10 Must-Watch Movies to Capture the Magic of Fall

In honor of last Sunday embarking on the first true day of autumn, I figured there’s no better way to celebrate than to offer you a guide to my favorite horror/ Halloween/ fall movies for you to enjoy this holiday season. As an avid media consumer, I have seen so many spooky movies and many many many sad stories as well, and often people ask me for recommendations so I figure this kills two birds with one stone: you get  a list of movie recommendations for this upcoming Spooktober, and I get to ramble about my favorite scares, sobs, and everything in between! Just to be clear, Halloween and horror are not mutually exclusive, personally my favorite time of year to watch Halloween and horror flicks is in the winter, when the air is frigid and it begins to get dark at 5pm. So without further adieu, here are my top 10 films for this fall (don’t worry, for those scared of a scare I have detailed the level of horror and gore for your viewing pleasure). 

Jennifer’s Body (2009) 

Starting off hot and strong is my favorite film of all time, Jennifer’s Body. What better time to watch it during the 15th anniversary of the film. Jennifer’s Body is a horrific comedy about a stunning young woman, Jennifer Check, played by Megan Fox who becomes a seductive, succubus demon. This movie is chalk full of laughs and witty one liners, in tandem with cannibalism, indie-rock, sapphic undertones from Jennifer’s bestie Needy Lesnicki played by Amanda Seyfried, and stunning cinematography. This film was released in 2009, written by Diablo Cody and directed by Karyn Kusmama. At the time it was considered a box office flop, but today it has become a cult classic. With heart-wrenching and tummy-tingling performances by Kyle Gallner, Adam Brody, and Jimmy Simmons, you don’t wanna miss this! Seriously, it is my favorite movie and it’s the perfect choice for any and all occasions… especially spooky season.

Where to watch: Tubi 

Scare Score: 0.5/5

Gore score: ⅕ 

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

It would be sinister to not include a horror staple on this list, and though you may disagree, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the perfect old-timey slasher to get you hooked on the genre. I have seen this movie dozens of times and it still grosses me out. Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the X trilogy, all have their roots in traditional slasher style so if you’ve seen and enjoyed those it’s only right you watch this one. Final girls, blood and guts, epic chase scenes, a family farmhouse, and the notorious Leather face, Directed by Tobe Hooper, Texas Chainsaw Massacre tells the story of Sally and her paraplegic brother who go on a journey to their father’s grave after hearing it may have been vandalized. On their journey they encounter far worse than a busted headstone. If you’re interested in getting deeper into the world of horror, I’d highly advise you to watch this movie, but be careful you might just lose your appetite.

Where to watch: Tubi

Scare Score: ⅗

Gore score: ⅖

Raw (2016)

Psychological horror is rapidly becoming more popular thanks to the recent works of Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, and Jordan Peele, so I figured I’d suggest a similar film you may not have seen. Raw is a psychological horror film, directed by the fabulous Julia Ducournau, and it left me quite speechless. This film follows a young girl named Justine, played by Garance Mariller, about to begin her first year at veterinarian school. Coming from a family of vegetarians, when hazing involving raw meat occurs Justine is left to suffer the major consequences of her restrictive diet. This film is a wild watch, with lots of gore and family lore. If you enjoy suspense and psychological warfare, I’d highly recommend you give this film a shot. The film is in French and personally I hate English dubbing, but I’d advise you to watch in whichever way is easiest for you to fully engage in the plot, because you won’t wanna miss even a crumb.

I’d also like to recommend Titane from Julia Ducournau, if you cannot find Raw streaming anywhere. Titane is available on Hulu and is even more chaotic.

Scare score: 2/5

Gore score: ⅘

Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Another horrific comedy that I always love to recommend is the 2011 classic, Cabin in the Woods. The first time I watched this movie I was expecting a traditional slasher in the same spirit as Friday the 13th or even Cabin Fever, but it is a totally different creature. This is a classic case of horror parody, and yet it still has a handful of jump scares and mild gore. I always recommend this movie for those who aren’t major horror fans because it provides a baseline of comedy and cliches that is palatable enough for them to tolerate the horror. The ending is a bit lackluster in my opinion but the overall obscurity of the film is worth the mild final moments. Chris Hemsworth and Kristen Connolly are so fun to watch, please give it a chance, it's so amusing.

Where to watch: Peacock

Scare score: ⅖

Gore score: 3/5

It Follows (2014)

If You’re looking for an actual freakish scare that will make you feel eerie and uncomfortable in the dark, this is a perfect pick for you. This film features the iconic scream queen Maika Monroe who plays Jay Height, as she experiences paranoia and horrific visions of dead people after sleeping with her boyfriend. I actually had to sleep with the lights on for days following this movie simply because it creeped me out so much. There’s not too much gore, or jump scares in my opinion, the overbearing theme of horror derives from a slow, stalking, terror in Jay’s hallucinations. I highly recommend this movie if you're looking for something psychological, a bit corny, and laced with sexual warnings. This pick was chosen by my bestie Kate so I promise it’s worth the watch.

Where to watch: Netflix

Scare score: 3.5/5

Gore score: 0.5/5

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

I don’t have enough words or time to explain to you how perfect this animated movie musical is, but I will give it my best shot. If you are a fan of Tim Burton or claymation in any aspect and you haven’t seen this film you are seriously doing yourself a disservice. Not only does this movie have holiday spirit for Halloween and Christmas, there’s music and dancing. I have shown this movie to a handful of friends and none of them seemed to respect or enjoy the pure bliss it provides, they also never stick around long enough to experience Jack the Skellington as Santa, or the Boogie Man. This film has an iconic landscape and overall aesthetic that is recognizable from a mile away, and classic songs that create a whimsical, creepy atmosphere. This is one of my all time favorite movies and I promise you’ll like it, stop being so anti-musicals and have some fun!

Bonus movies include Coraline and The Corpse Bride of course!

Where to watch: Disney+

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Something a tad more nostalgic and family friendly is the beautifully made witchy flick, Hocus Pocus. I absolutely loved this movie growing up mainly because I had a mega crush on Max, but regardless this is s great movie. Sometimes you just wanna lay back and not have to think too hard while watching a flick, and that is exactly why Disney movies exist. They are fun and fanatic, with wonderful production design and flair, I mean come on  Bette Midler , Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are hysterical as the three witches. Movies like this establish nostalgia and memories regardless of your age and I think that is a staple in the autumnal months. If you are looking for more colorful witchy movies I’d suggest Practical Magic, Death Becomes Her, or The Witches of Eastwick.

Where to watch: Disney+

The Craft (1996)

In a similar spirit to Hocus Pocus, my personal all time favorite witch flick has to be The Craft without a doubt. If you like dark lipliner, stockings, and have considered getting a pixie cut this movie is right up your alley. The perfect 90s grunge aesthetic in combination with witches, magic, burning of candles, and of course romance. After the first time I watched this movie I wore skirts and tights to school everyday for a month simply because I wanted to be a witch so bad. The cast is stacked, the vibes are immaculate, and this film truly embodies the feeling of cold air on a Sunday morning in October. The film takes place in LA, and though they don’t experience autumn to the same degree as the East Coast, the set design and costumes create that feeling for you. This movie is so fantastic and enjoyable on all accounts, and I highly recommend you give it a watch!

Where to watch: Max

Scream (1996)

Okay, now I am going to assume that you have not seen this movie so if you have please disregard. This Halloween staple is the foundation of so many brilliant moments in horror/ comedic cinema. Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Courtney Cox, and the love of my life Matthew Lillard are so good in this movie. This film is up there with Jennifer's Body as one of my top 10 favorite films simply because it is so classic and iconic. Drew Barrymore’s opening sequence is one of my favorite openings to a film, and I just absolutely love Wes Craven’s work. This first film in the Scream franchise is brilliant, but I also want to suggest Scream 2, Scream 4, and Scream 5. If you wanna see the one where Emma Roberts throws herself into a glass coffee table that's Scream 4. Treat yourself to this twisted, historic, semi-horror film.

Where to watch: Max

Scare score: ⅕

Gore score: ⅕

Dead Poets Society (1989)

This is not a horror film, this is not a comedy, this is barely a romance, this is a gut-wrenching, tear evoking drama about a group of young boys at a prep school finding their purpose beyond academics and family tradition. I watched this movie again the other day simply because it has such a beautiful display of nature and the changing of seasons as they reflect the changing of our young, impressionable lives. Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Gale Hansen, Josh Charles, and more play pivotal roles as they assist one another in seizing the day and discovering their passions in English class. I am always moved to tears when I watch something hopeful and Dead Poets Society is exactly that, while simultaneously being the most devastating coming-of-age drama I have seen in years. This is a timeless masterpiece, and though I hate to end on a sad note, you have to see this movie before you die, so why not watch it as the leaves trickle down in your backyard.

Where to watch: Hulu

Sob score: 100/5

If you watch any of these for the first time, I’d love to hear your reactions, thoughts and maybe even prayers. I love film so much and even more than that I love sharing movies with other people. Grab a friend, watch a movie, eat some popcorn, scream or cry it out, but most of all have some fun! Till next time, stay flirty, stay thirsty, and stay freaky! Happy fall friends.

See you soon,

Paige B.

p.s. I apologize some of the pictures are blurry, guess you'll just have to watch the movies.