As the weather gets colder, the Lanthorn’s Editorial Board looks forward to staying inside and watching our favorite seasonal movies. Whether they be in the form of nostalgic cartoons, nightmare-inspiring horror movies or edge-of-your-seat thrillers, start making the popcorn and put on your coziest pajamas, because here are our top picks for your next spooky movie night.
Hailey’s picks — Editor-in-Chief
I should probably start off this list with a hidden gem, but to tell you the truth, I’m going to talk about a slasher classic: “Scream.” It makes my list because, if you haven’t seen it, the film is about a masked killer that calls their victims on the phone to play deadly games. I’m a big fan of 90s movies in general, but more specifically that decade’s horror films because their alternative soundtracks and wardrobe choices curate the perfect mix of autumnal aesthetics and spooky plot lines. Often, many 90s slasher films feature coming-of-age stories, which I always love.
In terms of comforting fall films, my family-friendly choice has to be “Halloween Town.” Oddly enough, I never watched this movie as a kid; I didn’t get around to it until I was in high school, actually. Regardless, this story of a girl learning she’s from a family of witches, and can travel to the ghostly and whimsical Halloween Town makes me smile every time. It’s the perfect movie for making Pillsbury pumpkin cookies, lighting a fall-scented candle and getting into the fall spirit.
Megan’s picks — Associate Editor
One of my favorite horror films is “The Shining,” a 1980 psychological horror film about a man struggling with writer’s block who takes his wife and son to a huge, isolated hotel in search of inspiration. Instead, the characters nosedive into psychological horrors as the hotel reveals eerie secrets, and the family loses their grip on reality. The film is composed with great attention to detail, utilizing aspects of filmmaking such as unique angles, meticulously composed scenes and jarring dialogue. These elements leave “The Shining” feeling like a unique and infamous horror film.
For a less intense watch, a family-friendly film I always try to squeeze in before Halloween is “Hocus Pocus.” Taking place in Salem, Massachusetts, a teenage boy and his little sister accidentally awaken a trio of eccentric witches who were executed during the 17th-century witch trials. The film is a silly and lighthearted watch while still bringing in spooky and classic Halloween elements, including an iconic performance by the witches of Annie Lennox’s hit cover, “I Put a Spell on You.”
Brady’s picks — Sports Editor
While I enjoy the cozy fall theme, it is horror thrillers that make the season for me. The 1990 movie adaptation of Stephen King’s “Misery” is suspenseful, thrilling and my pick for horror movie enjoyers. When a renowned novelist crashes his car in a blizzard, he is rescued by a fan and taken in to recover. He comes to find out this fan is a little too obsessed. With the unknown fate of everyone involved, this movie constantly leaves you on edge until the end.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” is my go-to pick and recommendation for autumn vibes. Watching Charlie Brown prepare for a Halloween party as Snoopy faces off against the Red Baron evokes a sense of nostalgia that comes with old Peanuts animations that cannot be understated. After watching this classic, I am convinced the Great Pumpkin is real, and so will you.
Foster’s picks — Copy Editor
My favorite modern horror flick would have to be “Nope,” especially as a monster-movie enjoyer. The movie follows two siblings trying to capture evidence of an unidentified flying object on their horse ranch. At the same time, a nearby entertainer tries to profit from the phenomenon, but their search for evidence quickly turns into more than they were looking for. Even completely disregarding the remarkable and horrifying design of the main antagonist, the cinematography and casting create a work of art that I would consider nearly unrivaled in the horror genre.
However, if you’re looking for something a little more nostalgic (and far less outwardly scary), it would be wrong of me not to recommend “The Sixth Sense.” In this movie, a young boy tells his psychiatrist he can see and talk to dead people. As the psychiatrist realizes there might be something more sinister behind his patient’s abilities, his attempts to explain the boy’s talents lead to one of the most iconic plot twists in cinematic history. This was the first “horror” movie I saw as a kid, so it definitely holds a special place in my heart.
Rachael’s picks — Arts & Entertainment Editor
I watch horror movies through the slits of my fingers. Why do I torture myself this way every Halloween? For movies like “M3GAN,” obviously. I come for the popcorn and stay for the ridiculous dance numbers and hilarious banter. Sure, the 2022 movie with a lifelike doll that brutally tortures and kills people may be a little too close to the reality we face with AI today, but it’s too absurd to ever be real, right? Plus, “M3GAN 2.0” came out this summer, and I’m always down for double the trouble during spooky season.
Another Halloween classic that gives me chills on my yearly rewatch is Disney’s 2012 Halloween classic, “Girl Vs. Monster.” This movie follows a blond baddie who is, quite literally, fearless. Although it’s hard to be scared when our girlboss is defeating monsters with a pop soundtrack. The monsters in this universe feed on fear and shrink at courage, making it the perfect horror movie chaser that inspires me to fight instead of hide from the monsters under my bed.
Christina’s picks — Laker Life Editor
For fans of campy cult classics, I recommend “Re-Animator.” Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s original short story, the movie follows the scientist Herbert West and his experiments in bringing the dead back to life with a horrific invention. Its use of practical effects is dated compared to modern horror movies, but I think this aspect brings a unique charm to the visuals and calls back to a craft that has become nearly obsolete. West and his reluctant accomplice, Daniel Cain, have a heartfelt yet comedic dynamic, resulting in a fun viewing experience that doesn’t have to be taken too seriously. It’s the perfect popcorn flick for an October movie night with friends.
“Corpse Bride” is my other recommendation for those who want a more light-hearted experience. After accidentally proposing to a cursed bride and being taken to the world of the dead, protagonist Victor embarks on a strange misadventure to return to the living and find his true love. This stop-motion musical is a treat full of gothic aesthetics emphasized by Tim Burton’s signature style. While its storyline may be simplistic at times, I think its cohesive visual identity makes a strong case in favor of style over substance.
Ayron’s picks — Multimedia Editor
While zombie apocalypses may be a little played out when it comes to horror movies, 2002’s “28 Days Later” serves as a shining example of what a great zombie film can be. The movie follows a man who wakes up from a coma to find his city has been completely abandoned after a mysterious virus has taken over most of Great Britain, turning those who are infected into rage-filled zombies. Purposefully shot on consumer-grade digital video cameras, the film features a gritty and realistic feel that many “found-footage” horror movies benefit from. Combined with provocative political allegory and touching subplot about finding community, “28 Days Later” scratches that horror itch while also providing plenty to chew on intellectually.
If you’re looking for something a little less unsettling but still on brand for the Halloween season, “What We Do in the Shadows” is one of the best that the horror-comedy genre has to offer. This mockumentary centers around a group of vampire housemates attempting to cope with the challenges of modern life. Full of clever jokes, committed performances and over-the-top gore, the film has something for both the casual and die-hard horror fan.
Lee’s picks — News Editor
My fall movie pick is “The Thing,” since it captures so many aspects of horror and sci-fi in a single movie. While John Carpenter also made “Halloween,” I’d argue this is the perfect 80s fall movie (even though it came out in June and is set in Antarctica). A little bit scary, a little bit dumb and chock-full of practical effects. Kurt Russell fights a shapeshifting alien with a flamethrower. What more could you ask for?
If you want a more recent and scarier pick, “The Babadook” is truly unsettling. One of the major movies in the emergence of psychological horror in the last decade, this movie will keep you up at night. A single mother and her child are tormented by a demon who feeds off their grief, summoned from a picture book. Don’t watch it if you like little white dogs. On a lighter note, the Babadook became an icon of Pride Month and wears a pretty cute top hat.
Olivia’s picks — Assistant News Editor
If you’re looking for a 90s Halloween movie beyond your typical slashers, look no further than the hilarious film “Death Becomes Her.” Madeline is married to Ernest. Ernest was once the fiancé of Helen, Madeline’s archrival. After Helen recovers from a mental breakdown, she vows to kill Madeline and steal Ernest back. However, a magic potion makes everything more complicated. This movie stars acting powerhouses Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis. Fun fact: this movie inspired Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” music video.
If you are looking for a nostalgic animated classic, you should watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The movie features Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, who is tired of scaring humans with the same old tricks. Looking for something more, he decides to take over Christmas. If you like Burton and Henry Selick films, you are sure to love this movie since they worked together on it. It has been a favorite of mine for many years, and is a perfect cozy Halloween flick.
