My Hooptober 13 Survival Plan · Gorehound Grindhouse

If you are on Letterboxd and in the horror community, you might have heard of Hooptober. It is an annual horror movie marathon created by @Cinemonster on Letterboxd named in honor of the late Tobe Hooper. The challenge tasks horror fans with watching and logging at least 31 horror films between September 15th and October 31st.

Every year, a fresh set of hyper-specific criteria drops (often on the anniversary of Tobe Hooper’s death: August 26th), and one movie can count towards multiple categories as long as 31 horror films, including 1 Tobe Hooper film, are reached.

For those who read my recap of last year’s challenge, I decided to join again but this time revealing my watchlist so that others can follow along or gain recommendations for filling out their categories. Last year taught me how to pace out the watchlist and even though I did complete the challenge, I am sure Hooptober 13 is ready to test me all over again.

The Timeline: The official challenge begins on September 15th at 12:01 AM CST and runs all the way through Halloween night, October 31st.
The Goal: Participants (including myself) must log a minimum of 31 horror movies with all mandatory criteria met over the course of the Halloween season.
The Catch: No passive watching allowed. Every movie must be reviewed.

Below, I’m breaking down what movies earned a spot on my lineup for this year (+ plot descriptions for those interested). Whether you want to join the challenge or just need some inspiration for creating your own list, I hope this article and list on Letterboxd is of some help!

Happy Hooptober to all who celebrate!

Rules

31 Horror Movies

6 Countries
- (United States) The Craft: Legacy, Psycho II, Halloween III, Blade II, House, Blood Fest, Sorority House Massacre, Hide and Go Shriek, Freaked, Martin, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, Batman, Crimson Peak, Remote Control, Alone in the Dark, My Animal, Christine, Dracula, The Wolf Man, Slaughter High, My Boyfriend’s Back, Jaws: The Revenge, An American Werewolf in London, Dead Ant, Shriek of the Mutilated, Scooby Doo on Zombie Island, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, The Midnight Hour, Halloween
- (United Kingdom) Triangle, Slaughter High, An American Werewolf in London, Lifeforce, Peeping Tom
- (Canada) Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning, My Animal, Wolf Girl
- (France, Germany) Possession
- (Japan) Ju-on: The Grudge, Battle Royale
- (South Korea) I Saw the Devil
- (Australia) Triangle
- (Romania) Wolf Girl

9 Decades
- (1930s) Dracula
- (1940s) The Wolf Man
- (1960s) Peeping Tom
- (1970s) Martin, Shriek of the Mutilated, Halloween
- (1980s) Psycho II, Halloween III, House, Sorority House Massacre, Hide and Go Shriek, Batman, Remote Control, Alone in the Dark, Possession, Christine, Slaughter High, Jaws: The Revenge, An American Werewolf in London, Lifeforce, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, The Midnight Hour
- (1990s) Freaked, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, My Boyfriend’s Back, Scooby Doo on Zombie Island, Michael Jackson’s Ghosts
- (2000s) Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning, Blade II, Ju-on: The Grudge, Battle Royale, Triangle, Wolf Girl, Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth
- (2010s) Blood Fest, I Saw the Devil, Crimson Peak, Dead Ant
- (2020s) The Craft: Legacy, My Animal

My Categories

Horror Comedy (2)
Extra (4)

*One film can be multiple criteria

Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2004) - dir. Grant Harvey

Category: Sequel

Set in 19th Century Canada, Brigitte and her sister Ginger take refuge in a Traders’ Fort which later becomes under siege by some savage werewolves. But when one of the girls is bitten, they have no one to turn to but themselves.

Thoughts: The original Ginger Snaps is one of my all-time favorite movies and I did go out of my way a few years ago to check out the sequel but somehow missed the third and final entry. I knew when I saw the first Hooptober category this year that I was definitely going to take this as my chance to finally finish this trilogy.

The Craft: Legacy (2020) - dir. Zoe Lister-Jones

Category: Sequel

An eclectic foursome of aspiring teenage witches get more than they bargained for as they lean into their newfound powers.

Thoughts: I remember first watching The Craft right before going off to college and I completely fell in love with the aesthetics of it. I haven’t heard much about this sequel (2020 was made in a very questionable year for movies), so I can’t tell if that is a bad thing or not but I am excited to see why a sequel was thought to be made.

Psycho II (1983) - dir. Richard Franklin

Category: Sequel

Norman Bates is declared sane and released from the facility in which he was being held, despite the complaints of Lila Loomis, sister of his most famous victim. Is he really cured, or will he kill again?

Thoughts: Hitchcock’s Psycho is definitely cemented in movie history but while doing some research on what sequel installments I could possibly watch, I came across many reviews saying that Psycho II is incredibly underrated and worth the watch. Since Hooptober is the perfect time for classic Halloween, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to give me more of an incentive to finally take it off of my watchlist.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) - dir. Tommy Lee Wallace

Category: Sequel

After a terrified toy salesman is mysteriously attacked and brought to the hospital, clutching the year’s most popular Halloween mask, Dr. Daniel Challis sets out to investigate the strange events and finds himself thrust into a nightmarish conspiracy.

Thoughts: One of the first franchises I binged in full was Halloween and when I found out that Halloween III is the only entry to not have Michael Myers in it, I thought to myself how good could it possibly be then? I was pleasantly surprised to see that although it is labeled as a part of the franchise, it is quite a masterclass in atmospheric fall horror as a standalone film. I have yet to revisit it, and since it is been half a decade since my first watch, I am very excited to watch and experience the Silver Shamrock commercial song once again.

Blade II (2002) - dir. Guillermo del Toro

Category: Sequel

Blade forms an uneasy alliance with the vampire council in order to combat the Reapers, who are feeding on vampires.

Thoughts: As my last entry for my sequel category, I realized that I have only seen the first Blade and need to immediately rectify that by watching Blade II. The blood rave scene in the original was one of my favorites and so if the second movie has anything like that, I just know it will become one of my favorite watches this year.

House (1985) - dir. Steve Miner

Category: Steve Miner Film

Roger Cobb, a divorced horror novelist coming to terms with the disappearance of his young son, inherits an old mansion home to malevolent supernatural residents.

Thoughts: I didn’t realize until this Hooptober that some of my favorite movies in both the Friday the 13th and Halloween franchises are directed by Steve Miner. I have seen the poster for House and have heard a lot about it so I am very excited with what’s in store for me to watch. All I know is any movie with a haunted house theme is a fun time regardless.

Blood Fest (2018) - dir. Owen Egerton

Category: Meta Horror

Fans flock to a festival celebrating the most iconic horror movies, only to discover that the charismatic showman behind the event has a diabolical agenda.

Thoughts: Meta horror, as many of you know, is one of my favorites subgenres (so much that I even wrote an article about it). I have seen lots of meta horror movies but somehow my watchlist was still overflowing with them. It was extremely difficult to narrow things down but I mean what is more meta than horror fans celebrating horror movies at a film festival?

A Masterclass in Meta Horror

Click the link above to read me analyzing 6 of the most self-reflexive entries of horror’s greatest legacies!

Sorority House Massacre (1986) - dir. Carol Frank

Category: Film with “Massacre” in the Title

Upon joining a sorority, Beth is plagued by nightmares of a knife-wielding killer, when her past comes back to haunt her.

Thoughts: I have no clue how I never realized how many movies have the word “massacre” in their title let alone how many did in my watchlist alone. Amongst the many obscure movies that fit this criteria, I realized the one that is the most talked about that I still haven’t seen is Sorority House Massacre. Horror movies in a college Greek life setting are always a fun watch so I am very excited to dive into this one.

I Saw the Devil (2010) - dir. Kim Jee-woon

Category: Film with “Devil” in the Title

Kyung-chul is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure. Soo-hyeon, a top-secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself. He promises himself that he will do everything in his power to take vengeance against the killer, even if it means that he must become a monster himself.

Thoughts: I love a good revenge thriller and since I have already seen The House of the Devil and Devil in the Flesh (which were the first movies for this prompt that came to mind), I thought this was the first top choice of movies in my watchlist. I have heard that this movie has masterful direction and acclaimed lead performances so I am very excited to finally dive into the world of Kim Jee-woon.

Hide and Go Shriek (1988) - dir. Skip Schoolnik

Category: Screaming Mad George Worked on It

A group of teenagers spend the night in a furniture shop for a graduation party. When one of them talks her boyfriend into a game of hide-and-seek, a psycho killer starts hunting them down one by one.

Thoughts: Nothing says Halloween time more to me than an 80s slasher so although I don’t know much about this movie, I do like that the setting is in a furniture warehouse (especially after seeing Backrooms this year), and the fact that I just know it is going to be an unabashed good time.

Freaked (1993) - Alex Winter, Tom Stern

Category: Screaming Mad George Worked on It

A vain actor, his best friend, and an activist end up at a mutant freak farm run by a weirdo scientist.

Thoughts: The second I saw Tony Gardner worked on this with Screaming Mad George I just knew this had to go on the list. With a legendary FX team of artists and grotesque, highly creative creature designs I am so ready to mark this off my Hooptober list.

Martin (1977) - George Romero

Category: George Romero Film

A young man, convinced he’s a vampire, goes to live with his elderly and hostile cousin in a small Pennsylvanian town, where he tries to suppress his bloodlust.

Thoughts: I love George Romero and I’ve heard so much about his vampire movie so this was an easy choice. I was really into bleak vampire movies around the holiday season last year but somehow missed this one! (+ I did read that Romero himself considered Martin to be his personal favorite and best work among his independent features).

Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995) - dir. Ernest R. Dickerson

Category: Black Director

Ex-soldier Frank Brayker is the guardian of an ancient key that can unlock tremendous evil; the sinister Collector is a demon who wants the key so he can initiate the apocalypse. On the run from wicked mercenaries for almost 90 years, Brayker finally stops in at a boarding house in New Mexico where — with the help of its residents — he plans to face off against the Collector and his band of ghouls, preventing them from ever seizing the key.

Thoughts: Okay, so I’ve definitely heard of Tales from the Crypt but I just did a deep dive on this franchise and wow is there so many installments (and definitely going to be put on my list). I’ve been told there are great practical effects, a strong ensemble cast, and a classic 90s horror tone which I can’t wait to see for myself!

Batman (1989) - dir. Tim Burton

Category: Michael Gough Film

Having witnessed his parents’ brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman known as ‘The Joker’ seizes control of Gotham’s criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale.

Thoughts: I just rewatched The Batman (2022) and remembered how perfectly it captures an alternative and angsty aesthetic and it made me want to revisit Tim Burton’s version. The second I realized Michael Gough was in the live-action movies, I knew I had to take this as my chance. From what I remember, this version of Batman has a unique gothic atmosphere and that nostalgia appeal (and, of course, an iconic cast) along with a Danny Elfman score that I am excited to rewatch.

Crimson Peak (2015) - dir. Guillermo del Toro

Category: Haunted House/Building/Room

In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds… and remembers.

Thoughts: Somehow, my first Guillermo movie watched was Frankenstein?? I don’t know but I definitely have to rectify that. So, naturally, I chose this movie along with the aforementioned Blade II. Hooptober this year is absolutely going to give me my Guillermo del Toro films lesson.

Remote Control (1988) - dir. Jeff Lieberman

Category: Character/Actor You Have A Crush On [Jennifer Tilly]

A video store clerk stumbles onto an alien plot to take over earth by brainwashing people with a bad ’50s science fiction movie. He and his friends race to stop the aliens before the tapes can be distributed world-wide.

Thoughts: This was such a fun category this year and I am having so much fun looking at who everyone chose as their crush! Of course, as many of you know, I had to go with Jennifer Tilly. I’ve been wanting to watch her filmography for a while but out of the movies she’s done, Remote Control is apparently a sci-fi horror which I thought would be perfect for a Hooptober watch. (+ If you are reading this, I would love to know what character/actor you chose and what movie they’re in!)

Alone in the Dark (1982) - dir. Jack Sholder

Category: Tom Savini Worked On It

A quartet of murderous psychopaths break out of a mental hospital during a power blackout and lay siege to their doctor’s house.

Thoughts: Not only was this the very first feature film produced by New Line Cinema, but it was also filmed in New Jersey (and Tom Savini worked on it of course!) so this feels like a mandatory viewing for me. From the poster and screen grabs alone I can tell that it has that specific B-movie charm and will provide insight into the humble origins of the studio that brought us some of the biggest slashers in movie history.

Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) - dir. Takashi Shimizu

Category: Cursed Item

When a social worker is sent to check on a traumatized elderly woman whose family have moved in at the site of a notorious murder case, she unwittingly unleashes a cycle of terror that transmits via its victims.

Thoughts: I have seen The Grudge (2004) but I haven’t made time to watch the original. I know it is about an inescapable curse and has iconic imagery as it is definitely on the list of terrifying modern J-horror classics but I am just psyched to watch something with a puzzled timeline again.

My Animal (2023) - dir. Jacqueline Castel

Category: LGBTQIA+ Character/Story

Tormented by a hidden family curse, Heather lives in seclusion on the outskirts of a small town. When she falls for the rebellious Jonny, their connection threatens to unravel Heather’s suppressed desires, tempting her to unleash the animal within.

Thoughts: I was meaning to see this film when it came out and I absolutely love the monster as metaphor trope. I’ve read that it is neon-hued with lots of red lighting (my favorite) and is just as visceral as it is stylized. This is probably up there on my highly anticipated list!

Battle Royale (2000) - dir. Kinji Fukasaku

Category: Bad Kid

In the future, the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary “Battle Royale” act.

Thoughts: I absolutely love fast-paced and violent thrillers that have sharp social commentary. I mean, my favorite franchise as a kid was The Hunger Games so I need to get this off of my watchlist immediately. I dearly miss the dystopian government subgenre that was so popular in the 2010s so I am very interested to see in how it was before that then.

Possession (1981) - dir. Andrzej Żuławski

Category: Sam Neill Film

A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.

Thoughts: I saw Possession in my first year of college and all I really remember about it was feeling conflicted about my personal thoughts on it. Since I don’t remember much else and I know there is a remake in the works with a release date slated for next summer, I think it is time I revisit it.

Christine (1983) - dir. John Carpenter

Category: Inanimate Object Is Alive

Nerdy high schooler Arnie Cunningham falls for Christine, a rusty 1958 Plymouth Fury, and becomes obsessed with restoring the classic automobile to her former glory. As the car changes, so does Arnie, whose newfound confidence turns to arrogance behind the wheel of his exotic beauty. Arnie’s girlfriend Leigh and best friend Dennis reach out to him, only to be met by a Fury like no other.

Thoughts: I’ve been knocking off titles from John Carpenter’s filmography but one I still haven’t seen is Christine. I know it acts as a metaphor for obsession and has a lot of practical effects but that is the extent of it. I am really hoping I don’t run into anything else that can spoil it for me.

Triangle (2009) - dir. Christopher Smith

Category: Horror At Sea

When Jess sets sail on a yacht with a group of friends, she cannot shake the feeling that there is something wrong.

Thoughts: While researching titles for this criteria, I came across amazing reviews for this psychological thriller. It apparently is a time-loop mystery aboard an abandoned ocean liner after a freak storm so I cannot wait to dive into a claustrophobic and haunting atmosphere at sea as intended.

Dracula (1931) - dir. Tod Browning

Category: Bela Lugosi Film

A British estate agent travels to Transylvania to meet the mysterious Count Dracula, who is interested in leasing a London castle. After Dracula enslaves the agent and drives him to insanity, the pair return to London together, where Dracula, a secret bloodsucker, begins preying on socialites.

Thoughts: I have seen so many parts of Dracula but I don’t think I can recall ever seeing it in full. Bela Lugosi is such a prominent figure in film history and I absolutely loved his performance in White Zombie. I think this Hooptober is finally time I watch his commanding portrayal of Count Dracula.

The Wolf Man (1941) - dir. George Waggner

Category: Bela Lugosi Film

After his brother’s death, Larry Talbot returns home to his father and the family estate. Events soon take a turn for the worse when Larry is bitten by a werewolf.

Thoughts: I know this is kind of a cheat but Bela Lugosi does apparently play a brief, but pivotal role in The Wolf Man so I am counting it for this criteria. I have yet to see Lon Chaney Jr.’s coveted performance so I am taking this opportunity to finally cross off two Universal Monster movies before I go to Halloween Horror Nights for my first year!

Watchlist for Halloween Horror Nights 35

Click the link above for movies to watch if you will also be in the fog this year!

Slaughter High (1986) - dir. George Dugdale, Mark Ezra, Peter Mackenzie Litten

Category: Harry Manfredini Worked On It

Eight different people are invited to their 10-year high school reunion at their now-closed down high school where a former student, disfigured from a prank gone wrong, is there to seek revenge.

Thoughts: I never realized the iconic composer behind the Friday the 13th franchise was Harry Manfredini and that he also composed for so many other movies. He is not nearly talked about enough. I am excited to hear more cheesy synth music in a movie with cult appeal.

My Boyfriend’s Back (1993) - dir. Bob Balaban

Category: Harry Manfredini Worked On It

Missy McCloud is the most beautiful girl in school and Johnny Dingle has been in love with her for years. One night, as Johnny tries to stop an armed robbery and save Missy from danger, he’s killed, but resurrected as a zombie not long after. Now, with the help of his mentor, self-proclaimed Zombie Expert Maggie, Johnny must control his flesh-eating urges while trying to win the heart of Missy.

Thoughts: I was considering putting this on my list last Hooptober and funnily enough it worked out where I could put it on this year’s list! I’m trying to build up my zombie film knowledge so hopefully this adds to it.

Jaws: The Revenge (1987) - dir. Joseph Sargent

Category: Lowest Rated Film from the 1980s That You Haven’t Seen

After another deadly shark attack, Ellen Brody decides she has had enough of New England’s Amity Island and moves to the Caribbean to join her son, Michael, and his family. But a great white shark has followed her there, hungry for more lives.

Thoughts: I, like most people, will be watching Jaws: The Revenge this Hooptober. I saw this movie come up in many lists and I’m not surprised. It is the lowest rated film from the 1980s on Letterboxd and for anyone that hasn’t binged the Jaws franchise (me), I feel like we might be in for a treat or the worst time yet. I am just going to go into it telling myself it is “camp” so I can subconsciously lower my expectations and cushion my uninterest.

An American Werewolf in London (1981) - dir. John Landis

Category: 1981 Film That You Haven’t Seen

American tourists David and Jack are savagely attacked by an unidentified animal while hiking on the Yorkshire Moors. After retiring to the home of a beautiful nurse to recuperate, David soon begins experiencing disturbing changes to his body and mind.

Thoughts: I don’t know how I’ve gone this long without seeing this but I know this is considered essential viewing. From this list, I think anyone can see I am really into a werewolf marathon right now and of course I need to see one of the pioneering movies.

Lifeforce (1985) - dir. Tobe Hooper

Category: Tobe Hooper Film

A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, commencing an apocalyptic descent into chaos.

Thoughts: The coveted mandatory entry directed by Tobe Hooper this year is going to be Lifeforce. I did have some difficulty deciding but as someone who tries to stay away from the space/sci-fi subgenre in horror, I am trying to push myself out of my comfort zone. I really love vampires so hopefully it helps grab my attention but I am looking forward to finally crossing off another Hooper classic.

Wolf Girl (2001) - dir. Thom Fitzgerald

Extra Work

Tara Talbot is afflicted with the rare genetic condition hypertrichosis: she is covered head to toe in hair. She lives her life in Harley Dune’s Travelling Freak Show, on display as the ‘Terrifying Wolf Girl’, but underneath she is just a teenage girl who longs to be normal.

Thoughts: I don’t have reasoning for these next few movies just because they were put on the list by @Cinemonster as “extra work” but I will say out of all of them, I am the most excited for Wolf Girl. In recent years, I’ve been searching for werewolf movies as I feel like they aren’t that many in comparison to some of the other classic monsters. I haven’t heard of this one before but since I completed last Hooptober’s “extra work” movies and enjoyed them, I’m excited to see what this year has to offer.

Dead Ant (2017) - dir. Ron Carlson

Extra Work

When the 1989 “one-hit-wonder” glam-metal band “Sonic Grave” embark on a trip to Coachella in hopes of a comeback, their peyote trip pit stop in Joshua Tree incites an “unworldly” vicious attack, and they must “rock” themselves out of harms way.

Thoughts: I think this is going to be one of those movies on my Hooptober list that gets saved for a late night with zero expectations for high art. I mean it looks so cheesy but I do think it is supposed to mimic 1950s-1970s drive-in giant insects (and I do plan on watching Them! this season so hopefully it can be a double feature!)

Shriek of the Mutilated (1974) - dir. Michael Findlay

Extra Work

An anthropology professor has invited his class to a remote cabin in the mountains to research the mythical Abominable Snowman. Soon after they arrive, strange events begin to befall the students, including sightings of a huge, white, furry creature.

Thoughts: I really wish I knew about this movie when creating the categories for my winter holiday horror challenge FrostFest (attaching the link to it below + keep a look out for this years!) for the first time last year. A yeti hunt, retro grindhouse appeal, and camp value? It would’ve been perfect. At least if I like it, I can recommend it for this years.

FrostFest: Jingle Hell and Santa Claws

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998) - dir. Jim Stenstrum

Extra Work

After going their separate ways, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred reunite to investigate the ghost of Moonscar the pirate on a haunted bayou island, but it turns out the swashbuckler’s spirit isn’t the only creepy character on the island. The sleuths also meet up with cat creatures and zombies… and it looks like for the first time in their lives, these ghouls might actually be real.

Thoughts: Originally @Cinemonster made the extra work film be Night of the Living Doo but because I just saw it last year, I figured I’d give one of my childhood favorite Scooby-Doo horror movies a rewatch. I remember loving Zombie Island as a kid, but I haven't had the chance to revisit it. Since this entry is considered “extra work” anyway, I'm changing the rules to focus on something with a longer runtime that I'm much more highly anticipating.

My Categories

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) - dir. James Signorelli

My Category: Horror Comedy

Arriving in the small town of Fallwell, Massachusetts to claim her inheritance, horror hostess Elvira receives a less than enthusiastic reception from the conservative locals, including her sinister uncle Vincent.

Thoughts: I love Elvira so much. She is one of the characters that has resonated with me (like many other fans). Especially with Cassandra Peterson coming out, she is even more special to me. Her campiness, sharp comedy, and charisma makes her an iconic lead and I urge anyone who has never seen any of her media to go watch it for the Halloween season!

Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth (2000) - dir. John Blanchard

My Category: Horror Comedy

In this horror parody, a masked serial killer menaces the town of Bulimia Falls with various sharp objects. Attention-seeking television personality Hagitha Utslay is soon on the scene, reporting on the ever-growing body count. Former mall security guard Doughy shows up to protect the teenage population, but he’s clearly not much help, allowing the murderer to pick off even more hapless kids as numerous scary movies are referenced.

Thoughts: I love a good horror spoof but I am still making my way through watching all of them. When creating a horror comedy category, of course I have to include at least one. I mean the title is absolutely absurd so I can’t even imagine what I am going to witness but I am definitely excited for it.

Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1983) - dir. John Landis

My Category: Extra

A night at the movies turns terrifying when Michael and his date are attacked by zombies.

Thoughts: I don’t know about anyone else but Thriller is just one of my mandatory watches during the Halloween season. I already have it playing and hear it everywhere throughout the season but there is something so nostalgic about the video. The choreography is a part of how iconic it is and of course I love to watch the visuals during Vincent Price’s lines. We need more music videos to be treated as short films again!

Peeping Tom (1960) - dir. Michael Powell

My Category: Extra

Loner Mark Lewis works at a film studio during the day and, at night, takes racy photographs of women. Also he’s making a documentary on fear, which involves recording the reactions of victims as he murders them. He befriends Helen, the daughter of the family living in the apartment below his, and he tells her vaguely about the movie he is making.

Thoughts: Knowing that this movie started the slasher craze (thank you Scream 4), it is shocking to me that I still have not had the time to see it. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it, from it being a ahead of the modern age to how good of a critique on voyeurism it is and if it is one thing Hooptober is amazing at, it is getting me to watch some of my now favorite movies (and I feel like this might be added to that list).

The Midnight Hour (1985) - dir. Jack Bender

My Category: Extra

Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchford Cove will never be the same again…or will it?

Thoughts: The description alone sold me. I mean, cozy, nostalgic, 80s camp sounds like the best movie to throw on for a chilly day. I am just hoping the over-the-top practical effects and aesthetics make it an annual watch for me. (+ I already know I am going to queue on Monster Mash by Bobby “Boris” Pickett on afterwards).

Halloween (1978) - dir. John Carpenter

My Category: Extra

Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween Night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.

Thoughts: For a challenge that ends on Halloween, how could I not include John Carpenter’s masterpiece by the same name? It is the ultimate atmospheric fall film for me and the most nostalgic. I was first introduced to it because of my dad when I was young and now (I try) to revisit it once the weather feels perfect. As many of you know, I am moving to Mexico in about a week at this point but I grew up in the Northeast so I just know this watch is going to hit hard for me when the time comes.

Rewatches: Halloween III: Season of the Witch, Possession, Scooby Doo on Zombie Island, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Halloween

HAPPY HOOPTOBER 🕸️🦇🧟‍♀️