FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 26, 2023 - Forget jump scares and masked killers. This Halloween, film enthusiasts are turning to a diffrent breed of cinematic fright – movies that feel like Halloween without relying on typical genre tropes.A curated list reveals eight films offering unsettling atmospheres, quirky characters, and thought-provoking narratives perfect for those seeking a more refined scare.
Our Top 8 Halloween Movies That aren’t Halloween Movies
1. Titane (2021) – Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or winner isn’t simply a horror film; it’s “the festivity of offbeat,disturbing and sometimes a little touching imaginations.” The film follows Alexia, a woman with a titanium plate in her head, as she navigates a world of body horror and identity.
2. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, this “cult film” is a “delirious, transgressive, ode to difference, sensual comedy.” The film’s enduring appeal lies in its interactive screenings,where audiences actively participate by dancing and singing along. As the film proclaims, “he’s going to make you join the dance!” Regular screenings are happening this year in Montreal (rockyhorrormtl.com/fr/lexperience/).
3. And Then There Were None (2015 Miniseries) – Based on Agatha Christie‘s novel Ten Little Indians, this miniseries embodies the queen of suspense’s mastery of the “closed doors” thriller. The story centers on ten strangers trapped on an island,facing a series of mysterious deaths. Christie “simply reinvented the codes of the genre behind closed doors.”
4. Brazil (1985) – Terry Gilliam’s dystopian satire offers a darkly comedic vision of a bureaucratic nightmare. Its unsettling imagery and absurdist humor create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere.
5. Videodrome (1983) – David Cronenberg’s body horror classic explores the disturbing intersection of technology and the human body. Its surreal visuals and psychological themes make it a truly unsettling experience.
6.Repulsion (1965) – Roman Polanski’s psychological horror film delves into the deteriorating mental state of a young woman in London. Its claustrophobic atmosphere and disturbing imagery create a sense of mounting dread.
7. The Lighthouse (2019) – Robert Eggers’ black-and-white psychological thriller traps two lighthouse keepers in a remote and increasingly unsettling environment. Its atmospheric visuals and intense performances create a palpable sense of isolation and madness.
8. Possession (1981) – Andrzej Żuławski’s intensely emotional and disturbing film explores the breakdown of a marriage and the descent into madness. Its raw and visceral imagery makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
