Friday the 13th Frights: Spooky Movie Picks for a Thrilling Marathon

Hey girlfriend! Time to pull out your Ugg boots and flannels because autumn is here, bringing with it apple picking, pumpkin patches, HBCU homecomings, and all the Halloween vibes. October is always special—it’s a month dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer and celebrating Hispanic heritage. But this year, October is extra special because we get… drum roll, please… a Friday the 13th! To help you celebrate this unlucky holiday, I’ve rounded up some spooky movies perfect for a Halloween marathon.

Insidious

Overall: ★★★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★

Effects: ★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

The Insidious series follows a family whose son and father can astro-travel to the spiritual realm. After unintentionally bringing evil entities back with them, they seek help from a medium.

I love how Insidious stands apart from typical haunted house movies that rely on Ouija boards or creepy Latin incantations. This one taps into a far scarier method we all experience—sleep. The haunting creeps in through dreams and astral projection. The plot starts slow, but if you stick with it, you’re in for jump scares and a spine-tingling soundtrack. While Insidious Chapter 3 gets a bit muddled (with a focus on the medium's early life), the series ties everything together by the end, even with a surprisingly happy ending. The effects and simple cinematography work well, but the third movie’s execution is a slight letdown.

The Conjuring

Overall: ★★★★

Plot: ★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★★

Effects: ★★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

The Conjuring series delves into the lives of real-life exorcists Ed and Lorraine Warren, offering a chilling look at their cases. The series' expansive timeline takes us from the 1950s to the Middle Ages as we uncover the origins of evil.

Critiquing The Conjuring is tricky because its story jumps back and forth in time. Watching the films in order of release can make the plot feel fragmented, but if you're just here for the scares, this series has plenty to offer. The fast-paced terror, incredible effects (hello, yellow-eyed demon!), and stunning cinematography will keep you on edge. There are even moments of warmth, thanks to the Warrens’ strong bond. But if you're trying to piece together a detailed story, it may feel overwhelming.

1408

Overall: ★★★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★★

Effects: ★★★★

Execution: ★★★★★

Based on a Stephen King novel, 1408 follows a skeptical author who spends his time debunking haunted locations. When he stays in a notorious hotel room, he discovers that the rumors are terrifyingly true.

What sets 1408 apart is its lack of gore or jump scares. Instead, the terror comes from the psychological intensity. The slow burn builds into a disorienting rollercoaster, and as time loops and dimensions blur, the film truly plays with your mind. The cinematography pulls you into the haunting, making you feel trapped in the same nightmare as the protagonist.

The Pope's Exorcist

Overall: ★★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★

Effects: ★★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

Based on a real-life Vatican priest, The Pope’s Exorcist begins as a routine exorcism but quickly escalates into something far more sinister.

From the first scene, the movie maintains a steady pace, diving straight into the action. The Pope, with his humor and humility, offers slight relief from the tension, but there’s no denying how eerie this movie feels. It presents a subtle conspiracy theory about the Vatican, while the realistic graphic effects and captivating cinematography enhance the ominous atmosphere. The plot is easy to follow but has several twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Babadook

Overall: ★★★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★★

Effects: ★★★

Execution: ★★★★

The Babadook is a psychological thriller that taps into your deepest childhood fears. After losing her husband, a mother becomes increasingly paranoid that a sinister figure from her son’s book is coming to life.

While the story is relatively simple, the movie’s atmosphere is anything but. The eerie creatures and unsettling movements, paired with dark cinematography, create a sense of claustrophobic terror. The slow burn plot builds to an unnerving conclusion, where the protagonist’s solution to the haunting is unexpected and chilling.

It

Overall: ★★★

Plot: ★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★

Effects: ★★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

This Stephen King classic introduces Pennywise, the terrifying clown who haunts a group of misfit kids in a small town. The film explores themes of friendship and fear as the group tries to defeat the evil entity that emerges every 27 years. The creep factor in It is high, thanks to Pennywise’s ability to manifest each person’s worst fear. The combination of gore, great costumes, and impressive special effects makes for a terrifying watch. Though the plot differs between the original and remake, the chilling atmosphere and unnerving moments stay consistent.

Us

Overall: ★★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★★

Effects: ★★★★

Execution: ★★★★★

In Us, a family’s vacation takes a sinister turn when they are confronted by masked versions of themselves. What starts as a random attack soon reveals much deeper, more disturbing truths about their doppelgängers.

Peele’s brilliance shines through in this psychological thriller. The alternating timelines and social commentary on America’s dark history add layers to this intense story. The setting, from underground tunnels to mirror-filled houses, is perfect for creating unsettling visuals. The ending may leave you confused, but it’s sure to provoke thought long after the credits roll.

Smile

Overall: ★★★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★★

Effects: ★★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

After witnessing a traumatic suicide, the protagonist begins to see terrifying apparitions. She must find a way to escape an entity that follows and torments its cursed victims.

Smile was a refreshing watch in the horror genre, offering genuine scares and a tight, suspenseful plot. The graphics are well-executed, and the movie’s unrelenting terror will have you on edge from start to finish. It’s a film that you might never want to watch again, but will definitely never forget.

Cadaver

Overall: ★★★

Plot: ★★★★★

Cinematography: ★★★★

Effects: ★★★★

Execution: ★★★★

In a post-apocalyptic world, a man hosts a traveling show that offers a free meal and entertainment. While may attend to forget about their grief, the guests get far more than they bargained for.

Though more of a thriller than a full-fledged horror film, Cadaver delivers tense moments with excellent cinematography and visual effects. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the execution of the story is compelling. The film’s emotional depth allows viewers to empathize with the villain, adding a unique twist to the narrative.

As the eerie chill of October sets in, these movies are the perfect way to embrace the spooky season. Whether you’re into supernatural thrills, psychological horror, or creepy creatures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your favorite snacks, dim the lights, and settle in for a marathon of spine-tingling suspense. And remember, Halloween is all about enjoying the thrill of being scared—so go ahead, indulge in a little spooky fun! Happy haunting, girlfriend!