31 days of Halloween movies [part 2]

Previous 31 days of Halloween movies: Part 1

Welcome to my personal selection of horror movies to watch in this spooky month. In this second instalment, we are taking it up a notch to delve into what I am loosely calling child horror. This features both freaky children and movies that will keep your children wondering what is hiding underneath the bed.

Child Horror

Day 6

The Witches (1990)

You cannot go wrong with The Witches featuring Anjelica Huston. I have not watched the reboot of this featuring Anna Hathaway, but the original is such a classic I am not sure how much they can improve it. For those who watched this when they were a kid, I am sure a rewatch will send a chill down your spine. The makeup is impressive and the characters are a delight to watch, especially Huston who is a damn evil villain.

A young boy, Luke and his grandmother are staying at a hotel whilst his grandmother recuperates from an illness. Luke goes on a wander around the hotel, where he stumbles into a witch convention. After being discovered by these witches, he is turned into a mouse, but it is only him that can stop the witches from disposing of all the children.

Day 7

Child’s Play (1988)

This one is not so child friendly, so adults only unless you really want to give your children nightmares. This is a favourite of mine, as it scales up the creepy doll trope to the max. I would never have guessed a doll could be so sinister, creepy and downright terrifying, but all you need is a psychotic serial killer and it is a match made in heaven.

Definitely would recommend watching this franchise the whole way through, as there are some killer kills in this and the new tv series of Chucky is coming out on 12th October, if you can’t get enough of this unkillable villain.

A mother is struggling to make ends meet but manages to give her son the doll he was dreaming of for his birthday. However, this doll is not so cute and cuddly and possesses the soul of a serial killer.

Day 8

Poltergeist (1982)

I don’t know if this falls under creepy child or not, as I don’t know about everyone else, but I always found Carol Anne’s character to be pretty creepy. If you like a bit of haunted house built on old burial grounds, this will be right up your alley.

A typical suburban family is living peacefully in a Californian town when strange occurrences start to happen. It starts up small, but soon things turn terrifying for the Freeling family, resulting in the supernatural kidnapping of their youngest Carol Anne. In a desperate attempt to reunite their family, the Freelings contact a spiritual medium, Tangina Barrons to save their daughter.

Day 9

Orphan (2009)

This is probably one of those films, that is definitely best watched without looking anything up. Those who are trying to adopt might be best suited to avoid this film. Orphan doesn’t seem to be a film that is often talked up in horror forums, but I found it to be a spine-tingling film.

Also there is going to be a prequel of Orphan called Orphan: First Kill coming out in the near future, so get yourself excited by watching the original film.

A husband and wife grieving over the loss of their baby, decide to start anew by adopting a nine-year old child. Joining their children, Daniel and Max, who have opposing feelings about adopted Esther, the parents are overjoyed. But the mother, Kate begins to suspect that Esther is not as innocent as she portrays and becomes suspicious of her.

Watch this space for more Halloween horror recommendations later in the month. If this is not enough Halloween horror, don’t forget to check out my post, Ultimate guide to Horror sub-genres.

What movies are on your Halloween list this month?