The Best Halloween Movies

October is quite an exciting time of the year complete with haunted houses, fall festivals, scary movies, candy everywhere, leaves changing color, etc. And all this excitment leads up to my favorite holiday of the year, HALLOWEEN! Now if you don't share my opinion on favorite holidays, that's ok, but hopefully you still enjoy the annual night of consuming unhealthy amounts of sweets and dressing up in costume. And if you do, chances are you also enjoy ending the night with a Halloween movie, of which there are many, many different kinds. Some make you scream, some make you laugh, some blow your mind, and some just confuse you. Not everyone likes "scary movies" and that's ok, because all Halloween movies aren't scary. So to help form some ideas for a good option to watch tonight, here is a list of ten the best Halloween movies of different genres.

The Black and White Film: Psycho 

If you are wanting to watch a true classic, then you best option is Alfred Hitchcock's thrilling masterpiece, "Psycho." Nearly 55 years after it was released, this old school slasher flick will still likely give you chills (and make you a little uneasy the next time you take a shower). The famous ending also inspired numerous other.

The Classic: Halloween

The 80s brought to life many iconic killers such as Freddy, Jason, and the Thing, but the best icon came first, and his name is Michael Myers. The unstoppable force of evil has been terrorizing victims in countless sub-par sequels and remakes for years, but the original 1979 "Halloween," which features a young Jamie Lee Curtis that still looks to old to be in high-school, is by far the best. If your group enjoys scary movies, this is one of your best options.

The One to Make You Laugh: Zombieland

If you want to go the comedic route, look no further than "Zombieland" With hilarious performances by Woody Harrelson, Jessie Eisenberg, and Emma Stone (and one of the best cameos ever), alongside some really fun action scenes and a surprisingly emotional story, this zombie-killing comedy will have you laughing during most of its 90 minute runtime.

The One for All Ages: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Disney's ghoulish musical may be about scary monsters, but it has a loveable main character and a heart-felt story that make it a great option for families or just for those who want to watch something a little different for Halloween. Of course if you don't get a chance to see this for Halloween, you can always pull it out again for Christmas.

The Thriller: The Silence of the Lambs

He might not wear a mask or posses any kind of dark powers, but Hannibal Lecter is one of the most frightening characters in the history of film. Don't count this film out because it's not strictly labeled a "horror movie," chances are that Lecter's escape scene will be more frightening then most other films you will ever see.

The One to Watch at 2:00 am: Killer Klownz From Outer Space

Giant clowns, cotton candy guns, a loud 80s soundtrack...have you not started watching it yet?

The Action/Adventure Film: Sleepy Hollow

Action, adventure, mystery, romance, and Johnny Depp: Tim Burton's version of Washington Irving's famous short story has a lot of things going for it. If you are looking for a movie with some scares but also is a little more on the fun side, "Sleepy Hollow" is a great option. Plus it's always fun to watch Christopher Walken act a little insane.

The Guilty Pleasure: Van Helsing

Say what you want, "Van Helsing" is one of the greatest Halloween movies ever made. It's over-the-top in every way but that's ok, because it never takes itself too seriously. Hugh Jackman leads this entertaining monster-mash-up that may be cheesy and a little ridiculous at times, but it's just so much damn fun that I don't care.

The Unique One: The Cabin in the Woods

Part horror film, part parody, this unique scary movie by Joss Whedon (The Avengers) and Drew Goddard turns the horror genre on its head and delivers a film where you may be screaming and laughing at the same time.

The Nightmare Waiting to Happen: The Conjuring

This is probably one of the scariest movies around today, but the greatness of "The Conjuring" doesn't stop at the jump scares. It also features a carefully crafted story, great performances, and clever dialogue. But let's be honest, it's Halloween and you want to be scared, and boy will this movie scare you. Don't watch it alone!

Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron" - Teaser Trailer (OFFICIAL)

Finding God in Cinema: The Conjuring

^"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

The horror genre has gone through several intense phases of evolution since its beginnings in the 1920s. Back in the days of black and white cinema, people flocked to the theaters to see classic literary characters such as Dracula and Frankenstein terrorize on the silver screen. They were exciting, they were fun, and they were genuinely frightening (although if anyone was to view those films today, they would probably chuckle more than scream). Then the 80s rolled around and things started to get a little more intense. Films such as "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th" brought along the birth of the slasher film, where it started to become a little more about the kill count of the masked killer than developing a story. These slasher films were financially successful, spawning many sequels and more ideas about how to make these films even more violent. Enter the early 2000s, where any concern about plot and character development was thrown out the door. Instead, all that mattered was killing as many people as possible, in the most vile, graphic ways as possible (after prolonged scenes of graphic sexual content). This "technique," made famous by films such as "Saw," "Hostel," and "Final Destination," came to be known as "torture porn," a term that makes me feel sick just typing it.

In Proverbs 4:23, we are told to "Guard our heart above all else," and this is an important verse to remember when considering whether or not we should expose ourselves to movies in this genre (or any genre for that matter). The vast majority of horror films made today are all about showcasing sin in the most dark, disturbing ways, and the point of these movies is to make viewers enjoy watching acts of torture and sexual immorality. And besides the reasons listed above, there is one fundamental flaw with 90% of horror films today--the idea the evil prevails, the darkness is strongest force in this world, which Christians know to be false! We know that sin and death has already been defeated by the love of Jesus Christ. Yet these films rarely suggest that idea, or just the idea of good conquering evil in general. Yet in the sea of filth that is the modern horror movie, there are those rare gems that decide to rise above the standard genre tropes, and do something different. And James Wan's "The Conjuring" (released in 2013) is one of those films.

Based on the case files of real-life demonologists, Ed and Lorraine Warren, "The Conjuring" tells the "true story" of a Rhode Island family who become terrorized by demons. With no way of immediately finding other housing for a family of seven, the Perron family seeks the help of the Warrens (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) to rid them of the evil sprits haunting them. The film was released to both critical and financial success going on to become one of the highest grossing and highest reviewed R-rated horror films ever, and with good reason. Forget the scare factor, "The Conjuring" boasted a great cast, detailed set design and cinematography, intriguing character development, and a mysterious story; it's just a great film. But what really sets this movie apart from others in its genre is the redemption themes that run throughout it.

At its core, "The Conjuring" is a film about good conquering evil, and more specifically about how love conquers all. Yes the film is quite frightening throughout, and it does seem like the demonic forces haunting this family are quite powerful, yet when the Warrens come to the aid of the family, there is a sense of ease not only with the family, but with the viewer, like we both know that things are going to be ok. The Warrens themselves are a great representation of loving and compassionate characters, who are willing to put their lives on the line so that others in need can see the power of God do away with evil. Several times throughout the film, Lorraine reminds Ed that, "God brought us together for a reason," that reason being to shine a light into the darkness. Throughout the film, the Warrens' faith never falters, even amidst an intimidating and seemingly powerful enemy. They never doubt that God will always be with them and help them minister to this family. Near the end of the film, during the Warren's final confrontation with the demon, Ed's determination and confidence remind me of Jesus' words in Luke 21, when He is telling his disciples how people will persecute them for their faith. He offers them words of encouragement saying:

"For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Luke 21:15

And in verse 19 He goes on to say that:

                                                      "Stand firm, and you will win life."

This is something that Ed takes to heart in his mission, and it is something that we need to remember when we are facing something in our lives that is intimidating to us.

This relationship between the Perron family and the Warren family is particularly engaging because the Perrons are not, as the husband says, "church-going types" (to which Ed humorously replies, "Well you may want to rethink that"). Yet even though they don't believe in God, the wife recognizes some sense of both power and comfort surrounding Ed and Lorraine Warren, which is what draws her to them to ask for their help. On the opposite site, Ed and Lorraine recognize that since this family does not believe in God, they have an even greater duty to not only drive away the demonic forces, but to drive away unbelief as well. The Warrens are really like missionaries, diving into dangerous situations where people are in need, and showing them the God's power and love, and as I said before, characters with that kind of mentality and character are rarely found in horror movies. 

But it is the climax of the film that is the most compelling part of the film (and yes, the most frightening as well). The filmmakers could have very easily chosen a cliche way in which to defeat the demon. Maybe they could have just had the exorcism work perfectly, or maybe they could have trapped it or sent it back to Hell with some mysterious object. Yet, what defeats the evil in "The Conjuring" is something far more powerful--love. Love literally does win out. After Ed Warren succeeds in drawing out the demon (who has now possessed the mother of the Perron family) he and Lorraine tell the part of the mother who is still in control that she has to fight it from the inside. Lorraine reminds her of a memory that she told her about earlier, about one of her happiest memories of her family. And so through remembering this memory, and holding onto the love that she has for her husband and for her children, she is able to fight off the demon that is trying to take her over. Now I can't imagine most horror movie producers being on board with the concept of beating the antagonist of the film with love (as opposed to a chainsaw or a portal back to Hell), but "The Conjuring" is trying to tell a greater message. And it's a message that one of the screenwriters spoke about back when the film came out.

When asked about writing the story of the film, screenwriter Chad Hayes said this, "We're never going to glorify evil. We want people to feel great after seeing it. To be scared and entertained, of course, but to walk out of the theater with a good feeling because good, God, is victorious." And this is why "The Conjuring" stands out, because it has the opposite mindset of most of the horror genre, a genre that takes delight in glorifying evil. And because of that, this is also probably one of the only horror films that has a genuinely happy ending. An ending where the viewer can feel totally comfortable because they can see that, for now at least (a sequel is being released in 2015), love has conquered all.

At the end of the film, there is a quote from Ed Warren put up on the screen that includes the statement, "Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true. The devil exists. God exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow.” Watching movies like "The Conjuring," I get far more scared than I get when I watch Michael Myers in a "Halloween" movie. And it's because I know that demons are very real, and that the devil is very real. Except this film does't just leave us with a sense of dread and fear, instead it reminds us that, as powerful and dangerous as these demons may seem, there is someone who is infinitely more powerful, and He will never abandon us. Just as it says in Romans 8, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons...will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Need a great scary movie to watch this Halloween? You'd be hard pressed to find one better than this.