With October finally upon us, here is a list of some of the most recent and upcoming spooky films for this Halloween season.
“Hocus Pocus 2”
After 29 years, Disney is finally releasing the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic “Hocus Pocus.” Definitely the most child-friendly offering on this list, the film will revolve around three young women who must put a stop to the plans of the Sanderson Sisters after they are freed once again. Hopefully “Hocus Pocus 2” is able to recapture the magic of the original, satisfy the film’s die-hard fans and elicit laughs and nostalgia.
Available to stream on Disney+
“Smile”
Paramount’s dip into the horror genre this Halloween season comes in the form of “Smile.” This film follows a doctor who appears to be haunted by an unknown entity after a traumatic experience with a patient. The entity comes in the form of people around her flashing a creepy, teeth-bearing grin. It seems to be the perfect “turn your brain off and enjoy a horror movie for Halloween” film this season, and the fact that it will be available for the entire month of October is an added benefit.
Out now in theaters
“Hellraiser” (2022)
Coming to us from David Bruckner, the director of “The Ritual” and “The Night House,” is a reboot of the classic 80s horror franchise “Hellraiser.” Following a similar premise as the franchise’s first installment, the film will focus on new characters as they discover an ancient puzzle box, whereupon its completion they unknowingly make themselves a target for the sadistic Cenobites. The new “Hellraiser” aims to achieve success in bringing the horror classic to a younger audience while also pleasing longtime fans who have enjoyed the franchise since its humble beginnings.
Available to stream on Hulu on Oct. 7
“Halloween Ends”
The final film in David Gordon Green’s “Halloween” trilogy, “Halloween Ends” looks to close the book on the rivalry between the franchise’s classic characters, Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. The film focuses on Strode four years after her last encounter with the masked killer as she works on her memoir and tries to move on with her life. When a young man is accused of a heinous crime, it sets off a chain of terrifying events that will lead to Strode confronting Michael for the last time.
With the trilogy’s previous installment “Halloween Kills” receiving mixed reception, there appears to be extra pressure on “Halloween Ends” to deliver the worthwhile finale fans have been waiting for.
Out in theaters and streaming on Peacock on Oct. 14
“Wendell & Wild”
From Henry Selick, the director of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “Coraline,” “Wendell & Wild” is a stop-motion animation film with the mixture of comedy and horror that we’ve grown accustomed to from the works of Selick. The film is named for its lead characters, two demon brothers who team up with a teenage girl on their quest to join the Land of the Living.
Combining Selick’s success with stop-motion classics and co-writer Jordan Peele’s reputation for both modern-day horror and hilarious comedy, “Wendell & Wild” has immense potential.
Available to stream on Netflix on Oct. 28
