Top 10 films to watch this Halloween

Halloween is around the corner and there's nothing better than watching some scary films to add to the spooky atmosphere. Here are 10 films you should watch this Halloween.

10. Scream (dir. Wes Craven)

Scream is a masterpiece in horror comedy and it is possibly the most light-hearted, easy watching, most fun slasher movie out there. It makes a gripping and enjoyable watch during the Halloween season. The film has a great cast and a great twist that still plays off so well during re-watches. It is a beautifully crafted parody of the slasher genre and it is still one of the greatest horror movies ever made. The ghostface costume is just iconic.

9. Joker (dir. Todd Phillips)

Joker is a different kind of horror movie in that it is a psychological marvel of a movie. It takes you through the entire film, knowing what is coming yet still completely surprising you at how it is achieved. The film is tense and as an audience member, you feel like you are losing your mind with Arthur, the main character. Joker is a modern classic and a must watch.

8. The Lighthouse (dir Robert Eggers)

The Lighthouse is a mystery that is never resolved throughout the film. It is simply so hard to understand yet it is never not entertaining. The entire film is a tribute to old black and white horror films yet immerses the audience due to the use of dialect styles and old language. It is a tough film to watch but enjoyable if you can rise to the challenge. This film bathed in critical acclaim due to its uniqueness. This film is a shining light amongst horror movies.

7. Halloween (dir. John Carpenter)

John Carpenter’s Halloween is the perfect slasher movie. It defined the genre back in the 70s yet has aged incredibly well. It has a charm to it as Jamie Lee Curtis puts in one of the better ‘final girl’ performances than in any other slasher movie. The concept of Michael Myers and his silent persona are just horrifying and he is one of the most iconic movie villains of all time.

6. Psycho (dir. Alfred Hitchcock)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a horror masterpiece. It is renowned as one of the pinnacles of cinema history and it is truly iconic. It is so effective even now. The middle twist and the end twist are two of the most controversial and ambitious decisions ever made by a director and Hitchcock truly struck the gold with this one. It is a masterpiece and deserves its praise.

5. The Shining (dir. Stanley Kubrick)

The Shining is simply one of the best films ever made. It is tense, haunting and truly psychologically thrilling. Its lovecraftian themes the ever-present feeling of dread make it one of the most intense film viewings. Stanley Kubrick worked his actor’s, Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, so much and the performances shine because of it. It is truly a one of a kind movie and Kubrick’s best movie. It is truly a masterpiece and not only one of the greatest horror movies of all time, but one of the greatest movies of all time.

4. A Nightmare on Elm Street (dir. Wes Craven)

A Nightmare on Elm Street uses one of our biggest fears against us – dying in our sleep. We see sleep as where we are comfortable and safe but this film embraces that and Freddy Krueger strikes where we think we are untouchable – Our dreams. It is a terrifying concept and the film embraces the weird. The cast, including a very young Johnny Depp, are incredibly likeable and Robert Englund performance as Freddy Krueger is absolutely scene stealing. Watch this classic now.

3. Alien (dir. Ridley Scott)

Alien is a classic merge of genres. Science Fiction and Horror. From the feeling of isolation to the body horror that was ahead of its time, Alien is a thrill all around. The design of the xenomorph is incredible and one of horror’s most terrifying looking creations. The blending of too tried and tested genres make this a unique and fun watch for Halloween.

2. Get Out (dir. Jordan Peele)

Get Out is a modern classic and a new take on horror. It delves into the terrors of racism, class and science. It is a well-acted movie and Daniel Kaluuya always steals the scenes he is in. Jordan Peele provides many twists and turns to keep the audience on its edge. The movie feels like two movies at times. The first half is tense and slow paced whereas the second half is much more thrilling and action filled. Get Out is Jordan Peele’s first foray into horror and will go down as a classic in many years.

1. Child’s Play (dir. Tom Holland)

Child’s Play is an 80s classic and blends horror and comedy better than any film I’ve ever seen. It is a fun, fast paced classic filled with horror stereotypes, over the top acting and a brilliant charismatic performance from Brad Dourif as Chucky. Chucky is such a fun villain and terrified audiences in the 80s and beyond. He is still so entertaining to watch and Child’s play still proves to be one of the greatest horror films ever made.