That time of year has arrived. Leaves on the ground. Pumpkins carved and seated prominently on the front stoop. Young children selecting their costume in preparation for the big night. Halloween is nearly here, and to mentally prepare yourself, here are five films that you should watch in preparation for the scariest day of the year (or on Halloween night if you want to spook yourself).
1. "Halloween" (1978)
Yes, it is absolutely cheesy in some spots, particularly in the dialogue department, but that does not erase the impact of "Halloween" on the entire horror industry. The John Carpenter classic invented the slasher movie, and the legend that is Michael Myers will live on in cinema history. There is something absolutely terrifying about a masked killer roaming the streets, mercilessly killing everyone in his path. Then, of course, there is the theme song, which will haunt my nightmares for as long as I live.
2. "Young Frankenstein" (1974)
If you're in the mood for something a bit more lighthearted, "Young Frankenstein" is the perfect film to both give you a bit of the creeps but also make you laugh out loud. Gene Wilder, in one of his defining roles, masterfully portrays Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a literal mad scientist who creates the monster that his grandfather attempted to create decades before. The dialogue is raunchy, over the top, and exhaustively funny. Plus, the black and white cinematography only enhances the vintage feel.
3. "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991)
Easily one of the most fascinating films ever made, "The Silence of the Lambs" follows a rookie FBI agent, Clarice Starling, played in an Oscar-winning performance by Jodie Foster, who builds a rapport with cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lector, who offers his assistance all the while playing a mind game that causes Clarice to look inside herself. Because of the mental aspect, the film is terrifying while mesmerizing the audience with suspenseful storytelling and incredible performances. It is a truly creepy film that will keep you thinking long after the Halloween season has ended. It is also a composite of several real-life events, which makes the film even more frightening.
4. "Psycho" (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock was known as the Master of Suspense for a reason, and "Psycho" is a film that would support all of those reasons. From the crazed evil that is Norman Bates to the infamous shower scene, the film keeps the viewer on edge until the shocking ending, which will forever be etched into my mind. The film was shot in black-and-white, which only adds to the thrilling aspect. I recommend watching this one with the lights off for impact.
5. "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944)
To round out this list, I am going to throw in another humorous film that also gives a spooky vibe. It stars Cary Grant as Mortimer, a newlywed who returns to see his elderly aunts, only to find that they are poisoning lonely old men to put them out of their misery. Trust me, it is funnier than it sounds, but with the story occurring on Halloween, anything can happen.
What would make your Halloween watch list? Please comment your suggestions.
