Horror Movie Advent Calendar.

31 Films to watch this spooky season and a great order to watch them in.

Now before we get into this list I want to make something clear, this isn’t simply a list of films I find scary, it’s a list of great films that encapsulate that spooky season feeling. Not always scary but definitely in fitting with the season of spookums. So without further ado let’s get into the list.

1. Halloween (1978):

• How better to start off the Halloween season than with the classic film of the same name. Accredited with creating the slasher film craze of the 80s through 90s, a nice viewing of an absolute classic is the perfect way to start off your spooky season.

2. Sinister (2012):

• Legitimately one of the creepiest films I’ve seen, Sinister is another great start to your horror movie adventure this halloween season. It doesn’t really do anything to push the needle in horror; opting to do the cliches as well as it can and very few movies do it better

3. Train to Busan (2016):

• Now you've watched two great English speaking films, it’s time to broaden our horizons with the Korean language zombie hit Train to Busan. Taking the world by storm a year after its release, primarily to its push by Netflix, this is a film even non-horror fans will love.

4. Get out (2017):

• I cannot call this a comprehensive list of great halloween movies without including one of the best films (not just horror) of the previous decade. Praised for it’s creepy filmmaking and unique take on a conversation about race in America, Get Out won the Oscar for Best original screenplay for very good reason.

5. The Others (2001):

• You may recognise this film from its parody in Scary Movie but the film itself is amazing. A mixture of a period piece family drama and horror movie, this film focuses on its story of a mother whose children are allergic to sunlight. A strange concept but it allows for some amazing storytelling and filmmaking.

6. Hereditary (2018):

• If none of the films so far have terrified you… this one will. Hereditary is the first major outing for legendary Swedish crazy man (aka horror writer/director) Ari Aster. Solidifying his name alongside Raimi, Romero and Miike as one of the horror greats.

7. Scooby-Doo (2002):

• After a week of spooks it’s time for some levity. The 2002 Scooby-Doo movie is STILL a fun film. Yes I am biassed because it was one of my first DVDs (alongside Toy Story 2) but it’s great fun with some of the best casting I have ever seen for live action adaptation (*cough cough* Avatar *cough cough*).

8. Paprika (2006)

• Like Inception? Want to be spooked? Want to watch the superior version of Inception? This is the film for you. Paprika has inspired so many other works in both sci-fi and horror that it is only fitting that it goes on this list. I do need to say that there is SA in this film so you can skip it if that’s not your kinda thing.

9. Audition (1999):

• This list would be disgraceful if I didn’t include a Takashi Miike film. A true pioneer of the, already strong, Asian horror market; no one quite does it like Miike does. If you haven’t seen this film go into it blind because it’s a film I wish I could erase my memory of so I could watch it again. (Trigger Warning: SA)

10. Midsommar (2019):

• And from one creepy ass film to another. Midsommar isn’t so much a horror, but a very well drawn out thriller film. The films focuses on an unnerving interpretation of the real Swedish festival of Midsommar which I have been informed by my Swedish friends does not entail murder but they aren’t above magic mushrooms.

11. I Saw The Devil (2010):

• Kim Jee-Won is a legendary Korean horror movie director who never fails to scare his audiences but his film I Saw the Devil chooses to ground itself more in reality and follow the life and mind of a crazed killer on his psychopathic journey to escape the police. This movie will have you watching it through your fingers, not because it’s scary but because Jee-Won understands how to make an audience cringe and scream in all the right ways. (Trigger Warning: SA)

12. Scream (1996):

• Time for another classic. There’s a reason why the Scream franchise is STILL going strong and it’s because movies are fun to watch and a great scare. Halloween would not be complete without a rewatching of this classic so get some popcorn and do not answer the phone…

13. A Tale of Two Sisters (2003):

• Kim Jee-Won’s second entry in this list because quite frankly he’s amazing. A Tale of Two Sisters is the film that really gave the director global acclaim and it’s immediately obvious why after watching the film. Taking his time to lay the foundations of a genuinely interesting story, unlike most horror movies, Jee-Won likes to take his time with the horror in this film. Opting to slowly freak out audiences allowing them to process the story rather than having them scared right off the bat which might distract them from the great story he is trying to tell.

14. Whispering Corridors (1998):

• An underrated gem of a horror film, it has all the tropes we all love and ten some. Following a haunting taking place in a korean school, the film actually makes an effort to try and have a social message underlying the film about female students in, not just Korea, but the world as a whole. An amazing watch for any self respecting horror movie fan. (Also I just learnt that there are F I V E sequels so I have a mega marathon overdue).

15. Shaun of the Dead (2004):

• Time for some levity so your heart can rest after scares every night. Shaun of the Dead was Edgar Wright's coming out party for how good of a director he really is. A zombie flick set in a small town in the UK doesn’t sound too appealing and really shouldn’t work but it really really does. A great, halloween flavoured, break from all these spooky adventures.

16. Us (2019):

• Now, many people hate on this film considering how good that Get Out was, but I don’t think that Jordan peele’s previous work should take away from this. It is so different to any other film I have ever seen in my life and Lupita N’yongo was SLIGHTED by not even receiving a nomination for her excellent performance in this film. A great film that will have you scared of your own shadow.

17. Perfect Blue (1997):

• It’s a weird open secret that anime holds some of the best horror but people are rarely open to indulge in them. Perfect Blue is a great way to start. Genuinely one of the creepiest films I’ve ever seen, this was the main inspiration for the critical darling Black Swan. Arguably the best stalker film ever created, horror fans owe it to themselves to watch this amazing feature. O in blind, don’t do any research on it. (Trigger Warning: SA)

18. Se7en (1995):

• Not a horror movie but a great detective thriller with horror elements that definitely passes the halloween vibe check. A dark unwinding mystery that has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, you are in for a treat this spooky season with this absolute classic.

19. American Psycho (2000):

• Psycho Killer movies are a staple of the horror scene and do it better than American Psycho. An allegory for the dangers of consumerism and pursuing image, Christian Bale is at his best in this role. An absolute must watch for chainsaw killer fans.

20. Ready or Not (2019):

• Another great thriller after you’ve just watched a great thriller, Ready or Not took me by surprise as I expected it to be just another teen horror flick but it’s actually incredibly tense anda great watch this spooky season for spooky reasons.

21. The Thing (1982):

• Yes yes this is the movie that inspired Among Us but let it not be remembered for that and let it be remembered for the fact that 40 years later the movie STILL holds up. A simple premise in which one person in a group of researchers gets infected with some kind of parasite but it is unclear who. A great watch to this day.

22. Juon: The Grudge (2002):

• In an attempt to look cool, I watched this film at the tender age of 6 years old so I could look cool in front of my cousins. BIG MISTAKE. To this day I still think about this film late at night when I need the bathroom. Having recently rewatched the film it is STILL scary with a great story.

23. Black Swan (2010):

• Now many, including myself, did not expect this film to be so much of a horror movie but it genuinely is. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis are an on screen combo for the ages. Two amazingly talented actresses with an amazing script. Now if you’ve been watching these films in order you may notice an incredible similarity to Perfect Blue because it basically is the same film but ballet. This shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the film as director Darren Aronofsky openly admits to his inspirations being Perfect Blue and differentiates the film enough for it to stand on its own two feet... or claws?

24 . Coraline (2009):

• In my top 10 animated films of all time, I think that horror movies for children is a genre that needs more love. Don’t let that statement make you think that this film isn’t a perfect fit for spooky season. A visually stunning film with a tense story to boot.

25. Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017):

• This film is WEIRD to say the least. Far from a traditional horror film it is very much a horror/thriller movie nonetheless. Calling into question how responsibility and ego are at odds with one another; this film is a slow burn that leads to an intense crescendo. One of the most unique films you’ll ever see.

26. Paranormal Activity (2007):

• An absolute classic, this list would me amiss without the inclusion of one of the best lo-fi horror movies of all time. Now the series may have dipped in quality as it has gone on but let me remind you that the first film in the series is STILL a great film. Using old school budget filmmaking techniques to great effect, this film is a perfect example of the statement that ‘less is more’.

27. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006):

• A visual feast for the eyes, many will say that this film isn’t scary and whether or not that is true, that is not in keeping with this list. I want this list to be a series of movies that fit the mould for Halloween and the season as a whole. On costume design alone this film is perfect for halloween. Guillermo Del Toro further proves why he is one of the greatest visionaries of our day.

28. Insidious (2010):

• Let’s play hide and go clap… or just watch another great horror movie. Nothing about Insidious really pushes the boundaries of horror. Rather opting to do what horror does well really well. I wouldn’t say to watch this for the story but for the scares instead.

29. Blair Witch Project (1999):

• Another banger of a classic, this film rose to prominence by being the first film with a truly viral marketing campaign. Having advertised the film as genuine found footage, people ran to cinemas in joves to watch his films. The filmmakers even told the actors in the film not to show up to the premier to help sell the realness of this film. It got to the point where the family members of the actors in the film received flowers and condolence cards from audiences as they truly believes this film was actually found footage. All that aside, the film itself is awesome. If you’ve seen it already I recommend watch matpat's film theory of the movie before watching again as it truly change your perception of the film.

30. Shutter (2004):

• DO NOT WATCH THE AMERICAN VERSION, THEY MURDERED MY BABY BOY. This is my personal favourite horror movie of all time as most horror films sacrifice a story in favour of a good scare or vice versa. This film has the greatest balance of both and honestly does not receive the love it deserves. Don't google anything about this movie because there are spoilers galore. Just watch it!

31. Ringu (1998):

• Let’s end with one of the greatest horror movies ever made, Ringu gained popularity amongst old school horror fans who would trade DVDs and tapes of this film about trading a cursed tape. This led to an American Remake (one of the few decent ones) but the original is still terrifying. Rumour has it that audiences in Japan ran out of the cinema in fear that Sadako would climb out of the cinema screen.

Any movies I missed? Any recommendations? Let me know @newajseyes.