10 Movies to Watch if You Love Halloween

October 7, 2020

Halloween is a season that’s grown on me over the years. Christmas remains my favorite season, but there is something undeniably fun and spooky about the month of October—the pumpkins, foggy nights, horror films, and books. Horror is my second favorite genre after romance, so I thought it would be fun to find 10 movies to watch during October for lovers of both genres!

01. The Love Witch (2016)

Elaine is a beautiful young witch determined to find a man to love her. Amid spells and potions, she encounters various men to bring home, but her spells are a bit too potent, leaving her with a string of victims. When she finally meets the man of her dreams, will it be true love, or will her desperate need to be loved lead to more bloodshed? This is a stylish homage to the genre’s ’60s films!

02. Spring (2014)

A beautifully shot film that feels like an homage to the Before Trilogy had it been directed by HP Lovecraft. Louise and Evan’s unconventional romance reminds us that love means accepting each other’s flaws, tentacles, and all. But can true love overcome immortality and, you know, potentially getting your throat ripped out while necking?

03. Horns (2013)

It’s always the significant other, isn’t it? Maybe. Maybe not. Ig and Merrin have been in love since they were kids, but her murder leads to a frenzied town hellbent on punishing their prime suspect – Ig. Waking up to a pair of horns growing out of his head, Ig realizes his new look comes with some psychic power, and he decides to find Merrin’s real killer and avenge her death on his own.

04. Crimson Peak (2015)

One of Guillermo del Toro’s more underrated films, Crimson Peak is a gorgeous gothic horror film with an incredibly demented love triangle, spine-chilling scares, and… well, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam. But Jessica Chastain steals the show as the cold, murderous Lady Lucille Sharp. This is a must-watch for romance fans in October.

05. Red Riding Hood (2011)

Catherine Hardwicke takes on a classic fairytale, soaking the film in blood and, well, PG-13-style sensuality. Amanda Seyfried shines as the titular character and there are strong supporting performances by Gary Oldman and Shiloh Fernandez. If you want something mindless and romantic with a stupidly attractive cast, check this one out.

06. Warm Bodies (2013)

Who says zombies can’t find love? This modern horror film is a fun take on Romeo and Juliet with wonderful performances by Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer. It certainly has its gruesome moments, but it’s also funny and heartfelt, breathing some new life into a very tired genre.

07. Let the Right One In (2008)

First love can be powerful. It can also be terrifying when the person who has stolen your heart is also a bloodsucking vampire. Part horror story, part love story, and part coming-of-age story, Let the Right One In is sure to captivate and terrify you. Tomas Alfredson’s critically acclaimed Swedish film has also been remade for America as Let Me In.

08. Practical Magic (1998)

While Practical Magic contains romance, it is primarily about the strength of sisterhood. The cast is fantastic, the story romantic and spooky, and everything about it is gorgeous, from the costumes to the scenery to the iconic Owens seaside home. It is a definite must-watch every October.

09. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

When Count Dracula meets Jonathan Harker, he discovers Harker’s fiancée looks just like his dead wife. What follows is a dark love story that transcends time and mortality. Watch for the delicious love triangle between Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves.

10. The Village (2004)

Critics and movie fans often dismiss M. Night Shyamalan’s tale of an isolated town in Pennsylvania, but I am here to tell you, The Village is not that bad. In fact, it’s spooky and intense, with a strong love story at its core. The setting is almost as impressive as the cast, and I genuinely believe this is one of Shyamalan’s most substantial projects.