Halloween is here and the Odometer staff are ready to celebrate with some scary movies! Our team has conjured their spooky season favorites that will send shivers down your spine and ignite the spirit of the season. Gather ’round, dear readers, as we unveil the films that will haunt your dreams and make your Halloween unforgettable!

The Monster Squad (1987)

Craig Garrett, Staff Writer

1987’s The Monster Squad is my spooky season must-watch. A young group of horror movie fanatics faces off against the forces of evil to save their hometown. Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, the Gill-man, and Dracula… they’re all here. Plus, they all look terrifyingly terrific since they were designed by Stan Winston, the same special effects master behind Predator and Jurassic Park. It’s the ultimate monster mash mixed with perfect 80s cheese.

The Ring (2002)

Taylor Cunningham, Staff Writer

It’s cliche, but The Ring will always be the first thing that comes to mind when I think of truly terrifying films. The movie does a perfect job of being suspenseful without relying on blood, gore, and shock—and the creepy, dark-haired spectator is horrifying. The best part of The Ring is that it leaves you with an unsettled feeling afterward, but not in a disturbing way. It’s one of those rare movies that makes being “freaked out” fun.

Scream (1996)

Samantha Whidden, Staff Writer

My favorite scary movie is none other than the original Scream. This movie taught me (and other millennials) how to avoid getting killed by a crazed murderer… Which is not answering the phone, ever. Although the acting is cheesy at times, that’s what makes the movie a real cult classic.

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Joe Rutland, Staff Writer

I get a kick out of seeing Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. It’s a movie that combines the humor of the iconic comedy team along with some scary moments. Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Werewolf are all in on making life a living hell for Bud and Lou. The animation part of the movie, when Bela Lugosi‘s Dracula becomes a bat, is cool for the time in which the movie was made. All in all, this is one Halloween movie to put on your must-see list.

Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Caitlin Berard, Managing Editor

It feels a bit blasphemous to pick such a recent Halloween movie, but when little 15-year-old me sat down to watch Trick ‘r Treat for the first time, I instantly fell in love. First of all, nothing beats a black comedy…except a black comedy with slasher elements. A Halloween movie about Halloween, the anthology film has everything you could want in a spooky season watch: creepy masked children, werewolves, jack-o-lanterns, poison candy, and, of course, a child-sized pumpkin demon wielding a jagged lollipop.

The Crow (1994)

Evan Roberson, Managing Editor

Sadly, many remember The Crow for the tragic on-set death of actor Brandon Lee. There is no doubt that we lost a bright young star way too early. The film itself, however, remains an absolute masterpiece, despite needing reworking due to Lee’s passing. Anyone who says a word in this film is perfectly cast. And the soundtrack might be the most “90s” film soundtrack ever. Plus, it was the inspiration for the Crow Sting character in WCW—another 90s gem. It’s a must-watch every year on Devil’s Night.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Jameson Brown, General Manager

Aside from the original Halloween, Halloween III is the best in the franchise. Bold statement? Yes. But its tentpoles of quirkiness, holiday spirit and Halloween nostalgia are unmatched. Carpenter and crew wanted to build a franchise that went above and beyond Michael Myers. And while The Shape is the best horror villain of all-time, this was a smart move… just 30 years early. While at the time it was a box-office bomb, it has now become a cult classic due to its re-watchability, a bizarre, but intriguing premise and a great big bad with Dan O’Herlihy as Conan Cochran. This classic is perfect for Halloween night viewing.