Spooktacular Entertainment
The final week of Spooky Season is upon us! I don’t know about you, but I’ll be dressing up on Saturday and attending a social-distanced party with a few friends. My folks will be leaving a basket of candy out on the front porch for trick-or-treaters, and I’ve heard several of my friends say that they plan on watching some Halloween movies while wearing their costumes and eating candy. However you plan on spending All Hallows' Eve, here is some spooky entertainment to get you into a scary mood!
Need a movie to watch on Halloween night, or want to start a new TV show? I’ve got you covered!
Movies
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Arguably the most iconic Tim Burton film, this movie is great for Spooky Season because you can watch it from September 1st to December 25th! The stop motion is amazing, and the characters still give me the creeps!
Corpse Bride (2005). Another classical Tim Burton film. While it’s been awhile since I’ve watched this one, it’s a beautiful mixture of romance and drama with that Tim Burton creepy vibe that is perfect for Halloween.
Dracula Untold (2014). What’s a Halloween list of movies without a vampire film? I know, I know, there are a million others I could choose from, but I have a soft spot for this movie. (Okay, and Luke Evans is easy on the eyes.) And the ending is one of my personal favorites in all of film history.
A Quiet Place (2018). Watch this sci-fi suspense film in the quiet dark without eating or drinking anything. I dare you. John Krasinski makes for a fantastic director, and he and his wife Emily Blunt are one dynamic duo. Also, props to Krasinski for using a deaf actress to play the role of a deaf character, as well as educating himself and the cast on proper ASL.
Macbeth (2015). One of Shakespeare’s bloodiest plays, I thought this would be a nice addition to the list. While I myself have not read or see the play yet (don’t worry, I’ll be reading it in November for my Shakespeare class), I know the plot and know that it fits within the Spooky Season realm well. The 2015 movie can be hit or miss, but the aesthetics of the film, as I have read, are amazing. Get ready for blood!
TV Shows
Dexter (2006–2013). A series about a serial killer who only kills bad people. Not for the lighthearted, as I swear a good chunk of the series’ budget went to buying fake blood.
Gotham (2014–2019). While I consider myself more of a Marvel fan than DC, I thought this series was amazing and watched the first season when it originally aired (though I haven’t finished the series, oops!). The series follows detective James Gordan and newly-orphaned Bruce Wayne, as well as various iconic villains, heroes, and anti-heroes of Gotham.
Hannibal (2013–2015). This is the most intense series I have ever watched. There is a reason why it is rated TV-MA: blood and gore and violence—not to mention the psychological stuff. This show is not for the faint of heart. (Nor should it be watched at night, unless you already plan on not sleeping.)
Once Upon a Time (2011–2018). If you love fairy tales, you will definitely love this fun series. I’ve dressed up as various princesses and queens throughout my life, so why shouldn’t this series be watched on Halloween?
Not a fan of film? Here are some dark book recommendations!
Books
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks. While I’m not a big fan of zombie films or books, this novel captured my unwavering attention. As stated in the title, this book is formatted as interviews, with different people throughout the world giving their personal account of a worldwide pandemic (hey. sound familiar?) known as the Zombie War.
Nevermore trilogy by Kelly Creagh. A nostalgic YA read for me from middle school, Creagh pulls inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe himself and his writing to craft a unique world. (Also, this is a shout-out to you, Star.)
Gone series by Michael Grant. Another YA series that does not get enough recognition. A cross between Under the Dome and X-Men with a nod to Greek mythology, Grant creates an impossible situation for everyone under the age of fifteen in the small town of Perdido Beach in Southern California. There are six novels in the series, averaging 500 pages each, and I read all of them in a month.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. A classic that I have not read yet; however, it gives off spooky vibes.
Audiobooks
World War Z: The Complete Edition (Movie Tie-in Edition): An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks. This book was made to be turned into an audiobook (and not a movie). While I enjoyed reading the book, I think listening to it would be an even better experience. Brooks himself voices the Interviewer, and other famous actors such as Nathan Fillion, Mark Hamill, and Martin Scorsese voice characters from the novel.
Dracula: the Audio Drama, directed by Lawrence Burgess. The tale of Dracula comes to life in this audio production, complete with a full voice cast, sound effects, and a musical score.
The Phantom of the Opera, written by Gaston Leroux, narrated by Christopher Lee. An abridged version of the classic French novel. And in true Halloween fashion, the Phantom wears a mask.
Frankenstein, written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, narrated by Aaron Mahnke. Narrated by the creator of Lore, Mahnke brings to life this spooky classic that shows what happens when men try to be gods.
Don’t have time to watch a movie or read a book? Might I interest you in some spooky (classical) music?
Classical Music
Danse macabre, Op. 40, by Camille Saint-Saëns
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Montagues and Capulets, by Sergei Prokofiev
Trio Sonata No. 12 in D Minor, Op. 1, RV 63, “La Folia”: Thema con variazioni, by Antonio Vivaldi
Swan Lake, Ballet Suite, Op. 20: I. Scene (Lake in the Moonlight), by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "Summer" (L'estate). III. Presto, by Antonio Vivaldi
String Quartet No. 8 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 110: No. 2, Allegro molto, by Dmitri Shostakovich
*Here is the link to the YouTube playlist; or if Spotify is your poison, here is the link to that playlist!
Honorary Mention: Podcasts
Lore by Aaron Mahnke. A dark podcast that blurs the lines between American history and American folklore. Listen to an episode before bed: I dare you. (A great place to start is with Episode 1: They Made a Tonic.)
I hope there is something on this list that piques your interest! Have a grand time celebrating Halloween! Stay safe and stay spooky!