Halloween Films That’ll Petrify Your Psyche

Welcome, foolish mortals.

Putting on a horror movie is a leisure activity that you may find me partaking in on any day of the year. This may be true for some of you, but there’s also an abundance who consider “Halloween movies” a Halloween thing, and only break out the hauntings, gore and jump scares when the season approaches. With so many popular work to choose from and a wide variety of sub-genres as well, you may want to branch out this year. It is my personal opinion that- when done properly- a psychological thriller can make for a fulfilled movie night.

The films I have selected to be of my recommendation list to you aren’t necessarily members of the go-to Halloween movies lineup if you’re more interested in viewing some of the classics. Although, in the event that you’ve had enough of watching the Chucky or Jason franchises, don’t really want to check out the empire that has become of “Scream” or ”Paranormal Activity” and ”Saw” is just too much, it’s best I’ve got to recommend to you. Each of these films has nothing to do with Halloween, but I think they’re just fear-tastic enough to get you in spirit. Mostly consisting of psychological thrillers, with a touch of some supernatural horror, this collection of films also has a cast list of recognizable names in the horror genre.

1. Anna (2014)

Otherwise known as “Mindscape”, “Anna” stars horror legend Taissa Farmiga, whose most recognizable work has been center stage on “American Horror Story” seasons 1 and 3 and “The Nun”, released in 2018. In this psychological thriller, Farmiga portrays Anna, a 16-year-old who becomes investigated by a detective with the capability to enter the memories of others. John, played by Mark Strong, must determine whether Anna is the victim of truama or a sociopath, all in an effort to assist her in receiving the appropriate care for the struggles she is, or isn’t, facing. It’s a well-written take on the many confusing and conflicting subjects a sufferer of mental distress and illness may have going on, with Farmiga embodying the tried and true remarks that a person is only willing to be helped if they themselves want to be helped.

It’s a thrilling rollercoaster that doesn’t always pan out as expected, but beautifully showcases the often relatable emptiness, pain, and will to heal the broken that exists as a reflection of our own strifes. Strong’s on-screen sci-fi detective abilities certainly makes for a film that has a lot going on, but opens the opportunity to address a very real-world issue in a more gentle and adventurous way, still with the burn of the bitter slap of reality.

Where to watch: Prime Video included with Prime, Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99 USD, CONtv with Prime Video Channels, Pluto TV on plutotv.com, Tubi on tubitv.com

Running time: 1h 39m

Rated: R

2. What Lies Beneath (2000)

With a bone-chilling score and incredible thriller performances from Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford, the 2000 released “What Lies Beneath” is an intricate look inside the lives of Claire and Norman Spencer, who seemingly have a beautiful marriage in a beautiful home in a beautiful lakeside neighborhood, though, there is a disquieting fog over their well-off status. Claire isn’t certain if what has been discomposing her is paranormal or herself losing touch with reality. Director Robert Zemeckis unfolds a story that is told brilliantly but makes for a sense of repulse as the viewer becomes more aware of the situation. Suspense and curiosity keep you interested, with the familiar feelings of helplessness for the characters you’re watching that psychological thrillers are famous for. The film’s use of color palette and earthly atmosphere makes you want to curl up under a blanket with candles burning and enjoy a warm coffee or tea while watching.

Where to watch: STARZ with Prime Video Channels, STARZ.com and the STARZ app, Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99 USD

Running time: 2h 10m

Rated: PG-13

3. The Dead Zone (1983)

A film based on a novel from one whose fan base has credited as the author of horror himself, Stephen King, “The Dead Zone” is a sci-fi 80’s thriller starring Christopher Walken. Johnny, played by Walken, awakes from a coma and comes to the unwelcome realization that he has developed psychic powers. The film follows his life, utilizing his abilities as well as processing them. If you’ve read the book, you’ll still like the movie, and if you like the movie, you may find interest in the book. It’s got that piercing lull of a score found in most other sci-fis of its time, and I personally love it.

Filmed entirely in Canada, the David Cronenberg production made for a pretty popular meme a few years back, one good enough to perhaps break the ice, and the same quote was even featured in a song in the dubstep genre. It’s no doubt that “ The Dead Zone”, a box office legend and memorable blockbuster, continues to make a positive impression on viewers even today.

Where to watch: HULU.com and the HULU app, EPIX with Prime Video Channels and epix.com, Paramount+ with Prime Video Channels, Prime Video rent/buy from $2.99 USD

Running time: 1h 43m

Rated: R

4. Secret Window (2004)

Yet another film adaption from a Stephen King book, we come to “Secret Window”, which ironically and coincidentally is about a writer who, to put it frank, has an abundance of chaos going on in his life. Mort Rainey, a character played by none other than Johnny Depp, is an established author going through a turbulent divorce. In the midst of the drama, a suspicious stranger arrives who accuses Mort of plagerism. Visually pleasing, the film’s woodsy landscape and remote, Canadian filming locations make for a cozy yet chilling ride. Leave it to Depp to portray the role of someone who may be losing their mind.

The work of director David Koepp, who completed the screenplay as well, has sat amongsts it’s critics views as a hit or miss experience. It’s worth the watch to formulate an opinion for yourself; after all, the film’s most noted tagline is, “The most important part of a story is the ending.”

Where to watch: Prime Video included with Prime, Prime Video rent/buy for $2.99 USD

Running time: 1h 36m

Rated: PG-13

5. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

Starring two relatively familiar names amongst horror casts, Kyle Gallner and Virginia Madsen, “The Haunting in Connecticut” is about the spookiest thriller on this list, possibly for it being a paranormal horror, but also because look at that promotional art, right? What the hell did he eat?

Gallner plays Matt, who is diagnosed with cancer. Needing to relocate for his treatments, Matt’s family moves to a home with an unsettling past. While claiming to have been based on real events, the film has a considerable amount of jump scares and cliché plot twists which many aren’t too fond of. Similarities exist to former movies featuring haunted residences and unseen forces preying on the emotionally and physically unwell, but “The Haunting in Connecticut” draws you in as a thriller and viewers grow a likeness with the characters, possibly stemming from the many relatability factors. Deemed as being too mainstream by audiences then and now, it is my opinion that “The Haunting in Connecticut” should be given another viewing chance, especially by anyone who passed up a trip to the theater in 2009. And the guy who keeps scrolling past it on Amazon saying internally, ‘I still have to watch that,’. (Yes, you.) Consider this your conscience speaking: watch the movie.

Where to watch: SHOWTIME for Prime Video Channels, SHO.com and the SHOWTIME app, showtimeanytime.com, Prime Video rent/buy from $3.99 USD

Running time: 1h 32m

Rated: PG-13

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That’s where we’ll wrap up this recommendations list. Thanks for reading and Happy Halloween!

If you happen to check any of these recommendations out, I’d love to hear from you; I’m on Twitter @horrorwriterang!