Spooky season may be over after Halloweekend concludes this weekend, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t curl up with your favorite Halloween movie. Today, members of The Daily Campus Life section share their favorite spooky movies.
Samantha Brody, Associate Life Editor, sab23059@uconn.edu, she/her/hers
Horror movies are the most important part of the Halloween season, I’d argue. They perfectly capture the line between “campy” and “horrifying” that Halloween has evolved to be, with entries on both sides. And as a huge horror fan, I’ve got a list ready for the Halloween season.
If you’re interested in some classic horror movie slasher content, “Scream” is the name of the game. Do your best not to look up the twist, because it’s still an impressive one if you haven’t heard it before. If you’d prefer something a bit more fun, “A Cabin in the Woods” is one of my all-time favorites for horror comedies that remember to still have horror. It’s also a good movie to watch with a group, along with the modern-day “Fear Street” series, while a good movie to watch alone would be the quiet and tense “Alien.” Happy watching!
Maleena Muzio, Staff Writer, maleena.muzio@uconn.edu, she/her/hers
There are so many amazing Halloween movies produced from various genres. However, this year, my recommendations must go to the classic horror films. Specifically, movies like “Halloween,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Carrie” and “Friday the 13th.” I strongly emphasize not watching these movies’ remakes, because while they may be older and kind of cheesy, the originals have an appeal that their successors just don’t have.
“Nightmare On Elm Street,” which is playing at the Student Union on Saturday, Nov. 1, is the classic I would recommend if you are going to watch any I listed above. The first kill of the movie is guaranteed to make you burst out laughing, especially if you are watching it in a room full of friends, and you are not aware of what is coming. Regardless of that scene, this classic does a great job of executing fear with a supernatural and unrealistic plot. Plus, young Johnny Depp is in the film if you are looking for another incentive to watch.
Thaddeus Sawyer, Staff Writer, thaddeus.sawyer@uconn.edu, he/him/his
For the purposes of this exercise, I’m going to limit myself to movies that take place on Halloween. As much as I love movies like “Carrie,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “The Shining,” they can be watched year-round.
With that stipulation in mind, I think the clear answer is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” I have distinct memories from Halloweens spent trading my trick-or-treating haul with my sisters while the Peanuts crew played in the background. From Snoopy’s journey dressed as a World War I flying ace to Charlie Brown’s “ghost” costume, there are so many iconic moments that have ensured that an animated children’s movie from 1966 has stood the test of time for those of all ages to enjoy.
It’s not really a holiday if you don’t watch Charlie Brown fall flat on his back trying to kick Lucy’s football, and I would feel like a “blockhead” if I didn’t watch the film at least once every Halloween season.
Noa Climor, SMOC, noa.climor_mizrahi@uconn.edu, she/her/hers
There are many exquisite Halloween movies, and some that simply fall under the Halloween umbrella by existing in the horror genre. A personal favorite of mine is “Nosferatu” (2024, although some favor the 1922 version) not only because of the excellent acting, but also because of how beautiful some of the shots are.
Many horror films were released in 2025, so much so that it was argued to be the “year of horror,” and amongst them are some of my personal picks: “Sinners,” “Together” and “The Long Walk” (which I’m not sure counts as a horror film, but it is definitely a thriller worth watching.)
No matter what you pick, any movie can fit the vibe of Halloween! Have a spooky weekend and watch some good movies.
Govind Raman, Contributor, wfn24003@uconn.edu, he/him/his
Halloween is a holiday defined by its movies. From slasher classics like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” to found-footage hits like “Paranormal Activity.” Horror films set the perfect tone for the season.
My personal Halloween favorite has to be “Terrifier 2,” which takes place on Halloween night and follows Art the Clown (played by David Howard Thornton) in a revenge-fueled mission as he terrorizes a girl, one of his surviving victims from the first film, and her brother. Even if you watch “Terrifier 2” without seeing the original, you will have no trouble following the story. The director keeps the plot minimal so viewers can focus on Art himself, whose mix of dark humor and brutal violence makes him both hilarious and horrifying.
I recommend watching this movie with friends so your bravest one can narrate what is happening when you have to look away. With its rewatchable chaos and true Halloween spirit, “Terrifier 2” is the perfect film to get scared and laugh through the night. Happy Halloween!