Spooky Movies to Kick Off Halloween Weekend

Henry McKeand
Editor-in-Chief and A&E Editor

      Of all the Halloween traditions, sitting around with family or friends and enjoying a good scary movie may be the most fun.  Finding the right seasonal flicks has never been easier, with streaming services like Netflix adding a strong horror selection during the weeks leading up to the year’s scariest holiday.  Here is a list of some of the best Halloween movies that you can watch for free on instant video apps. 
The Blair Witch Project (1999): Often cited as the film that started the “found-footage” craze in
      horror, this horror hit’s influence can still be seen today in films like The Visit and Paranormal
      Activity.  To top it off, it’s amazingly suspenseful and entertaining.(Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu)
The Blob (1958): A horror classic, The Blob’s over-the-top plot and cheesy special effects may
      inspire more laughs than screams today, but it’s campy and fun enough to be enjoyed by any
      viewer. (Hulu)
Dawn of The Dead (2004): This remake of George Romero’s zombie classic had a lot to live up
      to, but director Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, 300) managed to craft a rock-solid undead flick. 
      Strong performances, great special effects, and some surprisingly strong human drama all make
      Dawn of the Dead worth watching.  (HBOGO)
Dead Snow (2009): You don’t need to know much more about Dead Snow than its basic premise:
      Nazi zombies.  With enough creativity and gore to satisfy even the most jaded horror fans, this
      Norwegian gem is already a cult favorite. (Netflix)

---

The Fly (1958/1986): The Fly continues to resonate with viewers, mainly because the concept of 
      slowly turning into a bug is still horrifying.  Whether you choose the iconic Vincent Price original 
      or the remake from body-horror master David Cronenberg, you can’t go wrong with a narrative 
      this unsettling.  (Netflix {1958}; HBOGO {1986})
I Saw the Devil (2010): It doesn’t have any supernatural elements, but this Korean thriller is as 
      terrifying as any monster film simply because it gives its scares a sense of reality.  It follows a 
      man’s obsessive quest for revenge against a brutal serial killer, and it is a must-see for 
      ​psychological horror fans who can handle the grisly special effects. (Netflix)
The Omen (1976): Horror fans shouldn’t miss Richard Donner’s iconic feature about a seemingly
      innocent young child who just happens to be the spawn of Satan.  It can’t match the long-term
      fear of Rosemary’s Baby or the immediate suspense of Halloween, but its best scenes are still
      legitimately chilling. (Netflix)
Re-Animator (1985): HP Lovecraft was a pioneering horror author whose resume is full of
      legendary stories, making it especially impressive that Re-Animator remains as one of the best
      Lovecraft adaptations.  Don’t let the low-budget exterior fool you; it’s more inspired than the
      ​most extravagant horror pictures.  (Netflix)

Rosemary’s Baby (1968): Directed by master-of-suspense Roman Polanski, this eerie tale of a
      pregnant woman who suspects that there is something wrong with her newborn child is perfect
      for Halloween.  Don’t let the early release date fool you; Rosemary’s Baby is still as unsettling
      now as it was in 1968. (Netflix)
Saw (2004): Often cited as the movie that started the gruesome torture sub-genre in horror, Saw
      is definitely not for the faint-of-heart.  If you really want to test yourself, though, this disturbing
      tale is perfect for you. (Netflix, Amazon Prime)
Scream (1996): It would be hard to find a horror movie as purely entertaining as Scream.  It
      serves as both a fun thriller and a hilarious dissection of horror’s many clichés.  The fact that it
      was directed by the great Wes Craven, who helped start many of the tropes that Scream mocks,
      greatly adds to the film’s appeal. (Netflix, Amazon Prime)
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010): While it may not be the scariest, this horror comedy is a solid
      pick for a more lighthearted Halloween movie night.  By following two kind-hearted hillbillies
      who, through a series of bizarre coincidences, are mistaken for murderous psychopaths, the film
      is able to turn the conventional idea of a slasher movie villain upside down. (Netflix, Hulu)
V/H/S 2 (2013): This anthology flick is the rare example of a horror sequel actually improving on
      the original.  It tells five separate tales, each of them offering something new and exciting.  From
      point-of-view suspense to a chilling inside look at a fictional cult, V/H/S 2 has enough content
      for some awesome late-night viewing. (Netflix)
You’re Next (2011): This great modern example of the “home-invasion” sub-genre is pitch-
      perfect, expertly balancing scares and genuine twists.  It’s as unpredictable and flat-out insane as
      any modern horror film you’ll see, making it great for movie night this week. (Amazon Prime,
      ​Hulu)