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30 Most Underrated Halloween Movies You Need To Watch

On the last day of October, we get to celebrate the changing seasons with the spookiest night of the year. Filled with candy, pumpkins, and all things dark and creepy, there's no shortage of references to Halloween in pop culture nowadays. We've already taken a dive into some of the best horror movies to put on around Halloween, with even more to choose from if you're not a fan of the holiday's scarier side, but there are still so many that slip through the cracks.

With that in mind, we went door to door to find some of the best, and most underrated, films that are set on every goth kid's favorite holiday. While you can rightly expect plenty of horror to show up on our list, there's still a handful of picks that'll make you laugh more than shiver. So throw on your costume and grab a pillowcase for your candy, because we're staying up late to get through these 30 Halloween flicks.

Silver Bullet

From the mind of legendary horror author Stephen King, "Silver Bullet" has failed to gain the same fame as some of his best-known works. Whether that was a result of the film's poor critical reception upon release or the somewhat unimpressive returns at the box office, we can't say for sure. Nonetheless, "Silver Bullet" is one pick that deserves to see the light of day (or perhaps the night) for fans of horror.

In the sleepy town of Tarker's Mill, a string of mysterious murders loom over its residents like a specter. Most folks who try to get to the bottom of the killings wind up dead, leading to the town practically shutting down in fear. It's only when one boy breaks curfew on a moonlit night that who (or what) has been terrorizing the town is finally revealed.

While it might not be of the same caliber as King's greatest stories, with renowned critic Roger Ebert speculating in his review that the film may be "an inspired parody of his whole formula," "Silver Bullet" remains a lot of fun to watch. Even though we'd suggest giving this one a try any time of year, its autumn setting and the climactic showdown on Halloween night make it a no-brainer for an October movie marathon.

Haunt

While they're far from the most artful form of cinema, there's a certain guilty pleasure many of us get out of slashers. From stomach-churning gore to the often comically inept protagonists, they've become an absolute staple of the horror genre. While some classics like "Halloween" have gone on to spawn a slew of seemingly endless sequels and reboots, others, such as the more recent "X," give a much-needed breath of fresh air into the genre. "X" isn't the only slasher in recent memory to get a lot right, though: 2019's "Haunt" is an underrated but perfect choice for any horror fan.

On a dark Halloween night, a group of friends happen upon a seedy haunted house attraction set up in a garage. It turns out the house's unassuming exterior is further matched by its unimpressive frights, which lead the gang to quickly let their guard down. That winds up being a grave mistake for the visitors, though, as their trip deeper into the attraction takes a swift turn for the gruesome.

Mischief Night

If you don't hail from the Northeast United States, the name of this one might not mean anything to you. If you are, then you're all too familiar with "Mischief Night," referring to the evening prior to Halloween, when the streets are taken over by all manner of pranks and, well, mischief. It might be cheating a bit to include this one as it does admittedly take place on the night prior to our featured holiday, but we think it's close enough to earn a spot.

Tasked with babysitting for a family on the most chaotic night of the year, teenage Kaylie (Brooke Smith) doesn't expect anything beyond the usual mayhem. When it becomes clear that the house is being stalked by someone far more sinister than bored kids, though, Kaylie's left in a desperate struggle to survive. It might look like your run-of-the-mill horror slasher, but by the end, Travis Baker's "Mischief Night" still manages to bring something new to the competitive genre.

Sinister

From acclaimed producer and horror icon Jason Blum, "Sinister" was released at an awkward time for the company. Hitting theaters in the wake of their iconic "Paranormal Activity" series, but before some of their more critically praised offerings such as "Get Out" and "The Black Phone," their 2012 title "Sinister" has gone largely undiscussed in the decade since its release. Average ratings might lead you to assume it's just another mediocre horror flick with little to show for itself, but behind the middling reviews are some truly chilling and unique ideas.

For family man and struggling author Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke), relocating his family to a new home might be just the thing he needs to get back on track with his career. What his wife and children are unaware of, though, is that Ellison isn't just looking for a change of scenery. The family's new home just so happens to be the site of an infamous and grisly murder years earlier, one that Ellison hopes to capitalize on for his latest novel. While the old residents are long gone, an otherworldly presence may still be lurking among them.

The House with a Clock in its Walls

While it's targeted at a younger audience, "The House with a Clock in its Walls" manages to deliver enough creepy moments to make it a solid pick on any Halloween film watchlist. Central themes of death and grieving kick the story off, which goes on to incorporate magic and mysticism throughout. Quality casting featuring the likes of Jack Black and Cate Blanchett further elevates this one above its underwhelming reviews, and is further tied in a neat little bow of obscurity thanks to its unlikely director Eli Roth, who's best known for his far less child-friendly filmography.

In the wake of his parents' tragic deaths, the orphaned Lewis (Owen Vacarro) finds himself in the care of his quirky uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). Quirky may be a bit of an understatement, as we quickly discover that Jonathan is a master of wizardry. Furthermore, the strange home that the two call home is also the resting place of a hidden and mysterious clock, which possesses powers far beyond Jonathan's understanding. The magical hijinks comes to a roaring crescendo when, on Halloween night, the clock's truly dangerous potential is revealed.

We Need to Talk About Kevin

Many of the films we're tackling here explore supernatural and otherworldly premises, or at the very least, killers who defy reality with their murderous exploits. "We Need to Talk About Kevin" is not one of those films. It instead chronicles the complicated relationship that Eva (Tilda Swinton) and her husband Franklin (John Reilly) have with their son Kevin (Ezra Miller).

Shown to be a troubled child from an early age, the early challenges that Kevin presents only snowball for the family, until they wind up spiraling out of control. While some of the more overt references to Halloween are absent from this one (with the exception of one scene), the true horror in this movie settles in as we watch Eva's relationship with her son gradually fall apart. One of a few on this list that admittedly received solid reviews after release, "We Need to Talk About Kevin" remains underrated thanks to its limited reach for many audiences. Despite its tough material for some viewers to stomach, it's well worth watching, and is one of the more timely picks on our list, thanks to its subject matter.

Flatliners

The question of what happens after death is one that many of us have likely asked ourselves at least once. For a group of medical students led by Nelson Wright (Kiefer Sutherland), though, the question becomes too much for him to bear. Deciding that the only way to get the answers he seeks is through death, he makes the difficult decision to end his own life. Only for 60 seconds, though. After that, he'll place his future in the hands of his peers, who he entrusts to resuscitate him before it's too late. The first experiment proves to be a success, with Nelson returning to the land of the living only to be forced to come to terms with a startling discovery: There truly is something awaiting us after death.

While "Flatliners" was dead on arrival with critics, it's hardly as bad as the negative reception would lead you to believe. Brought to the big screen by director Joel Schumacher of "Lost Boys" and "Falling Down" fame, the film plays with some pretty compelling concepts, and is worth remembering as a cult classic on par with his most famous films.

WNUF Halloween Special

You'll almost forget that you're watching a movie and not a genuine recording of a real-life broadcast if you dare to put this one on. Shot on genuine vintage tape, the mock TV special documents the investigation by a local news network of an alleged haunted house. Opting to film their special event on Halloween night, the cheaply recorded feel is fully completed by hilariously '80s commercials thrown in throughout its runtime. Shot on a paltry budget of just $1,500, this little-known entry is definitely more funny than frightening, but still brings in enough spooky moments to keep horror fans invested.

Absolutely brimming with nostalgia, part of what makes "WNUF Halloween Special" so great is its unique presentation compared to the more traditional entries we're covering. The 2013 horror flick slipped past most people's attention upon release, making it arguably one of the most underrated ones on our list. Despite its limited reach, it's a truly fun viewing experience, and one that's sure to remind some audiences of bygone nights huddled around the TV during the scariest time of year.

Idle Hands

Not every movie set around Halloween has to be downright terrifying, and "Idle Hands" is a great example of that. It's crass, gory, and a perfect dose of hilarity for an otherwise spooky time of year. Despite being critically panned once it hit theaters, the irreverent late '90s comedy has gone on to gain a cult following among like-minded audiences.

Demonic possession has been a popular horror trope ever since "The Exorcist" shocked audiences decades ago, but those movies typically involve demons taking over an entire host's body. That's not the case in this one, as teenage deadbeat Anton soon finds out for himself after a particularly gruesome discovery. Turns out he's the latest victim of demonic possession, though it's, oddly enough, confined only to his right hand. That doesn't make the demonic entity any less deadly, however, as it proceeds to hack and slash its way through anyone it can while dragging poor Anton behind it.

Hell House LLC

Love it or hate it, the found footage subgenre of horror is one that's proven to be a hit with audiences over the years. Popularized by the now famous "Blair Witch Project" (which itself was predated by the infamous "Cannibal Holocaust" nearly 20 years earlier), the style of filmmaking has become a bit overdone in the years since. That said, some titles manage to get their scares right, with "Hell House LLC" being one of our favorites in the genre.

On a fateful October night in the weeks leading up to Halloween, a haunted house attraction turns deadly under mysterious circumstances for many of those inside under. Years later, a group of filmmakers return to the grisly site to try and uncover the truth behind the unexplained deaths. Even though it received somewhat favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike, "Hell House LLC" is underrated thanks to its limited awareness among all but the most seasoned horror buffs, making it an incredible pick that not many fans have seen.

The Houses October Built

Anyone who's ever taken a road trip can likely recall their own experience heading deep onto unknown stretches of highways, the exact place the protagonists of "The Houses October Built" find themselves. Just days before Halloween, a group of friends, all amateur filmmakers, have set off to find some of the most terrifying haunted houses across the country. Before long they find what they're looking for, but also make the painful realization that not all the scares they're seeing are just for show.

Another entry into the found footage genre, "The Houses October Built" is a welcome addition for viewers looking for a follow-up to "Hell House LLC." Similarly exploring nightmarish haunted houses as seen through the lens of a camera, it captures all the tension and unease that keep fans of the genre coming back. We'd suggest you'd ignore some of the more lukewarm reviews that this one got, and instead fully embrace the spooky experience that awaits.

Tales of Halloween

Speaking of unorthodox storytelling techniques, anthology films are perhaps one of the most difficult to pull off. Ensuring that a film's story is clearly told is a task that proves challenging enough for many directors, but seamlessly weaving together multiple tales (in this case a whopping 10) is another level of difficulty entirely. Despite the challenge, the incredible 12-director team behind this one managed to make "Tales of Halloween" a thoroughly fun — and scary — romp through Halloween night.

In a small suburban town on Halloween night, a series of macabre events befall the town's residents. While there are entirely too many stories that unfold for us to dive into each one, everything from cannibalistic trick-or-treaters to living pumpkins get their time to shine. Packed with plenty of gore and twisted details to make it an unmistakable journey through Halloween horror, there's still plenty of comedy to keep "Tales of Halloween" from getting too grim.

House of 1000 Corpses

Released in 2003, "House of 1000 Corpses" is remembered as the directorial debut of musician Rob Zombie. Even if you're not familiar with the singer-songwriter-turned-filmmaker who made this one, with a name like that, you can probably paint a pretty accurate mental picture. The artist's dark persona carried over into his cinematic creations, with his first feature film barely able to dodge an NC-17 rating thanks to its graphic content. Though it tanked with critics, its famous director and raw nature made it a cult favorite to this day among fans with the strongest of stomachs.

The twisted story follows two couples who, on the day before Halloween, make the fatal mistake of stopping at a run-down gas station in the middle of rural Texas. While there, they cross paths with the eccentric Captain Spaulding, whose true motives are far more sinister than he lets on. Though they manage to leave alive, their time back on the road soon comes to an abrupt end after a mysterious breakdown. They seek refuge in a desolate ranch, but it's one rest stop they might not escape alive.

Tyler Perry's Boo! A Madea Halloween

Even though they never quite achieve critical success, with 11 films and counting, the "Madea" franchise has certainly found its audience over the years. The brainchild of filmmaker and comedian Tyler Perry, we've seen the character of Madea (always played by Perry himself) caught up in all manner of wacky misadventures over time. None of the films will be sniffing the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards anytime soon, but the goofy collection of comedies probably don't deserve all the derision they get.

When a teenage Halloween party comes to an abrupt end, it's not ghosts or demons that are to blame, but instead something far more terrifying: Madea Simmons. Yearning for revenge, the former partygoers launch an all-out prank war on their elderly neighbor, subjecting her to the full torment of everything the spooky holiday has to offer. What they'll soon find out the hard way, though, is that Madea isn't ready to go down without a fight.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch

It's hard to think of a title more relevant to the holiday of Halloween than the film named after it. Directed by horror guru John Carpenter, the original "Halloween" was released all the way back in 1978, at a time when the slasher genre was still something truly fresh. With the original giving rise to the now iconic Michael Myers, the only thing that's proved more unkillable than the knife-wielding maniac over the years is the army of sequels all bearing the "Halloween" name.

As with many long-running franchises, the slew of films that follow in the footsteps of the horror classic are of mixed quality, to say the least. Of the dozen sequels audiences have been subjected to over the years, none are more underrated than the third installment, "Halloween III: Season of the Witch." The only film to take place outside of the complicated "Halloween" timeline, it's also the only one to not even feature its infamous baddie. Instead, this one goes the anthology route, and even ditches many of the blood-soaked deaths for a more atmospheric story. While it might not be considered a true "Halloween" film by some series purists, it certainly embodies the spirit of the ghoulish holiday perfectly.

Boys in the Trees

It's the late '90s, and the twilight years of childhood for estranged teens Corey (Toby Wallace) and Jonah (Gulliver McGrath). Now preparing to take their first steps into the real world, the pair spend a final Halloween night reminiscing on their shared youth, as well as the events that led the two to part ways. Digging through the past is never easy, and by the end of the night, they're forced to come to terms with the truly unsettling events that shaped them into the young men they are today.

"Boys in the Trees" breaks from some of our more traditional horror offerings and instead spins a compelling coming-of-age drama with a haunting twist. The film fully utilizes its Halloween backdrop to underscore the impact that the end of childhood has on its protagonists. They're both too old to be truly innocent anymore, yet still too young to fully understand the world around them. While the Australian film has received little coverage since its 2016 release, it should be seen by anyone searching for a somber tale of teenage friendship and loyalty.

The Guest

Still reeling from the untimely death of their son while serving in the Army, the Peterson family crosses paths with a soldier named David (Dan Stevens). Claiming to be a friend of their late son, David hopes to get to know the grieving family and help them in any way he can. But while they're initially welcoming to the new arrival, things start to feel odd about David, suggesting that he may not be as harmless as he seems.

Another pick that relies on its autumn setting to add to the story, the changing season mirrors the themes of death that hang over the Peterson family. It may not be the first thing to come to mind when considering quintessential Halloween films, but it's a worthy entry nonetheless, one that oozes unease from every frame. If you're not feeling up for the heart-pounding scares of horror but still want to watch a gripping mystery, "The Guest" is worth inviting.

Garfield's Halloween Adventure

While "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" gets all the love when it comes to classic Halloween cartoons, most fans probably don't know that Garfield, the Monday-hating tabby cat, went on a Halloween escapade of his own. One of a dozen similarly animated television specials that all saw Garfield going on wacky adventures, the first few actually predated the "Garfield and Friends" animated series by several years. Though it's likely the most kid-friendly option on this list, it's still loads of fun for lovers of everything "Garfield," both young and old.

This time around, Garfield wakes up one morning to learn about Halloween for the very first time, which just so happens to fall on that same night. Not one to pass up on free junk food, he enlists the help of his loveable yet dim-witted sidekick Odie to try and double his candy haul. After donning their pirate costumes, the duo takes to the streets in search of sugary treasures. Along the way, they wind up getting far more than they bargained for when they come face to face with a horde of real ghost pirates.

Terrifier

Audiences with a fear of clowns might want to skip this one, but for the bravest out there, read on. Like many of our picks, "Terrifier" begins on Halloween night, where exactly a year ago to the day a demented clown named Art carried out a blood-soaked massacre on anyone unlucky enough to be in his way. With only one survivor left alive, she remains the sole account of his truly grotesque reign of terror, which relied on such oddities as a literal trash bag full of weapons to carry out the killings.

It wouldn't be a Halloween-themed collection without a number of slashers, and among them all, "Terrifier" might be one of the best. It's without a doubt one of the most graphically violent picks on our lineup, which wound up leaving plenty of audiences and critics split down the middle. While the plot may be a bit thin, if you're looking for a slasher that's equal parts hilarious and hard to watch, look no further than "Terrifier."

Monster House

Returning to animated offerings, "Monster House" is the rare children's film that has enough for audiences of all ages to love. Its creepy premise and visuals are enough to entice younger viewers, while its grim storyline and pop culture references will keep plenty of adults hooked. Despite all that it has going for it, "Monster House" is hardly discussed as much as it should be among movie lovers.

On the night before Halloween, three neighborhood kids start to suspect that something's off about the house across the street. It only has one resident, the aging Horace Nebbercracker (voiced by Steve Buscemi), who seemingly takes advantage of any opportunity to make the kids miserable. After he suffers a tragic accident that leaves the house derelict, though, a series of strange events lead the trio to suspect that the home itself is evil. The next day they decide to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings, even if it means uncovering the truly tragic story behind the broken-down home.

Arsenic and Old Lace

Released just in time for the autumn of 1944, "Arsenic and Old Lace" is the oldest pick on our list by a long shot. Directed by the Academy Award-winning Frank Capra, perhaps best known to cinephiles for "It's a Wonderful Life," "Arsenic and Old Lace" is one that touched upon the director's more comedic side.

Against all odds, bachelor journalist Mortimer Brewster (Cary Grant) manages to find the love of his life. On Halloween night, a visit to his family home to deliver the good news takes an unexpected turn in the form of a dead body on the property. While his little old aunties always seemed like upper-class eccentrics, they're certainly not a pair of cold-blooded killers, right?

Despite receiving critical praise back in the day, "Arsenic and Old Lace" is one title that's been lost to time in favor of more contemporary offerings, and overshadowed by Cary Grant's screwball comedies. That said, if you're looking for a lighthearted throwback to Halloweens gone by, this classic black-and-white comedy might be just what you're looking for.

Pet Sematary (2019)

In rural Maine, the Creed family from Boston is trying to adjust to their new life away from the big city. Besides the creepy kids lurking around their property and an unsettling graveyard for departed pets practically in their backyard, things aren't going too bad for the transplant family. That is, until Halloween rolls around and their beloved cat Church is tragically killed by a passing motorist. When the family's father, Louis (Jason Clarke) buries their deceased pet on forbidden land, he winds up breaking the seal between our world and the one beyond, with disastrous consequences for more than just himself.

Another entry adapted from the pages of a Stephen King novel, the most recent attempt by film studios to resurrect "Pet Sematary" to the silver screen was met with the same underwhelming response as the first. While it's definitely as memorable as some of the best film adaptations of King's work, it's still a fun trip through the land where the living and dead meet.

Night of the Demons

It's a shadowy Halloween night, and a group of 10 teens are planning to celebrate the holiday in fashion at a long-abandoned funeral home. After the gang gets tired of doing all the typical party events, they decide to embrace the spooky vibe and hold a seance. Of course, given the grim location they're partying at, this winds up backfiring horribly, summoning a demonic presence that can only be unleashed on All Hallows' Eve. Claustrophobic and blood-soaked mayhem ensues, as the evil possession makes its way through the partygoers one by one.

It's a far cry from high cinema, but the original "Night of the Demons" will find loyal fans among lovers of everything '80s. While critics who praised the film are few and far between, it proved popular enough to get its share of sequels, all as goofy and gory as the original.

Ginger Snaps

In a typical suburban town, an outbreak of brutal killings has been plaguing the community. The victims of the slayings aren't the town's human residents, but instead their canine best friends. Meanwhile, teenage Ginger's (Katharine Isabelle) less than subtle entrance into puberty is marked by a confrontation with the mysterious killer. After barely surviving the encounter, and leaving with a pretty serious bite injury, she surprisingly makes a speedy recovery. That's not the only unexplainable thing to happen to Ginger, though, as she begins the sudden and grotesque transformation into a werewolf. The only hope left lies in the hands of her sister Brigitte, who's tasked with putting an end to Ginger's newfound bloodlust and returning her to human form for good.

While the premise might sound like early '00s schlock, it handles itself in a surprisingly mature way (at least, as mature as you can get with an ultra-violent werewolf movie). The twisted coming-of-age story didn't get a widespread theatrical release, but has since rightly gone on to be regarded as a cult classic among horror fanatics.

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie

Fans of all things anime are likely happy to see this one make our list, and for good reason. The original series that its movie counterpart is based on is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime series of all time, likely familiar even to some non-anime viewers. With an enthralling sci-fi premise and equally out-of-this-world reception all attributed to the 1998 series, the feature-length movie that followed never quite lived up to its predecessor's fame.

In the not-too-distant future, humanity travels freely among the stars. We haven't left our criminal tendencies behind, though, making it easier than ever for unsavory characters to operate undisturbed. That's where the crew of the Bebop comes in. A ragtag group of bounty hunters, they track down whichever cyber crook has the biggest (or easiest) bounty on their head to snatch up. On the colony of Mars (and of course, just before Halloween), a terrorist attack has shaken the red planet to its core, leaving the Bebop's crew to catch the perpetrator.

If what you're hoping for is another frightening tale best watched with the lights off, this isn't it. But if you're looking for something with all the moodiness and action that made "Cowboy Bebop" so beloved, look no further.

The Collingswood Story

With the turn of the millennium came the rise of modern technology, both in our everyday lives and in the films we watch. One of the earliest films to truly merge the two concepts was "The Collingswood Story," which had all of its action take place on a computer screen. Released in 2002, there's definitely a bit of unintentional comedy in this one looking back at how outdated the film's visuals are, but the creep factor soon sets in and helps you forget about the obsolete tech you're seeing.

It's almost Halloween in a historic New Jersey town, and Rebecca Miles (Stephanie Dees) is trying to balance college with her dating life. While chatting online with her boyfriend, she crosses paths with an online psychic named Vera (Diane Behrens) who knows much more about Rebecca, and the true history of her new home, than she could have ever expected. Soon after, Rebecca's life is sent careening into the supernatural as she works to uncover the truth behind her home's dark past. Definitely one of the more forgotten picks on our list, "The Collingswood Story" makes full use of its unique storytelling style to tell a truly eerie tale.

Creepshow

What do you get when one of the greatest horror directors in history (George A. Romero) joins forces with one of the greatest horror authors (Stephen King)? The wacky, macabre, and icky piece of '80s media that is "Creepshow." It might seem unbecoming for a film like this to come from the minds of both artists, especially Romero with his more socially conscious approach to horror, but the film's self-indulgence is what makes it so entertaining. It's goofy, it's gross, and it revels in all of it.

With King being such a prolific writer of short stories, it's only fitting that "Creepshow" would format itself as an anthology film. Where it differs from others in the storytelling style, though, is its full embrace of comic-inspired visuals, relying on heavy usage of bold images and striking colors to provide us with a true visual treat. Of course, the stories are pretty darn entertaining too: Some are adapted from King's prior works, while others are original to the film, but all are told from the pages of a comic book by the film's titular creep. It's his show, and we're all just along for the ride.

Trick 'r Treat

Notorious for being snubbed of a theatrical release (that is, until now at least) and hailed by plenty of horror fans and critics alike for its execution, this one almost didn't make the list. That said, we think "Trick 'r Treat" is so good that it deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible. Yet another anthology pick, this one expertly balances its eerie and grotesque scenes with some of the funniest moments to be found in horror films to date.

On a particularly gloomy Halloween night, a small Ohio town becomes awash with all the terrors of the scariest night of the year. Both the supernatural and the all-too-real take full advantage of the rare opportunity to let their wicked desires take shape, with nightmarish results for anyone in their way. It's a now-classic Halloween collection that truthfully, many of our readers have likely seen, or are at least familiar with already. But if you're in the growing minority that hasn't gotten around to it yet, you're missing out on something truly special.

Murder Party

If you ever see a flier on the street inviting you to an event with this film's name, it might just be best to keep walking. If curiosity gets the better of you, though, you stand a good chance of being tied to a chair and stabbed to death by a posse of homicidal art students. That's the exact situation our protagonist Christopher (Chris Sharp) finds himself in after he chooses to attend a mysterious Halloween party. With mere hours before he becomes the students' latest grotesque masterpiece, he's forced to do whatever he can to stay alive.

While the premise sounds pretty close to our own worst nightmares, "Murder Party" has plenty of fun with its wacky premise. Between its scenes of stomach-churning gore, there are plenty of hilarious moments, which is somewhat surprising considering the decidedly less fun films director Jeremy Saulnier would go on to make, such as the ultra-violent "Green Room." It's likely a bit too bizarre for some viewers, but if you're looking for a truly unique film dressed in Halloween attire, then go ahead and accept "Murder Party's" invitation.

May

May Canady (Angela Bettis), now in her 20s, has struggled to fit in with her peers since childhood. Her awkward personality has done her no favors over the years, resulting in her adopting troubling coping mechanisms into adulthood. A string of rocky relationships further complicate her life, with the results all culminating on Halloween night. Now at her wit's end, they threaten to transform May's odd but harmless demeanor into something else entirely.

Part horror, part psychological trip, "May" is as disturbing as it is funny, while still not falling into the category of horror comedy. It's one of those rare movies that's hard to really pin down, but nonetheless so engrossing that it's a must-watch for anyone into the stranger side of cinema. We're willing to bet few of our readers are familiar with this 20-year-old film: It only made back about a third of its production budget back in theaters, so audiences certainly didn't watch it upon its initial release. Just the second directorial outing for Lucky McKee (who also helmed a segment of the aforementioned "Tales of Halloween"), it's a shame it never got the audience attendance it deserved, since this is the rare horror flick that goes beyond all the blood, guts, and scares to create something more profound.