Halloween Hustle Spooktacular Film List

It is once again the most frightful time of year, when ghouls frolic and witches cry out in the night. What better way to celebrate the supernatural and spooky than by snuggling up in a warm safe place with a film?

James and I have never enjoyed horror films, and the Halloween season has so much more to offer than gore and violence! So, here is a chronological compilation of some of our favourite seasonal films, which range from the cute and uplifting, to psycho-thrillers.

James:

The Shining (1980)

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

Not being one for scary movies this is about as spooky as my movie selection gets. This psychological thriller follows the journey of a young married couple and their son who agree to look after an empty hotel in the mountains. The story shows the dangers of what true isolation can lead to in a hotel where not all is as it seems.

Ghostbusters (1984)

"Ray, when someone asks you if you're a god, you say, "yes!"

A classic staple for any Halloween, this film is hilariously 80's as four friends team up to begin hunting ghosts in New York. A must-watch.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Ichabod Crane: "We have murders in New York without benefit of ghouls and goblins."

Baltus Van Tassel: "You are a long way from New York, constable."

Tim Burton at his finest, this spooky yet quaint tale follows the story of a police constable who is sent away from New York to solve murders in the quiet town of Sleepy Hollow. With an incredible cast of British heavy weight actors, the film is beautifully Tim Burton, witty, quirky and spooky. A perfect somewhat less serious Halloween watch.

The Prestige (2006)

"Are you watching closely?"

A wonderfully dark psychological thriller following the lives of two rival magicians in Edwardian London. With the beautiful cinematography of Christopher Nolan, the film shows a macabre and twisted side to this art form as the pair will stop at nothing to out-perform one and other. A beautiful film with a complicated twist. As with any magic chow, watch closely.

Shutter Island (2010)

"Which would be worse: to live as a monster or to die as a good man?"

One of my favourite films with an incredible plot twist. Scorsese's dark psycho-thriller mystery set in the 50's follows two detectives who enter a high security prison for the criminally insane. As the detectives search the prison for a missing prisoner, it becomes clear that something much larger and sinister could be at play on this island.

Jeordy:

The Birds (1963)

"Don't they ever stop migrating?"

Inhabitants of a town in Northern California suddenly fall victim to ruthless attacks from birds, leaving no-one safe. This iconic film by Alfred Hitchcock is technically horror, but in the tasteful way you'd expect from a 1960s film. It also features a scene where the actress wasn't warned. Can you guess which one?

Young Frankenstein (1974)

'Wait Master, it might be dangerous... you go first."

When scientist and grandson of mad-genius Frankenstein inherits the family castle in Transylvania, he finds himself following in his grandfather's footsteps and discovers his destiny. This clever spinoff of the iconic Frankenstein story features bundles of wit, gorgeous young Gene Wilder, and the perfect amount of campy spooky atmosphere.

Shadow of the Vampire (2000)

'Go ahead! Eat the writer! That will leave you explaining how your character gets to Bremen!'

Another comedy spinoff of a classic horror story. This film follows the crew filming the 1922 German horror sensation, Nosferatu (Dracula by another name), who begin to question whether the titular character is really a method actor, or perhaps something much more fearsome.

Coraline (2009)

"You probably think this world is a dream come true, but you're wrong."

Truly one of the creepiest films I have ever seen. This beautifully animated stop-motion film by the incredible Laika Studios tells the tale of a young girl who finds herself in a parallel reality and discovers the hard way that what you wish for is not always what you want.

What We Do In the Shadows (2014)

"Yeah some of our clothes are from victims. You might bite someone and then, you think, 'Oooh, those are some nice pants!'"

This comic masterpiece by Kiwi director Taika Waititi will have you dying of laughter. Shot as a mockumentary, the film follows the daily life of a group of vampire friends who navigate the difficulties of being vampires in the 21st century, including learning the internet, getting into clubs, and splitting up flatmate chores.

Jeordy and James:

Rocky Horror (1975)

"It's not easy having a good time... even smiling makes my face hurt."

Frankly, this film is amazing all year round, but it's especially perfect for this season. If you have not seen this cult classic, stop what you're doing and hold onto your pantyhose. This film is a masterpiece of all things strange, and revolves around self-proclaimed 'sweet transvestite' scientist Dr. Frankenfurter and his seemingly loyal servants. What's more, it's a musical with unforgettable numbers and costumes, and has enough plot twists and comedy to make it truly a legend.

Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

"Boys and girls of every age, would you like to see something strange? Come with us and you will see, this our town of Halloween."

To finish off the list, a Tim Burton film that is both the pinnacle of Halloween, and a great sneaky entry into Christmas films! Another stunning stop-motion animation, this film follows Pumpkin King Jack Skellington, who has grown tired of his ever-successful Halloween haunts and yearns for something unattainable. This musical features original score by Danny Elfman, a cast of frighteningly lovable characters, and a beautiful message. If you only watch one film this Halloween, make it this one.

We hope you ghosts and demons enjoy this terribly wonderful collection of films, and have a frightful Halloween!