Fall has arrived with the aroma of pumpkin spice filling the air, a light breeze accompanied by warm sunlight, and the soft caresses of falling leaves. The beginning of October is often associated with cool weather, warm beverages, spooky decorations, and a craving for horror; a craving that can be satisfied by watching a good, scary movie.

1. “Final Destination” (2000), directed by James Wong, is a great movie to watch for those who have a dark sense of humor and enjoy a lot of blood and gore. This movie is about a group of teens who are able to sense when they are about to die and try to find ways to avoid these premonitions. While considered a supernatural horror film, there are also elements typical of a slasher or thriller present.
2. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), directed by Jim Sharman, is a horror-comedy musical staring Tim Curry, as Frank-n-Further. The musical follows an ordinary, newlywed couple who stay overnight at a home belonging to a mad scientist and alien transvestites. The musical features LGBTQ+, violent, and sexual themes that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, or people who are uncomfortable with the aforementioned topics.
3. “Halloween” (1978), directed by John Carpenter, is a horror staple and an iconic series belonging to the slasher genre. The film is centered around Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, who is being chased by the escaped convict, Michael Meyers. This movie is a great way to introduce people into the horror genre, and a classic that is fitting to watch around Halloween.
4. “6-Headed Shark Attack” (2018), directed by Mark Atkins, is a low budget, indie horror film with almost comical CGI, skillful acting, and copious amounts of gore and suspense. The main plot is that participants of a marriage counseling camp on a deserted island are being hunted by a shark with six heads and extreme regenerative powers. This campy movie is for people who enjoy funny plots, while also enjoying a side of carnage.
5. “Midsommer” (2019), directed by Ari Aster, is a well-crafted blend of suspenseful thriller with psychological horror. The movie is centered around a group of college kids who visit a Swedish cult during the mid-summer season. This movie is great for the people who love feeling unsettled or cult activities, mentally disturbing scenes, graphic nudity, and violence.
6. “Silence of the Lambs” (1991), directed by Johnathan Demme, is a psychological horror known for the famous cannibalistic antagonist, Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins. In this movie, a young FBI agent is sent to interrogate Lecter in order to gain information that will be helpful in catching another rampant serial killer. People who enjoy “True Crime” series, and psychological dramas will enjoy this film. However, there are intense graphic depictions of cadavers, mild nudity, and implied cannibalistic scenes.
7. “Coraline” (2009), directed by Henry Selick, is entirely in stop-motion and the creative use of a clay medium adds to the overall creepiness factor. The movie follows a young girl, who discovers another world that is created to suit her every desire; however, she soon learns of the consequences that come with this world. This movie is great for people who prefer being uneasy rather than terrified, and dolls or bugs. This movie is rated PG, allowing kids to watch, but it’s recommended that they watch it with an adult.
8.   3.“The Ring” (2002), directed by Gore Verbinski, is about a mysterious tape that kills whoever watches it within a week. This movie contains both supernatural elements as well as psychological mind games, perfect for thriller movie fans.
9. “The Menu” (2022), directed by Mark Mylod, is a newer thriller and slasher film about special guests dining on a secluded island, being served by a deranged chef. This film features famous actors and actress such as, Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicholas Hoult. The Menu is a well-done horror movie, with an enthralling plot, a good balance between humor and suspense, and strong acting from all the cast members. This movie is great for viewers who like minimal amounts of gore, but still want to enjoy the frightening, slasher experience.
10. “Scream” (1996), directed by Wes Craven, is another iconic horror movie that is both playful and menacing. Scream is about a girl and her friend group, who is hunted by a mysterious masked killer. There is an all-star cast featuring actors and actresses such as, Drew Barrymore, Courtney Cox, Mathew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, and Neve Campbell. This movie is very self-aware, and it’s considered to be in the meta-horror category. The screenplay writers work hard to keep viewers on their toes by defying common slasher movie clichés. This movie is the most fitting to watch in October. It’s great for both horror and non-horror fans alike, due to its meta commentary, amazing cinematography, and perfect balance between scary and amusing.