31 Spooky Movies, Songs, and Media for October

Written by Lucy Anderson

Photography by Thea Wiener and Garrett Hoy

Creative Directors: Lucy Anderson, Jazzi Almestica

models: @shes.so.dope. @markbluemle, @sophiamq_14, @amykapel, @lugzyjane, @diamondashle.y

Production Management: Lee Mazzio

Production Assistant: Mark Bluemle

October is the best month to enjoy horror media in all shapes and forms. Whether you’re sitting down in the theatre to watch the newest A24 horror release, or curling up on the couch with a ghost story in hand, 47magazine has you covered. From sleepovers to seances, we have collected 31 pieces of horror media to help you celebrate Halloween and all things horror all month long.

My Top 10 Horror Books for this October:

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

This book is one of my more recent horror reads that quickly became one of my all-time favorites. I’m usually not the biggest fan of Women written by men, but Grady Hendrix has a heart to his writing that honestly made me forget he was the author. His characters are so real and raw that it’s almost painful, and the horror he creates is well… horrifying. Besides being just a horror novel, this book tells a beautifully realistic story of grief and family. Pick this up if you get the chance.

Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

This was another summer read for me and WOW. This is the type of horror novel that is so stressful that you have to read another book after reading a chapter of it so you can fall asleep. This book had me up in the middle of the night because I just had to know what happened next. Fantastic read with an interesting story and ending.

A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers

A Certain Hunger is an interesting read, and not for those with a weak stomach. This cannibalistic novel is a read that is so delicious you won’t be able to put it down (or it’ll be so gory you’ll have to take breaks.) This novel is on the shorter side so it’s great for a quick-ish read this October.

Misery by Stephen King

It’s not truly the October Issue if I don’t include at least one Stephen King novel. The story of Misery is more thriller than horror, but still so scary it’ll have you on the edge of your seat the entire time you’re reading. This novel is the ultimate fangirl situation gone wrong and is strangely applicable to modern-day fandoms. Misery is also a great introduction to Stephen King because while the story is wild, it’s not as weird as some of his other works.

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs is the ultimate horror/thriller/suspense book. It is the second novel in a series of four by Thomas Harris, but The Silence of the Lambs is a cult classic and favorite for a reason. This book quickly became not only my favorite thriller novel but one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. If you’ve seen the film you’ll know what to expect from this bloody tale, and if you haven’t you are in for a fantastic surprise.

The Elementals by Michael McDowell

Everyone loves a good ghost story and a story about a father and daughter duo. The Elementals by Michael McDowell is a fantastic presentation of horror in one of the most drab places imaginable. While the novel has a slow start, once it starts picking up I promise you won’t be able to put it down.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Is this book technically horror? Well, no. The futuristic dystopian novel is not classified as a horror book, but to me, and most other women, the Republic of Gilead feels all too real. This book is not only an important read for those who are pro-autonomy but also has great writing overall. Margaret Atwood is famous for a reason. If you’re not big into dystopian novels you can always check out the show on Hulu and see how you feel.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a horror STAPLE. If you didn’t grow up being terrified of a woman missing her toe we are not the same. The short stories are spooky and scary and are simply the perfect mix of nostalgia and classic horror for me. This book is great for a quick read and a good scare.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

If you have ever been logged into a Netflix account, you’ve seen clips of the show based on this novel. Another book filled with ghosts, The Haunting of Hill House is an emotion-filled horror story to the brim. Even though the book was published in 1959 the themes of grief, psychological hauntings, and family remain all too modern.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is one of the more recently released works on this list. Published only three years ago in 2020, Mexican Gothic has quickly become a modern horror favorite. Filled with twists and turns, this work of historical fiction has become an instant horror favorite.

My Top 10 Horror Movies for this October:

Barbarian (2022)

If you were on any sort of social media platform last year you heard about the powerhouse of horror that is Barbarian. The first time I watched this movie I was curled up in my bed, alone, Airpods in (noise cancellation on of course) and… yeah I had to pause it a couple of times. Maybe it was the ambiance, being isolated in a dark room, but damn did that movie creep me out. After rewatching and watching a couple of video essays about it on YouTube I have come to realize it’s not the scariest movie, but it’s a pretty solid horror flick with a lot of WTF moments.

The Craft (1996)

THE CRAFT. If you’ve seen this movie you understand why I started off talking about it in all caps. I LOVE this movie. The outfits, the setting, the dialogue, the snakes, the 90’s of it all. The bitchiness, the witchiness, the “there’s no way in hell this could ever happen at a real high school” -ness of it. The Craft is a movie that you can either let yourself get deeply invested in, or sit back and laugh at every camp moment there is to enjoy in the film. I like to do a mix of both.

The Thing (1982)

First things first, when you watch The Thing (notice how I said when and not if) make sure you watch the original. Yes, there is a remake, yes it… exists, yes the original is better. The practical effects in this movie are a marvel and a truly wonderful show of dedication to the craft that is horror. The film truly feels like a terrifying and suspenseful getaway to the Arctic, which makes me glad I never wanted to be a scientist. It is also an iconic piece of fiction and a cult classic that made this list for a reason.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Two things about me: 1. I love zombie movies and 2. I love Edgar Wright. If you love either of those things (or horror, or comedy, or Simon Pegg…) you will love this movie as much as I do. The horror genre is nothing without the beautiful subsection of horror comedies that exist within it. I knew I had to include a zombie movie on this list, and once you watch it I’m sure you’ll realize why it’s one of my favorites. (BTW I seriously debated putting Warm Bodies on this list, works very well as a comedy if you get together with some friends and make a watch party out of it. Granted, it is not nearly as well made as Shaun of the Dead is.)

Hereditary (2018)

“...all I get back is that fucking face on your face!” This A24 Ari Aster horror escapade follows a family of four after the death of their grandmother. The family is put through a lot of stress, not only in their everyday lives but also in the sudden amount of freaky shit that starts happening to them. Hereditary is a beautiful, scary, and, at times, really fucking funny piece of horror media. This movie not only acts as a great horror film but a great movie overall with a brilliant story and cast of characters.

It (2017) (Chapters 1 & 2)

Alright, I’ll admit it. The 2017 and 2019 films are better than the 1990 miniseries. Like, miles better (no offense Tim Curry, your Pennywise was terrifying.) The films feature a fantastic group of talent across generations of actors, and the films themselves are pretty damn scary. Watching both films in theatres is an experience I’ll never forget. If you haven’t had the chance to check out either chapter yet, do yourself a favor, sit down with a big bowl of popcorn, and make it a double feature.

Talk to Me (2022)

Talk to Me (recently purchased and redistributed by A24) has been making waves as the modern definition of a good horror movie. This horror movie has everything that makes it a great candidate for a modern classic. The new wave of actors the film presented us with, the new and original ways of scaring the crap out of its audiences, and the modern story it tells are all big features of why this movie became so popular so quickly. Talk to Me was recently released for streaming, so if you missed it in theatres, be sure to check it out.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Wow! Another comedy on this list? I’m sure everyone reading is shocked by this inclusion. Beetlejuice is so good that it even got its own Broadway musical to show how popular it is. Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice… is a great example of how to mix horror and comedy all into one. The heart, laughter, and scares in this movie are phenomenal. There is not a dull moment in this movie, and watching it always gives a great reminder of why this movie is so widely loved.

Coraline (2009)

Coraline is one of the most beautiful horror movies ever created. Period. I mean, look at it! Every single piece of this movie is crafted with a love for the art and a pure passion for the project. In addition to all of this beauty, it's also spooky as hell. I don’t know about you, but the Other Mother still scares me now just as much as she did when I first watched Coraline as a kid. I feel like, by now, everyone has seen this movie. But, if you haven’t, please take this article as an excuse to go ahead and watch it.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Last but certainly not least on my list of horror movies is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This movie is honestly one of my favorites of all time, not even just in the horror genre. The movie is a comedy, romance, drama, tragedy, sci-fi, musical, and horror all rolled into one delicious 1 hour and 38-minute runtime. To top it all off, you have Tim Curry starring, while scantily clad in a corset and pearls. Fun for the whole family!

My Top 11 Pieces of Misc. Media for this October:

Podcasts:

Scary Story Podcast

Looking at (or rather, listening to) the content of this podcast compared to the title it feels like Scary Story Podcast is a good title. Self-explanatory, scary stories in podcast form. It’s a good listen, check it out if you’re in the mood for a scary story in the background of your day.

The No Sleep Podcast

The title to this one also feels pretty self-explanatory… this podcast has a horror so scary you won’t be able to sleep after listening.

My Favorite Murder Podcast

If you are a true crime junkie this podcast is for you. The perfect mix of horror and truth for year-round listening, or an extra ounce of fear in your October.

Are You Scared? Podcast

If you were ever a fan of Buzzfeed Unsolved, or are a fan of Ryan and Shane's new channel, Watcher, you should check out the Are You Scared podcast. The podcast is full of creepy stories as well as a lot of laughs from the two hosts.

Short Films:

Peephole Peephole - Short Horror Movie (2018)

This is a short, short film. With a run time of just under 4 minutes, Peephole is worth the watch. No more explanation is needed. Click the link, watch it, and come back to the article when you’re done.

Who’s Hungry? Who's Hungry?

It’s creepy, it’s animated, it’s only 5 minutes long. Watch it.

After Hours After Hours | Short Horror Film

After Hours is a mid-range short, under 10 minutes, and worth every second. It’s not the most outright scary, but it’s still pretty damn creepy and makes me glad I’ve never been alone in an office after closing.

Out At Night OUT AT NIGHT | Award-Winning Horror Short Film

I don’t want to spoil anything for this one. It’s a little longer, about 17-18 minutes, but worth it if you have the chance.

TV Shows:

American Horror Story

Though the reputation of the show has dwindled a bit in recent years (and the quality of the show but… that's a convo for another day) the earlier seasons are still a killer source of horror entertainment. Filled to the brim with stellar performances for series regulars, Sarah Paulson I’m looking at you, is an awesome collection of stories across all webs of horror.

What We Do in the Shadows

Yes! Another comedy. What We Do in the Shadows is a monumental-style comedy series that follows the lives of vampires and all of the day-to-day struggles they face. Even if you don’t watch all 5 seasons, it’s still a great time for a quick laugh with a dash of horror.

The Haunting of Hill House

You know I had to save one of my favorites for the very end. This show, in a word, is a masterpiece. The show is a phenomenal adaptation of the book while also creating a unique experience for TV. The Netflix original is a beautiful example of what horror should be, a balance of jump scares, suspense, drama, and a deeply moving through-line story that follows the cast of characters we get to know and love throughout the series. The details of this show are endless, and provide ample opportunity for rewatches to try and catch all the things you missed the first time.

Finally! We’ve reached the end. A lot of these are pieces of media that are near and dear to my heart, and quite a few are just awesome projects I want to share with the world. I hope you enjoy this list of various forms of spooky media, and have a Happy Halloween.

Written by Lucy Anderson

Photography by Thea Wiener and Garrett Hoy

Creative Directors: Lucy Anderson, Jazzi Almestica

models: @shes.so.dope. @markbluemle, @sophiamq_14, @amykapel, @lugzyjane, @diamondashle.y

Production Management: Lee Mazzio

Production Assistant: Mark Bluemle

Summers Hidden Treasure: The movie that got swept up in the summer chaos that you need to see.

It’s 10:20 AM, there is a cherry-coke icee in my left hand, a large popcorn in my right, and a pack of Twizzlers smuggled away in my tote bag. It’s 104 outside on a Saturday morning, and I’m expecting an empty theatre, to my delight, it is not empty, each row is filled with dazzling smiles and awaits a specific yet inviting ensemble of perky, ambitious, talented theatre kids.

It’s no secret summer is a big time for blockbusters, from Transformers to Turtles, to the unmentionable double feature that has swept the nation, the fanfare has been hearty to theaters everywhere. That being said, it is impossible to make sure you’re completely caught up with everything that makes its way to our screens, and sometimes the best things get lost in the chaos.

Theatre Camp follows the adventures (and misadventures) of a camp in upstate New York for performers and their summer under the spotlight. This ensemble cast is tasked with keeping the lights on amidst show season, secrets, and lots and lots of show tunes. With eccentric teachers and students, and eager motivations for the perfect opening night, Theatre camp is a delightful summer surprise.

Without many spoilers, the film takes approaches in a relatable, heartwarming, and original way.

It felt like watching Fame as a kid and seeing my most secretive, ambitious, musical side be portrayed, not in a caricatured way telling me there's something wrong with my eccentricities, but in a considerate unashamed way, while still poking fun at the albeit, silly ways of a true theatre kid. While Theatre Camp is most definitely not Fame, It brings something special and unique for our time that will ultimately make it a theatre kid classic.

What was even more interesting, was how well it fits into our society today and the irony of the continued efforts of the arts being taken for granted, for instance, the WGA and SAG strikes.

Creatives are struggling to live and sustain, and yet we loom on over a hundred days of the strike for the WGA, and the thought process for most is that the entertainment industry is unimportant, so their fair wages are unimportant as well, but this is more than unfair, it is unjust.

There is a line said in the film during a troubling part of putting together the production, It flies by in about two seconds before the movie moves on to its next crazy crisis, but I couldn't help breaking all my theatre etiquette training by immediately pulling out my phone (don't worry it was low light) to save it in my notes page, it was “we’re theatre people we turn cardboard into gold”.

Something like that stops you in your tracks when you've seen low-budget theatre directors make dreams come true, or spent hours putting together idea boards for a short film, or when for the past three-plus months, you've watched mentors and future colleagues walk the picket lines outside of multi-million dollar companies. It stops you in your tracks not only because of how true it is but because of how real it makes it.

The entertainment industry loves to be idolized and put on a pedestal, telling my mother I wanted to make movies was basically like telling her I intended to rule the world, in her eyes I think she saw it as foolish and narcissistic because, to her, that is what “Hollywood” makes you, this is not true.

Exhibit A comes in the form of one of my favorite plots of the movie, the relationship between Molly Gordon and Ben Platt’s characters. They are at first seen as brightened, overgrown, over-ambitious camp counselors, but as the story develops we see they care so deeply not only about the kids but the craft. Amos, Platt's character, goes through this discovery that his passion is what makes him a good director and teacher, and that where he is, isn't a placeholder for fame, just as Molly Gordon's character, Rebecca-Diane, allows herself to go after the same ambition that got her to camp in the first place, despite doing it without her best friend and her favorite safety net.

Watching Theatre Camp, or even strike coverage, one may think it's dumb. Why take something like this so seriously? why care so much? As artists, there is almost an expectation because of the field we choose, that we should expect and accept to be underpaid and overworked, but just because we can “make gold out of cardboard”, doesn't mean we should have to.

Making art isn't done because it is always sunshine and rainbows, and definitely not because it is easy and rewarding. It is done because it is impulsive and necessary, it is done because it connects, builds, and makes this world a lot more understandable.

Theatre camp takes this idea and wraps it in a bundle of joy with the core being why most of us start in the first place.

From Noah Galvin's show-stealing step in as the titular in-house role of older Joan to the throat coat dealing before performances, Theatre Camp finds its balance between humor and heart that showcases the truth of what theatre is and should be, fun.

Written by Toni Desiree

What to Watch: Your Summer Movie Guide

In recent months, a divisive question almost as popular as the infamous feud between cats and dogs has made its way into public consciousness, “will you be seeing Barbie or Oppenheimer on July 21st?” Since it was reported that Greta Gerwig’s film interpretation of the famous Mattel doll would be releasing on the same day as Christopher Nolan’s biopic about the “father of the atom bomb”, Twitter users and movie-buffs alike have not been able to stop talking about the irony of the situation.

It is both refreshing and optimistic to hear so much excitement from film-going audiences about these upcoming movies given the bleak state of cinema attendance in a post Covid-19 world. While I implore everyone to buy a ticket to these massive summer blockbusters, I also encourage attendees to support smaller and more independent films that are currently screening or will be released over the next few months.

For your convenience, here are my recommendations for eight must-watch films to look out for this summer!

Bottoms - Emma Seligman’s sophomore film, Bottoms, tells the story of two queer high school seniors who are looking to start a self-defense club at their high school to seduce hot cheerleaders. This is the second collaboration between Seligman and actress Rachel Sennott (Shiva Baby) which also stars the fantastic Ayo Edebiri of The Bear. The film is guaranteed to be a comedic home run given both actresses' ability to deliver dry humor and contemporary slang in ways that won’t make Gen-Z viewers full-body cringe. This queer satirical comedy is factory-made for fans of other high school-centric comedies like Superbad and Booksmart.

Don’t miss Bottoms which releases in theaters on August 25th!

Asteroid City - The latest from Wes Anderson is an extraterrestrial-themed take on family, isolation, and the American Southwest. Starring his usual suspects Jason Schwartzman, Jeffrey Wright, and Tilda Swinton as well as star power from the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks, Anderson’s film yields an array of striking but earnest performances.

Perhaps his most ambitious project to date, Asteroid City can balance its situational comedy with the conflicting feelings that come from the fickle nature of the future. The film explores loss and relationships through the fictional American town of Asteroid City with tenderness, but also a sense of determination.

Be sure to check out Asteroid City which is playing in theaters as of June 16th.

Talk to Me - For fans of A24 and horror, Talk to Me is the perfect watch for a warm summer night. This is a new and reimagined take on the familiar genre of supernatural movies. In the feature-length directorial debut from filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, a group of teenagers try to talk to the spirit world by way of an embalmed hand until something goes terribly wrong.

Critics say that the possessed performance from Joe Bird in the film is one of the best since The Exorcist (1973) and that Sophie Wilde delivers a powerhouse performance as the heroine of the story.

Talk to Me will begin screening in theaters on July 28th.

Blue Jean - Blue Jean tells the tale of a lesbian P.E. teacher living in England during a period of violent homophobia when many anti-gay and lesbian bills were being passed. This drama is the feature debut of Georgia Oakley and calls into question the safety and identity of being queer. The movie explores what comfort and community mean through its beautiful and intentional cinematography as well as the raw performance given by Rose McEwen.

While the film strikes a far more melancholic note than others on this list, it is, unfortunately, relevant to the current political situation regarding LGBTQ+ people in the United States and the United Kingdom, therefore making it a must-see film this summer.

Blue Jean began its theatrical run on June 9th.

No Hard Feelings - Jennifer Lawrence returns to the silver screen in No Hard Feelings! This raunchy coming-of-age comedy tells the story of a broke young woman who is hired by a pair of overprotective parents to get their 19-year-old son to step out of his shell. While the age gap in the film may cause concern for some viewers, critics of the movie have claimed that the generational difference is not condoned by the narrative and is handled tastefully. Lawrence’s natural aptitude for comedy and the absurd situations that she gets herself into will be sure to keep you entertained on a summer’s day.

No Hard Feelings was released to theaters on June 23rd.

The Blackening - From director Tim Story, The Blackening, is a must-see horror/comedy which retells the traditional scary movie through the experiences of a group of Black friends celebrating Juneteenth together in a cabin in the woods.

For too long the horror genre has sidelined BIPOC voices in its films and has prioritized white characters instead. This film seeks to change that and brings more marginalized voices into the horror industry. The Blackening is everything that you could hope for from a film with its witty comedy and strong grasp of classical horror knowledge.

The Blackening is now playing in theaters as of June 16th.

Amanda - Amanda is the feature-length debut from director Carolina Cavalli. This Italian drama/comedy follows a 24-year-old girl who is desperate for friendship and searches for it with a long-lost friend. The film seems to run in the same vein as Thoroughbreds and Ingrid Goes West, with its detached female protagonist and her unsociable tendencies. The coming-of-age narrative, the provocative yet grounded performance from Benedetta Porcaroli, and the rich visuals make this the perfect movie to watch with friends or on your own!

Be sure to catch Amanda in theaters on July 7th.

Theater Camp - If you are looking for a relatable, contemporary, and genuinely hilarious summer comedy, I urge you to check out Theater Camp. Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman this movie depicts a summer camp for talented children in upstate New York who are passionate about musical theater.

The film stars Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, and Ayo Edibiri, all of whom show that they have the comedic chops for this work from the trailer alone. The humor tackles modern situations like children discovering CBD gummies and explaining the crushing reality of theater to a group of 12-year-olds. This film is destined to become a cult classic and is an absolute must-watch!

Theater Camp will be released to theaters on July 14th.

Written by Lindsay Paul