Frédérique Morré, and Sophie Koritz

Junior Editors, Yonsei GSIS Newsletter

No matter if you celebrate Halloween or not, there is no denying that October, and in my opinion by extension November, have a special gloomy feeling to it. There’s something magical about the weather cooling down, the changing leaves turning the streets into canopies of color, the air gaining a crisp quality that can only be described as quintessentially autumn. And if you’re from a country that doesn’t have clearly defined seasons, this is your chance to fully embrace the season, with our following recommendations.

There is also something oddly nostalgic about the season, which always has me reaching for older movies with that retro charm and unique storytelling style that often emphasizes creativity and practical effects over CGI. So this spooky season, let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover some of the best of the best retro Halloween media.

Michael Jackson's Thriller, Music Video, 1982, Pop

Michael Jackson's song Thriller may be one of the spookiest songs to have ever been No. 1 on Billboard. In addition to the catchy lyrics and rhythm, Thriller's 13 minute music video is classic Halloween with zombies, werewolves, and, of course, Jackson's iconic red leather jacket. 

Carrie, movie, 1976, horror
Carrie, based on the Stephen King novel by the same title, is a chilling horror classic about a bullied teenage girl with telekinetic powers who exacts revenge, a perfect Halloween pick for its intense suspense, haunting atmosphere, and unforgettable climax. The book is also one of my personal favorites, and if you are musically inclined, there is a musical adaptation as well. In true spooky style, it’s one of the most expensive musical flops ever, due to several technical difficulties and an unfortunate event related to the bucket of pig’s blood…

Heathers, movie, 1988, crime/comedy

Another personal favorite featuring Winona Ryder (perhaps the reason it is a favorite), Heathers is a darkly comedic thriller about high school cliques and deadly rebellion, an edgy satire on high school rom-coms, twisted humor, and exploration of the darker side of teen angst. Once again, there is a musical, this time without any of the deadly injuries on set, but with a killer soundtrack.

Hocus Pocus, 1993, movie, comedy

If scary movies aren’t your thing, Hocus Pocus should be on the top of your list this season. It is a lighthearted Halloween favorite about three wickedly funny witches resurrected in modern-day Salem, perfect for the autumn season with its spicy mix of magic, laughs, and spooky charm. It also features a wonderfully fun rendition of I put a spell on you that is sure to get stuck in your head and make you want to dance until the sun comes up.

Halloweentown, Movie, 1998, Family/Comedy

Disney’s Halloweentown has become quintessential viewing for most American children because of its creative interpretation of the question: what if witches, ghouls, and goblins were just like us? This silly, light-hearted movie is brimming with nostalgia and definitely worth a watch. 

Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975, movie, horror/musical

It’s a musical cult classic for a reason. Filled with campy horror, eccentric characters and a fantastic soundtrack, this is an iconic Halloween pick for its wild celebration of the strange and unusual. And if you are still thinking about costume ideas for any Halloween parties, you have a wide selection of choices available to you (and I will personally congratulate you if you go as Frank-N-Furter).

Scream, movie, 1996, horror

Again, this one is a classic for a reason. A bloody slasher that reinvents horror tropes as a masked killer terrorizes a small town by using scary movies as part of a deadly game. It’s full of iconic one-liners and self-aware humor, raising the standard of horror flicks until today. Though not for the faint-hearted (jump-scares and well, bloody murder), it leans towards the humorous side of horror, and is great to watch with friends.

The Blair Witch Project, Movie, 1999, Horror

Perhaps there is no better time to watch (or rewatch) the Blair Witch Project than around Halloween. In a documentary-style fashion, this horror film revolves around three amateur film makers lost in the woods. The Blair Witch Project flawlessly incorporates supernatural elements with suspense making the viewing experience filled with unease, anxiety, and spookiness. 

Child’s Play (Chucky), movie, 1988, horror
The movie that started the franchise that is still going until today - and with good reason! It tells the tale of a single mother who gives her son a much sought-after doll for his birthday, only to discover that it is possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Aside from being a personal nightmare of mine, it is a perfect blend of psychological terror, dark humor, and the unsettling notion that innocence can be horrifying  (though considering the doll from a retrospective lens, there is nothing innocent about those demonic little eyes, but apparently that was just the 80s style).

Interview with the Vampire, movie, 1994, horror/fantasy

A list of Halloween recommendations would not be complete without at least one vampire movie, and this one is one that I rewatch every single year. Based on the 1976 novel by Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire tells the haunting tale of immortal life told through the perspective of the two-hundred years old vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac and his companion Lestat de Lioncourt, as they turn a young child into a vampire to complete their dysfunctional eternal family. With beautifully shot candle-lit scenes and a haunting soundtrack, it is a sensual film that talks about the trauma of humanity (or the lack of it).

Beetlejuice, 1988, movie, gothic horror/comedy

No, not the one that was released just this month, but the original one! It is a quirky, spooky comedy about a recently deceased couple trying to scare away the new living occupants of their home by hiring a “bio-exorcist” poltergeist. It is a perfect vintage blend of humor, gothic style, and supernatural nonsense. And once again, this movie has some fun and easy ideas for costumes that are sure to impress and spook your party hosts.

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Originally this article was meant to include a section of literature, but since the above list of movies is bound to keep you occupied until well in November, there is but a single recommendation I want to make.

Carmilla, 1872, Sheridan Le Fanu

In the list of vampire fiction, Carmilla often gets overlooked, despite it being the original vampire story, pre-dating Dracula by no less than 26 years! It is the story of a young woman targeted by a female vampire named Carmilla, who is eventually revealed to be Countess Mircalla Karnstein. As a prototypical example of gothic fiction, it is the perfect companion for a rainy afternoon in a cozy coffee shop (and if you have trouble deciding where to go, our Yonsei Café Club can definitely help with that).

If you’re not much of a reader, this book has inspired a Youtube series in 2014, which features college freshman Laura Hollis investigating the disappearance of a classmate, when she gets assigned a new roommate, who is broody, off-putting, and only keeps red smoothies in the fridge…

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Whether you like spooky, scary, funny, or charming, there is something for everyone in this list. We hope that you enjoy any (or all) of these recommendations, and all of us from the Newsletter wish you a Happy Halloween <3