You’ve got that costume party coming up and you just want to get into that Halloween vibe. So it’s time to grab that pumpkin spice cold brew (coz we know lattes are out), your comfiest fleece throw blanket, and a plethora of cult classics to marathon on. If you have no clue what movies have the best vintage and retro vibes for Spooky Season, we got you covered. Here are some of the movies that you should have on your list to binge-watch.
Halloween (1978). As the title suggests, there’s no better movie to start your marathon than Halloween. This slasher film follows an escaped mental asylum patient, Michael Myers, who returns to his hometown to shake things up. Not to mention, it’s got amazing 70s fashion and hair and don’t get me started on the cheesy horror movie dialogue!
Friday the 13th (1980). This amazing cult classic is the reason we’re all wary when we spot this day on the calendar. Summer camp isn’t complete without a visit from our favorite overbearing mother, Mrs. Vorhees (if you thought it was Jason then you wouldn’t survive the Scream (1996) opening questions). I mean other than that you’ve got hilarious 80s fashion and young Kevin Bacon. Need I say more?
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). One of the most infamous horror movie villains that graced the silver screens is Freddy Krueger. This classic slasher flick has an intense storyline that will literally keep you up at night even after you’re done watching it. Though, it does have the funniest lines in horror history and weird props that aged horribly in the best way. Truly an epitome of 80s horror movies!
Ghostbusters (1984). Who you gonna call? Certainly not your ex — that’s a completely different horror story in the making. The Ghostbusters is another family friendly option with its comedy aspect. Their suits are so famous that they’ve become pop culture references in various other media, e.g, Stranger Things. Be warned though, you might have their theme song stuck in your head for the next couple of days.
The Lost Boys (1987). This coming-of-age film was popular among teens and young adults when it came out probably because everyone just loves a good vampire movie. And no, we don’t mean the ones that sparkle. Throw in some sexual scenes and some great 80s style and you’ve got a hit.
Beetlejuice (1988). What’s a Halloween without a little bit of Tim Burton? Completely boring for sure. This horror and comedy film follows a ghost couple who haunts their old home alongside Beetlejuice, whose famous striped suit most likely inspired Robin Thicke in his performance at the 2013 VMAs. There’s a lot of goth styling in this movie too so that’s something to look out for!
The Addams Family (1991). Leave it to the Addams to bring in some camp and gothic styles to the horror genre. It’s a spooky film that isn’t nightmare inducing so you’ll still be able to sleep with the lights off. The sequel, Addams Family Values (1993), has a lot to love with the Addams kids being sent off to summer camp. It’s a perfect movie for spooky season if you don’t like getting spooked!
Hocus Pocus (1993). If you’re looking for something a little bit more family-friendly, then this 90s classic starring Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy is the spooky flick you can watch with your kids or nieces and nephews. Style-wise, you’ve got baggy jeans and centre parts which can definitely bring you back to the time of pagers and mood rings. Throw in a random musical number, and voila! It’s got that 90s nostalgia and style which makes it an annual Halloween must-watch.
Scream (1996). We’re looking at the OG of the Scream film franchise which stars big names like Drew Barrymore, Rose McGowan, and Courtney Cox, and Neve Campbell. This one’s got impeccable Y2K vibes, especially from McGowan’s character, Tatum. So if you’ve seen this before, it’s time for a rewatch. The 5th installment just recently came out and they’ve just wrapped up filming for the 6th. With such a successful franchise, it’s no wonder that it’s a fan favorite.
The Craft (1996). Revenge in preppy schoolgirl outfits? It’s a yes for me. The Craft follows the new girl at school who gets entangled with some witchy drama as they all figure out some dark magic. It’s a 90s cult classic that’s reminiscent of films like Cruel Intentions but just injected with a little bit of gothy elements. Plus, two amazing Halloween season movies staring Neve Campbell in one year? Icon.
These are just some of the films to bring a little bit of inspiration to your Halloween season. If you want to shop for some of the styles that you liked in these films, you can always look for secondhand pieces on lomasearch.com. You can find all the great items at the best deals there!