Halloween movie recommendations: Cult classic edition

Halloween is just around the corner. You know what that means: It’s time to break out the cult classics. This is the last part in our weekly Halloween movie recommendations series, but it’s definitely not the least. These are some of the best spooky movies if you want a scare or are just looking for the perfect, nostalgic October aesthetic. 

“Ghostbusters” (1984)

Kicking it off with a classic favorite! “Ghostbusters” follows scientists Peter, Ray and Egon who are studying paranormal encounters. They have a run-in with a ghost and are dismissed from their jobs, only to become ghostbusters and start a business removing ghosts for other people. The film shows their adventure through New York City, as they deal with possessions, attacks and spiking supernatural activity. 

“Ghostbusters” has many reboots and iterations, but you can’t go wrong with the original. It’s a fun movie any time of the year, but it just hits differently in October. 

"Beetlejuice" (1988)

“Beetlejuice” is definitely one of the most bizarre yet fun films for spooky season. When couple Barbara and Adam Maitland get into a car accident, they find out that they died and turned into ghosts who are tethered to their house in the countryside.

But surprise! An obnoxious family known as the Deetzes bought their house and now the Maitlands have to get rid of them. Their daughter, Lydia (who is played by Halloween queen Winona Ryder by the way), can speak with them, but they accidentally summon a chaotic ghost called Beetlejuice, who stirs up all kinds of trouble.

I just saw this one this year, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Halloween. It’s spooky and funny, a perfect combination. 

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975)

This movie is about a couple, Brad and Janet, whose car gets a flat tire while they’re lost. They end up meeting a group of people hosting an Annual Transylvanian Convention, a cast of unique characters, with Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) at the very center. This movie explores sexuality and freedom, and appeals to many LGBTQ+ viewers due to how open the characters are with their fluid identities. 

The whole film feels like a bizarre, weird and exciting celebration. And if that sounds good to you, just wait until you see the costumes and hear the songs! 

"Jennifer’s Body" (2009)

Not gonna lie, this is one of my favorites on the list. The movie is about a mental patient nicknamed Needy and is a flashback to her experience with her best friend in high school, Jennifer. Jennifer and Needy attend a concert, but the night goes awry and Jennifer comes back not quite acting like herself. Suddenly, boys start being found dead around their town. 

This movie is the perfect feminist cult classic and stars Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. And though it didn’t perform well when it was released, it’s finally getting the attention it deserves online! 

"The Addams Family" (1991)

I’m ending this list with probably one of the most popular Halloween films. “The Addams Family” is a spooky comedy about an unusual, rich family and con artists who send a man to the family’s house, pretending to be their long-lost relative in order to steal from them. With an entertaining storyline that’s a little horrifying, and iconic characters like Morticia, Gomez and Wednesday Addams, this movie never gets old.

It’s a dark and thrilling classic, with great acting performances and is a movie I guarantee needs to be on your watch this list season.