It’s that time of the year again – my annual Halloween-a-thon! A time when I kick back and watch/read/indulge in a lot of horror!

Hurrah!

But unlike most years, where I try and cram in countless horror movies, TV shows, comics, and games in the run-up to Halloween, this year I’m keeping things simple. Over the 31 days of October, I will be watching 31 different movies (it’s actually 30 movies and one TV special).

The movies will be watched one a day, with viewings accompanied by a heck of a lot of savoury snacks, sweet treats and popcorn! I will also fit in a pumpkin carving session during one of the evenings (most likely towards the end of this year’s run of films).

So, what are this year’s choices?

The movies for 31 Days of Halloween 2019 are:

  1. Jaws (1975)
  2. Wishmaster (1997)
  3. The House of the Devil (2009)
  4. The Village of the Damned (1960)
  5. The Babysitter (2017)
  6. Summer of ’84 (2018)
  7. Misery (1990)
  8. The Changeling (1980)
  9. When A Stranger Calls Back (1993)
  10. Alien (1979)
  11. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
  12. Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
  13. Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988)
  14. Halloween (1978)
  15. Halloween II (1981)
  16. Halloween (2018)
  17. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
  18. Ghostwatch (1992)
  19. Hocus Pocus (1993)
  20. Us (2019)
  21. Psycho (1960)
  22. Child’s Play 2 (1990)
  23. The Blob (1988)
  24. Drag Me To Hell (2009)
  25. The Babadook (2014)
  26. Ghostbusters (1984)
  27. Hereditary (2018)
  28. Blade (1998)
  29. Arachnophobia (1990)
  30. Casper (1995)
  31. The Krampus (2015)

So, why have I picked these films?

Well, traditionally I use the run-up to Halloween as a way to try out new horror films/shows – I don’t always get chance to watch lots of horror throughout the year, so this is the perfect time to play catch-up. However, this year I felt like I simply wanted to revisit material that is already tried and tested – all killer, no filler!

The 31 movies listed above are all classics or personal favourites. They have all been chosen specifically to ensure there is a good balance throughout the month, with tricks and treats a plenty.

I’ve got heavy horror in the shape of Hereditary, Alien, and The Babadook; I’ve got slapstick horror in Arachnophobia, Return of the Killer Tomatoes, Drag Me To Hell, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space; and I’ve got lighthearted fun in Hocus Pocus, and Casper.

In the middle of this marathon I’ve lined up a trio of Halloween/Michael Myers movies; and towards the end of the run I’ve got a theatrical screening of Ghostbusters. In between I’ve got old school classics such as Psycho, Misery, and Rosemary’s Baby, alongside modern classics such as The Babysitter, The House of the Devil and Summer of ’84 – a film I simply adore.

Sadly this year there is no time for some of my annual favourites, such as The Simpsons Tree House of Horror specials or episodes of The Real Ghostbusters, but I have sneaked in Ghostwatch – a BBC classic that I try to watch most years. I’ve also added Alien to the mix as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

I’m kicking off this Halloween-a-thon tomorrow with Jaws – a movie that still terrifies me to this day. I will end my 31 days with The Krampus.

Am I excited?

You bet ya! Halloween is my favourite time of year. I honestly can’t wait to get started!

So, what are you doing for Halloween? Do you have any traditions? Is there a movie that is a must-watch every year? Let me know your thoughts.

Oh, and… happy Halloween!

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