With Halloween right around the corner, two of our bravest staff members tried to find the best Halloween movies of all time. From “Pet Sematary” to “Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular,” everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings, whether for candy or carnage.

Payton

The Top 10 Scariest Movies

10. “The Strangers” (2008)

Home intrusion is the last thing you would ever want to happen. This film takes the fear of the unknown and magnifies it by a million. Three mask-bearing “strangers” show up at a home in the middle of nowhere. They don’t speak, they have no emotion, they only want to hurt you. This film is terrifying. 

9. “Paranormal Activity” (2007) 

“Did something just move without being touched? I feel like I’m not alone here.” This is what you’ll be thinking after watching this movie. An unknown force is causing havoc in a home. A camera set up at night will try to catch what is moving things around at night. Let’s just say they found plenty of evidence. 

8. “Pet Sematary” (1989)         

We have all had a pet die. We all wish that we could bring them back to life, right? Well, this movie builds on that desire to the extreme. Sometimes what we wish for is only a nightmare waiting to unfold. This movie certainly proves that.

Side note: Don’t watch this movie with your pet… Your cat might not be so nice after all. 

7. “Annabelle” (2014)

It seems like everyone has had a fear of dolls at some point, right? Do you remember that old doll at your grandma’s house that you could’ve sworn was moving? Well, Annabelle is the queen of scary dolls. This film will make you want to throw out any doll you will ever see again. 

6. “The Conjuring” (2013)

This film was the first nightmare-inducing film for a lot of kids. I certainly can attest to that. Get ready for a haunted house ride that will make you never want to sleep again. Also, you might need to have some holy water on standby post-viewing. 

5. “Sinister” (2012)

This film is an absolute classic. I learned to never take down an old box of films you find in your attic. Also, Mr. Boogie is not actually a cool guy who dances. This film will leave you with a deep pit in your stomach after how brutal and disturbing it gets. 

4. “Host” (2020)

Host is a newer movie, but it certainly packs a huge punch. It is utterly terrifying. It has a very unique storyline and one that all Drury students can relate to… a Zoom call. Yes, you read that correctly. A group of people get on a Zoom call during quarantine. They decide to have a virtual séance. What could go wrong? This movie is very good and as creepy as it gets. 

3. “The Conjuring 2” (2016)

The second installment of the “Conjuring” films is by far the scariest in my eyes. Can you imagine the ghost of a bitter old man scaring your family every single day? The jump scares and atmosphere in this movie are off the charts. I certainly would not watch this movie if you had to get up early the next day! 

2. “Insidious” (2010)

Another classic film that made for a lot of sleepless nights. “Insidious” is a film that always got put on when you were having a sleepover with friends. Everybody was covering their face with a pillow 10 minutes into the movie. It is, without question, the second scariest movie I have ever seen. Put that together with a great storyline and characters, and you get an ultimate scary movie. 

1. “Terrified (Atterados)” (2017)

Terrified is an Argentinian film that was perfectly written, directed and acted. I can assure you that this film is by far the most terrifying, nightmare-inducing, pull the sheets over your face, keep the lights on … movie I have ever seen. I have always loved scary movies. I’ve been watching them for years. This one truly got to me. It will take a few days for you to feel comfortable sleeping again after watching this film. I wish I could say I was joking. Also, the film dialogue is entirely in Spanish, so get those subtitles on and give it a watch. 

Gabriella

The Six Best Not-So-Scary Halloween Movies

1. “Young Frankenstein”

This 1974 Halloween comedy is a rendition of the well-known story of Frankenstein. Starring and co-writing is legend Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, whose character is determined to prove his grandfather was not insane, as people believed him to be. This film is still regarded as a beloved Halloween film with a comedic take on this literary classic. “Young Frankenstein” is available to watch on Amazon Prime. 

2. “Halloweentown” 

“Halloweentown” is a Disney Original movie released in 1998, and is a family-friendly Halloween film. Marnie, a young girl, learns, while living with her grandmother, that they are both ‘good witches.’ They must band together to save the town from the evil forces. The nostalgia this brings makes it a classic family-friendly Halloween film, fun for all ages to enjoy. “Halloweentown,” along with the three other sequels “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge” (2001,) “Halloweentown High” (2004,) and “Return to Halloweentown” (2006) are all available for streaming on Disney Plus. 

3. “Hocus Pocus”

With an easily recognizable trio, this Halloween movie is treasured by all. The three witches are known as the Sanderson sisters, who were executed in Salem in the 17th century, and have been brought back through means of a modern teenager. This Disney classic is harshly reviewed by critics, but has been adored by the public since its 1993 release. “Hocus Pocus” is available to stream on Disney Plus. 

4. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” 

One of my personal favorite Halloween movies is another Disney classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The animation, the music and the combination of two adored holidays all make this a superb film to watch from October to December. Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King, has been a well-recognized character since the movie’s 1993 release. With songs “This is Halloween,” a rendition of “Deck the Halls” and beautiful pieces such as “Sally’s Song,” this is a great holiday film for both Halloween and Christmas for kids and adults of all ages. 

5. “Scary Godmother: Halloween Spooktacular” 

This short animation is a 47-minute Halloween special based on the popular children’s comic books by Jill Thompson. With a newer release of 2003, this special was featured on Cartoon Network. This whimsical story follows the journey of Hannah, who enlists the help of the Scary Godmother, to teach her teasing and mean cousin a lesson. 

6. “Beetlejuice”

With a star-studded cast and crew, “Beetlejuice” is another Halloween comedy that is an exemplary film. Directed by Tim Burton and starring Micheal Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davi, and Winona Ryder, all of whom have shining moments within. The Maitland couple have an untimely death but continue the afterlife trapped in their home. When the new, living, Deetz family moves in, the Maitlands call upon Beetlejuice (Keaton) to help them scare them away. From the 1988 release until now, this comedic and spooky movie has remained a classic. “Beetlejuice” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime. 

Story by Payton Hannah and Gabriella Wuller