Who’s getting excited for Halloween?! We’re just a few weeks away and I can’t believe it! I decided I wanted to make another movie guide, spooky edition. I love making these kinds of posts and I thought it would be perfect to line-up some of my favorite scary movies for the season. I can’t help it, it’ s the film student in me. I’m really not big on scary movies, I’m an absolute wimp and I can’t handle anything over the top. These movies are more spooky or creepy than anything, so this is for all of you out there who like watching somewhat scary movies around Halloween-time but don’t want to be absolutely terrified. I’ve found that older movies are just naturally less-scary, not only because of how technology has changed, but also because the storylines tend to be more monster or psychologically focused. They’re definitely still creepy and enjoyable, but they aren’t like some of the horror movies today that I absolutely can’t handle. Let’s get into it!
1. Dracula (1931):
We’ve gotta start with a classic monster movie. We all know about the original Dracula and Frankenstein films, but when was the last time you actually watched one, if ever? This film is such a fun and easy start to the horror genre. While it was probably considered extremely scary at the time, I promise you, this is just barely on the borderline of creepy. The actual novel is far more graphic than the film, and that’s something you’ll find very common in these older films, as the Hays Code was still in place. Since censorship was a much bigger deal then, these older films tend to not be too scary, which is good for people like me! It’s also quite interesting to look for how themes of sexual desires, modernization and marriage are incorporated in the film with this censorship in place. I highly recommend watching this, it’ll give you all the Halloween vibes.
2. Frankenstein (1931):
Another classic, like Dracula. Who’s the real monster here, the actual monster or Dr. Frankenstein? Guess you’ll just have to watch to find out ;). It’s kind of fascinating how this film was done. Honestly, because of the Hays Code you might not even notice some of plot lines from the book meant to be portrayed in the film. Frankenstein definitely was a tad more controversial than other horror films of the 1930s, however. Scenes such as the one with the little girl and the hunt to kill the monster are a tad more violent than something you’d see from the time. Still, on the creep-o-meter, the film is barely a notch higher than Dracula. This is just one of those films you have to see at least once, and it’s perfect for this time of year! p.s. a few themes to look out for include alienation, responsibility and injustice.
3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956):
This has to be one of my favorites. It’s just creepy enough for you to be on the edge of your seat, but you’re not going to go to bed afraid at the end of the night. The basic premise (without giving too much away) is of a doctor coming home to realize his town has been taken over alien pods. There’s definitely a psychological element to it, so I think it has maintained its spook factor throughout the years. Fun fact: a lot of people have analyzed this film as a direct reflection of the Red Scare and panic that came with it at the time, so for all you film studies geeks out there, have fun with that!
4. Psycho (1960):
I mean c’mon. How could I not include this? Psycho is definitely scarier than the others, but if I can handle it, you can probably handle it. The film follows a young woman, Marion Crane, on the run from her job and former life so she can be with her lover. She stops at a motel to rest for the night, and well, you’re gonna have to watch to find out what happens next. The direction by Hitchcock is genius, very carefully working his way around the Hays Code with editing, camera angles and music to create an experience truly like none other at this point in time. Note the themes of voyeurism, hidden sexuality, failure of the American Dream, and psychopathy among many, many others. This probably has to be one of the most iconic horror movies of all time, so it’s a must watch at this time of year. Fun fact: the actress who plays Marion Crane, Janet Leigh, is the mother of Jamie Lee Curtis, who went on to get her start in none other than the film, Halloween.
5. Night of the Living Dead (1968):
Last but not least, I had to include Night of the Living Dead, AKA the only zombie movie I can handle. This film is creepy in a different way. It will definitely leave you feeling spooked, but it isn’t anything too scary! The film starts by following a sibling duo visiting a graveyard, and while I don’t want to give away any spoilers, I can say the film mostly involves trying to not get eaten by zombies. The characters try to stay boarded up in a safe house as long as possible, all while trying to create an escape plan. It isn’t like today’s zombie movies at all, but the slow, stoic movements of the zombies definitely moves this film up on the spook meter for me. Fun fact: many believe the film to be a reflection of social unrest and protests of the time! The racial tension between two main characters is obvious, and the crowd of zombies can also represent the crowds of protestors over Civil Rights and Vietnam. Plus, that ending was telling, even if director Romero didn’t intend it. Overall, I would have to say this film is another must-watch at Halloween-time!
I hope you all enjoyed this doable scary movie guide, let me know which ones you have seen and which ones you are looking forward to watching! Are you a scary movie person, or do you have to be more selective like me? Let me know 🙂
With Love,
Jenna