It’s a brand-new week and Halloween is creeping closer and closer! I still don’t actually have any Halloween plans, but I do think I might pull out some old costumes to see what I can put together. Although we aren’t going to be leaving the house, I might just throw my own little party and dress up before I pull out the popcorn and scary movies.

Today I have a list of some of my all-time favorite ‘scary movies’ that will span the decades. I’m just going to give a few thoughts on each in leu of a full review today, because I have a feeling this post is going to run a bit long, anyway. Also, to be clear, these are in no particular order. I’m not sure if I could pull out a favorite among them if I tried.

First up, Sleepy Hollow from 1999. This version stars Johnny Depp in the role of Ichabod Crane and Christina Ricci as Katrina Van Tassel. This was one of my favorites when I was younger. It has plenty of story and wit that wasn’t overshadowed by the horror. However, there is still plenty of spooky as Ichabod still has to deal with the Headless Horseman. Honestly, it has been a while since I’ve watched this one, and I might need to give it another go to see how well it holds up.

Next is Shaun of the Dead with Simon Pegg. Again, another film I haven’t seen in a while, and even though it came out in 2004, it’s still hilarious. Almost a parody of zombie movies, Simon Pegg puts his own spin on it, and if you’re a fan of flesh-eating undead, I highly recommend this one.

Ah. Spiders again. It’s funny that Eight Legged Freaks ends up as one of my favorite horror films, right along with Arachnophobia, considering my fear of spiders. Don’t get me wrong, I generally let them live if they mind their own business and stay in their little webby corners eating the other bugs, but man, do they give me the heebies jeebies. I think it’s all the legs.

Eight Legged Freaks is another parody of the genre, starring David Arquette and Kari Wuhrer. I might actually have enjoyed it so much because it’s a parody, and apparently I like my humor campy, but it still had its gruesome moments. Arachnophobia is a little bit more serious, but still a great watch. I’ve been waiting for my son to be ready to watch his first horror movie, and I might have to dust off one of these two classics to get him started.

Speaking of parodies, might I suggest Cabin in the Woods?

What We Do in the Shadows?

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil?

Okay, okay. I’m seeing a theme here that I totally didn’t intend. Apparently, I enjoy watching movies that are totally aware of themselves with some clever twists, and yes, campy humor. I could probably go back and rework this entire post to highlight that, but hey, I’m on a path of self-discovery right now, and I’m bringing you guys a long with me.

Eh, interesting. Back to the movies, though.

Cabin in the Woods is on my lists of favorites because of how well it highlights the success, failures, and tropes of the horror genre. When it starts off, you may think you’re watching just a regular run of the mill horror movie, but it doesn’t take long to realize that something else is going on. That ‘something else’ is actually what makes the movie, and I don’t want to ruin it by pointing it out.

What We Do in the Shadows was written, directed, and even stars Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. It is basically a documentary on the daily lives of vampires, and not in the fun bity way. This is about them doing chores and bickering between themselves, and it’s hilarious. There is also a show of the same name available on Hulu if you find you like the movie and want more.

And the last, but definitely not least, on my list (for now) is Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. This stars Alan Tudyk as Tucker and Tyler Labine as Dale. This movie is absolutely brilliant. This time, it appears to follow the trope of teenagers vacationing in a remote location who end up running for their lives from some crazy hillbillies, but that is not the case. It’s all just one big, crazy misunderstanding! – Uh… with a few deaths. I mean, it’s in the horror list for a reason.

Man, that felt like a lot. I could keep going, but I think that’s enough on the campy, horror parodies for now. Plenty here to keep everyone occupied while waiting for all the ghosts and goblins to come out on Halloween!

Until then, it’s back to diligently working on Westgate. I have no idea what my update will be next week as we work our way into November, but until then, Happy Reading and Watching!