Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year here in Upstate New York, and can involve activities such as apple picking, leaf peeping, and celebrating Halloween. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the holiday is by spending the entire month watching my scary movies. There are many different definitions for what one might consider a “scary” movie. I personally believe that there are a few different categories that a scary movie can fall into, and they are as follows: True horror, thriller/jump scare, atmospheric, and classic, all of which are included below and can be found at your local library!
ATMOSPHERIC
First up, we have some of my favorite types of movies to watch during the beginning days of October. They are not necessarily scary but have such a strong fall atmosphere you can almost smell the fresh air and hear the crunch of the leaves while they are playing.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
No Halloween movie list would be complete without the inclusion of Bette Midler’s classic, Hocus Pocus (1993). Although I am including this as one of my recommendations, I doubt there is anyone out there that hasn’t seen this classic. Starring Bette Milder, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as the Sanderson Sisters, a coven of witches who aspire to suck the souls from children to retain their youth, Hocus Pocus has everything you need to put you in the mood for Halloween. From the moment the movie begins you are instantly transported to a crisp autumn day in Salem, Massachusetts where new kids Max and Dani attempt to not only navigate their first Halloween in their new town, but also to return the risen Sanderson sisters to the afterlife from which they came. When you get down to it, Hocus Pocus is a fall time classic which is always just as good as you remember it.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999)
Another movie that I like to watch to usher in the fall season is the animated classic Scooby-Doo and the Witch’s Ghost (1999). Although the animation is a bit dated, the story and atmosphere are timeless. In this movie we follow Mystery Inc. to Salem where they are tasked with investigating a haunting by the town’s ghost. Although Scooby-Doo movies can be a bit formulaic, the Witch’s ghost takes things in a new and fresh direction. With great voice performances, including by the legendary Tim Curry, this movie will keep you entertained, and bring you that nice, needed hit of nostalgia that autumn always seems to have.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark (2019)
Based on the infamously illustrated children’s book, Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark is a film that I recommend everyone watch during this time of year. This film accomplishes a lot in its hour and 48-minute run time. For starters, it expertly weaves multiple short stories into one cohesive narrative all while delivering creepy visuals that rival the original book illustrations. Despite its PG-13 rating, this movie delivers some intensely scary moments, thanks in part to the acting of the young cast but mostly due to how Stephen Gammell’s drawings are brought to life through CGI. I highly recommend checking this out if you’re looking for something to put you in the autumn mindset accompanied by some childhood nostalgia.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
Speaking of childhood nostalgia, my next pick, The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) is practically dripping with the fall time of yester-year. Although this is a children’s movie, don’t let that fool you! Starring power hitters Jack Black and Cate Blanchet, this movie is quintessentially spooky. Based on the children’s book by the same name, we follow our protagonist, a young orphan, as he helps his eccentric uncle locate the mysterious ticking coming from inside the walls. From the opening scene you will fall in love with not only the atmosphere but the performances as well, especially Blanchet’s. Even if you are well past the age of a ‘general audience” rating, I still strongly recommend you check this one out.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Trick r’ Treat (2007)
Although most of the movies I have mentioned in this section are marketed toward children, Trick r’ Treat is 100% for adults. Set on Halloween night, this film follows five interwoven stories that involve every classic Halloween horror trope. Trick r’ Treat is a film that sometimes slips under the radar, but for me, is mandatory spooky month viewing for it is the perfect way to get ready for every other classic horror movie out there, like the ones that follow.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
CLASSICS
My next category is Classics, because no movie list would be complete without the classic slasher horror movies we’ve all grown to love and remember watching without our parent’s knowledge.
Halloween (1978)
This is the movie that launched countless remakes, sequels and reboots, all of which tried (and mostly failed) to capture the magic of John Carpenter’s original. Any Halloween movie marathon would be incomplete without the inclusion of Halloween (1978) because it directly influenced every other movie on this list in some way or another. Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie is magnificent, and makes you feel just as panicked as she is while running from Michael Myers. What I like most about the original Halloween is how things are left unexplained, which in my opinion makes everything that much scarier. Fun fact: in the 1978 original, Michael Myers is not credited by name and is simply called “The Shape.”
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Halloween (2018)
I understand that I just stated how much I dislike the remakes and reboots of the original Halloween movie, however I consider the latest one an exception to the rule. Taking place 40 years after the original, Halloween (2018) does a great job in showcasing how trauma might manifest in not only a victim but an entire family unit. The reason I prefer this remake to all the others is due in large part to the dynamic between the three leading women, and the classic feeling of the film. Don’t get me wrong, this movie is far from perfect, but I still highly recommend it if you are looking for a more modern take on a classic movie that expands upon the characters we’ve grown to love and root for. I also suggest the third movie, Halloween Ends (2022), in this reboot trilogy, however I would skip the second one, Halloween Kills (2012).
Halloween (2018): Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Halloween Ends (2022): Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Candyman (1992)
Another film that has recently been rebooted is the 1978 horror, Candyman. Although the reboot did not live up to expectations, the original does. Starring Virgina Madeson and Tony Tod, Candyman not only delivers on the thrills, but weaves a layered story about pain, systemic racism and gentrification. I waited a long time to watch this movie because just hearing about it terrified me as a child, so when I watched it this year, I did not expect to feel the same way about the story, but I found myself just as terrified. Something about the depressing realistic setting blended with the fantastical urban legend creates the perfect combination to not only unsettle you but frighten you to the core.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
The Conjuring Franchise (2013, 2016, 2021)
I debated putting James Wan’s spooky cinematic universe under my classics category due to their pretty recent release dates, however I do feel as if they are modern classics in the movie genre, and much like Halloween influencing each horror movie after it, The Conjuring Franchise has undoubtedly left its mark on every horror movie since its release. Start with The Conjuring (2013) where James Wan set out to make a scary movie that includes everything one expects to find in a horror movie but does so with such skill you don’t even notice until it’s over. The Conjuring (2013) delivers intense jump scares, creepy visuals and all-around terror while simultaneously filling you with love and compassion for both the protagonist family and Ed and Lorraine Warren, real life demonologists. Unlike most franchises, I personally feel as if The Conjuring 2 (2016) is better than the first. Although similar in structure, The Conjuring 2 (2016) takes everything that makes the original great, expands upon it, and adds depth and purpose to the story as a whole.
Lastly, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) doesn’t quite live up to the first two but does make a nice ending to Ed and Lorriane’s story, even though it becomes much more of a paranormal crime drama than a traditional horror movie by the third act. Although “The Conjuring Universe” ultimately spans several other movies, I suggest skipping the rest for they are your generic run of the mill horror movies that leave a lot to be desired.
The Conjuring (2013): Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
The Conjuring 2 (2016): Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021): Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Insidious (2010)
In a similar vein to the Conjuring Universe, another one of my favorite “modern” classic horror films is 2010’s Insidious. Although there are many sequels, and an expanded lore that would take many hours to explain, I am only going to recommend the original Insidious for it delivers in every way you would expect a horror movie to and then some. You’ll follow along with the main character Josh (played by Patrick Wilson from the Conjuring Franchise, which can get confusing) as he attempts to uncover who or what seems to be haunting his family. To say I enjoy Insidious wouldn’t be the right verbiage because it is one of those movies that to this day scares me, and leaves me sleeping with the lights on, but it is a movie I never turn down watching because it’s exactly what I look for in a scary movie. It has a scary atmosphere and visuals, restrained use of jump scares, and just enough darkness to make you wonder if that is just your sweater hanging in the dark closet or perhaps something more… insidious.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Scream (1996)
No traditional horror movie list would be complete without the inclusion of the movie that changed the course of slasher films for decades to come, Scream (1996). Although I wouldn’t consider Scream that spooky for a movie, there are jump scares and gore galore, that is for sure. However, the reason I always include this in my October must-watches is due to how influential this film has been on the entire genre of horror. There would be no idea of the “last girl” or the “creepy killer on the phone” without Wes Craven’s Scream. I won’t say much more plot-wise, for fear of spoiling it for any first-time viewers, but I can guarantee adding Scream to your October spooky roster won’t be a mistake.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Beetlejuice (1988)
To end my traditional spooky movie section, I must include Beetlejuice (1988) even though it is not necessarily a ‘scary’ movie, for to me it is precisely what is so special about the Halloween season and capitalizes on everything fun and spooky about the holiday. Michael Keaton’s iconic performance gets better with each rewatch and continues to remain one of my all-time favorites. The visuals and practical effects also radiate the holiday spirit, with fun and creepy all mixed into one. Whether you’ve seen it recently or it has been a few years I highly recommend a rewatch, and if you’re like me, you’ll fall even more in love with it. I cannot speak to the recently released sequel Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (2024) but I know you can’t go wrong with the original.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
THRILLERS
The next category of scary movie I have for you is thrillers! Although they are not your traditional scary movies centered around witches and ghosts, these movies are perfect for getting your heart racing.
The Invisible Man (2020)
One of the last movies to have a theatrical run before the pandemic in 2020, The Invisible Man takes a stab at modernizing a classic Universal Monster, like Dracula and Frankenstein, and boy does it succeed. Straight out of the gate you are glued to the screen as our main character Cecilia attempts to escape an abusive relationship. The suspense continues as she seemingly is followed by an invisible presence… or is she? I won’t say more for fear of spoilers, however I highly recommend this movie if you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you not only entertained but on your toes as well.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Se7en (1995)
I was a little lost as to where to put Se7en on this list because it has quite a few disturbing scenes throughout but ultimately decided on ranking it as a thriller due to the race-against-the clock mentality. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt star as detectives Somerset and Mills, whose investigative skills lead them down a road of brutality as they search for a serial killer. Despite some graphic scenes, Se7en remains one of my favorite movies of all time because the performances are just that good. Pitt’s role as Detective Mills remains one of his standout performances and in my opinion should be seen once in every person’s lifetime. I highly recommend checking out Se7en this spooky season for it is the perfect mix of fright, intrigue and unpleasantness to sufficiently scare you in time for Halloween.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Parasite (2019)
Parasite, my first foreign film on this list (made in South Korea) delivers well… everything. Following the lives of two families on vastly different ends of the wealth gap in South Korea, Parasite (2019) showcases both classism and greed in a stirring way. Bong Joon-ho expertly layers a thrilling story, powerful visuals, and great acting together to create a film that entertains while subtly teaching its viewers a lesson in privilege. Parasite is the perfect movie to watch during the spooky season because the plot is unpredictable and will keep you guessing, being sure to elevate that heart rate.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
The Guilty (2018)
Another one of my favorite foreign films, I would be remiss if I excluded The Guilty from my thrillers list. Now, I know there was recently an English remake released on Netflix, however I implore you to watch the original instead for it much better than the remake and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression for years to come. The Guilty (2018) is not some epic thriller with tons of effects and locations but instead it is the opposite. Taking place in only one room for the entire film, we follow an emergency operator as he attempts to handle a kidnapping. The tension throughout this film is unparalleled, and its twists and turns will leave your head spinning for days. I not only recommend a viewing this time of year, but any time of year, for it truly is a movie I find myself thinking about to this day.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
TRUE HORROR
Unlike the previous categories, I found it difficult to organize these next films under a palatable moniker. I initially wanted to classify them as “unsettling” movies but felt that wasn’t the correct term either, for yes, all these films have some unsettling qualities- not gory necessarily- but they ultimately cannot be condensed into that singular adjective. After a while I decided to go with True Horror, for the following movies are all different from one another but ultimately left me thinking about them for days after my initial viewing. To me, this is what makes a movie truly horrific, when it gets wrapped up in your brain and leaves your synapses firing for days after thinking about what you just saw.
Longlegs (2024)
This recently released horror flick is one that instantly sprang to my mind when thinking of scary movies to recommend for this time of year. Directed by Oz Perkins, Longlegs (2024) combines uber-creepy visuals with an unsettling and mysterious story which will leave you glued to the screen even when you’d rather close your eyes. The plot follows detective Lee Harker as she attempts to solve the mystery of the serial killer who goes by the name of Longlegs, whose calling card has appeared at several instances of familicide in her area. The performances in the movie are as amazing as they are unsettling, and the visuals and plot will leave you wondering what you just watched when the credits roll. This is perhaps one of my favorite movies of the past year for I found myself afraid to be alone in the dark for days after my initial viewing. I understand this might be an unwelcome feeling for some, but if you are a true horror fan like me, I highly recommend checking out Longlegs (2024).
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
As Above So Below (2014)
One of the only found-footage films on this list, As Above So Below benefits from being in this genre and remains one of my favorites to this day. Set in the catacombs of France, As Above So Below (2014) follows along as our main character and her friends attempt to traverse the French underground in search of a secret only the dead can possess. One of the reasons this film remains one of my favorites in the horror genre is due to its unsettling visuals and its expanding lore. I won’t say much more, except for the fact that As Above So Below (2014) lulls you into thinking you are watching a traditional “scary” movie, but in fact is so much more.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Dark Skies (2013)
When people think of scary movies their minds typically go three places, monster, ghost and killers, however a topic that can be just as terrifying when done right is: aliens. To me, Dark Skies is one of those movies that handles the topic of extraterrestrials in the appropriate way, making the idea of life off earth truly frightening. Following along with the Barrett family, we experience an escalating set of disturbing events that seemingly have no rational explanation. One of my favorite things about this film is that at the end, they connect the dots for you, but leave your imagination to fill in the blanks, making it that much more terrifying. I highly recommend Dark Skies, for it has a unique premise that is executed flawlessly.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Gretel and Hansel (2020)
Directed by Oz Perkins, previously mentioned director, and the son of Anthony Perkins of the Psycho franchise fame, Gretel and Hansel (2020) is a film that fell victim to the pandemic for it was only released on streaming and had almost no press surrounding it, but don’t let this stop you from checking it out. Although it follows the traditional Hansel and Gretel story beats, this story focuses more on Gretel and her coming of age as a woman. Although serviceable, the script is not this movie’s strength; instead, it excels in creating disturbing, lasting visuals and a spooky fall atmosphere which elevate the overdone story line. At the end of the day, I highly recommend this movie on visuals alone despite its story shortcomings.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Doctor Sleep (2019)
I typically enjoy almost all Stephen King adaptations, but one of my favorites for Halloween time is 2019’s Doctor Sleep. Following the Shining’s Danny Torrance, Doctor Sleep (2019) covers a variety of harrowing topics from the supernatural to personal demons, showcasing not only Ewan McGregor’s superb acting chops but those of the supporting cast as well. Although I’ve mentioned visuals a lot in this week’s list, Doctor Sleep (2019) truly contains some of the most awe and horror-inspiring visuals on this list. Paired with a fast paced, captivating narrative, you can’t go wrong with this sequel to the spooky season. Having seen The Shining isn’t necessary to see this, but c’mon it’s The Shining, why don’t you give it a watch as well?
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
I am nearing the end of my scary movie recommendations but would be remiss if I didn’t include my personal favorites. As I am sure you can tell, the horror genre is one I know well, so it only feels right to give you my top three favorites in descending order.
In third place and second place we have, fittingly-
The Exorcist III (1990) and The Exorcist (1973)
Both amazing films, written and based upon author William Peter Blatty’s novels The Exorcist and Legion, are classics for a reason. They are scary, thought- provoking and beautiful all at the same time. Don’t bother checking out the second film in this trilogy—it isn’t great and doesn’t need to be seen to enjoy the others.
The Exorcist III: Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
The Exorcist: Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
Finally, my number one favorite horror movie is…
Hereditary (2018)
The first film by director Ari Aster, Hereditary (2018) is divisive, but if you’re like me and like scary visuals, great performances, and a quick tight plot moving the story along, you will love this movie. I won’t say much in terms of plot, for it’s better to go in with as little knowledge of the story as possible, but I will say our main cast absolutely crushes their performances and will leave you feeling like you have just experienced the events of the movie yourself.
Onondaga County Public Library System (onlib.org)
In comparison to other blog posts, this list is quite long, however if you enjoy the fall time and want to celebrate the spooky season with some movies, I highly recommend checking out as many from this list as you can.
