All Hallows’ Eve is upon us, and in addition to candy, costumes and pumpkins, it’s the season for frightening films. We’ve compiled a list of our top five favorite scary movies to help you get into the Halloween spirit.
Whether you choose to watch one or have a scary movie marathon, first be sure to create a scary and cinematic atmosphere by closing your shutters to block the Phoenix sunlight. And don’t forget the popcorn.
“Seven”
Horrific and bizarre, this film portrays Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as two detectives looking to find a serial killer who chooses his victims based on the seven deadly sins. The plot line rises above other serial killer clichés by diving into the darkest parts of the human mind and has remained a favorite of horror film fans since its 1995 release.
“The Ring”
This is one of those classic scary movies that will make you jump at the smallest things even days after watching it. That’s what makes it so perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. It tells the terrifying story of journalist Rachel Keller (played by Naomi Watts), investigating the truth behind a creepy urban legend: an old VHS tape that leaves its viewers dead seven days after viewing it. The film becomes a race against time as Rachel works to save her life and the life of her child.
“Poltergeist”
You’ll never look at TV static the same way again after viewing this spooky film about a typical American family that is visited by ghosts. Everything seems fine until the spirits turn on the family, taking an interest in the youngest daughter. Considered by many to be the ultimate ghost story, “Poltergeist” begins to really terrify you the second you realize the happy suburban setting could very well be your own.
“Psycho”
Hitchcock’s classic masterpiece will always be considered one of the best horror films ever made. This groundbreaking masterpiece is based on the real-life story of serial killer Ed Gein.
Events in the movie take the beautiful Marion Crane, played by Janet Leigh, from her Phoenix, Arizona home to the remote countryside where she finds herself at the Bates Motel. Mama’s boy, Norman Bates (who is sure to get you into the Halloween mood after you see him in his costume) is the proprietor of the vacant motel.
“Halloween”
Naturally, no Halloween movie list can be complete without this classic slasher flick. Jamie Lee Curtis (perhaps following in the footsteps of her mother, Janet Leigh) stars in this petrifying film as the unknowing victim of her brother, an escaped mental patient.
The fact that this film takes place during the Halloween season adds immensely to the terrifying plot line. If you have time for just one scary movie this season, make sure this is the one.