Leaves crunching, warm coffee brewing, and big blankets make a perfect setting for Netflix binging. Yes folks, it’s that time of year again. October brings some great films and television shows to watch, all the way through till Halloween. Here’s five television shows and five movies to check out this October.
Television:
Riverdale (Two Seasons, CW): Season two of Riverdale premiered on Oct. 12. The murder-mystery show brings its viewer to the small town of Riverdale, with your friendly neighbourhood Archie characters. The first season followed the murder of Jason Blossom and left an awesome cliffhanger for season two, one that leaves the fate of a fan favourite unknown. Whether you’re a fan of the comics or just happen to be a big fan of Cole Sprouse, Riverdale is definitely a good watch.
Hemlock Grove (Three Seasons, Netflix): If you’re into the supernatural and don’t mind gore, Hemlock Grove is the show for you! Set in Hemlock Grove, PA, the show follows Romani Peter Rumancek (played by Landon Liboiron) and Roman Godfrey (played by Bill Skarsgård) as they attempt to solve a murder of a young girl who got slaughtered by an “animal.” While dealing with this, the pair unearth the town’s supernatural conspiracy as well as trying to figure out how they fit into the larger picture. Netflix has had large success with their own TV shows, like Orange is the New Black and Master of None, and Hemlock Grove has certainly earned its place amongst those names.
Scream Queens (Two Seasons, FOX): If you’re one of those people that can’t handle their horror but still enjoy something along the lines of the Scary Movie franchise, then you will love this show. Set amongst sororities and fraternities, the show follows the clique known as the Chanels, as they try to survive the Red Devil, who has been picking them off one by one. Filled with familiar faces like Emma Roberts, Nick Jonas, Billie Lourd and for those slasher fans, the original “Scream Queen,” Jamie Lee Curtis, it’s definitely a good show to check out for a couple laughs.
Supernatural (11 Seasons . . . .and counting, CW): Much like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural is a cult classic that is perfect for any time of the year, but October is the best. Join brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they travel around fighting demons, ghouls, vampires and all other sorts of creatures. The first couple of seasons consist of one-off fights against the undead, but as the show progresses, it gets more into larger questions about Gods, monsters and everything in between. It’s not an easy feat to accomplish, but once you get hooked on it, it’s hard to quit.
Bates Motel (Four Seasons, A&E): Everyone has heard of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and most definitely have heard of the infamous shower scene. Travel back in time to view a young Norman Bates develop into the twisted character who earned his iconic status in the 60s. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga make the tragic mother-son duo who serve as the backbone of the show, with their tension setting the ground for the all the events, including the bloodshed.
Films:
Coraline (2009, 100 minutes): If anyone ever tells you that animated movies can’t be terrifying, put this one on. Coraline is a stop-motion animated filled with intricate colour schemes, imaginative worlds and will leave you with a view of buttons that you cannot ever shake. Coraline is entertaining, wonderfully directed and will give you the right amount of heebee-jeebees.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, 101 minutes): Not exactly a horror film by any means, but the iconic midnight show is definitely worth a watch. The musical follows newly engaged couple Brad and Janet as their car gets stranded and they are forced to stay the night in a castle with a host who’s trying to create his own living creation. If you’re looking for a fun night out, the Mayfair Theatre holds midnight screenings of the cult classic for decent rates. Give yourself over and go check out Rocky Horror this fall.
It (2017, 155 minutes): Part one of the new It film delivers on what fans previously expected when they first announced the remake: a clown who scares. Bill Skarsgård gives a bone-chilling performance as Pennywise, the dancing clown, who attempts to pick off a group of kids known as the Losers Club, one by one. This movie is still in theatres if you want to check it out. Of course, if you want to give yourself the challenge, you could watch the original Tim Curry version, made in 1990 and then the new film and truly determine which clown was more terrifying . . . but be careful, for you may float too.
The Lazarus Effect (2015, 83 minutes): This star-studded movie follows a team of researchers who discover a new serum that has the ability to bring the dead back to life . . . with dastardly consequences. This goes along the lines of medical experiment gone horribly wrong, eventually leading to zombie attacks. If you’re into something along the lines of Flatliners, this is the movie for you!
Of course, there’s plenty of good options to check out this time of year, but these are a few of my personal favourites. Hope you enjoy, and happy October!
