Now that we are well within spooky season, some members of the Falcon Press staff decided to share their Halloween movies. Whether it’s pure horror, horror-comedy, or something more fantastical and light, our staff chimed in to offer their takes on their favorite flicks to enjoy this time of year.
Millie DeBell (Editor-In-Chief) – “Practical Magic”
My favorite Halloween movie is “Practical Magic” (1998). This movie follows two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens (played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman), who are born into a magical family and are faced with the death of Gillian’s boyfriend. The sisters are challenged with resurrecting him and resort to witchcraft. My mom initially introduced me to this movie, and although the plot is outlandish, that’s what makes the movie so fun to watch. Also, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock do a great job of exhibiting sisterhood throughout the whole film. “Practical Magic” is funny, whimsical, and genre-bending!
Avery Horan (Staff Writer/Social Media Manager) – “Insidious”
When I was 13, I was at a friend’s house when she suggested we watch a horror movie. As we searched on Netflix, the first movie that popped up in the ‘Horror’ section was Insidious. I honestly didn’t want to watch the movie because I was too scared, but I wasn’t gonna say that in front of my friend. I was happily surprised to actually love the movie and be fascinated by its contents. This movie hooked me because of its use of psychological horror and the uniqueness of its storyline. The whole franchise is so well done and wraps up the broader storyline wonderfully. However, nothing beats the original.
Laniyah Basnight (Staff Writer) – “Scary Movie” Franchise
My favorite Halloween movies are definitely the “Scary Movie” franchise created by the Wayans brothers, Marlon and Shawn. Since I’m not a big fan of horror movies, these films are a mix of comedy and classic Halloween horror, making them both funny and spooky at the same time. I love how they parody many popular scary movies while still keeping that creepy Halloween vibe. The unhinged over-the-top jokes, awkward and hilarious characters, and random plot twists that keep you on your toes make the Scary Movie series a must-watch every Halloween.
Owen Goss (Staff Writer) – “The Poughkeepsie Tapes”
I recently watched this film after years of wanting to see it, and I loved it! It combines documentary elements with found footage, making you feel as though it were a real case. The movie is alarming as well, with elements of murder, kidnapping, stalking, and psychological torture. The film made me really uncomfortable and made me feel really bad for the main victim of the story, as she had developed mental trauma and grew attached to the perpetrator who caused it, as she thought he “loved her.” The movie doesn’t inherently contain jumpscare elements or make you jump at certain moments; it simply evokes a sense of disturbance and upset over the events that unfold in the story.
Mason Negron-Llanos (Staff Writer) – “Halloween Ends”
My favorite Halloween movie is “Halloween Ends.” I was very interested in that movie when I first watched it. What I loved about the movie was the conflict, the action, and how far the characters went in trying to defend themselves against Michael Myers. I also liked the film’s strong visuals and effects. Overall, this movie is awesome for Halloween. It’s terrifying.
Alana Nobles (Staff Writer) – “The Conjuring Universe” (including all films in “The Conjuring” series, the “Annabelle” series, and “The Nun” series)
I have been obsessed with this franchise for a good while. I was extremely excited when they were making “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” but also upset since that’s going to be the last movie with the main two actors, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, will make. I’d like the whole franchise in order since it makes more sense with the plot. This is odd to say, but I kind of find comfort in the whole franchise because I have always been interested in the supernatural and true crimes. I have also been interested in the Warrens’ lives, mostly Lorraine Warren.
Avery Sanchez (Staff Writer) – “Beetlejuice”
I don’t watch many horror/Halloween movies, but I loved “Beetlejuice.” I watched back before watching the sequel movie, and I enjoyed it. The comedy is funny, and I also liked how they incorporated the horror elements. I also liked the story of the movie and what was happening. I also watched the sequel, but I don’t remember a single thing from it. I also liked the stop-motion animation of the Sandworm from the movie and thought it was awesome. I loved it and enjoyed every moment when I watched it. You likely won’t get a scare, but you may get a laugh from it!
Wilhelm Schick (Staff Writer) – “Friday The 13th” (2009)
I decided to watch this movie after watching “Supernatural,” due to Jared Padalecki being in it. I loved it! Friday the 13th is more than just a classic slasher flick; it’s a thrilling mix of suspense, nostalgia, and unexpectedly strong performances that elevate it beyond the average horror reboot. One of the film’s greatest strengths is Jared Padalecki’s acting; he brings surprising emotional depth and determination to his role as Clay Miller, a character who could have easily been generic in lesser hands. Padalecki balances intensity and vulnerability, making the audience genuinely care about his mission, which is finding his sister and his survival. His grounded performance adds heart to the chaos, making the jump scares and tension feel more impactful. “Friday the 13th” isn’t just good for its kills; it’s good because it remembers to give you someone worth rooting for.
Rick Pecka (Adviser) – “Alien”
Make no mistake about it, “Alien” is not a science fiction movie. It’s a horror movie with a science fiction backdrop. The atmosphere in this movie is perfectly creepy, and the jump-scare moments still hold up more than 45 years later. The creature design is absolutely iconic and still creepy as ever. Nearly every major sci-fi monster to come out of the 1980s was partially inspired by the xenomorph, and the pacing of this movie lends itself to some incredible tension. But it’s not just the alien itself. While H.R. Giger is noted for creating the creature, he was also responsible for much of the set design, which lends itself to a very unsettling aesthetic, one in which the isolation is stifling and leaves the viewer on edge. This, coupled with Ridley Scott’s direction, makes for a perfect combination of mood, visuals, subliminal terror, and tension. I nearly gave this one to “Jaws,” which I think is technically a better movie. But if we are going on scares, it’s hard to top this classic.
