The Halloween season is almost over, which means it is time to squeeze in those last-minute spooky watches. From cute, fluffy Halloween movies to haunting and bone-chilling thrillers, there are a plethora of festive movies to watch before the season is over! I am here to give you a list of Halloween movies to watch based on your major.
For the Film Majors: “Scream”
This 1996 teen-slasher classic is actually my favorite Halloween movie of all time! “Scream,” starring Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Skeet Ulrich is a staple, perfect for film majors. “Scream” isn’t just a slasher, it’s a clever and cunning love letter to film itself. The story follows Sidney Prescot (Campbell) as she deals with a killer Ghostface haunting her small town of Woodsboro. Director Wes Craven deconstructs classic genre conventions to make a unique and witty horror.
For the Studio Art Majors: “Coraline”
Released in 2009, “Coraline” steps into the world of spooky, colorful, stop-motion animation. This whimsical and eerie film follows Coraline Jones, who discovers a hidden door that leads her to an alternate world that mirrors her own. Studio art majors would love this film for its color, design and unique visuals. It’s spooky and stunning, perfect for Halloween!
For the History Majors: “Haunted Mansion”
“Haunted Mansion,” a 2003 film, follows a workaholic real estate agent (Jim Evers) who takes his family on a vacation. The family stops at a creepy, old mansion, which Evers is tasked to sell. They quickly realize that this house is haunted, filled with old ghosts and spooky curses. The mansion is covered in rich history and depth, perfect for only history majors. The grand architecture and decor tells the stories of the past, which is both creepy and thrilling. This family-friendly comedy is perfect for a cozy night in. There is a 2023 adaptation of this film, but I will always recommend the original.
For the Environmental Studies Majors: “Little Shop of Horrors”
In 1986, “Little Shop of Horrors” hit the big screen, starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene. Originally a 1960 film and then later a Broadway musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” became famous from the ‘86 film release. Moranis plays Seymour, a meek flower shop assistant who is in love with his co-worker Audrey (Greene). Seymour discovers a weird, talking plant that grows bigger and bigger and eventually becomes dangerous. Environmental studies majors can appreciate this dark comedy warning everyone of the dangers of messing with nature.
For the Sociology Majors: “It”
Released in 2017, “It” follows a group of seven outcasts in Derry, Maine. Every 27 years, an ancient, creepy clown named Pennywise emerges from the sewers and preys on children. This group of seven must navigate Pennywise but also are faced with societal pressures and bullies. Perfect for sociology majors, this movie explores social dynamics, childhood friendships and community. Unlike a lot of the other films listed above, this one is terrifying and I only recommend it if you are a horror-lover. “It” 2017 is a film adaptation of the original from 1990, but I prefer the newer one. There is also a part two, released in 2019!
For the Digital Journalism Majors: “Shutter Island”
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, this 2010 psychological thriller explores themes of grief, guilt and reality. DiCaprio’s character, Teddy Daniels, is a U.S. Marshall who travels to a remote island asylum for the criminally insane. Throughout the film, Daniels is realizing that the line between reality and fiction is blurring as he tries to investigate a patient’s disappearance. Digital journalism majors can appreciate the film’s intense and captivating storytelling. It challenges viewers to follow the clues, analyze evidence and uncover the truth of the island. This eerie film is perfect for future journalists who love to dive deep into the investigative world.
With Halloween near, I hope this list of recommendations serve you well. If your major is on this list, hopefully you enjoy the recommended movie. If not, watch one anyway. So grab your popcorn, a cozy blanket and plop yourself on the couch to immerse yourself in the spooky spirit! Happy Halloween!
