Spooky Season Movie Diary: My Horror Films Of September & October

Hey everyone! Did you dive headfirst into the horror genre this past spooky season? I know I did! There's something so satisfying about curating a watchlist of creepy flicks and then methodically working your way through them as the leaves change and the nights get longer. I decided to keep track of all the horror movies I watched during September and October, and I thought it would be fun to share my list and hear about yours too. Get ready for a deep dive into my cinematic journey through the shadows!

My Spooky Season Watch List: A Dive into Horror

This year, my spooky season watchlist was a mix of classics, hidden gems, and a few new releases that caught my eye. I tried to balance different subgenres – slashers, psychological thrillers, supernatural horror, and even some creature features – to keep things interesting. You guys know that the key to a good horror binge is variety! To kick things off, I always like to revisit some of the iconic films that made me fall in love with the genre in the first place.

Revisiting the Classics: Nostalgia and Nightmares

No spooky season is complete without a revisit to some of the classics. These are the movies that have stood the test of time, continue to scare audiences, and defined the horror landscape. I started with Halloween (1978), because let's be honest, Michael Myers is the ultimate boogeyman. The tension, the suspense, the iconic score – it's all just perfect. Watching it again reminded me why it's considered a masterpiece. Then, I moved on to The Exorcist (1973), a film that still manages to shock and disturb even today. The performances are incredible, and the story is genuinely terrifying. I always appreciate how The Exorcist delves into themes of faith and the unknown, adding a layer of depth to the scares. Finally, I had to include A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Freddy Krueger is such a unique and terrifying villain, and the dream sequences are so creative and surreal. These classic horror films are the foundation of the genre, and revisiting them always reminds me of their enduring power.

Discovering Hidden Gems: Unleashing Underrated Frights

Beyond the classics, I made a conscious effort to explore some lesser-known horror films this year. There are so many amazing movies out there that don't get the recognition they deserve, and I love uncovering these hidden gems. One that really stood out was The Changeling (1980), a chilling ghost story with a fantastic performance from George C. Scott. It's a slow-burn thriller that builds suspense beautifully and has some truly haunting moments. I also watched Session 9 (2001), a psychological horror film set in an abandoned mental asylum. The atmosphere is incredibly creepy, and the story unfolds in a really unsettling way. Lastly, I checked out Pontypool (2008), a Canadian zombie film with a unique twist. The zombies are created through language, which is a really clever and original concept. Discovering these hidden gems was one of the most rewarding parts of my spooky season movie marathon. It's amazing how many quality horror films are out there just waiting to be found.

New Releases and Modern Horror: Embracing Contemporary Scares

Of course, I also wanted to check out some of the newer horror films that have been released recently. The genre is constantly evolving, and there are so many talented filmmakers pushing the boundaries of what's scary. I watched Barbarian (2022), which completely blew me away with its unpredictable plot and intense atmosphere. It's a film that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, and the scares are genuinely effective. Another standout was Speak No Evil (2022), a Danish psychological horror film that is incredibly disturbing and uncomfortable to watch. It's a masterclass in building tension and creating a sense of dread. And I couldn't resist checking out Smile (2022), a supernatural horror film with a really creepy concept. The smiling entities are genuinely unsettling, and the film has some great jump scares. Keeping up with new releases is important because it shows how the genre is adapting to modern fears and anxieties, and it's exciting to see new talent emerge.

Breaking Down My Spooky Season Stats

So, how many movies did I actually watch? Drumroll please… I logged a total of 25 horror films during September and October! I know, it's a lot, but I was really dedicated to my spooky season viewing. I tried to watch at least one movie every other night, and sometimes I even squeezed in a double feature. It was a commitment, but totally worth it for the thrills and chills.

Subgenre Breakdown: What Scared Me the Most?

Looking back at my list, I can see that I leaned heavily towards certain subgenres. I watched a lot of psychological horror films this year, which is probably my favorite subgenre overall. I love movies that mess with your mind and create a sense of unease and paranoia. I also watched a fair amount of supernatural horror, because who doesn't love a good ghost story? But I also made sure to include some slashers and creature features to mix things up. Variety is the spice of life, even in horror!

Rating My Scares: The Standouts and the Sleepers

Out of the 25 films I watched, there were definitely some standouts. Barbarian was probably the most surprising and effective scare of the season. Speak No Evil was the most disturbing, and The Changeling was the most haunting. On the other hand, there were a few films that didn't quite live up to the hype. I won't name names, but let's just say that some movies are better left forgotten. It's all part of the experience, though. You can't love every movie, and even the duds can be entertaining in their own way.

What's on Your Spooky Season Horror List?

Now it's your turn! I'm dying to know what you guys watched during spooky season. Did you have any favorites? Did you discover any hidden gems? Were there any movies that scared you silly? Share your watchlists in the comments below! Let's keep the horror conversation going and maybe even inspire each other to check out some new films. I'm already starting to think about what I want to watch next year, so any recommendations are welcome!

Spooky season may be over, but the love for horror never dies. Let's continue to celebrate this amazing genre and all the thrills and chills it has to offer. Happy watching, everyone!