Movies to watch with friends… or your ‘BOO’

Films to enjoy this spooky season

Stella Schneider / Contributor / The USD Vista

With Halloween approaching and fall on full blast all month, here is a guide for what to watch this spooky season. Students can spend time relaxing, or covering their eyes with their hands, with various thrilling movies.

It / It: Chapter 2

The 2017 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel “It” shows seven outcasts working together to overcome their fears and stop an evil lurking in their hometown. Starring Bill Skarsgård, Finn Wolfhard, Jaeden Martell, Jack Dylan Grazer and many other promising young actors, the film features several jump scares, an exciting plot and some spooky scenes. The sequel, “It: Chapter Two,” is a follow-up to the first film and is perfect for those looking for a scary double feature. 

USD sophomore Dylan Siebert recounts his viewing of “It” when it first came out in theaters.

“It’s definitely scary. They accomplished that,” Siebert explained. “For a movie that really focuses on being creepy with jump scares, it was done well.”

“It” is available on HBO Max and Netflix with subscription, and Prime Video for rent. 

Get Out

A Black man visits his White girlfriend’s parents’ estate for the weekend, but his uneasy feelings increase as tension escalates. For fans of lead actor Daniel Kaluuya, or of writer and director Jordan Peele, “Get Out” is a horror thriller that tackles issues related to race in a mindful way. 

USD junior Olivia Patterson mentions her draw to Jordan Peele’s work. 

“I would recommend [‘Get Out’] because it’s not your typical Halloween horror movie. It’s more of a psychological thriller,” Patterson said. “I love movies that make you think deeper, and ‘Get Out’ does that.” 

“Get Out” is available on Prime Video for rent. Viewers can also watch the alternate ending of the movie on YouTube. 

Barbarian

Released in theaters earlier this fall, “Barbarian” follows a young woman whose rental home is double booked with a stranger. She decides to spend the night but soon discovers there is more to fear than the other house guest. Starring Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård and Justin Long, this movie is perfect for those looking for a new age of horror. 

USD junior Avery Leininger described her experience with “Barbarian.” 

“[‘Barbarian’] is fun to watch with my friends. It is chaotic and scary,” says Leininger. “It really gets you into the Halloween spirit from the laughs to the scares.” 

This horror film is available in theaters and on HBO Max, with a subscription. 

This is the End

A  popular comedic group from Hollywood play hyperbolized versions of themselves in the real world apocalypse in this comedy. James Franco throws a party at his house, while his friends Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel and Danny McBride stay in the house trying to survive the apocalypse, and each other. If spooky movies aren’t for you, this movie is great for a laugh with your friends and a humorous look at the end of the world. 

USD junior Abby Buehler talks about her experience with the movie. 

“The beginning of the movie has some hilarious cameos, my favorite was seeing how Michael Cera was depicted in the party scene.”

“This is the End” is available on Netflix with a subscription or on Prime Video for rent.

Scooby-Doo

Zoinks! Adapted from the animated “Scooby-Doo” series, this live-action movie shows the gang getting back together on Spooky Island to investigate a series of paranormal incidents. With Linda Cardellini, Isla Fisher, Matthew Lillard, Freddie Prinze Jr. and other well-known actors, the cast stands out in this mystery. 

USD sophomore Julia Schneider expresses her love for watching movies during this season. 

“Scooby-Doo is familiar and a comforting throwback,” said Schneider. 

For those wanting a movie that is spooky and nostalgic, “Scooby-Doo” is a note-worthy choice. 

It is available on Netflix and  HBO Max  with a subscription. 

With different genres, themes and audiences, this range of movies can help guide what to watch this season. For those looking to go out to see a movie, Cinema Under the Stars, located in Mission Hills is playing “The Birds” from Oct. 28-30 and “Nope” from Nov. 4-5. Ticket pricing differs according to membership to the theater. Tickets and additional information can be located on the theater’s website.  

Additionally, Rooftop Cinema Club is playing “Halloweentown” and “Halloween” on Oct. 31 to celebrate the holiday. Tickets vary in price based on seating and amenities. More information can be found on the Rooftop Cinema Club’s website. 

Whether indoors or outdoors, this spooky season, there’s movie options for all to enjoy.