October may have come and gone, but that's no reason to stop watching horror movies. In the spirit of the holiday season, in fact, it's an even better opportunity to give the gift of terror to friends and family members who may have shied away from watching scary flicks in the past.
For those who have been reluctant to dive in on their own, perhaps a gentle nudge would be welcome. Really, there's nothing like watching a horror movie with friends, and so we've selected a handful of films that may ease the transition for beginners.
The Monster Squad (1987)
The heroes are a group of schoolboys who love the classic monsters, especially the cinematic versions of Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Wolf-Man, and more. Unexpectedly, however, they must defend their hometown against those very same monsters, which makes this a movie that's very appealing for a broad audience. In the clip below, two of the boys must explain themselves before a disapproving school authority figure.
Poltergeist (1982)
The movie initially received an 'R' rating, but when it was changed to a 'PG' rating, it opened up its possible audience considerably. Though there are definitely scenes that may push the boundaries for more squeamish viewers, the focus on the importance of an eminently sympathetic suburban family unit remains paramount, and makes the rooting interest in their survival against all odds very strong.
Psycho (1960)
What begins as a suspenseful drama soon morphs into a frightening thriller before edging into the deep, dark pit of horror. That slow but steady progression makes it easier for general audiences to get caught up in the story and characters before becoming overcome by the terror. In this extended trailer, director Alfred Hitchcock gives a mordantly funny guided tour of the main settings.
Halloween (1978)
The relaxed, small-town setting reinforces the idea that terror can visit at any time in any place, no matter how safe and tranquil it may appear. Jamie Lee Curtis is a perfect heroine, a 'girl next door' with surprising resilience. The movie itself is restrained in its violence, which makes it more inviting for general audiences, yet also makes the murderous attacks all the more disturbing.
Alien (1979)
Before it ramps up into a nail-biting, stomach-clenching thriller, Ridley Scott's classic starts slowly enough, allowing the audience to develop sympathy for the crew members of the ill-fated spaceship Nostromo. Even though this is the most explicitly violent of the movies listed here, the blood and guts are kept to a minimum, ratcheting up the suspense to almost unbearable levels. Bonus: the original theatrical trailer is the unsettling trailer of all time.
