Movies
What Your Favorite ‘Halloween’ Movie Says About You
It’s October. The wind is blowing, and the leaves are changing.* As the weather begins to cool and the veil between the living and the dead stretches thin, you know in your bones that Halloween is approaching. If you’re a horror fan, this almost definitely means that you’ll be throwing on a Halloween movie or two before the season is over. But the question is, which movie is your go-to? And what does that say about you? Well, I’m here to answer that question in this handy-dandy guide!
*This doesn’t apply if you live in the Southern Hemisphere, anywhere remotely equatorial, or – like me – Southern California, but a Pasadena Halloween is actually more authentic to the first movie anyway, so we all win.
What Your Favorite Halloween Says About You
Halloween (1978)
Now, here’s where the distinction between “favorite” and “best” comes into play. Every Halloween fan secretly knows that John Carpenter’s original is the best Halloween movie by pretty much any qualitative yardstick one can use to measure it. However, there are likely only two major reasons it would be your favorite. The first reason would be that you are new to the franchise and have been freshly bowled over by its eerie iconography. Fans who are more hardcore and long-term have likely overindulged in the original’s charms and moved their attention elsewhere in the franchise for a fresher fix.
The second reason would be that you’re a purist, a cineaste unwilling to overlook the movie’s aesthetic, atmosphere, and contributions to cinema history. Power to you, and may you forever be entitled to one good scare.
Halloween II (1981)
Congratulations, you are a true slasher fiend. Several of the original creatives are still around (Debra Hill, Dean Cundey, John Carpenter as co-writer and co-composer) to maintain consistency with the original. Still, Halloween II is steeped in early ‘80s slasherdom like no other Halloween movie. The subgenre that Halloween helped birth has now fully dictated the formula that its sequel follows, and that inimitable feeling of seeing a beloved formula executed by people who know what they’re doing can be addictive.
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
You’re a champion of the underdog. The Myers-less entry in the franchise has had a cultural reappraisal in recent years, but it still generally has a reputation for being a disappointing break from the series norm, so the sad puppy quality of this movie makes it even more endearing to you. You’re also probably less of a slasher person but definitely have a soft spot in your heart for the gooey grotesquerie that 1980s supernatural horror had to offer.
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
You just love Fall. You’re probably in line for a pumpkin spice latte as you’re reading this. You really dig when something leans in on that autumnal Halloween-y vibe, capturing the nostalgic childhood feeling of trick-or-treating down leaf-lined streets (which Halloween 4 delivers in spades thanks to finally moving production out of the season-free California and centering a kid protagonist).
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
You come to the slasher genre for the time capsule aspect of it all. You want to bask in those 1980s signifiers, from the clothing to the hairstyles to the dialogue. You’re mad Becca’s “Romeo, Romeo” isn’t on Spotify.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
You have a crush on Paul Rudd. Barring that, you relish conflict. You can’t resist the siren call of the “*NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys”-style debate over whether the theatrical cut or the producer’s cut is better, and you have a strong opinion either way.
Halloween H20: Twenty Years Later (1998)
You love having Jamie Lee Curtis around as Laurie Strode, but you also want to have a little fun while you’re spending time with her. Plus, Scream is probably why you got into horror movies in the first place, and this one lights up those same pleasure centers.
Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
I say this as someone with a soft spot for this movie but frankly, you’re a dyed-in-the-wool contrarian. You probably also hate pizza.
Halloween (2007)
Most likely, this is the first Halloween movie you saw, so this is what feels like “your” Halloween. But if that’s not the case, then you’re probably someone who prefers backstory and lore to the more fable-esque “good vs. evil” approach from the 1978 Halloween.
Halloween II (2009)
Did somebody say lore? Either you’re a die-hard Rob Zombie stan for loving this one, or you want your horror movies to be confrontational. You like your genre fare to have more of an art film flavor on top of feeling genuinely dangerous and brutal.
Halloween (2018)
You love franchise movies and legacy sequels and whatnot, but you also want a story with some meat on its bones. You like to leave the theater with something to chat about, whether it’s parsing the themes of generational trauma or untangling the complicated continuity of how this fits into the timeline of the rest of the franchise. You probably own or know somebody who owns a piece of A24 merchandise.
Halloween Kills (2021)
You’re a straight-up gorehound. Forget the story, if Michael is delivering gleefully bloody kills while eerie synths play, you’re there.
Halloween Ends (2022)
You’re a completist. You like the sense of accomplishment you get after seeing a project through. Even though this will almost definitely not prove to be the final Halloween movie in the long run, it still feels like the end of an era. While your marathon may have had some bumps in the road, at least you got to end it accompanied by Laurie, Michael, and a John Carpenter soundtrack.
December is a time for family problems, and that is why I am here with a streaming guide filled with ghoulies goodies that understands the assignment. One thing Netflix excels at is genre movies that put families front and center. Whether they are fighting ghosts, trying to survive hectic circumstances, or trying to kill each other, these movies will make you happy that you put a cap on family time this holiday season. So, grab some leftovers and get ready to hit play on some wild film suggestions. Let us end this year with a bang (or five)!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Before I Wake (2016)
A couple adopts a child whose dreams and nightmares manifest in the real world. I was late to check out this Mike Flanagan film on Netflix. To be honest, I mostly hit play because of the cast. I needed to see what Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, and Jacob Tremblay were doing with my own eyes. While it’s not my favorite movie on the list, I love that it reminds us that even adopted parents can be the worst. This lady really almost put this kid at risk, and we don’t talk about that enough as a society. I’m putting her in bad mother (and guardian) jail immediately. Aside from that, the movie does have some sick imagery despite its meager budget.
Cobweb (2023)
A young boy investigates knocking sounds in the walls of his house and discovers a dark family secret. I ran at this movie because it was directed by Samuel Bodin (Marianne). Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, and Cleopatra Coleman being in the cast was the cherry on top of the eerie sundae. Cobweb is like a waking fairytale nightmare. It’s gorgeous, creepy, and unsettling in all the right ways. It also has one of Lizzy Caplan’s top-tier performances, and I live every time I rewatch it. If this wasn’t on your holiday watchlist, it should be. Ignore the autumn vibes and get into the sickening scenery. Make sure you watch it while it is on Netflix. You will thank me later.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
A fractured family must face their chilling past in a haunted home they fled from. They soon discover they are still in danger from the things they have avoided dealing with all of these years later. Overall, this was a great show, even if the ending pissed me off. It proved that Mike Flanagan understands family drama and that his audience craves it. The series gave us ghosts, twists and turns, and a lot to talk about. So, if you are looking for a binge this December, it is one of the best ones on Netflix. Between the family drama and The Bent-Neck Lady reveal, this is a pretty awesome way to spend a holiday. Come for the stellar cast and stay for all the ghosts hiding in the background of scenes.
Nowhere (2023)
A pregnant woman escapes from a country at war and hides in a container aboard a cargo ship. When she gives birth after a dangerous storm, she must fight the harrowing conditions for the survival of her and her newborn. I’m not one for pregnancy horror, but I could not resist hitting play on this because I do like a survival horror/thriller. This was a weirdly fun Netflix find, and I suggest it if you want a little adrenaline this holiday season. It also features an outstanding performance from Anna Castillo as Mia. She deserved awards and more attention for her work. So, if you are looking for something popular but very different than the other recs on this list, this might be your girl.
Under the Shadow (2016)
A mother and daughter trying to survive war-torn Tehran of the 1980s discover an evil entity is haunting their home. Under the Shadow is creepy, educational, and severely underappreciated. It has amazing performances, gorgeous cinematography, and immaculately disturbing vibes. If you liked The Others (2001), then think of this as its very distant and cool cousin. I would even recommend doing them as a double feature because I am a professional couch potato with a vision. If you have not watched this Netflix gem yet, the holidays are a good time to fix that. If you have, then maybe revisit and make a friend watch along with you. After all, unsettling movies are the gift that keeps on giving.
So, these Netflix movies are how I plan to spend this December. Let me know if any of these also make it onto your holiday watch list. Or if you have a completely different list of family forward genre movies awaiting you this month. I am so serious because I am really nosy. Happy Holidays to you, your TV, and your favorite snacks. I am proud of you for making time for Netflix this holiday season, friends.
Halloween season is over, and many streamers have forgotten about us horror kids. While they take their 11-month hiatus from the genre, we can be grateful that we still have an app that cares. We are so lucky that Shudder remains that girl year-round. Whether you’re finishing their new original show Guts & Glory, catching up on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans, or running at some of their deep cuts like I am, Shudder has your best interests at heart. As usual, she has quite a few titles fighting for our attention. Which is why I am here with five titles I think should be at the top of all of our watch lists this November. So, cancel your holiday plans and pick up your remote because we have got horrifying things to watch.
The Best Movies to Stream on Shudder This Month
Habit (1995)
An alcoholic unwittingly enters into a relationship with a succubus in New York City. If you ever wondered what Larry Fessenden was getting up to in his youth, you need to see this ’90s gem. I lucked out and caught it at Brooklyn Horror Film Festival last year, and I lived my best life. While watching it on the small screen will not be the same, I plan to hit play anyway. Mostly because I love to see 1990s succubi leaving their mark on men…and also the horror genre. Shudder is also adding The Last Winter and Depraved, so we can spend a whole day with Uncle Larry’s work.
Sew Torn (2024)
A seamstress happens upon a failed drug deal and steals a briefcase. She soon finds herself caught in a deadly situation where all roads lead to death. I caught Sew Torn at SXSW last year and have been wondering what happened to it. So, I am very happy this odd little bird has found her way to Shudder. I cannot wait to make my friends who are looking for something cute and deadly watch. I knew nothing when I hit play on this, and I encourage you to know as little as possible, too. I fear I have already written too much in this blurb to be completely honest.
You can watch Sew Torn on November 1st.
The Retreat (2021)
A couple goes on a pre-wedding retreat and unwittingly becomes targets of a group of serial killers. We have seen too many movies about retreats, and I thought this one would be more of the same. This title does not completely reinvent the wheel, but it does set itself apart within this oversaturated subgenre. The Retreat is a surprisingly fun and tense little thriller that feels made for the winter watches. Come for the lesbian characters leading the film, and stay for the violence. I also encourage you to check it out while it is on Shudder, because it is usually on apps with ads.
You can watch The Retreat on November 1st.
The Creep Tapes (Season 2)
Peachfuzz returns with more tapes, chaos, kills, and WTF moments. Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice have reentered the TV arena and are making things weird again. If award shows were real, this duo would be leading the Emmys charge. I saw the first three episodes, and Josef/Peachfuzz is still the serial killer after our own hearts. Our Wolfie is still cutting up (literally and figuratively) in the most amazing ways. Guest stars in danger this season include David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Katie Aselton (The League), and Robert Longstreet (The Haunting of Hill House).
You can watch The Creep Tapes (Season 2) on November 14th.
Krampus (2015)
A kid accidentally summons demons during the holidays in this horror comedy. Krampus remains one of the top-tier Christmas horror titles for me. It is also my favorite Michael Dougherty film. Not only because it has the star power of Adam Scott and Toni Collette, either. This movie is wicked, and even the kids are in danger. I do not have many holiday horror movies I revisit every year, but Krampus is one of the very few. It still holds up, and I cannot wait to rewatch it with a festively boozy beverage.
You can watch Krampus on November 15th.
Those are a few reasons I am grateful for Shudder this holiday season. While the rest of you are fighting with your family and friends, I will be parked in front of my TV. You can have your turkey because I would rather gorge myself on episodes of The Creep Tapes anyway.
Let me know what Shudder shenanigans you have got your little eye on. I am nosy and want to make sure I am not missing anything on my favorite streamer.
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