31 Days of Halloween Movies

This article may contain spoilers.

I love Halloween, even though it’s not as big in Australia. Besides giving out lollies to the local kids dressing up this year, another way I’ve decided to celebrate the holiday is by watching a Halloween movie every single day of October.

There’s two reasons I set this challenge to myself: I love horror movies and there are so many I hadn’t seen yet. While I did rewatch a lot, I used this as an opportunity to finally pick up those iconic 80’s slashers that are so ingrained in our pop culture.

I didn’t want it to be all horror, though, so there are some fun, family movies I either revisited or hadn’t seen before.

Below is a full list of each movie I watched this spooky season — feel free to skip to your favourites.

With that out of the way, let’s get into it!

Oct 1: The Evil Dead (1981)

This was a first time watch for me and I can say that this movie just did not care what people thought about it, which is really funny to me. There was no character building, it barely set the scene and forget the story because it’s jumping straight into the horror and gore.

For that, I can only really explain the plot in a few words: A bunch of teenagers go to a cabin and there’s an evil out there.

This movie also loses points with me for having sexual violence and using it in an erotic way. I can understand the argument that sexual violence is scary, but the director did not treat it that way. Gross!

Oct 2: Hocus Pocus (1998)

Also a first time watch, I knew just how loved this movie is as a family holiday movie. Hocus Pocus follows the Sanderson sisters – three witches that enjoy stealing the lifeforce of children. They are hanged for their crimes but they threaten to return when a virgin lights their candle…

Winifred’s rendition of I Put a Spell on You absolutely slayed — that was probably my favourite part in the movie. I loved the portrayal of the Sanderson sisters, but the characters from Salem times, especially the boy… There was no mistaking he was straight from the 90’s. You know how there’s iPhone face? He was like Walkman face. His version of old timey English was so amusing to me, but it is just a feel good family film so I don’t hate it.

Also: we get it — the main character was a virgin. He’s also just a teen and they treated it like it was so embarrassing which is so funny.

Oct 3: The Ring (2002)

I really enjoyed this one! I’d only ever seen The Ring parodied but never got around to watching this movie. The movie is about this mysterious tape with a rumour that anyone that watches it will die in 7 days. Viewers are usually skeptical but are met with their fate exactly a week after watching it. A journalist is enlisted to investigate the tape’s origin and how it posses the ability to kill.

Now, I have never seen the original Japanese version but I had fun with this western remake. I thought acting was pretty solid, the story was interesting and man, that little kid was unsettling. Weirdly enough, I’m not talking about the ghost.

Oct 4: Monster House (2006)

This movie is all about… a monster house. Yep, the house is actually a monster that only the teens of the movie seem to notice, despite it stealing objects and sometimes kidnapping people.

Monster House is just a great movie. It still makes me laugh as an adult, the story is compelling and creepy for a family film, and I still quote it in my day-to-day when the moment arises.

One of my only critiques of this movie is the flashback scene is so barren, it does look a bit bizarre. Why are there random kids throwing stones at this lady building her house, when her’s looks like the only house for miles? Where did they even come from?

Oct 5: Joker Folie a Deuz (2024)

Ugh, what can I say about this movie that hasn’t already been said? While not technically a Halloween movie, I’m counting it for being a clown (and also because I planned to watch this anyway). It follow’s Arthur Fleck in the aftermath of the first movie, his incarceration and the meeting of Harleen “Lee” Quinzel.

To summarise, this movie is still shot beautifully but on a whole… it was just another unnecessary sequel. I hated the ending and not just because of what happened in itself, but because it was leading to that, anyway, so why add such a graphic scene? And the implications of the psycho in the background of this shot? Ugh. Such a shame.

Other random thoughts: I wished they utilised Lady Gaga more.

I was a bit lost during the movie as it was shown in the first installment that Arthur is an unreliable narrator so I was thinking “Is this real or is this exaggerated?” the entire time.

The musical components weren’t that annoying for those who hate the genre, but I think its because they half committed to the whole musical idea. To me, it’s either commit or don’t.

Oct 6: Carrie (1976)

The Joker sequel pissed me off so much that I had to go back to a movie I had seen before. Enter: Carrie, a movie about a troubled, bullied teen and how she discovers she has the power of telekinesis.

For an older movie, this still holds up well today. The lingering shots of naked teenagers were unnecessary but, anyway… I see an occurring theme in these older horrors.

That aside, I think Sissy Spacek did a fantastic job at portraying Carrie, despite being thinner than the character was intended (hence the pig blood). After all the shit Carrie takes, I can’t blame her for having her revenge arc. Good for her.

Oct 7: Scooby-Doo (2002)

In my heart this deserves 5 stars, but I’m willing to take a star off for the existence of Scrappy Cornelius Doo. Scooby-Doo, just like its predecessors, follows the mystery gang as they solve yet another unusual case that brings them together for the first time in 2 years.

Scooby-Doo is nostalgic, they nailed the casting choices and while the CGI has definitely aged, it’s still a fun and enjoyable movie. The adult jokes flew over my head as a kid but on a rewatch they are so funny. Also, everyone is good looking. Velma’s unnamed friend, if you’re reading this, my number is…

Oct 8: Scream (1996)

With another good looking cast, Scream is another movie I had not seen in its entirety. I once heard that Scream was a movie you thought starred Drew Barrymore, but then she’s barely in it. It more follows Sydney Prescott, a girl being harassed over the phone by a suspected killer, a year after the murder of her mother.

The twist of who Ghost Face really is was an interesting twist, though the movie was a bit pretentious. Having the horror movie fan explain every plot detail like “Here’s where he comes back to life” or whatever, yeah, yeah we get it. It’s a horror movie damn it and being ahead of the cliche doesn’t change the fact its still a cliche!

Oct 9: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

What’s this? What’s this? Another fun movie (Danny Elfman, you are fantastic). Whether you consider this a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, I don’t care — its on my list.

The plot isn’t anything complicated: Just a Halloween guy interested in Christmas. The animation and character designs are really fun, and the soundtrack is catchy as hell.

Oct 10: Saw (2004)

I watched Saw and Saw II at an age that I had no business watching these movies and let me say, Billy the puppet still makes me nervous. The movie begins as 2 men awaken in an abandoned bathroom, chained to a pole, with a dead man between them. They must play a game to escape.

The first installment fascinates me. It’s very early 2000’s with its editing, but also not too bad in terms of gore than the other installments, and plays more like a thriller. I find this so interesting because this movie kind of kick started a whole genre of torture films which are always scary to me.

Oct 11: Scary Movie (2000)

Scary Movie is one of those early 2000s parody movies, except horror films this time! Sorry, but nostalgia can’t save this movie as much as I love the wazzupppppp scene.

The movie has definitely aged in terms of what can and can’t be joked about now but even more obvious is just how unfunny it is. There were maybe 2 scenes that got a slight breath out of my nose which was surprising because I remembered these movies going downhill at Scary Movie 4…

Oct 12: Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Tim Curry the man you are…

The plot is essentially Brad and Janet, a recently engaged couple, have car troubles and end up at this strange looking mansion with even stranger inhabitants. There’s dancing, there’s sex and there’s even aliens?

Does this movie make any sense? No. Am I having a great time? Hell yeah. The songs, the sexual tension, the absurdity — I’m eating this up every time I watch it.

Oct 13: Friday the 13th (1980)

Friday the 13th is about this summer camp that is reopened, despite being closed for the deaths of camp counselors prior to its closing.

Okay, firstly, was anyone going to tell me that it wasn’t Jason killing in this movie AND he doesn’t have the iconic hockey mask until the later films? Not even in the direct sequel?!

Anyway, I liked the first person camera moments in this movie when you’re from the perspective of the killer. I also liked the twist at the end, and I really liked the special effects makeup in this. Coming from The Evil Dead effects to this was a breath of fresh air.

Oct 14: Corpse Bride (2005)

As you could probably tell, I love a good stop-motion animation and Corpse Bride is no exception.

This movie follows a young man that accidentally brings back a deceased woman from the dead when practicing his vows — hence the title, Corpse Bride. I love the depiction of the after life, I think Emily’s story is kind of tragic and she deserves better, damn it!

Oct 15: Terrifier (2016)

Terrifier is a movie about a weird clown murdering people in the most brutal way. And I mean, brutal.

I actually love the concept of Art the Clown (thank you David Howard Thornton) and I love how goofy and weird he is despite being the killer… but that’s all I liked. This movie was incredibly boring when Art isn’t being a weirdo and don’t even get me started on the chainsaw scene. You know the one.

Oct 16: Coraline (2009)

My favourite stop-motion movie! Coraline is both whimsical and yet creepy for a family movie that follows a family with an adventurous daughter moving into a home that is hiding a secret…

I just love the passion Laika has in their films, and their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. The expression, the set design, the characters, even the ending where they show the effort that goes into this movie UGH I love it all.

Also, I’d probably be one of those kids that fall for the Other Mother’s promises.

Oct 17: Wendell & Wild (2022)

Wendell and Wild are the names of two demons with a dream to open their own amusement park. To help them do so, they enlist the help of Kat in exchange for bringing back something precious to her.

Sigh. I wanted to like this movie more. I absolutely adore the character design, I love the animation style especially when Wendell and Wild are in hell, and I love, love, love the inclusivity. The plot had potential but unfortunately, the execution was… a bit boring. It felt like it could have been more.

Oct 18: Scared Shrekless (2010)

I was a little lazy this day and I was after something short and sweet, and Scared Shrekless is just that. This is a short film where characters from Shrek share their own spooky tales.

It’s just perfectly fine for fans of Shrek. I do love Kristen Schaal so that was an appreciated addition. It was weird that Pinnochio was hanged in one scene though…

Oct 19: Insidious (2010)

A jumpscare so iconic I had to use it for the movie’s featured image… Insidious follows a family moving into a new home when their son falls ill and haunting activities begin.

I remembered Insidious as a decent movie and that stills stands. The plot doesn’t excite me as much now but man the scares still got me.

Oct 20: The Conjuring (2013)

This is Patrick Wilson’s better horror movie. It follows the story of Ed and Lorraine as they assist this family in exercising their family home.

I like the plot of this one better and this is still one of the most popular horrors of the 2010s. The anguish of the family while trying to defend themselves from something they couldn’t even see made me all the more empathetic for the Perrons.

Oct 21: M3GAN (2022)

M3GAN is a robot toy that was created for children’s companionship, and gifted to a girl grieving the recent death of her parents. M3GAN becomes very attached to this girl… too attached.

Now, M3GAN is kind of iconic for her dances and looking good while killing people, I do have to respect her for that. Other than that, though the movie is… boring. It’s very tame for a movie that tries to tell you it’s a horror.

Oct 22: Beetlejuice (1988)

Enough horror, back to some goofiness. Beetlejuice follows the lives… or the after lives of Barbara and Adam, a recently deceased couple, as their home is overtaken by new tenants. With the help of the tenant’s strange daughter, and a “bio-exorcist” named Betelgeuse, the couple prepare to drive them all out!

Alec Baldwin is unrecognisable in this movie to me and Michael Keaton does a great job at playing Beetlejuice. Danny Elfman kills it again with the score, and I love the interpretation of death in this movie. I love Lydia’s transformation into being a more introverted person into someone more confident and sure of herself in the end.

Oct 23: Haunted Mansion (2023)

Haunted Mansion follows the story of a mother and a son that hire the help of various paranormal experts as they believe their new house is haunted.

I remember the reviews were pretty average at best about this movie last year, but I enjoyed it. I thought the casting was good, I love Danny Devito and despite this just being an advertisement for a ride in Disney, the plot was pretty decent. I am a sucker for a bit of an emotional story though, and films exploring death and grief tend to get me.

Oct 24: Psycho (1960)

On the run after stealing thousands of dollars, Marion (pictured above) stops at Bates Motel where she meets owner, Norman Bates. Disappearing one day, her sister and lover hire an investigator to find out what happened.

I can see why this is a classic. This was a first time watch for me as well and while I knew the twist was coming, it was still interesting to watch it play out. Having this on the list felt needed considering its regarded as the first slasher film, and one of the first films to push the boundaries in female nudity.

Oct 25: Child’s Play (1988)

I can’t believe this little shit used to scare me as a kid. Anyway, Child’s Play is what introduced the world to Chucky, a doll possessed by a murderer.

It’s so funny to me that I used to be scared because watching this now, he’s just always swearing and being annoying before he kills them. That’s comedy, and it gives audiences some relief from the spooky parts. Surely you can just kick him really far, though?

Oct 26: ParaNorman (2012)

This movie is very charming. Yet another stop-motion film in my list, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

The story follows Norman, a boy who can speak to the dead, who is tasked with breaking his hometown’s curse that is destined to wipe them out. The characters are likeable, and the voice acting is great. Also, the jock having a boyfriend was a welcome surprise.

Oct 27: The Shining (1980)

I know this is a classic but my rewatch was muddied with the knowledge that this was Shelley Duvall’s hell during filming. Her performance in this movie is fantastic — I really believe that she is terrified (and with context, she likely was).

The movie follows a young family taking care of the Overlook Hotel when paranormal events begin occurring. The movie is beautifully shot and the main character’s descent into madness is so compelling. I am jealous of anyone that got to see this at the cinemas.

Oct 28: Casper (1995)

The only thing I remembered about Casper was that I had a crush on his human version when I was young. Casper follows the story of paranormal expert Dr James Harvey and his daughter Kat as they attempt to rid this rich lady’s mansion of pesty ghosts.

This movie is still enjoyable as an adult, it’s a classic feel good 90s movie, and wow the dad is good looking. If I lived in this house, I would be throwing hands with Fatso, Stretch and Stinkie constantly.

Oct 29: The Little Vampire (2000)

Speaking of movie characters I used to have a crush on as a kid, I used to own The Little Vampire on VHS and LOVED this movie and the character Rudolph. The Little Vampire follows Tony, a young boy obsessed with vampires as he helps a vampire family and new best friend stay safe as they prepare for an upcoming ceremony. The family is constantly stalked and pursued by vampire hunter, Rookery.

I hadn’t seen this since I was a kid and its still a feel good family film. I remember the vampire hunter used to make me so nervous as a kid but now I think I could take him in a fight.

Jonathan Lipnicki and his little lisp in this is so, so cute! Also, I never realised Jim Carter was in this and my brain was like Ella Enchanted! (also another staple of my childhood).

Oct 30: Over the Garden Wall (2014)

While not a movie, it is a mini series and if Letterboxd counts it, then so do I. Over the Garden Wall is a series that I absolutely adore — I make sure to watch it every year around this time, and often invite friends to join me. This show follows Wirt and Greg as they explore a mysterious place called the Unknown, full of spooks and danger.

I love the mystery in the series, the reveals are so interesting, the show is goofy but still has its creepy moments but most of all I love Greg. He is just so stinking cute and a very funny companion. It is such a waste to not have this show streaming everywhere. Also, I can’t believe it’s 10 years old this year?!

Halloween: Halloween (1978)

It was hard to pick the top spot but I felt this was kind of appropriate, given its name but also its relevance in popular culture. While being transferred to a different location, mental patient Michael Myers makes his escape leading to a string of murders in Laurie Strode’s hometown.

The score is a classic and adds to the anxiety. Arguably, Laurie is the best final girl in my opinion. Does she make mistakes? Sure, but she LIVES.

Definitely a well known fact but one that took me out of the scene a couple times while rewatching: The Michael Myers mask is just a Will Shatner mask painted white and the eyes cut out.That’s just gold.

With the challenge now over, I’m enjoying some cheap leftover Halloween lollies as I wrap this up.

I hope I have convinced some of you to watch some of my favourite spooky films and if I can only convince you to watch one thing, PLEASE let it be Over the Garden Wall!

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Lead Author

Keely O’Sullivan

Keely is an author for What’s Yappening and enjoys gaming, films and pop culture. She also has a Bachelor’s in Media and Communications, and works full-time in the marketing industry.