October is the prime time of the year to watch horror movies. That’s not to say you can’t watch them at other points of the year, no ancient demons will be released if you do so. That being said, there is a particular charm to watching horror movies in the designated months, complete with a cold breeze and early darkness. It adds seamlessly to the atmosphere of the film. The only thing left to enhance the experience is to view the films as they were meant to be seen, on a large screen in a theater with prime sound. Lucky for you, dear reader, we have compiled here a list of films, new and old, all around town that you can experience in intended cinematic glory.

Coral Ridge Cinema

HAPPY DEATH DAY
October 13th
Directed by Christopher B. Landon

Tree Gelbman must relive the day of her murder until she discovers her killer’s identity.

Jigsaw
October 27, 2017
Directed by Michael Spierig and Peter Spierig

Jigsaw is back and taking his trademark brand of twisted games to a whole new level.

Sycamore Marcus Theater

Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Dir. Wes Craven, screens October 12-14

The original classic that spawned countless sequels and remakes, stands alone as a unique entry in the horror canon. Watch out for Johnny Depp in a bit role, one of the first and most prominent examples of the series giving young stars an early boost.

The Exorcist (1973)
Dir. William Friedkin, screens October 19-21

A groundbreaking pillar in the history of horror films, The Exorcist broke many boundaries for its era and still holds up as an unsettling masterpiece to this day. It was one of the only examples of a horror film being nominated for the best picture award, and yet another success from young maverick director William Friedkin.

Halloween (1978)
Dir. John Carpenter, screens October 26-28

Made on a minuscule budget with a ragtag cast and crew, nobody expected the original Halloween film to change the horror genre the way that it did. Building upon established tropes, it almost single-handedly launched the slasher genre into the mainstream. However, what makes Carpenter’s opus stand out from all of the others that have come in its wake is the Hitchcockian suspense that is evident in the film, rather that incessant jump scares.

Filmscene 12 hour horror marathon on the 14th, featuring:

Dreaming Purple Neon (2016)
Dir. Todd Sheets
This recent Grindhouse flick deals with the consequences of people who abuse a drug called Purple Neon, which attracts demons. Due to the nature of the content, we are not permitted to embed a trailer.

Friday the 13th Part II (1981)
Dir. Steve Miner

Jason Voorhes stepped into the spotlight with this film as the main killer for the first time. However, it wasn’t until the third installment that he donned the famous hockey mask. This time he sports a dirty pillowcase with eye holes. Regardless, this film is seen as a decent bit of 80’s slasher.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986)
Dir. Tobe Hooper

Released almost 14 years after the original film, this installment goes in an almost entirely different direction, being more of a comedy or satire of the horror genre. Seen by some as a refreshing departure, and others as an offense against the first film’s legacy, there has been a big split on fans with this one.

Re-Animator (1985)
Dir. Stuart Gordon

Loosely claiming plot elements from an H.P. Lovecraft story, Re-Animator is another 80’s horror comedy, dealing with a scientist who can reanimate dead bodies with a newly discovered serum. This has been a noted cult hit for years and notorious for its extreme violence.

Also featuring are two “secret showings” that aren’t to be revealed until the night of the event.