Every week, the Law Library posts a new whiteboard prompt by the Reference Desk where students are invited to crowdsource responses. Sometimes it’s something like “what’s your favorite sports team?” or “what’s a hobby you want to learn?” This ever-popular fixture of the library showcases the varied interests of our student body and allows for lighthearted discourse.
Well, for the start of October, we asked, “what’s your favorite scary or Halloween movie?” We got a lot of great responses ranging from some truly harrowing horror flicks to more fall-festive classics. If you are looking for a spooky movie to watch this Halloween, look no further than these student-generated recommendations:
Cure (1997)
“A string of shocking, seemingly unmotivated murders leads a detective into a disturbing game of cat and mouse with an enigmatic amnesiac who may be evil incarnate. Awash in hushed, hypnotic dread, Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s arresting international breakthrough, starring Koji Yakusho, established him as one of the leaders of an emerging new wave of Japanese horror.” (Amazon streaming link)
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
“Jennifer, a gorgeous cheerleader takes evil to a whole new level after she’s possessed by a sinister demon. Now it’s up to her best friend to stop Jennifer’s reign of terror before it’s too late.” (Letterboxd description/reviews link)
The Thing (1982)
“Working in a remote research station, scientists find themselves hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.” (Netflix streaming link)
Scream (1996)
“After a series of mysterious deaths, an offbeat group of scary movie fans become the target of a masked killer.” (Google play link)
Halloweentown (1998)
“Marnie and her younger siblings travel with their estranged grandmother, who is a good witch, to Halloweentown—a place where creepy creatures lead very normal lives. On her 13th birthday, Marnie gets a supernatural surprise when she discovers that she, too, is a witch. Marnie will have to learn how to use her broomstick if she hopes to stop an evil force from taking over Halloweentown.” (Disney+ link)
Us (2019)
“A serene family vacation turns frightening when a family’s nightmarish doppelgängers descend upon their waterfront abode.” (Netflix link)
Hocus Pocus (1993)
“In this supernatural family comedy, a trio of 17th-century sibling witches is accidentally resurrected in the 20th century by teenager Max.” (Netflix link)
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
“When five college friends head to a secluded shack for a weekend of fun, they confront an onslaught of horrors with unimaginable consequences.” (Netflix link)
Hell House LLC (2015)
“Five years after an unexplained malfunction causes the death of 15 tour-goers and staff on the opening night of a Halloween haunted house tour, a documentary crew travels back to the scene of the tragedy to find out what really happened.” (Letterboxd link)
Corpse Bride (2005)
“On the eve of his wedding, nervous groom Victor accidentally marries corpse bride Emily and descends with her into the underworld.” (Netflix link)
Hereditary (2018)
“After the death of her mother, artist Annie and her family uncover their terrifying legacy and grapple with malevolent forces beyond their control.” (Netflix link)
Bring Her Back (2025)
“A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother in this nerve-shredding possession horror.” (Apple TV link)
The Lighthouse (2019)
“Two lighthouse workers on a remote and mysterious island in 1890s New England contend with the elements, haunting secrets and spiraling emotional states.” (Netflix link)
Coraline (2009)
“A curious young girl discovers a secret parallel world that seems better than her own – until its sinister secrets threaten to trap her there forever.” (Tubi streaming link)
The above movies are just a selection of the films suggested by students for October. For the “raw data” from last week’s prompt, see the below image. We hope you enjoy a good scary or Halloween-themed movie this month!
