Movies
‘Trick ‘r Treat’: Unearthing The Classic’s Hidden Easter Eggs
Recently, Variety ranked Trick ‘r Treat number three in the 21 Best Halloween Movies Ever – only topped by Hocus Pocus and Halloween (1978).
It’s interesting, though, given that the movie initially flopped upon release. Over the years, the film and its lollipop-wielding icon, Sam, have picked up a cult following, whose fans have since helped skyrocket it to the level of popularity we see today.
It’s nice to see the movie getting mainstream recognition. Trick ‘r Treat is a Halloween staple in my household, and our small, murderous friend Sam makes me ecstatic every time I see him. He’s so precious.
Plus, the interwoven stories and comic-style horror are reminiscent of the classics like Tales from the Crypt, Cat’s Eye, and Creepshow – while the setting and character design make it all feel like Halloween night. It’s easy to see why Trick ‘r Treat is now a Halloween classic to even large media outlets like Variety.
However, with so much greatness going on, picking up on every detail the film offers can be challenging. Several Easter eggs in Trick ‘r Treat go unseen by many viewers, so let’s dive in.
Recently, Variety ranked Trick ‘r Treat number three in the 21 Best Halloween Movies Ever – only topped by Hocus Pocus and Halloween (1978).
It’s interesting, though, given that the movie initially flopped upon release. Over the years, the film and its lollipop-wielding icon, Sam, have picked up a cult following, whose fans have since helped skyrocket it to the level of popularity we see today.
It’s nice to see the movie getting mainstream recognition. Trick ‘r Treat is a Halloween staple in my household, and our small, murderous friend Sam makes me ecstatic every time I see him. He’s so precious.
Plus, the interwoven stories and comic-style horror are reminiscent of the classics like Tales from the Crypt, Cat’s Eye, and Creepshow – while the setting and character design make it all feel like Halloween night. It’s easy to see why Trick ‘r Treat is now a Halloween classic to even large media outlets like Variety.
However, with so much greatness going on, picking up on every detail the film offers can be challenging. Several Easter eggs in Trick ‘r Treat go unseen by many viewers, so let’s dive in.
Hidden Details in Trick ‘r Treat
Halloween Through the Years
Each story in the film depicts how different age groups experience the holiday, effectively representing a lifetime of Halloween.
- Billy Wilkins shows us Halloween during young childhood, where we’re guided by our parents and follow family Halloween traditions.
- The next age group, our “UNICEF” trick-or-treaters, are examples of trick-or-treating with friends when we first gain independence during the tween and teen years.
- Little Red Riding Hood takes us to a little more grown-up Halloween, where young adults party and try to find themselves.
- Meanwhile, people like Mrs. Henderson, Principal Steven Wilkins, and our ‘Opening’ sequence couple (Emma and Henry) exemplify Halloween in our prime adult years. The parties are still happening for some, but now it’s also about the kids and handing out candy – and we’re all slightly angry.
- All culminating in old age and the end via Mr. Kreeg, the bus driver.
Kreeg, you may remember, after going toe to toe with Sam for a couple of rounds, eventually succumbed to the vengeful spirits of the Halloween School Bus Massacre. Mr. Kreeg must have sensed his fate for years, as his door has eight locks – one for each of the eight children he helped murder.
Quinn Lord’s Appearance in Trick ‘r Treat
Quinn Lord was only seven when he starred in Trick ‘r Treat as Sam. In the film, he made an additional, minor appearance as the boy with the lollipop in the dressing room scene.
Horror Movie References in Trick ‘r Treat
Viewers can spot numerous classic horror icons throughout the film through prop placement and costume design.
Kreeg, the bus driver, looks awfully like John Carpenter and this was done absolutely on purpose. In fact, in an interview with Collider, Michael Dougherty revealed that Brian Cox, the actor behind Mr. Kreeg, said:
“I have one request. I wanna look like John Carpenter.”
Brian Cox’s appearance was only one of many references to John Carpenter and his works. For example:
- When the children emerge from the fog during the Halloween School Bus Massacre segment, the shot is reminiscent of one from John Carpenter’s The Fog.
- Additionally, when Kreeg sees Sam’s severed hand moving, his remark is the same one Palmer had when the head crawled off in The Thing: “You gotta be fucking kidding.”
It’s arguable whether the crawling severed hand references Evil Dead 2; however, the scene where Sam slices Kreeg’s Achilles’ tendon is undoubtedly a Pet Sematary reference. This iconic attack move is not the only reference to King, as the iconic 1958 Plymouth Fury, better known as Christine, can be spotted on the street.
You can find more movie references in Trick ‘r Treat in characters’ costumes, such as Billy Wilkins, who dressed as Chucky. Speaking of the Wilkins family, did you catch all the details in Principal Wilkins’ storyline?
Principal Steven Wilkins’ Sinister Halloween Night
Since we see Steven Wilkins’ story unfold in various nonlinear scenes throughout the film, it can be easy to lose track. So, let’s review.
Principal Wilkins started his Halloween night by handing out candy. He gave a chocolate bar to our pal Sam, who used it later as a weapon against Kreeg. It was a formidable weapon because of the razor inside – indicating that Wilkins was putting razor blades in the candy.
Of course, this is unsurprising, as in our first few moments of meeting Wilkins, we also watched him poison and murder a child. After grappling with the body in the yard for a time, he returns inside to carve a man-o’lantern with his son.
Later, a man with a mask and vampire fangs exsanguinates a young girl in an alleyway. The same vampire follows our Red Riding Hood to the werewolf bonfire, intending to make her his next victim. After he attacks her, Red Riding Hood is finally ready to tap into her werewolf roots.
These events lead to the ultimate reveal that those are fake fangs, and the seeming “vampire” was just Steven Wilkins in costume. He died, undoubtedly shitting his pants as he watched the girl who was supposed to be his victim transform into a werewolf and devour him. A fitting end. But did you notice that Wilkins wasn’t the only character we knew who became werewolf lunch?
Coach Taylor’s Wild Night in a Hotdog Costume
A small side story that often goes unnoticed in Trick ‘r Treat is the adventure of Coach Taylor. While at one door, one of our trick-or-treaters lamented that Coach Taylor was in a hotdog costume getting busy with somebody in a pig costume. He was quite the partier, as you can also spot his costume on the ground at the werewolf bonfire.
Michael Dougherty put tremendous effort into making Trick ‘r Treat the Halloween classic it’s become. By paying homage to some of the great horror that’s come before it while serving us a multitude of interwoven storylines in a setting that bleeds Halloween, Trick’r Treat is one of the greatest Halloween movies of all time. Did you pick up on these hidden details in Trick’r Treat? Are there any we missed? Sound off on social media or in the comments below!
‘Tis February, and because of 2025’s Heart Eyes, we now celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many outlets are going to list romantic horror movies featuring the ultimate horror couples, we’re doing something different at Horror Press. We’re highlighting horror movie red flags. That way, you don’t waste your time this Hallmark season with duds who watch crap. These movies are grounds for automatic swipes to the left and leaving messages on read. Read this list to see the ultimate film filter to help you focus on more sustainable hookups, dates, and cuffing season partners.
8 Horror Movies That Are Dating Red Flags
A Serbian Film (2010)
An old pornstar agrees to do an art film only to discover it’s a snuff film. A Serbian Film is possibly the reddest of the red flags. The pedophilia and necrophilia make it a hard watch, so anyone who revisits it often should probably raise all your alarms. We try not to judge people, but this is definitely a title that will get you some bombastic side eye if you try to bring it to movie night. Would definitely not recommend spending the night after being shown this hellish title.
Any Eli Roth Movie
They’re all the same, and that’s why Eli Roth movies are the free space on this red flag bingo board. Whether it’s taking place in a cabin, a hostel, or during Thanksgiving, there is something inherently gross about a Roth film. I need a shower whenever some guy tries to convince me Roth has made any movies of note. Only people who want to be ghosted are suggesting these movies, and you should respect their wishes this February.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
A paranormal investigator looks into mysterious events that connect to his past. There is nothing nice to say about this Uwe Boll movie. It’s actually one of the few movies where I can’t even count on the design team when searching for compliments. While Christian Slater, Tara Reid, and Stephen Dorff have the misfortune of being the faces we associate with this shit fest, I’m not even letting the colorist and craft service off for their parts in this dud. When we talk about how we all love an occasional bad movie, no one means this one. This makes Alone in the Dark a red flag and alerts you that someone might not have taste.
Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025)
A 1988 prom queen race turns deadly when a killer begins slaying the candidates. Fear Street: Prom Queen is another huge red flag because it has no redeeming qualities. People who like this movie are being contrarians and should immediately lose the right to recommend movies. From the lack of energy to the unserious kills, there is no reason to swipe right on anyone pretending this movie is good. Save yourself some time and probably more ridiculously bad watches and shut it down immediately.
I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer (2006)
When a Fourth of July Prank goes wrong, someone dies, and their friend circle finds themselves stalked by a mysterious figure. No matter what we think of any other installment/iteration of this story, this one is the worst. This is not my franchise, but this steep decline in quality is not like the others. Anyone who likes this movie is a walking red flag and possibly the most chaotic individual you have ever met.
Men (2022)
A woman heads to the English countryside to work through trauma and discovers more horrors are awaiting her. Men should have been my last straw with Alex Garland. However, I am a damn fool and suffered through Civil War, too. Which is why I can confidently say most Garland films are a red flag for me, but Men specifically underscores all of my problems with his work. If someone likes this movie, I will need them to explain it to me like I am five years old.
Skinamarink (2022)
Two kids wake up in the middle of the night and find that all of their doors and windows are gone. Skinamarink is the embodiment of “Girl, What?” The grainy footage gives many people headaches, and too much time is dedicated to the ceiling. Listening to people suggest watching it in closets, under blankets, with headphones to fully “get it” is weird and extremely unsexy. Which is why the movie and the people forcing the mood onto it are all red flags. I don’t want to kink shame but if someone is that into ceilings then maybe we’re not a good match.
Red Christmas (2016)
A family Christmas Eve gathering is interrupted by a killer seeking revenge. I cannot think of a bigger red flag than an anti-choice Christmas movie. I like my horror to be on the correct side of feminism, and this mess feels gross from a distance. That’s why this Dee Wallace title is a huge red flag and a festive horror mood killer. I know people like to talk about the great kills in this movie, but I insist on not hooking up with guys who like this one. If for no other reason, it probably tells you where they land on Roe v. Wade and we do not have time for that.
So these are some horror red flags from our team to your group chats. Now you can’t say no one warned you about the Eli Roth filmbros, or A Serbian Film fanatics.
Happy hookups and potential dating now that you know what to be on the lookout for! Never forget that it’s okay to swipe left, force close the app, and watch better horror movies than the ones listed above.
It’s still too cold to seriously consider going outside, so I am still in my couch potato era. Cozy, comfort, and Netflix are the three words people will hear me chanting under my breath this month. I also recently finished a group rewatch of Slasher: Solstice and have been looking at the other TV shows currently living on Netflix. Which is why I am looking for the warmth of my next quick binge. That’s right! I’m here with a few shows that could be taken down in one frosty February weekend. Most of them have been on my radar forever, and one of them I want to revisit because it screams lazy Stephen King Sunday. However, what I find most appealing about each of them is that I am guaranteed to lose at least a whole day if it’s a match made in hell.
Without further ado, here are the five titles I have my evil eye on this month. Check out my five Netflix picks for this February below! Happy binging to all my fellow couch potatoes!
The Best Movies to Stream on Netflix This Month
Archive 81 (2022)
An archivist finds himself reconstructing the work of a filmmaker and her investigation into a dangerous cult. I missed Archive 81, but have only heard good things about it. Which is why it’s weird it was cancelled after only one season, consisting of eight episodes. The popular show was created by Rebecca Sonnenshine and starred talent like Mamoudou Athie and Matt McGorry. So, I’m long overdue for this Netflix watch and am excited to finally see what all of the fuss is about.
Castle Rock (2018 – 2019)
A series set in the town of Castle Rock and inhabited by characters from some of Stephen King’s most infamous works. This is the only show on this streaming guide that I have already seen. However, it’s very cozy, and I want to go back in. While this divisive series wasn’t for everyone, it scratched my King itch better than most of his adaptations. Also, this cast was ridiculously stacked. Where else can you see André Holland, Melanie Lynskey, Bill Skarsgård, Jane Levy, Sissy Spacek, and Lizzy Caplan all play together? I will definitely be revisiting these twenty episodes that make up these two seasons of what the fuckery.
NOS4A2 (2019-2020)
An immortal who feeds on children is threatened by a young woman with a mysterious gift. This show has circled my list forever, and it’s high time I cross it off my list. I also need to know what Zachary Quinto and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were doing during this era of genre TV for research. I’m ready to run through these twenty episodes and report back on my findings. More importantly, I love to see a show with big “fuck them kids” energy. So, fingers crossed, he eats a few kids to keep me leaned in. I need this to be good for so many reasons.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – 2022)
A mob family in 1900s England sews razor blades in their caps and causes a ruckus. I am so ready to find out how this alleged crime drama collected so many horror fans. Is it just because it stars Cillian Murphy? Or is it very bloody and violent due to the razor blades being a key factor? Whatever the case, I’m excited to see all six seasons on Netflix. I plan to take these thirty-six episodes down like it is my job. I also cannot get over how lucky I have been to avoid all spoilers for the show, and I need to jump on it before someone ruins it for me already.
Reality Z (2020)
When a zombie apocalypse breaks out, a TV studio becomes a shelter for a small band of survivors in Rio de Janeiro. Because of the pandemic, I missed this Brazilian horror show. However, this seems like the kind of international gory zombie situation that I would like to make my new personality. I’m looking forward to seeing if these 10 episodes are one of the few reasons to keep talking to Netflix this year. Fingers crossed it is a scary good time, because we deserve some scares this February.
So, that’s where you can find me this February. Under a weighted blanket, in front of a TV, and eagerly taking advantage of the shows Netflix has collected. Let me know if any of these titles on my list will be your excuse to stay in this winter, too. Although, I am sure many of you will be revisiting your favorite Mike Flanagan Netflix Originals. Meanwhile, I am trying to get into some new (to me) stuff because the winter of our discontent is upon us. I plan to beat the winter of our discontent by being unreasonably comfortable and drowning in genre shows. I advise you to do the same because the weather outside is frightful and we have no place to go.
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