This is an updated version of my Top 20 Halloween Movies list from 2020. And of this 2022 post, and this 2024 post.
Five years and goddess knows how many full moon nights later, I'm still a wimp. But I'm grisly, ghoulishly glad to announce that I have become braver (I had to, really) and have expanded my filmography since my last list. I have new and improved (?) tastes, and additions to my horror movie collection, and in a new order - recently rewatched for this Halloween.
Here it is, my personal, subjective and opinionated list of films that are horror, Halloween themed, or in general could be considered scary or spooky, and some can be described as social commentary and (T)he scares come from how real and true they are in modern society - and humanity.
Oh, what the hell, here's another sample of my ramblings from my old list that remains relevant:
What is the nature - the root - of fear?
Yeah, most of the films on this list are feminist, and their protagonists are female. Some of them are aware of straight, white, cisgender privilege; and of puritanical extremes and the Madonna/Whore dichotomy. Not all of them are, however - those are films that I can enjoy regardless. I don't watch anything for budgets blown on gore and ultraviolence - and the voyeuristic torture and deaths of women - that's for sure. As well as being disgusting, these horror tropes are too easy, and lazy; thus why they are so overused. I want movies that are smarter, more substantial, and have more emotional range and resonance than that.
NOW is Artemis Crescent's new personal, enjoyed Favourite Halloween Films list below:
1. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
2. Love Witch (2016)
3. Coraline (2009)
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
5. Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
6. Corpse Bride (2005)
7. ParaNorman (2012)
8. Black Swan (2010)
9. Ghostbusters (aka Ghostbusters: Answer the Call) (2016)
10. Mary Shelley (2017)
11. Carrie (1976)
12. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
13. Crimson Peak (2015)
14. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
15. Dracula's Daughter (1936)
16. Jennifer's Body (2009)
17. Till Death (2021)
18. Ginger Snaps (2000)
19. The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
20. Daphne & Velma (2018)
21. Black Christmas (2019) (the original 1974 film is an honourable mention - yes I have finally seen it, and it is very good)
22. The Craft: Legacy (2020)
23. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988)
24. Lisa Frankenstein (2024)
25. Near Dark (1987)
Get Out (2017) is an honourable mention.
Happy Halloween.
Another sample of writing from my 2020 list that, depressingly, also remains relevant:
Real life and the ever-increasing uncertainty of the future looming ahead of us may be frightening and depressing - far more than anything that films show us - but remember, we can get through this. We can survive through these times. Together. Humans have done so before and by hell and back we can do it again, and keep on doing it. Nothing is set in stone; nothing will last forever. Be there for each other. Support each other. Remember, you are not alone. We are all in this together, every single one of us. So let us love and care for one another - and help one another. Whatever comes, remember love, and you will be ready for anything. For love never dies, no matter what anyone tries.
To all, have a good night.
And this, from my 2022 post:
Nothing is going right. I want to stay positive, but I don't want to deny reality either. That's not a healthy or safe way to live, either.
How we as a species are meant to survive when we have suddenly, aggressively refused to progress... and why we can't just love, care and respect each other already - it's madness. It's all scarier than any horror film or imagined creature ever thought up by man, woman, enby, and child of all genders and ethnicities.
Finally, from my 2024 post:
I love this time of year. I love Halloween. I love the atmosphere. The wonderful, magical, rich, pumpkin-y, spicy, pumpkin spice, orange-leaves-and-cafés atmosphere. I love dressing up, especially as a witch! It's cheering me up. It's helping my mental health [...] It's healing.
[...]
PLEASE remember to take care. Take care of yourselves and others. NEVER STOP CARING. NEVER FORGET MORALITY AND YOUR CONSCIENCE. Remember love and kindness. And change, and creativity, and new things. Never be afraid of progress, and change for the better. The betterment and safety of others.
Staying nice, polite, kind, caring, empathetic and understanding in the face of all evil and hopelessness is a true magical power.
Happy, spooky Samhain and All Hallows' Eve, everyone.
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