Each month the Cinelinx staff will write a handful of articles covering a specified film-related topic. These articles will be notified by the Movielinx banner. Movielinx is an exploration and discussion of our personal connections with film. This month, with Halloween on the horizon, we’re going to be examining the best Horror film genres out there. Be sure to join us in the discussion and share your favorite films in each genre we discuss!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With pumpkin flavored everything and scary movies giving you fear, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! It’s the sca-scariest season of all. Okay, I’ll stop, but it’s my favorite time of the year in case you didn’t guess. But, truth be told, I am a bit of a scaredy-cat. Though I do enjoy some horror and Halloween-themed movies as long as they have a bit of a comedy kick to them. Here are some of my favorite Horror Comedies to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Lost Boys
An 80’s movie about vampires starring the two Corey’s and bleach-blonde Kiefer Sutherland, what is not to love?! The movie tells the story of a family that movies to Santa Clara the murder capital of the world. The reason it’s the murder capital of the world is because of the massive vampire population, unbeknownst to the family, that is until the oldest brother turns into one! Sam, the youngest brother turns to the Frogg Brothers for help turning him back, and that’s when there the fun begins. The tone of this movie is perfect from the 80’s music highlighting an oiled up, shirtless, sax player to the one-liners from Sam and the Frogg brothers (“Great the blood-sucking Brady Bunch!”) But don’t think it’s all fun and games, the creepy vampire makeup and some pop-out scare scenes are sure to make you jump in your seat.
Scream
This franchise goes down as one of my favorite franchises ever, it is nearly perfect (can we ignore Scream 3?). A typical teenage slasher film in small-town USA — but with it’s sharp dialogue and so crazy it’s funny death scenes, this one stands out from the slew of 90’s slashers that were easily forgotten. I don’t believe Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson intended to make this movie funny, but I do laugh more than scream when I watch it. But, not going to lie, it did make me nervous about having sex or drinking in high school because according to this film, I’d die. So while it doesn’t scare you then, it leaves you scared for future parties and being a typical high schooler. In a way, it is a perfect scared straight movie that teenagers would watch.
Shaun of the Dead
I mean come on, you thought I was going to talk horror comedies and NOT mention this movie? Let’s be honest, this genre wasn’t even real until Shaun of the Dead MADE it one. A zombie apocalypse takes place in England and a group of friends fight to survive. Shaun thinks the perfect hideout is their go-to bar the Winchester, so they embark on the journey of their lives (and deaths?) to the bar. The fast cuts that Edgar Wright uses really gets your heart-pumping and dedicated to watching this world. As odd as it sounds, it is definitely the most realistic zombie apocalypse movie I have seen and makes you plan out your strategy in case a zombie apocalypse does happen. I’m going to Costco.
Those are my top three to get you into the scary spirit. Some other notable mentions though you’ve got to check out are the original and remakes of Evil Dead and Fright Night and, of course, Zombieland. What are some of your favorites? Let us know and have a Happy Halloween!
