Top 13 Films to Watch With the Lights Off on Halloween
Scott Hallam
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When a Stranger Calls
Moving down through this list, it became harder and harder to find films that were actually really scary. When a Stranger Calls never had any trouble in this department. “Have you checked the children?” and the police response after tracing the infamous phone calls, “They’re coming from inside the house!” are two of the more memorable moments within the horror genre. Add to that Tony Beckley, who played the killer Curt Duncan while diagnosed as terminally ill. Yep, he was tasked with navigating this part while staring death in the face. He was the image of creepy in this role, and it’s hard to pinpoint another actor who has played crazy better than Beckley. A killer finale wraps this one up very nicely.
Evil Dead (1980)
When trapped out in the woods, your resources are limited, and sometimes all you can do is hold on to the cabin floor and pray for the best. Evil Dead is a film that brings five poor, unsuspecting souls out to the middle of the forest and plans for them to have the worst weekend possible. Aside from the demonic possession itself, viewers are treated to an arboreal sexual assault as well as all kind of nastiness that culminates in a finale that has become legendary. No, it may not be perfect, but Evil Dead holds a place amongst many horror fans as one of the most beloved horror movies ever.
Halloween (1977)
And of course, what else would be at the end of this list? The be-all and end-all of Halloween movies, Halloween. Detailing the arrival (or is that the return?) of the Boogeyman to the sleepy town of Haddonfield, Halloween shocks all those who watch and realize that this simple concept – psycho kills sister, psycho leaves hometown for an extended vacation in a mental ward, psycho returns home to exact revenge on those who wronged him – is a perfect example of how things could go so horribly wrong so quickly on any holiday, but Halloween in particular. Starring a young and yet unleashed Jamie Lee Curtis, Halloween took its William Shatner mask and dove into the fabric of American cinema forever! And thank you for doing so.
Happy Halloween, all! Be sure to add your picks below!
