Horror Movie (and Book) Recommendations Halloween Season 2019

[ddsapphire]

1. The House on Haunted Hill (1959)


Remember the fun we had when you poisoned me?

A group of individuals are promised money from an eccentric billionaire if they stay locked inside of a notorious haunted house for an entire night. Little do they all know that another plot is brewing. A gloriously cheesy black and white classic, it’s hard not to enjoy yourself at the dated special effects—and, of course, Vincent Price. This, personally, is the movie I go to every Halloween night. I save it for the 31st every year!

2. 1408 (2007)


I don’t want you to check into 1408 because I don’t want to clean up the mess.

Based on a short story by Stephen King, a skeptic writer checks in to a hotel room that sports a macabre and bloody history. A bit campy, a bit dated, but the antics of John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson are an easy pull.

3. Behind the Mask: the Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)


You have to respect the process.

A mockumentary style horror comedy, a group of young adults follow around a man who has proclaimed to be the next “Michael Myers” as he prepares for his big night and explains the craft of supernatural serial killing. A genuinely delightful play on the typical tropes of the teen scream slasher genre.

4. The Silenced (2015)


Something’s happening to me.

A historical Korean film set in 1938, this creepy wartime horror follows a group of ill and orphaned young women who are promised the chance of a new life in Tokyo…if they show certain results. But what kind of results? The longer the film continues, the more nefarious they seem to be. Honestly one of THE most beautiful horror movies I've seen. A very slow built up atmosphere with an emphasis on the relationship between women, I'd recommend this even to people who aren't big on horror.

5. Tag (2015)


Life is surreal; don’t let it get to you.

This J-Horror comes at you fast and gory, and only gets weirder as it goes on. While at first glance, the over-the-top acting and strangely placed fan service hit a somewhat dissonant chord, they all ultimately serve a powerful feminist message that hits you loud and clear at the end of the film.

6. The Evil Dead II (1987)


Groovy.

An absolute cult classic. There’s no real need to see the original film first; the first five minutes of this film completely retcons it anyway. Bloody, goofy, campy fun. Not much more to say—it’s worth the watch.

7. Incident in a Ghostland (2018)


You left me.

This movie has sparked a huge divide between viewers. Reviews seem to be a solid five stars or a harsh one star—but I’m personally in the five star camp. An extremely clever and haunting home invasion film that explores the psychological effects that trauma has on a family. Very intense and certainly disturbing; be mindful that the content of this film deals heavily on the assault of young girls!

8. Ava’s Possessions (2015)


You got kicked out of Demon AA!

A slow burn and subtle horror comedy, this film takes an interesting approach on the demonic possession genre, exploring the question: what happens after the exorcism?

9. Pulse/Kairo (2001)


Ghosts won’t kill people.

Although it might be a little hard to look past the very heavily dated electronics, this J-Horror is not one to miss. The atmosphere grows palpably more and more desperate as the film continues; it’s easy to see how this movie sparked a multitude of Hollywood remakes.

10. Annihilation (2018)


We’re all damaged goods here.

Definitely a much more well-known title, the film’s popularity is well-deserved. With a stellar all-female cast and mutations that will make your skin crawl, this sci-fi horror is not one to miss. No one who goes into the Shimmer ever comes out.

11. Young Frankenstein (1974)


I’ve got to look normal.
Not particularly a horror at all, this comedic take on Frankenstein is a Mel Brook’s classic and still very much in the spirit of the season. If you haven’t seen this one, you’ll likely catch a lot of references you weren’t getting before.

12. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)


I just think it would’ve been cooler with a merman.

Okay, basically everyone has seen this movie, and the hype is well deserved. Not only is this horror comedy a very clever deconstruction of the genre, but it’s also created some genuinely brilliant and skin-crawling monster designs. If you don’t know what you’re getting into with this film, you won’t be disappointed—go in as blind as you can.

13. Housebound (2014)


I’m gonna smash it in the face.

This New Zealand horror film is quirky and completely unrivaled. When a young woman is sentenced to staying on probation at her family’s home, she soon discovers that the tension she has with her mother is the least of her problems. But are the spirits that haunt her home all that they seem?

14. Perfect Blue (1997)


Nobody likes you anymore.

A brilliant and horrific animation by Satoshi Kon, this film—which inspired the well-known Hollywood production Black Swan—is a psychological masterpiece. When a pop idol quits the music industry to discover herself in film, she faces a backlash that quickly turns deadly.

15. The Orphanage (2007)


My son is not dead.

Guillermo del Toro is good at what he does, and this movie is no exception. When the protagonist’s adopted son disappears at the orphanage she, too, attended as a child, a lot of questions quickly arise. Did something supernatural spirit the boy away, or is she simply losing herself in a mystery that concerns the past? And let's be real: you can't look at a kid in a mask like that and not feel a little skin crawly.

16. The Babysitter (2017)


Oh my god, he shot me in the boob!

Another play on the classic tropes of the genre, this film places your typical teenage victims in the role of the persecutor as they attempt to fulfill a sacrificial blood ritual. Both fun and well-shot, this horror comedy does an amazing job at breathing new life into a set of familiar characters.

17. Hocus Pocus (1993)


We’ll be younger in the morning.

Another not-horror-but-just-good-fun, how can you not slide this one in at some point? Bette Midler is just a treasure to watch, and you can forgive a lot of the hammy acting for the lovable evilness of the three Sanderson Sisters, a true trio of show stopping witches.

18. Little Evil (2017)


What did Lucas do?

Being a stepdad is tough when your son is the spawn of Satan. Although this film, admittedly, is a bit lukewarm at times, this horror comedy play on antichrist films such as The Omen gets a lot of wins from the dry style of acting many will recognize from Adam Scott of Parks and Recreation fame. Directed by Eli Craig, known for Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, this one’s fun enough to warrant a watch.

19. The Orphan (2009)


Do you want to play?

Hi, do you love creepy children? I know I sure do, and Isabelle Fuhrman does an absolutely phenomenal job making you love her—and be absolutely terrified of her, too. Granted, it’s been awhile since I’ve watched this one, but it’s always stuck with me, both for the performance and for the ending.

20. All Cheerleaders Die (2013)


Somebody got fucked, somebody got killed, I’m going to gym.

A bit of a hidden gem, this movie isn’t at all what you’d expect based on the official premise. What promises to be your typical “cheerleaders hunted down for revenge” horror takes a sharp turn when said cheerleaders get a bit of help fighting back with witchcraft. But, as they soon find, getting involved in black magic has some unexpected side effects.

21. Suspiria (1977)


You think you can kill me?

This Dario Argento classic is haunting and hard-hitting. A bit campy at times in ways I’m sure the remake took care of, something about that is all part of the charm for me. The music and atmosphere in this story about a ballerina who suspects her school of housing a coven of witches is to die for.

22. Us (2019)


We’re Americans.

This movie is unsettling as all hell—and I loved every second of it. Having just come out early this year, I’m sure most of you are familiar with this one—but if you didn’t get the chance to watch it in theaters, I highly recommend giving it a shot! One part political message and one part thoroughly heart-pounding, this film toes the line between supernatural and home invasion when a family encounters a deeply dark set of doppelgängers.

23. Deep Red (1975)


You’re only telling your version of the truth.

A psychic medium is murdered after a live performance…and soon, it seems that the detective who witnessed it may be next. Another Dario Argento film that I greatly enjoyed, the imagery has his signature style of haunting. The clever way that the killer is finally revealed actually sent a shiver down my spine—incredibly framed.

24. Hell House LLC (2015)


How many freaks did we have?

For fans of the found footage genre, this is a fun one. The scares are subtle and somewhat classic, leaving you to wonder what the mystery of the haunted Abaddon Hotel truly is. This film does have two sequels that tie in surprisingly nicely to the laid out plot, but the gimmick does get a bit old as it goes on.

25. Residue (2017)


No mustard? This place really is spooky.

Residue…is a weird film. Part neo-noir and part horror, a private investigator stumbles across a sinister book that, once in his possession, he has no choice but to finish reading it. Or, of course, die trying as it forces him to face demons of all kinds—even of his own making. You’ll probably come out of this one thinking “what the fuck did I just watch?” and “did I even like that movie?” I can’t help you…but I’m here recommending it. You be the judge.

26. Hereditary (2018)


Nobody admits to anything they’ve done!

This ghost story is almost more frightening for the pure family dysfunction. Toni Colette is brilliant as a woman in grief when she picks up her family and moves into her late mother’s estate. What honestly feels like an anxiety attack in a movie, this one isn’t to be trifled with. Keep in mind that this film features some brutal and graphic imagery involving children—and a lot of toxic familial behavior.

27. The Others (2001)


I’m beginning to feel totally cut off from the world.

A well-known movie by this point, this is a classic ghost story that I come back to pretty often. Nicole Kidman stars as a mother who cares full time for her two children, who suffer from a disease that must keep them out of the sunlight at all times. In the big, dark house, however, it starts to seem as if they aren’t alone. If you haven’t seen it already, the twist ending is a lot of fun! Certainly a first for its time.

28. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)


You can't reason with a headless man.

A spooky animated short that feels too nostalgic not to watch during this time of year! And, hey, if you couldn’t remember where “that one Disney Sleepy Hollow animated feature” came from, here’s the full title.

29. The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)


Does this look normal to you?

A documentary-style footage film where a group of young adults follow around a woman battling Alzheimer’s. As the days go on, however, it starts to seem that there’s nothing remotely typical about the progression of the disease. A clever way to make you question the meaning of possession, this is a great movie if you ever wanted to see what an old woman looks like as a snake.

30. The Last Exorcism (2010)


Reverend, how about a blowing job?

Another documentary-style possession film, this one, overall, utilizes pretty typical spooks. One thing that sets this premise apart, however, is the reverend that is being documented: a self-proclaimed con artist with no legitimate faith in God, he’s dedicated himself to performing fake exorcisms under the belief that he can prevent the harm and exploitation of individuals suffering from emotional or mental disorders. Throughout the movie, you’ll find yourself unsure where the victim falls. Is she possessed, or is she acting out due to the domineering nature of her father?

31. You’re Next (2013)


Why the fuck not?

A darkly humorous horror, your typical masked-intruder home invasion film gets turned on its head when the damsel in distress turns out to be pretty damn good at defending herself. Full of twists, it’s impossible not to feel vindicated as you watch her get the last laugh.

32. The Body (2018)


Nice costume.

One part slasher, one part romantic comedy, this film follows an expert, suave assassin who only operates on one day of the year: Halloween. This allows him to carry his victim's corpse around like a prop, easily evading police capture. When his current victim goes missing at a Halloween party, however, he'll do whatever he has to, and kill whoever he has to, to get it back and get his payday. Surprisingly, he may just have an extra pair of helping hands to get the job done. It's cute, it's funny, it's violent, and it's hard not to be a bit delighted by the dynamic of our main duo. And let me tell you: it has a satisfying ending.

33. The Lure (2015)


We won't eat you, my dear.

Okay, so this one is weird. It's really, insanely weird. But it's a lot of other things, too: this polish horror musical is a gritty and glamorous retelling of The Little Mermaid...and they do not pull any punches where it comes to the viciousness of angry, scorned mythical fish women. But, come on. A horror musical about bloodthirsty mermaids? That's already a winning premise.

There are, of course, plenty of other films I like that I'm leaving out--a lot of classics that nearly everyone knows about or has seen. And not all of these will be for everyone, but it's nice to find some new things! Maybe one of these will turn out to be one of your newest October classics! If you're interested in a couple handfuls of spooky books, as well, check these out:

1. We Have Always Lived in the Castle


Shirley Jackson, 1962

The Blackwood Sisters are the pariahs of their town, and have been ever since the widespread arsenic poisoning that killed the rest of their family. When a cousin comes to town and threatens the dynamic between them, all hell breaks loose. Now a film by the same name, this was my introduction to Shirley Jackson as an author, and holds its place for me as my favorite. The book is quite short, a quick 100-page or so read! I haven't seen the movie, but it is on my list! And it stars Sebastian Stan, which some people may find enticing.

2. The Elementals


Michael McDowell, 1981

It’s hard not to have your interest piqued when a book starts off with a family ritual that includes corpse stabbing during every funeral. And things only get weirder as the dysfunctional family featured in this novel head down to their private beach house. Teenager India soon becomes obsessed with the neighboring house, which is halfway buried in the sand. But it seems that the house may be obsessed with her, too. Although he’s not very well known, Michael McDowell was a big part of the screenwriting process in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice!

3. Bird Box


Josh Malerman, 2014

Most people don’t realize that this one is a book at all—popularized by its Netflix fame, I haven’t even seen the movie yet, myself, having read the book before production began. You walk through each chapter as blind as the protagonist, slowly learning more about the situation she’s stuck in as you alternate between the past and the present. It’s the lack of knowing just what it is that’s out there that make the pages seep with growing dread. A sequel has newly been released this year, but the ratings don't seem favorable; I may read it, but as far as I'm concerned, this is a book that was fine as a stand alone.

4. The Girl with All the Gifts


M.R. Carey, 2014

Yet another book that’s recently been translated to film, this one I’ve actually seen. Although I kept it off of my horror movie list, I’d say that it stands pretty strong to its source material. Carey cleverly introduces us in this novel to a new take on the zombie apocalyptic genre: what about the future generations of zombies? What if they can learn…what if they’re meant to? As this story focuses heavily on bloodthirsty child zombies, it’s hard not to love it. This one does have a sequel I haven't read yet called The Boy on the Bridge!

5. The Call


Peadar Ó Guilín, 2016

Imagine the Hunger Games, except there is no lottery. Every single child at some point before their 18th birthday will be spirited away to the colorless land of the Sidhe, where they will be hunted down by beautiful, cruel, immortal fae. Very few will come back. Our disabled heroine knows she has an even worse disadvantage than her classmates, but that only makes her more determined to survive. This book is the first in a two-part series, and a very quick read. I haven't had the chance to read the second book, yet, but I hear it picks up right where the first left off.

6. Skullcrack City


Jeremy Robert Johnson, 2015

S.P. Doyle lived a pretty boring life before he started to do drugs. Turns out the conspiracy theories he unearthed in his drug-addled paranoia had some merit, because before he knows it, he’s trying to stop an apocalypse. A brilliant horror comedy that takes you through the weird, the disgusting, and the downright creepy, this book is an absolute stand-out. This is Johnson’s only full-length novel, but several other stories set in the same world are featured in his collections of shorts. He's my current favorite horror author, maybe one of my favorite authors in general. Not all of his short stories are a hit, but the ones that hit, really hit me. I'd definitely recommend checking out anything by him...if you have a strong stomach.

7. While the Black Stars Burn


Lucy A. Snyder, 2015

A collection of short stories that range from modern day to unearthly fantasy—but that all deal with the apocalyptic, the unnatural, and the Lovecraftian. This is not her first or only collection of stories, but this is the one that pulled me in with its haunting title and cover.

8. Which Witch?


Eva Ibbotson, 1979

While this isn’t technically speaking a horror book—in fact, it’s a children’s book—I’m including it on my list for a couple of reasons. While the language it utilizes is appropriate for children, the content is more than enough to inspire us for the season. A war between witches trying to prove which one is the “worst” of the bunch, Ibbotson’s work feels like a macabre, whimsical blend of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket. With characters ranging from chain-smoking twin witches and a witch that collects the teeth of the husbands she's dispatched, there's a bit of something for everyone.

9. City of Ghosts


Victoria Schwab, 2018

As a middle-grade intended read, this one is pretty tame as far as horror goes. With some genuinely creepy written descriptions, however, I’d still say that this is a nice and light read for the Halloween season. Follow Cassidy as she and her ghostly friend battle with a ghostly creature that intends to steal her soul.

10. Slade House


David Mitchell, 2015

I just read this one today at work, it's roughly 300 or so pages and a pretty fast read. Although I definitely have some hangups; there's a lot to be desired in certain plot aspects and you get a lot of just being told fantastical jargon, there are a lot of really genuinely clever moments as well. Certain areas are definitely a nice and creepy read, and it makes you want to keep going toward each and every ending that you're unfortunately sure is going to end in disaster. Told over five different perspectives that take places once per decade starting in the 70s, this uncanny haunted house story is a reality-warping joyride full of impossible visuals and the varied responses the narrators have to them. What's interesting, definitely, is seeing different characters react to some of the same exact spooks, and how the descriptions vary depending on their own unique voices.

11. Horrorstör


Grady Hendrix, 2015

This was an INCREDIBLE treat of a horror comedy. I have two other books by Grady Hendrix that I haven't gotten around to reading yet, so now I'm really looking forward to them. Equal parts funny as hell and fast-paced haunted survival ride, this story follows a crew of retail workers. Working in a department store that effectively calls itself a "cheaper, shittier Ikea", they suspect that someone is breaking in after hours and vandalizing the property and form a plan to stay overnight and catch the criminal before upper management arrives to assess the state of the building. Soon, however, they realize that something much, much more sinister is at play...and it wants them to stay forever.