’re not into sci-fi or psychologial/spacey things, at least watch that for a good dose of extremely creepy body horror.
October 27: Starry Eyes (2014)
Have you ever wanted something so badly, you’d sell your soul for it? Sarah has dreams of becoming a star; a devilish Hollywood production company has dreams that Sarah’s soul will become theirs. It’s a match made in heaven between Sarah and the evil forces at hand. Starry Eyes shows the viewer how blind ambition can get you good things, but always for a price. Great story, great gore, great lesson about hard work in Hollywood.
October 28: Alena (2016)
There’s a section on Shudder called “Nordic Night,” and this feels exactly like that. Set to the background of an elite girl’s boarding school, Alena is bullied by queen bee Filippa. Alena, though, has a secret that keeps the mean girls at bay as she tries to make it in her new school. If you’re looking for in-your-face horror, this isn’t it. It’s definitely a slower, psychological piece. It’s beautifully shot with a set very pleasing to the eye, but Alena was definitely more towards “meh” for me in terms of overall story.
October 29: Shevenge: A Lady-Led Anthology of Frightful Flicks (2019)
To be honest, this isn’t the most well-made movie; however, ladies in the audience may appreciate the stories these shorts portray. Cheating, harassment, and other woes women face every day are met with blood and gore. What happens when a woman is unknowingly taped having sex? What happens when a wife is pushed to the end of her wits? Find out with these 12 killer tales of feminist fury.
October 30: Bloody Birthday (1981)
Happy birthday to me! I’m celebrating with an 80s slasher that’ll have you giving triplets a triple check for any murderous intentions. Not all kids are angels as we come to learn, when three children enact soulless violence on people in their community. They can’t hide their true intentions forever though, as their evil deeds are slowly found out. If you want a slasher featuring killer kids, add Bloody Birthday to your list. Campy 80s slasher goodness packed into cute little bundles, ready to be watched.
October 31: Halloween (1978)
You can never go wrong with a classic. A Halloween staple, Michael Myers makes his silver screen debut chasing down Laurie Strode and her friends. Watch the creation of the slasher genre as Myers kills his way through a sleepy neighborhood. Easy to follow along, but rich in scares and menacing stalking, The Shape earns its place in the horror hall of fame for supreme scares in a simple story.
