Hello, friends! A happy Wednesday to you all! (It was Wednesday when I began writing this post, but as per usual, time got away from me… and now it’s Thursday. Oops!) It is officially autumn! And that means plenty of flannel, pumpkin patches, and SCARY MOVIES.
I know that most people have VERY strong opinions about horror movies, so I am a bit nervous compiling this list. I just want to preface this post by saying that it’s okay for us all to have differing opinions! I am also certainly not the most knowledgable in the horror genre, but I really do enjoy it. I will say that I tend to like movies that are more on the paranormal side, as opposed to most slasher films that contain a lot of gore. So, keep that in mind when reading this list!
- Scream. I actually just watched this movie for the first time the other day! I love any scary movie that is centered around teenagers. I find them to be quite endearing — if only for the fact that they make me grateful that I’m not in high school anymore. Especially not high school in Woodsboro! I don’t normally enjoy slasher movies, but I really enjoyed this one. I think it’s because the gore that they show isn’t the most believable, and from what I’ve read about the movie, that’s intentional. I think it’s interesting that it’s essentially a parody of the slasher genre, but it’s so many people’s favorite slasher movie. I know that most people have probably seen this movie, but I thought I would add it all the same!
- It: Chapter 1 & 2. I’ve never seen the original It, nor have I read the book, so perhaps I’m not the best one to review this movie, but here I go all the same. I love that while they are about a scary clown, they are more so about the friendship between the people in the Losers club. And the fact that Pennywise can manifest himself into every single thing that there is to fear… Yikes! I think that’s why people find these so spooky, because the films touch on so many fears, irrational fears mixed with fears that are all too firmly based in reality.
- The Conjuring. When I say The Conjuring, I mean ALL of the movies from The Conjuring universe. The movies in this series are all so aesthetically pleasing, and I favor movies of any sort that are based in the past. I just adore all the characters in this universe, which is quite impressive, because I find most scary movies do not write characters very well. My favorites in the series are The Conjuring and the first Annabelle movie. Great set design, beautiful costumes, and a spooky film universe!
- Before I Wake. This movie, as weird as it sounds, is very wholesome. And at the same time, it’s pretty dang spooky. A young boy, Cody, goes to live with a family that have recently lost their son. They soon come to realize that when Cody sleeps, his dreams manifest themselves into reality. Spookiness ensues… I would definitely suggest bringing tissues, too…
- The Ring. You may notice a theme on this list, but I haven’t seen the original, Ringu. That being said, I absolutely adore The Ring, and also The Ring 2. Now that I think about it, I think that The Ring was one of my first scary movies. The Ring 1 and 2 follow a mother and her child. I’m sure most people know about this movie, so I won’t go into too much detail, but essentially, everyone who watches a certain videotape featuring grotesque images will soon receive a call saying that they will die in seven days. Very great movies, I recommend both of them.
- Us. Bobby and I saw this movie in theaters, and it was such a wonderful experience. This movie definitely lingers in your mind after you watch it. The family dynamic in this movie is fantastic, and the acting is exquisite. A family is vacationing, when outside of their window is a family with people who look exactly like them. This one I REALLY don’t want to give anything away, so pardon my vagueness.
- Mercy Black. This movie is one that is a little lesser known, or at least I think it is… It’s available on Netflix! This movie centers around a woman who comes to live with her sister after being in psychiatric care for fifteen years, after killing a friend to appease an entity, Mercy Black. Was Mercy Black real, or merely a figment of the imagination of a troubled girl?
- Light’s Out. This movie TERRIFIED me when I first saw it in theaters. I was thoroughly spooked for quite a few weeks afterwards. It’s based on a short film, which I definitely recommend watching before you see it! Not because you need it to understand the film, but just because it’s so great and spooky! This movie follows a young woman who thinks that the terrors of her childhood are over, but when her younger brother begins to experience the same things, she realizes the past may have followed her. (Gah! Writing these summaries are so hard! I have such respect for people who write them professionally!)
- The Babadook. It’s been quite a while since I’ve watched this movie, bu I cannot recommend it enough. This movie scared me for quite a few weeks afterward. It’s a movie that’s centered around a widow and her son, and what follows when they find a strange book in their home…
- The Village. I’ve always had a soft spot for this movie, I remember watching it at many a sleepover. This film takes place in an isolated community that have a deal with the creatures that live in the surrounding woods. But when the villagers have to break their agreement, what will the creatures do? People seem to be quite 50/50 on The Village, but I think it’s quite wonderful, especially if you’re not wanting a movie that’s too scary. The colors throughout are quite autumnal as well, which makes it even better for fall time viewing.
And that’s my list, my dear friends! I hope that there are at least a couple of movies on this list that you haven’t seen yet, or if you don’t care for horror movies, I hope that you haven’t seen any of them! 😉
Thank you so much for reading, my friends! And happy fall to you all! ❤
XOXO,
Mattie Mae
Midwest mattie 