I’m trying to get myself excited for Halloween, so I thought I’ll do a thread that no one asked for where each day I’ll recommend a horror movie that I personally like and give a quick reason about why I like it!

Oct. 1st:

Evil Dead (2013, Dir. Fede Álvarez)

This remake of the much loved series is one of my favourite films ever. While not as funny as the original, it is full of amazing horror action, deliciously gory practical effects and a genuine love for the genre.

Oct. 2nd:

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974, Dir. Tobe Hooper)

A masterclass in editing. While brutal and unrelenting, no actual explicit violence and gore are ever seen - it’s always simply implied through clever camera work and edits. Also gave us an iconic villain.

Oct. 3rd:

Angustia (1987, Dir. Bigas Luna)

This Spanish-produced, but English-spoken gem has all the camp you could ever ask for from a Zelda Rubinstein performance. A the-less-you-know-the-better type movie, this campy, plot-twisty film should leave you grinning and confused.

Oct. 4th:

The Loved Ones (2009, Dir. Sean Byrne)

You’ve never seen torture-porn done like this before. This film is stylish, darkly funny, intense and confident. This Australian production takes high-school horror to a whole other level. Definitely a must watch!

Oct. 5th:

Under the Skin (2013, Dir. Jonathan Glazer)

It sounds corny but this film really got under my skin. Its brand of horror is a very subdued one, and you don’t really realise you’re scared until the credits roll. Profound, beautiful and unnerving. Also kinda fucked up.

Oct. 6th:

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984, Dir. Wes Craven)

Pretty sure everyone knows this movie and its antagonist. Just thought I’d throw it in the list as my pick for a classic teen slasher. It’s fun, campy and I love Robert Englund’s performance. Cool dream sequences too.

Oct. 7th:

Alien (1979, Dir. Ridley Scott)

My favourite film of all time. I genuinely think this film is perfect. This is as good as sci-fi horror gets. This is as good as a slasher gets. This is as good as a monster movie gets. If you haven’t seen it yet - watch it immediately.

Oct. 8th:

Revenge (2017, Dir. Coralie Fargeat)

The rape-revenge subgenre has been dominated by men, so it’s about time we got to see the female perspective. Written and directed by Frageat, this high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled action horror is a much needed breath of fresh air.

Oct. 9th:

Us (2019, Dir. Jordan Peele)

Peele really managed to bring thought-provoking horror to the mainstream with ‘Get Out’, and he did it again here. This film is such a good blend of intense horror and brilliant comedy, as well as some very relevant societal commentary.

Oct. 10th:

Perfect Blue (1997, Dir. Satoshi Kon)

Don’t let the fact that it’s animated put you off; this film is violent, uncomfortable and quite the mind-fuck. An exploration of how people believe they own women in the public eye, this psychological horror cannot be missed.

Oct. 11th:

The Witch (2015, Dir. Robert Eggers)

Also known as The VVitch, this “New-England folktale” is probably my favourite horror film in A24’s catalogue. It slowly but steadily builds tension throughout, and by the end point I found myself forgetting to breathe. Fun stuff.

Oct. 12th:

[•REC] (2007, Dirs. Jaume Balagueró & Paco Plaza)

“Experience fear”. The last 15 minutes might be the most scared I’ve ever been while watching a movie. The film also explores Spanish societal anxieties and stereotypes in what’s an overall incredibly fun package.

Oct. 13th:

It Comes at Night (2017, Dir. Trey Edward Shults)

This film flew under a lot of people’s radar. Another exercise in what The Guardian called ‘post-horror’, this film tells the tale of fear, and how it will rip up a family from the inside. Very harrowing ending.

Oct. 14th:

It Follows (2014, Dir. David Robert Mitchell)

This is a coming-of-age story told through a sexually-transmitted demon. Very stylish, very intense (will have you looking over your shoulders for days) and has an incredible soundtrack. Also Maika Monroe ily

Oct. 15th:

Gojira (1954, Dir. Ishirō Honda)

Who knew that the King of the Monsters has its roots in a horror film? One of the best examples of ‘monster as allegory’, it explores Japanese anxieties and fears in the aftermath of the atomic bomb. (Avoid the 1956 American re-edit!)

Oct. 16th:

Martyrs (2008, Dir. Pascal Laurier)

Not for everyone; this is the most extreme film I’ll recommend. It has a clinical approach to torture and violence. Incredibly bleak and dire but if you can hack it, you’ll actually find a sadly profound and thought-provoking film.

Oct. 17:

Scream (1996, Dir. Wes Craven)

This is horror satire at its best. It is so funny, while also thrilling with a side of some genuine terrifying scenes (opening scene anyone?). If you’re a horror fan you’ve already watched this but, why not again? Scream 4 is great too.

Oct. 18th:

Insidious [Trilogy] (2010-2015, Dirs. James Wan & Leigh Whannell)

This trilogy is the cinematic equivalent of a theme park horror maze. Lots of theatrics, make-up, wild sets and really silly ghost-hunting sequences. For those that hate violence, these are for you.

Oct. 19th:

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962, Dir. Robert Aldrich)

You really owe yourself to watch this just to experience the two powerhouses that are Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. A great psychological horror, here’s some classic Hollywood for you guys.

Oct. 20th:

The Neon Demon (2016, Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn)

Look I was OBSESSED with this film. Couldn’t stop watching it over and over again. It’s hypnotic and gorgeous to look at. Might be style over substance at times, but this is an experience unlike the rest on this list.

Oct. 21st:

Let the Right One In (2008, Dir. Tomas Alfredson)

This film resonates with me on several levels. A story about identity, acceptance and love; it really is one of those special horror films that has something important to say. Also that pool scene is a masterpiece.

Oct. 22nd:

Crimson Peak (2015, Dir. Guillermo del Toro)

As with anything del Toro does, the film has a fairytale-like quality to it. Beautiful sets, great costume design and a story that is beautiful and sad. Plus it still has his classic violence (he loves to bash a face in).

Oct. 23rd:

mother! (2017, Dir. Darren Aronofsky)

This movie is literally the definition of a fever dream. An extremely anxiety-inducing film, it also manages to pack in some very dark but funny moments. With beautiful cinematography and delicious sound design, this was a ride.

Oct. 24th:

Audition (1999, Dir. Takashi Miike)

A turning point in J-horror, this film really is quite excellent. Irreverent and funny for most of it, it suddenly turns into a twisted nightmare that literally had my jaw drop. It’s an effective dive into gender power dynamics.

Oct. 25th:

The Cabin in the Woods (2011, Dir. Drew Goddard)

This does what Scream did for the slasher but to horror as a whole. Funny, intense and full of that quippy Joss Whedon dialogue you would expect from a script of his. An amazingly fun deconstruction of the genre.

Oct. 26th:

Sinister (2012, Dir. Scott Derrickson)

Sadly this film makes some decisions that keep it from being great, however if you overlook those you’ll actually find really effectively crafted scares and terrifying imagery alongside one of my favourite horror soundtracks.

Oct. 27th:

Green Room (2015, Dir. Jeremy Saulnier)

Patrick Steward terrifies as the leader of a neo-nazi group that torments the members of a punk-rock band. Expertly crafted, this horror-thriller is one seriously intense ride.

Oct. 28th:

Hellraiser (1987, Dir. Clive Barker)

This movie is nuts. The plot doesn’t make a lot of sense but it’s basically just an elaborate excuse to have some of horror’s coolest villains: the Cenobites. It’s honestly worth watching the entire trilogy just for these guys.

Oct. 29th:

El Hoyo (2019, Dir. Galder Gaztelu Urrutia)

This gem is somehow buried in Netflix. The entire plot takes place in the same location but it is so thrilling, disturbing and honestly well-written. I really responded to this concept and its dialogue. This prison is hell.

Oct. 30th:

The Babadook (2014, Dir. Jennifer Kent)

With a visual style ripped straight out of a German Expressionist film, ‘The Babadook’ really successfully blends grief with horror. A great psychological drama, and somehow a queer icon, definitely give this one a watch.

Oct. 31st:

Psycho (1960, Dir. Alfred Hitchcock)

Thought I’d end this thread with the master of suspense himself. This film has aged so incredibly well; the twists and turns are just as effective today. It’s also probably the most iconic and important film on this entire thread.