The leaves are changing color, pumpkins are starting to be carved..AMC is starting their rounds of scary flicks. This can mean only thing…October is here. Which means…everything that screams gore..guts, and madness is encouraged. The time of the year where watching horror movies is the ONLY option. After much deliberation I have compiled a short list of my top picks of mayhem and terror that you should tack onto your “must-watch” this haunting season. Read on if you dare.

10. Child’s Play

Whenever someone mentioned the name Chucky to you, chances are you flinched. At least, I did. The first time I witnessed the classic “Child’s Play” I was almost nine years old. Boy, do I regret stealing the VHS tape and sneaking up to my room (past bedtime of course). “Child’s Play” was interesting mainly because it uses more suspense than blood, which is a good thing. I rewatch the film to this day, and still find myself mesmerized that If that doll was coming near me I would probably faint right there. This series spawned five sequels, none of them, however, are as authentic, so stick with the first one.

9. Friday The 13th

What’s the season without the “QQQQQQ” you’re dad constantly sneers at you while you’re walking alone in the dark. Wait was that just my dad?. Nevertheless, Jason Voorhees and his iconic goalie mask of doom has sparked a shiver or two into your skull a few times. Could it be that sadistic machete? or the fact he never dies? hench the thirty-five sequels we have seen. Whatever your poison, if babes and blood are your thing, stick with Jason because he always knows how to find a damsel in distress…mostly distressed.

8. The Evil Dead (original or remake)

 Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi certainly understand the fundamentals of horror fare, as “The Evil Dead” to this day is one of the more gruesome independent films of the 20th century. Made on a miniscule budget of roughly $30,000 – the horror classic redefined a new standard for the genre. To only be amassly represented in the remake of the same name thirty plus years later. “The Evil Dead (2013)” that was directed by Fede Alvarez was sadistic, volatile and sensational. I had to cringe my stomach at times. For the sake of which is better, the remake had the money and time. But, you still owe it to yourself to check out the original, and appreciate the masterpiece that was crafted.

7. Jeepers Creepers (1 or 2)

“Where did you get those peepers?” as the song goes. Jeepers Creepers (and its sequel) are genuinely entertaining from start to finish. The stories are well written and the directors can uphold horror integrity between both films. I find it hard to just pick between the two, because I find them both eerie, and can easily satisfy any thirst for horror you may need. I recommend watching with friends.

6. Grave Encounters (1 or 2)

I remember the first time I was introduced to the “Grave Encounter” films, and for being released quite recently. I was surprised at how real the films felt. Just when you thought the whole “found-footage” style of shooting was dead. I dare you to watch these films with the lights out. In my personal opinion, the sequel is actually quite better than its predecessor. However, you should screen the first before venturing to the second. Trust me it’s worth the wait. They both are currently on Netflix streaming services.

5. V/H/S (1 OR 2)

The “V/H/S” series are an intriguing bunch. What makes them unique is that both films consists of four or five twenty minute horror short films – from various directors.  Not only does this method of formula work wonders, it proves for a delightful at home viewing experience. Because, you’re not just getting one horror film, you are getting ten. Each of them possess their own qualities that make them unforgettable. My favorite? From “V/H/S 2” entitled “Alien Abduction: Slumber Party”…the title says it all. Both currently on Netflix streaming services.

4. Halloweentown

Switching gears – I felt it would be selfish or rude not to include SOMETHING family friendly on my list. I mean the kiddies need something to watch. While yes, “Hocus Pocus”, ‘’Goosebumps” are all suitable options. Heck, anything that aired on Disney Channel back in the day would be pristine (if they would air those films). Films like; “Phantom of the Megaplex,” or “Moms Got a Date with a Vampire.” However, one stands above the all…and that film is “Halloweentown.”This Disney Channel original movie set a bar for those films. Having a great cast, headed by Debbie Reynolds. The DVD is currently available on Amazon. This is a good film to start a tradition with the youngsters.

3. A Nightmare On Elm Street (original)

As we start to delve into my top three picks. Be warned, for these are the de la crème of everything that stands horror. Wes Craven, also known as, the master of suspense. Is a genius when it comes to creating characters and developing them vigorously. Freddy Krueger is easily the creepiest movie villain of the past thirty years. Robert England was the perfect match for the role, and delivered a hellish rendition of our worst nightmare. Those razer talon claws are so prestigious in their own glory. The other sequels were not horrible, but Wes Craven’s classic is something that can’t ever be touched. Be on the lookout for Johnny Depp in his first starring role. One, two. Freddy is coming for you!

2. Halloween (original)

First off, I know exactly what you’re thinking. “Why isn’t this number one?”, I mean goodness it has “Halloween” in the title.  While the original “Halloween” is easily the most iconic slasher film of all time. “Halloween” was the first of a new craze of slasher grub. Michael Myers, and his perfectly orchestrated theme song has never left pop culture, that says something. Director John Carpenter took a huge gamble, faced many excoriating challenges, and succeeded ten fold. Not only that, but this film gave us the beloved scream queen – Jamie Lee-Curtis. At least put some effort into watching this film over the season, I mean if there was any reason..remember its called “Halloween.

1. SCREAM

Ironically..Kevin Williamson (the screenwriter) favorite film, and inspiration to this flick, is “Halloween”. But, it would the young and talented cast..the proper direction of Wes Craven and some movie magic, that would propel “Scream” to being one of the greatest horror films of the past twenty years. Why? “Scream” if you watch it closely is actually a comedy, a farce of the genre. Using satirical rules “to survive a horror movie”. Rules like; “Don’t say I’ll be right back, because you won’t back” or “Don’t have sex, drink beer, and do drugs”. There were numerous moments where the creative timing of the script will slay you (pun intended) with laughter. While in the next instance, you’re cringing the nearest teddy bear. How did Williamson find this balance? who knows. What I do know, (Spoiler) Drew Barrymore, to this day, has one of the best opening kills to any movie-ever.

This franchise spawned three sequels (rare) all of them are enticing and have the great “whodunit” element. Which is always fun watching with friends..guessing the identity of the masked killer. “Scream” will satisfy everything you want in a halloween season. Frights, laughs, and blood. Fun Fact: they used over eighty gallons of fake blood over the duration of production. Don’t you want to watch it now?