Netflix and Thrill

Melanie Bucoy

As college students, it can be pretty difficult to properly celebrate Halloween at our age.  Sure, you can do the college thing and go out with a bunch of friends dressed in fun costumes.  Or, if you’re feeling pretty bold, you can go out Trick-or-Treating (no one’s ever too old to ask for free candy).

However, if you’re anything like me, maybe picking out the “right” costume or figuring what to do can be a bit overwhelming.  Sometimes what you really need on Halloween is a night in with candy, popcorn, and a really good movie with your friends, or even by yourself (if you’re brave enough).  Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: how am I supposed to pick out movies to watch from the thousands that exist?  Well I’ve got a few selections right here from the most infamous streaming service that may or may not add a few more benefits to your night: Netflix.

Of course not everyone will be into a full blown horror/thriller flick so these are for you mild watchers who still want to join in on the fun.  Tim Burton’s animated classics such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Corpse Bride are especially perfect to set the mood for this holiday.  We cannot forget this famous group, The Addams Family, with their dark and twisted, but humorous personalities.

Now for those who want a good laugh while watching their scary movies there are plenty of options for you, too.  Sadly, this isn’t streaming on Netflix anymore but it deserves its recognition, Cabin in the Woods.  This meta film practically mocks present horror films where you just can’t help but watch in awe at how ironic this movie can get. On Netflix you can watch Tucker & Dale vs. Evil where two hillbillies get hilariously mistaken for killers by a group of ignorant college students, the Scary Movie series, and, for an added twist, check out Horns.

For you psychological thrill seekers, classic movies I have to mention but sadly aren’t streaming on Netflix are Stephen King’s The Shining (of course, any Stephen King movie is worth mentioning if you have ever seen any of his amazing creations), Orphan, where a deceiving little girl pulls a family into destruction, or Black Swan, whose main character’s inner demons literally come out. Some other classic suggestions that are on Netflix are the Saw movies, I See the Devil, and Silence of the Lambs.

Unfortunately, I am terribly afraid of the supernatural so descriptions may be lacking here, but, for those of you who love the unknown, some movies for you are The Sixth Sense, Babadook, and Oculus.  Choices outside of Netflix are also The Conjuring and The Exorcist.

Now for slasher/gory lovers you can never go wrong with Scream and its famous masked murder.  Netflix also has The Den, which perfectly incorporates the media world, and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare for you Nightmare on Elm Street fans.  Sadly, however, Netflix doesn’t stream some of the movies I have enjoyed such as The Purge series, Battle Royale, Friday the 13th, and Halloween.  Not to sound completely sadistic, but these movies do have a satisfying feel to them that make them worth watching.

Marathoning a great series is also an amazing way to have fun Halloween night. If you don’t remember this series then I don’t know what you read as a child, but, Netflix actually has the series Goosebumps, which you cannot go wrong with.  You can also get your zombie dose and catch up on The Walking Dead.  Vampire fans can go with the classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer or go a little more modern with The Vampire Diaries.  The Supernatural series also provides a great thrill as two brothers chase after supernatural monsters. Then of course, the series that’s catching all the craze with its new season, American Horror Story.  Finally, my personal series featuring the best serial killer out there: Dexter.

These are simply just suggestions to help you get the ball rolling on your fun night in.  Many picks are subjective so there are definitely other movies that may interest you outsi ones I have mentioned.  Obviously there are many other great horror/thriller movies outside of Netflix so be sure to keep an eye out for any others I may have missed.  Enjoy your movies and/or tv shows and be sure to stay safe this Halloween!