feature,
It’s Halloween time! And you know what that means… The perfect time to binge watch horror films!
Need some spooky recommendations? Here are hand picked scary movies that will surely leave you ‘SHOOKT’.
1. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The story revolves between two men, a father and a son. Their family owns a morgue and identifies causes of death for the county police. One day, they are stumped: a Jane Doe was given to them by the sheriff. Working on a deadline, the men try to find the reason for this body’s end but it seemed like they were bound to find theirs.
At first, this movie may seem like any other horror film set in a morgue. But as the plot unveils itself, the movie puts the audience in the same confused state as the main characters. With the two of them trying to rationalize the inexplicable events that are happening, it will dawn to them that some things are better left unsolved. It’s also a bonus that somehow Jane Doe, the corpse, has better character development than most horror movie leads.
2. The Green Inferno (2013)
A group of friends advocating for environmental rights in a South American forest somehow found the wrong way. Captured by cannibals, they must be able to get away, get help, and go back to the simple college life where they came from.
If you’re looking for a movie with realistic SFX and brilliant sound design, you will be able to appreciate this movie. The production’s attention to detail gives the audience an immersive experience. With the plot based in a tribal setting, the gore scenes feel more authentic and will make the viewer scared of the fact that it COULD happen to them.
3. The Butterfly Effect (2004) Director’s Cut
One small thing could cause the most catastrophic events. Although not a horror film, this suspense thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat just as much. Evan, a Psychology student with a fascination for abnormal thinking, finds himself a victim of his own thoughts.
If you’re looking for a one of a kind plot, this is the movie for you. Seeming like a story happening in one timeline, The Butterfly Effect will make you use more brain cells than you usually would in a film. To understand how it works, you would have to have full attention to its main character, Evan. This movie will leave you hanging with every plot twist and will only let you go when you see how everything began.
4. Crimson Peak (2015)
This gothic horror will make you appreciate aesthetic to the next level with it’s set, costume and overall look. Occuring in Victorian Era, this female-led period horror will surely leave you stunned with the development of Ms. Edith Cushing, the newest addition to the family living in Crimson Peak.
Although haunted houses are known for the ghosts that roam around the vicinity, the spirits that scream at night and the ghouls that keep the air as chilly as can be, watching this film will make you realize how the most terrifying of your fears, the deepest of your secrets and the most haunting of your regrets are the ones to blame for your sleepless nights.
5. Freaks (1932)
Released more than 80 years ago, this black and white film never fails to creep out its audience with the lead roles played by real life freaks. Set in a circus, it’s story tells about the life of circus freaks and differs it from what it truly means to be a “freak”.
This movie became an inspiration for many productions, most famous of which is the American Horror Story Season 4: Freak Show. The movie’s plot, although basic, it shows how far film has come by the 1930s. If you’re one for old films, this is for you.
6. Pathology (2008)
Medical examiner trainees who are part of an elite pathology school are studying and determining the causes of deaths of corpses. This band of students find an abandoned side of the facility and decided to have a little fun of their own. Challenging each other, one will have to kill an unsuspecting victim in the most untraceable or weirdest way possible and get the others to guess how they did it. By the end, they themselves have plotted their own demise.
This movie’s plot will leave you dumb as the main characters complicate the ways they kill one by one. It’s ending, though inelegant, will be just as surprising as its twists. The personalities of each character will surely elicit a reaction, both positive and negative, from its viewers.
7. Blair Witch Project (1999)
A trio of filmmakers, borderline strangers, venture out into the woods to learn about the secret of the Blair Witch. Built up tension and a slow downward spiral to paranoia is essentially what this movie is.
In 1999, the internet was only starting to boom at that time and the supposed footage of people slowly going insane in the woods and eventually, dying, was quick to spread through word of mouth. People wanted to know if everything was real. The filmmakers have reinvented the horror genre altogether as well as the marketing for such movies. They went as far as making a website publishing additional information on the people, their journey, as well as journal entries, to add authenticity to the whole affair.
8. Final Girls (2015)
A group of friends try to escape a cinema fire but instead get stuck in a slasher flick. After the supposed “final girl” dies, they need to step up and find the new final girl to finish the film and get all of them out.
Final Girls doesn’t bring much plot wise but since it is a satirical movie maybe that's the way it was meant to be. Instead, the movie steps up on other aspects such as cinematography and great musical score. Filled with top-notch camera pans, it feels like a lot of the scenes are one take even though they were probably just well edited. The great score heightens the experience even more, amping up tension and scare factor just with background music.
9. You're Next (2011)
A family reunion is disturbed by a group of strangers wearing animal masks. The family is held hostage at their own home in the fear of being killed off one by one. Eventually, they find out that this is all because of the family's money.
A solid entry for best home invader movie and best final girl, the movie is an intense action-filled ride. The main character is certainly one to root for. Not only was she powerful all through out but she doesn’t have that damsel-in-distress-forced-to-outlast mentality. It’s hard to say how great the movie is without spoiling it but expect a great hero character and a decent plot twist.
10. Monster House (2006)
Just in time for Halloween, this movie set in the same time frame focuses on a group of kids that conquer their fears towards an old, creaky, and very much alive house.
Don’t knock it down for being animated. This movie still stands strong among the others in this list. An anatomically correct, breathing, self-aware house is truly a nightmare in the making. The whole concept of this film is well imagined and executed justly. The sort of stop motion style of the character design adds an eerie vibe to the whole cast which makes things a little bit more off putting.
11. Coraline (2009)
Adapted from a book, this stop-motion movie tells about a girl discovering another world in the cabinets of her kitchen, mirroring real life, only way better and has everything she ever wanted but a little too good to be true.
Clay can be a difficult medium and needs an experienced hand to convey spooky imagery, showcase a great story and instill morals. Even though it is a kid’s movie, watching it as an adult will still make you appreciate it’s message, especially if one of its villain, seems like a villain in everyday life.
There you go! This list of movies will surely keep you entertained and scared this Halloween. Stay spooky!//by Wenona Catubig and Storm Gatchalian
Feature: Shooktober Horror Movie List
It’s Halloween time! And you know what that means… The perfect time to binge watch horror films!
Need some spooky recommendations? Here are hand picked scary movies that will surely leave you ‘SHOOKT’.
1. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
 |
Photo Soruce: IFC Midnight
|
The story revolves between two men, a father and a son. Their family owns a morgue and identifies causes of death for the county police. One day, they are stumped: a Jane Doe was given to them by the sheriff. Working on a deadline, the men try to find the reason for this body’s end but it seemed like they were bound to find theirs.
At first, this movie may seem like any other horror film set in a morgue. But as the plot unveils itself, the movie puts the audience in the same confused state as the main characters. With the two of them trying to rationalize the inexplicable events that are happening, it will dawn to them that some things are better left unsolved. It’s also a bonus that somehow Jane Doe, the corpse, has better character development than most horror movie leads.
2. The Green Inferno (2013)
 |
| Photo Soruce: Universal Studios https://youtu.be/FcpYPu9M3bw |
A group of friends advocating for environmental rights in a South American forest somehow found the wrong way. Captured by cannibals, they must be able to get away, get help, and go back to the simple college life where they came from.
If you’re looking for a movie with realistic SFX and brilliant sound design, you will be able to appreciate this movie. The production’s attention to detail gives the audience an immersive experience. With the plot based in a tribal setting, the gore scenes feel more authentic and will make the viewer scared of the fact that it COULD happen to them.
3. The Butterfly Effect (2004) Director’s Cut
 |
Photo Source: New Line Cinema
|
One small thing could cause the most catastrophic events. Although not a horror film, this suspense thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat just as much. Evan, a Psychology student with a fascination for abnormal thinking, finds himself a victim of his own thoughts.
If you’re looking for a one of a kind plot, this is the movie for you. Seeming like a story happening in one timeline, The Butterfly Effect will make you use more brain cells than you usually would in a film. To understand how it works, you would have to have full attention to its main character, Evan. This movie will leave you hanging with every plot twist and will only let you go when you see how everything began.
4. Crimson Peak (2015)
 |
Photo Source: Universal Studios
|
This gothic horror will make you appreciate aesthetic to the next level with it’s set, costume and overall look. Occuring in Victorian Era, this female-led period horror will surely leave you stunned with the development of Ms. Edith Cushing, the newest addition to the family living in Crimson Peak.
Although haunted houses are known for the ghosts that roam around the vicinity, the spirits that scream at night and the ghouls that keep the air as chilly as can be, watching this film will make you realize how the most terrifying of your fears, the deepest of your secrets and the most haunting of your regrets are the ones to blame for your sleepless nights.
5. Freaks (1932)
 |
Photo Source: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
|
Released more than 80 years ago, this black and white film never fails to creep out its audience with the lead roles played by real life freaks. Set in a circus, it’s story tells about the life of circus freaks and differs it from what it truly means to be a “freak”.
This movie became an inspiration for many productions, most famous of which is the American Horror Story Season 4: Freak Show. The movie’s plot, although basic, it shows how far film has come by the 1930s. If you’re one for old films, this is for you.
6. Pathology (2008)
 |
Photo Source: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
|
Medical examiner trainees who are part of an elite pathology school are studying and determining the causes of deaths of corpses. This band of students find an abandoned side of the facility and decided to have a little fun of their own. Challenging each other, one will have to kill an unsuspecting victim in the most untraceable or weirdest way possible and get the others to guess how they did it. By the end, they themselves have plotted their own demise.
This movie’s plot will leave you dumb as the main characters complicate the ways they kill one by one. It’s ending, though inelegant, will be just as surprising as its twists. The personalities of each character will surely elicit a reaction, both positive and negative, from its viewers.
7. Blair Witch Project (1999)
 |
Photo Source: Artisan Entertainment
|
A trio of filmmakers, borderline strangers, venture out into the woods to learn about the secret of the Blair Witch. Built up tension and a slow downward spiral to paranoia is essentially what this movie is.
In 1999, the internet was only starting to boom at that time and the supposed footage of people slowly going insane in the woods and eventually, dying, was quick to spread through word of mouth. People wanted to know if everything was real. The filmmakers have reinvented the horror genre altogether as well as the marketing for such movies. They went as far as making a website publishing additional information on the people, their journey, as well as journal entries, to add authenticity to the whole affair.
8. Final Girls (2015)
 |
Photo Source: STAGE 6
|
A group of friends try to escape a cinema fire but instead get stuck in a slasher flick. After the supposed “final girl” dies, they need to step up and find the new final girl to finish the film and get all of them out.
Final Girls doesn’t bring much plot wise but since it is a satirical movie maybe that's the way it was meant to be. Instead, the movie steps up on other aspects such as cinematography and great musical score. Filled with top-notch camera pans, it feels like a lot of the scenes are one take even though they were probably just well edited. The great score heightens the experience even more, amping up tension and scare factor just with background music.
9. You're Next (2011)
 |
Photo Source: Lionsgate
|
A family reunion is disturbed by a group of strangers wearing animal masks. The family is held hostage at their own home in the fear of being killed off one by one. Eventually, they find out that this is all because of the family's money.
A solid entry for best home invader movie and best final girl, the movie is an intense action-filled ride. The main character is certainly one to root for. Not only was she powerful all through out but she doesn’t have that damsel-in-distress-forced-to-outlast mentality. It’s hard to say how great the movie is without spoiling it but expect a great hero character and a decent plot twist.
10. Monster House (2006)
 |
Photo Source: Columbia Pictures
|
Just in time for Halloween, this movie set in the same time frame focuses on a group of kids that conquer their fears towards an old, creaky, and very much alive house.
Don’t knock it down for being animated. This movie still stands strong among the others in this list. An anatomically correct, breathing, self-aware house is truly a nightmare in the making. The whole concept of this film is well imagined and executed justly. The sort of stop motion style of the character design adds an eerie vibe to the whole cast which makes things a little bit more off putting.
11. Coraline (2009)
 |
Photo Source: Focus Features
|
Adapted from a book, this stop-motion movie tells about a girl discovering another world in the cabinets of her kitchen, mirroring real life, only way better and has everything she ever wanted but a little too good to be true.
Clay can be a difficult medium and needs an experienced hand to convey spooky imagery, showcase a great story and instill morals. Even though it is a kid’s movie, watching it as an adult will still make you appreciate it’s message, especially if one of its villain, seems like a villain in everyday life.
There you go! This list of movies will surely keep you entertained and scared this Halloween. Stay spooky!//by Wenona Catubig and Storm Gatchalian
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