The trees won’t be the only ones getting chills this autumn. It’s that time of year again when the air turns crisp, and ghastly tales take center stage. Halloween is right around the corner and what better way to get into the season than settling down for a few creepy, offbeat and slightly comedic flicks.
DONNIE DARKO
“Donnie Darko” (2001) is a perfect pick for those who like psychological films where the viewer is kept guessing right until the end. Boasting an 8/10 on IMDb and an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie has garnered much praise from fans over the years.
This sci-fi/thriller tells the story about a troubled young boy named Donnie who is lured out of his house one night by a demonic-looking rabbit named Frank who tells him the world will end in 28 days.
While the movie does revolve around some heavy subjects about mental illness, identity and fate, it still manages to not leave the viewer feeling too heavy after the credits roll. “Donnie Darko” can be watched on various streaming platforms including Tubi, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
HOUSE
“House” (1977) is a Japanese horror/comedy movie about a young girl named Gorgeous who spends the summer at her aunt’s remote mansion with six of her closest friends in tow. During their stay however, the girls become plagued by supernatural occurrences. Rated 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.3/10 on IMDb, the film has acquired somewhat of a cult following since its release.
Despite being in the horror category, “House” is never truly scary, more so creepy and unsettling, making it digestible for those with a low tolerance for the genre. The film’s use of visually surreal cinematography, wacky characters and disquieting sequences make it a great pick for Halloween watch parties or solo binges. House can be streamed on Max, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
PRINCE OF DARKNESS
“Prince of Darkness” (1987) brings a unique yet charming approach to horror. A group of graduate students and scientists find a strange vial in the cellar of an abandoned church. However, upon opening the container, they have unknowingly unleashed a force of evil determined to end all humanity.
Directed by John Carpenter, who also co-wrote the original “Halloween,” “Prince of Darkness” is a pleasant mix of psychological, sci-fi and supernatural horror. The movie takes on a slower pace, but during that time viewers are able to fully immerse themselves in Carpenters’s cinematography and set work.
This feature can be watched as a stand alone, but for those craving more, “Prince of Darkness” is the second movie in Carpenter’s “Apocalypse Trilogy.” All three movies can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Youtube.
No matter what spooky flicks you are looking for this season, these three movies will be sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
by Jane Moss
