Unusual Halloween Movies to Enjoy

As we are well in to the Halloween season and I am generally regarded as “the horror guy,” people are asking for viewing recommendations. So I’ve compiled a handy list that you can use. My only rule in this list is that I wanted to avoid all of the obvious choices such as the Halloween series and 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat since those are everyone’s go-to films of the season; and while there is nothing wrong with them (I have already watched Halloween 3 twice this month) I thought it would be fun to recommend some titles that are a little bit different. Not all of my choices are directly Halloween-related, but I feel that they all have a great creepy atmosphere and are all fun films to watch as well. If you like what you see here then venture deeper and you’ll find a treasure trove of fun horror films.

1: Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1972)
Now to be honest, I started with this one first because it’s a bit of a cheat. I’m not only recommending the 1972 television movie The Night Stalker, but also its 1973 follow-up The Night Strangler and the 1974 series Kolchak: The Night Stalker. All of them follow the misadventures of Carl Kolchak, a second-rate reporter who keeps finding himself entangled in supernatural happenings. It is definitely worth noting that Kolchak was the main inspiration for “The X-Files” and both the movies and series walk that fine line between creepy atmosphere and slapstick comedy very carefully.

2. The Monster Squad (1987)
This has been one of my favorite films since I caught a matinee of it back in ’87. The quick synopsis is The Goonies meets the Universal Monsters, and it’s just as amazing as that premise sounds. Plus with a PG-13 rating it’s something you can watch with the slightly older kids.

3. Ghosthouse (1988)
This late ’80s Euro horror (a particular favorite genre of mine) gem is one of the strangest films ever produced. It is a literal “everything and the kitchen sink” production as this haunted house story evokes every cliché and trope imaginable to create one of the most ludicrously enjoyable spooky movie experiences you can have.

4. The Halloween Tree (1993)
This animated feature based off of the book by Ray Bradbury is an excellent choice for families as it is spooky, fun and educational. We follow a group of trick or treaters through the origins of Halloween customs as they try to help a friend.

5. The Fog (1980)
This tale of a town cursed by its past deeds is hands-down one of the simplest and most effective ghost stories ever filmed. John Carpenter’s mood masterpiece is both a stylistic achievement and a solid story, which usually gets overshadowed by Halloween when picking one of his films to watch this time of year.

6. Night Of The Demons (1988)
This tale of a group of teens partying in a haunted mansion on Halloween night is truly an unsung classic of ’80s horror and perfect viewing for the season. With its atmospheric setting, loud rock music and over-the-top practical gore and creature effects, this is certain to entertain you on Halloween.