Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon my Darlings. Today’s post is a countdown list of my top ten essential films for Spooky Season, ones that have stood the test of time, and many rewatches. They vary from family-friendly entry-level horror to true horror. Essentially these are the films that truly make it feel like the Season of the Witch to me, most of them taking place during the season, with a few exceptions that are here for vibes. Without further ado, let’s get a look at my list!
Number 10: HALLOWEEN (1978)
~Ok, so I have likely surprised people by having this so low, but I chose to rank it here because this one is not a yearly viewing for me anymore. In high school, this was an annual watch, but after that, I began watching it less frequently. Now I probably watch this one every two to three years, so still a great film. It is definitely a must-see if you have somehow never seen it!
Number 9: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)
~I rank this one so low because as much as I adore the story of Jack Skellington, I see this as a bit more of a Christmas movie, as the story is about spooky creatures celebrating Christmas. That being said, I watch it all through the Spooky Season and the Winter Holiday Season as well!
Number 8: CORPSE BRIDE (2005)
~The reason this amazing film is this low is that I decided that the more family-friendly ones needed to be lower, as they are not as spooky as the others. Plus, it does not technically take place on Halloween, as the time of year is not specified. That being said, I watch this one every Spooky Season, and I love it so much. This one is the ideal film for a Haunted Victorian Spooky Vibe!
Number 7: HOCUS POCUS (1993)
~It is not Halloween without this witchy classic! I love this one so much and watch it multiple times during Spooky Season, and even outside of Spooky Season! Who can ever get enough of the Sanderson sisters? This one also has major nostalgia for me, as it is a film I grew up watching.
Number 6: SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999)
~For me, it is not Spooky Season without at least one viewing of this film! I love Tim Burton’s take on the classic Washington Irving tale. Plus, let’s be real, the vibes of this one cannot be beaten! I will also note, that the reason I could not list this one higher is that it does not take place on Halloween, but as I said the vibes cannot be beat.
Number 5: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975)
~This one had to make the list, as a truly iconic musical about all the Spooky Sexy Goodness of Frank-N-Furter’s crazy gathering! It is the film that has inspired countless artists and endless costumes over the decades! So, again I ranked it here instead of higher because it does not technically take place on Halloween. That being said, many Halloween lovers have certainly adopted it as part of their holiday celebrations, and I am definitely one of them!
Number 4: 3 FROM HELL (2019)
~It is a tradition that my husband and I always pick a weekend in October and watch the entire Firefly Family Trilogy, so of course this one would have to be ranked highly! As a bonus, it does take place on Halloween, as we see our lovable killers celebrating the Day of the Dead when they get to Mexico.
Number 3: HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES (2003)
~This one makes the list for the same reason as the previous one, ranking higher because I like it just slightly more. It is a great introduction to the trilogy! Not to mention, that this one also takes place on Halloween, with a very fun celebration by a crazy murderous family that truly adores the holiday.
Number 2: THE DEVIL’S REJECTS (2005)
~Of course, like most horror fans, my favorite Firefly Family film is this one! We get to see Baby, Otis, and Captain Spaulding at their most vicious and most lovable at the same time! Yet, it is the only one that does not technically take place on Halloween. Although I do not think that really makes it less of an essential watch, as watching the trilogy during Spooky Season is amazing!
Number 1: TRICK R’ TREAT (2007)
~I doubt this one is a surprise to long-time readers, as I have written about my love for this film more than once! Honestly, when I think of Halloween films, this is the one that gives me the cozy spooky vibes more than any other. Plus, Sam is one of the greatest adorably spooky creatures ever! This is the film I turn to any time of year when I am missing Spooky Season, as it just gives me the vibes I want. It is such a comforting and fun watch each time, and absolutely a must-watch multiple times during Spooky Season!
Special Mentions: LORDS OF SALEM (2012)
~I just could not do this list without mentioning this incredible Rob Zombie gem. I tend to watch this every year, or at least most years, as it is such an atmospheric film that makes me feel the haunted vibes I adore!
HALLOWEEN (2007)
~I also had to give praise to this oft-maligned Rob Zombie remake, as it is actually one I really love! I admit that I hated it when I saw it in theaters, as I had never seen a Rob Zombie film and did not know what to expect. Upon rewatch, this one shot up as a favorite remake for me!
~I hope you have enjoyed this countdown. What are your essential Spooky Season films? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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