Denny Civic So-Boo-tions: Our Favorite Movies for Spooky Season
This October, we asked our DCS team and a few of our strategic partners what movies they’re watching to get in the Halloween spirit. Check out our list below!
Our Halloween Movie List
Anna Havrilla: Hands down, my go-to Halloween movie is Tucker and Dale vs Evil.
Not only is it Alan Tudyk at his finest, but it is quirky, chaotic (accidental) horror-humor that should turn you firmly away from any bright “buy-a-fixer-upper-cabin-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-with-your-best-friend” ideas you may have.
Truthfully, if you like lovable, well-meaning hillbillies, the great outdoors, and DIY projects, this is the movie for you.
Charlie Lotz: Instead of listing my favorite horror movie of all time (that would be The Shining), I’m going with one I’d call a modern classic: The Witch (or The VVitch, if you’re cool).
Granted, it’s not the easiest sell: a psychological, slow-burn historical parable whose characters speak in the thee’s and thou’s of Early Modern English. But if you don’t mind switching on subtitles, you’re in for a treat. Following a Puritan family cast out of its 1630s New England village, it’s a beautifully-shot, incredibly acted bit of pure terror that sticks with you. I recently rewatched it for a third time — the only other horror movie I can say that about? The Shining (should I have just picked The Shining?).
Darya Kharabi: I am a big horror movie person, so this was a difficult one to choose. My longtime favorite has always been Candyman (1992), because of the nuance in the backstory, the cinematography and, of course, the special effects.
But this year, I’ve got to say The Wailing is my go-to to get in the Halloween spirit. If you liked The Exorcist and enjoyed Parasite, you’ll probably like this one. Set in a small village in the mountains of South Korea, the movie follows a detective investigating a series of killings and sicknesses in order to save his daughter. Spiritual possession? Check. Devilish visions? Check. A mystery so layered you’re left in the dark till the very end? Check. This flick will leave you thinking about it for ages!
Donna Malpezzi: As a very much non-Halloween person, this isn’t an easy task. Scary movies are definitely not in my wheelhouse, but one Halloween comedy movie stands out for me and that is Ghostbusters.
The classic 1984 comedy film starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, and Rick Moranis sees three eccentric parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City – with spooky and hilarious consequences. The special effects are wonderful, and at the time were considered innovative. It won’t leave you gripping your seat and the humor is probably dated, but it’s still an amusing watch!
John Denny: I was maybe 10 years old. Our TV was still black and white, but so were most of the movies, especially the 1962 thriller Whatever Happened to Baby Jane.
First, Betty Davis can scare the crud out of anyone, especially a 10-year-old kid. Second, serving a dead rat for dinner to your sister really creeped me out!
And the suspense of whether Joan Crawford would live or not…let’s just say it continues to be one of my favorite thrillers.
Stephanie Watkins: Just like Donna, I have to go with the Ghostbusters franchise – but only now that I finally got over my fear of pink slime coming out of the toilet and bathtub (after my dad made a questionable parenting decision to take me to the cinema to see Ghostbusters II when I was 6!).
A very close second is Hocus Pocus. It’s got everything…comedy, romance, gore (not really), zombies, talking black cats, and witches!