I haven’t been brought up as a fan of Hallowe’en. My mum always said, “we always tell kids not to talk to strangers, so why do we send our kids out to knock on strangers doors and ask for things one night of the year?” I see her logic. It’s a strange night.

On the other hand, strange is kind of the point. Weird and freaky and terrifying. All that good stuff. Unless you’re like me and are a total scaredy-cat and wuss. I found I Am Legend scary. I would not advise watching a scary film with me.

Still, Hallowe’en can be fun, and, while some of us have grown out of Trick or Treating, it’s still way too much fun to pass up getting in that mood. It’s a little bit magical.

So, for all the wusses like me, here are some movies for the build up to Hallowe’en, whether that’s a build up to ignoring the whole thing or a build up to blowing your food budget on a costume or a build up to joining the UBC Trick or Eaters or a build up to joining any one of a lot of parties on campus and around Vancouver.

7 MOVIES TO GET IN THE HALLOWE’EN MOOD: A GUIDE FOR SCAREDY-CATS

28 Days Later

28 Days Later, 2002, Danny Boyle.

I had it my head that this was an incredibly scary film, but I was wrong. It’s just brilliant. If you’re a fan of Danny Boyle’s directing like I am (he directed Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, Sunshine, and the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, to name a few), you know you’re in for a great movie. Plus, Cillian Murphy (the Batman trillogy, Inception) is incredible (and incredibly pretty) in it.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993, Tim Burton.

Couldn’t make this list without having a Tim Burton movie in the mix, really, could I? This is funny and sweet and wonderful, and I’d recommend it for the post-Hallowe’en blues(/hangover). It’s Hallowe’en-y and Christmas-y!

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus, 1993, Kenny Ortega.

This was my favourite Hallowe’en film of my youth, and I still think it’s wonderful. It’s Sarah Jessica Parker as a witch! What more do you want?

Halloweentown

Halloweentown, 1998, Duwayne Dunham.

Fun and magic and totally child-proof. Okay, maybe not what you want before going out for a party, but if you’ve got young people to take out Trick or Treating this might be just what you need to get you in the right frame of mind.

Zombieland

Zombieland, 2009, Ruben Fleischer.

Pre-Social Network Jesse Eisenburg and a whole lot of ridiculous zombie laughs. One of the best zombie movies ever.

Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead, 2004, Edgar Wright.

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are my two favourite people in the world, possibly. This film is only the first reason why, but wow. Parody of Dawn of the Dead, but with fake-gore and romance and laughs everywhere. Wonderful ridiculousness.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975, Jim Sharman.

Finally, the musical horror film to kill and bury all other musical horror films. Damnit, Janet, and all that. Pure genius.