Dez Schwartz Blog: 13 Favorite Films To Watch In October

Everyone has their go-to Halloween films for the month, so I thought I'd take a moment and share my Top 13 Favorite Films to Watch in October! These aren't the only ones I like but they're the ones I gravitate toward watching the most.

Compiling this list, it was easy to see what settings and tropes appeal to me most. I'm also very much drawn to great character performances and atmospheric storytelling.

Bram Stoker's Dracula

I like to start the month off with this one because it's such a perfect mood setter. It cleanses your palette of the summer and shifts you into Autumn mode effortlessly. Every frame is a work of art. Also, Cary Elwes is a bonus.

House On Haunted Hill

Honestly, any Vincent Price film will do. I just tend to end up watching this one the most.

Halloween

Dr. Loomis really makes this whole film for me. It wouldn't be the same without him and I probably (definitely) wouldn't like it as much. He's one of the classic characters that has had an influence on my work (you can probably see bits of this character type in both Grady and Arthur from my ROAM series).

Dracula

My favorite of the classic Universal Monster films! There are some truly great moments in this one and a few hilarious lines as well. Ultimately, it's another character performance that really wins me over. Dwight Frye's Renfield will forever be a favorite.

Victor Frankenstein

Okay, so I openly admit there are a lot of flaws in this film. I also hate the ending (lol). That being said, I still love to watch it. The cinematography appeals to me and it's incredible fun most of the time. The cast is a huge selling point. James McAvoy, Daniel Radcliffe, Mark Gatiss, and Andrew Scott (who is as marvelous in this as he is in all things). Ignore the missteps and embrace the spirit.

Crimson Peak

By far my favorite del Toro film! The beauty and cruelty of this Victorian gothic romance is everything I could ever want in a horror romance movie.

Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray is my favorite book of all-time and there have been a number of film/television adaptations of the story/character. Even though this one strays from the novel, I still feel that it's one of the best adaptations in terms of staying true to Dorian's actual character (minus the physical differences; book Dorian was a blondie). Ben Barnes creates dark magic in this film, Colin Firth is the perfect Lord Henry, and I will never to able to imagine a better Basil than Ben Chaplin. I'm forever grateful this film exists to rewatch to my darkling heart's content.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

If you don't love this film, we can't be friends.

Young Frankenstein

I adore this one more and more every year. Gene Wilder really set the bar.

What We Do In The Shadows

Watch on basghetti night.

Hocus Pocus

I know, I know. It's horribly cliche' at this point. But I will never pass up the chance to watch the "I Put A Spell On You" scene.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

These last few picks are totally predictable, but I mean, I think we all share a love for them in some way. Nightmare Before Christmas; great soundtrack and a must-watch on Halloween night (preferably right before bed to prepare you for the coming season).

Ghostbusters (I, II, and the Real Ghostbusters)

Ghostbusters has been my favorite film since childhood and I've been a Ghostbuster for Halloween (and other occasions!) multiple times in my life. I got my start in writing with GB fanfics. Obviously, I watch both I & II religiously. And The Real Ghostbusters series is a great addition to your viewing list for October!

Bonus Watch:

Penny Dreadful

Not a film but worth the viewing hours! Oh, how I miss this series. If I ever had time to write fanfics again, I would probably start with this one because I wasn't at all ready for it to end. If you haven't seen it and you love classic Victorian gothic literature then I highly recommend it! All your faves are there doing all sorts of diabolical things. Every episode is a true bloody treat.

Well, there you have it! Now I'm curious to know, what films are your October viewing staples?

Your Fiendish Film-Loving Friend,
- Dez

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