5 Halloween movies to watch whether it's Halloween or not

Whether you're celebrating Halloween or not, skip the hack-and-slash clichés and binge on these classics.

5. "The Silence of the Lambs"

Find out why Martha Stewart actually broke up with Anthony Hopkins, who plays the infamous cannibal serial killer, Hannibal Lecter. 

This horror-thriller film was the third movie, the other two being "It Happened One Night" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest," to win in all the top five Academy Awards — Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay. On top of that, it was the first horror film to win Best Picture.

Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins share unbelievable on-screen chemistry as the unlikely duo pair up to catch another serial killer by the name of Buffalo Bill. 

This psychological thriller does a phenomenal job of building the audience’s nerves from start to finish.

4. "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

"Nightmare" is easily one of Tim Burton’s best stories told on screen. It sets in extremely well with Burton’s quirky, gothic aesthetic seen in his other popular films, such as "Edward Scissorhands" and "Beetlejuice."

This movie stands out from the others for being fun to watch on Halloween but also, as the title implies, on Christmas. It really has something for everyone, and no one can ignore its catchy soundtrack.

Besides the movie’s groundbreaking use of stop-motion animation, it also tackles not-so-childish themes, such as issues with identity. Whether it's Halloween, Christmas or no holiday at all, "Nightmare" is a classic.

3. "The Shining"

Here is another classic, yet unorthodox, horror flick. This movie is not for the faint of heart, nor faint of mind. The director, Stanley Kubrick, has a keen eye for detail.

Many elements in the movie are placed in not to blatantly scare the viewer, but to unsettle and build the movie’s tension. Small details such as impossible windows and hallways appearing out of nowhere were placed in to subconsciously mess with the viewer. 

Kubrick’s horror masterpiece is as fine a movie as it is scary, which is a good thing.

2. "Ghostbusters"

On a lighter note, "Ghostbusters," starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, is known as one of the best comedy sci-fi films to date.

Who doesn’t love watching a ghost movie on Halloween? "Ghostbusters" is satisfactory as a Halloween movie but also as a stand-alone comedy, due to the huge amount of comedic talent that went into the movie’s production.

While the special effects date the movie quite a bit, it is still very much grounded by showing the city of New York’s relationship to the ghostbusters team.

Whether you’re looking for a movie to put you in the Halloween spirit or for something to laugh at, "Ghostbusters" is always a great choice.

1. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

I hope I’m not stepping on any toes when I say "Rocky" is the best Halloween movie of all time. If you disagree, that means you have not seen it performed by the UNC Pauper Players at the Varsity Theatre.

"Rocky" has all the elements of Halloween — creepy characters, a spooky house and people dressing up in funny costumes. 

Throw it all together, along with an incredible soundtrack, and it is no mystery why "Rocky" is such a cult hit. 

"Rocky" succeeds in being a fantastic, yet spooky, musical comedy. 

@david_saff

arts@dailytarheel.com