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Fright night films: These movies are perfect for spooky season
Flick off the lights and get cozy on the couch; you're in for a scare with many of these Halloween movie picks from Here & Now staffers.
And don't worry if horror movies aren't your thing. We've got a few suggestions that still evoke those autumn vibes without the heart-pounding jump scares or gag-worthy gore.
Movie picks from Here & Now staffers
On the scarier side
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)
"It's the perfect time of year to enjoy this 1975 cult classic. Whether you're a virgin or a Janet, the best way to watch this movie is a screening with a live shadow cast."
– Allison Hagan, digital producer
"Hellraiser" (1987)
"There's nothing like a 1980s horror movie. 'Hellraiser' has all the elements necessary for a frightening yet fantastical watch. A puzzle box that transports you to a purgatory-like realm that mixes pain and pleasure? Check. Iconic, terrifying monsters that rise up from that realm? Check. Commentary on sexual normativity and deviance? Check. Everything and everyone drenched in bright red goo meant to be blood? Check.
"Based on director Clive Barker's novella 'The Hellbound Heart,' the first 'Hellraiser' movie will leave you wanting to speed-run the entire franchise before spooky season ends."
– Grace Griffin, digital producer
"Scream" (1996)
"I rewatch Wes Craven's 'Scream' every year around this time. It's both a parody of classic horror tropes and a chilling slasher that redefines the genre and subverts expectations.
"The franchise gets goofier and gorier as it goes on, and I have a special appreciation for Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera's roles in 'Scream V' and 'Scream VI.'
"Follow the 'Scream' movies up with anything from the 'Scary Movie' franchise for a double dose of horror parody."
– Grace Griffin, digital producer
"Happy Death Day" (2017)
"In my opinion, this is a perfect horror-comedy to watch with friends on Halloween night. In the film, main character Tree relives her death over and over 'Groundhog Day'-style. The only way to break the cycle is to solve her own murder.
"It's got some great fight scenes but not over-the-top gore, so even the more faint-hearted viewers might enjoy this one."
– Grace Griffin, digital producer
Autumn vibes only
"It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" (1966)
"Don't ignore the OG of Halloween specials. Why? Because you can pick any character and decide which one represents the political moment we're in in America.
"Are we Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin? Charlie getting rocks in his candy bag? Lucy holding the football? Or Snoopy living in a fantasy land? Whatever you want to take meaning or symbolism from, this movie does a surprisingly good job of giving you what you need."
– Will Walkey, floating producer
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001)
"The 'Harry Potter' movies are just so sentimental! Everything about them screams fall. They are so magical with a little bit of intrigue and suspense, which fits in with the spooky theme. The candlelit dinners, the butterbeer, the fall fits, it all just screams spooky season.
"I love cozying up under a blanket with my favorite comfort snacks and going through a full 'Harry Potter' marathon, but the first couple especially are filled with nostalgia for me during this time of year."
– Hafsa Quraishi, associate producer
"When Harry Met Sally" (1989)
"People have written literal thesis projects about this movie but for me, at the end of the day, it comes down to being a beautifully shot slow-burn love story. I am a big fan of romances rooted in friendship and it takes years for Harry and Sally to realize that they're each other's person.
"Also, the scenes of them in those 1990s sweaters (which are no longer made in such good quality) strolling through the crunchy autumn leaves or discussing in the Met with the orange and red foliage? It's peak cinema."
– Kalyani Saxena, associate producer
"Pride and Prejudice" (2005)
"It's a perfect film and worth watching any time of the year."
– Kalyani Saxena, associate producer