3: 5 Best Horror Movies to Watch With Friends

This past week was National Friendship Day. What screams “friendship” more than a good ol’ scary movie with some pals? If you’re anything like me, nearly any horror movie is at least entertaining to watch, if not a genuinely good film. It’s hard to find those in the horror genre. What’s even harder, though, is finding a movie that you can invite your friends, horror-lovers and non-horror-lovers alike, to watch. For example, you probably won’t invite just anyone to watch 2016’s literary period piece The Witch (or “The VVitch,” if you’re annoying). Robert Eggers’ slow-burn demonic drama isn’t a popcorn flick, and isn’t necessarily something you can chill out with friends and enjoy; nor is it a good background-noise film for parties. That’s not to say not just anyone can enjoy it, but you need to know what you’re in for, and I wouldn’t consider it “fun.” It’s not party friendly! But hopefully I can help, if you’re trying to plan a movie night that you can enjoy with friends of many tastes. Here are my top five. 

5. Friday the 13th
​(dir. Sean S. Cunningham, 1980)

A classic is always a good way to go. If you’re hosting a gathering and you’re playing a classic for friends, chances are you know a few fun facts about the movie, and at parties, sharing little-known info can be a good conversation starter. Now, don’t get too carried away. If you yak through the entire movie, your friends will think you’re being a know-it-all, and no one wants that. Cunningham’s summer teen slasher is a staple in the horror genre, giving us one of the first iterations of the “first-person” killer, placing viewers into the killer’s perspective. It gives us, as smart-ass movie watchers, a better chance to laugh at the victims’ overdramatic expressions and unrealistic screams. Plus, the cheesiness of the early ‘80’s shines through this film like the sun shines on Camp Crystal Lake. And, for your guests who may be unfamiliar with this franchise, they might get roped into one of the most successful and long-running series in horror history. Friday the 13th is fun, raw, and it takes itself just seriously enough to be in for some party guest commentary.

​4. An American Werewolf in London 
​(dir. John Landis, 1981)

I’ll be honest, I first saw An American Werewolf in London fairly recently, only within the last few years. But it only took one watch for it to become one of my favorites. It’s a lot funnier than its ‘80’s counterparts like Friday the 13th and The Thing, but it sure has its iconic moments that will keep your party’s eyes glued to the screen. For one, it has arguably the best werewolf transformations in cinema, and that alone is worthy of a home screening. The film is peppered with goofy banter, as it centers around a pair of young men backpacking in England whose trip goes horribly awry. From suspicious townspeople to over-the-top gore and crazy visuals, American Werewolf has a cult status topped only by its fantastic special effects and makeup, achieved by award-winning artist  
Rick Baker. This film is hilarious, unforgettable, and at times, disturbing; you’ll be sure to get a rise out of your guests without freaking them out too much. 

​3. Frankenstein 
(dir. James Whale, 1931)

​Everyone knows the story of Frankenstein, the scientist with the God-complex who realized far too late that his willingness to be a father was next to nonexistent. But I’m sure there are some who have never seen Whale’s film adaptation, the (surprisingly) much less depressing and terrifying, but still one of the most notable horror films in the genre. While it can be charming at points, following Frankenstein’s monster as he fish-out-of-water-s his way through town as a clueless creature, the film is severely dark and strikes fear into our hearts. It’s one of the pillars of classic monster movies. Even if your party is a drag, force your friends to watch at least one of the Universal monster classics. They’re cheesy in their own right, but they are a necessity. Frankenstein is no exception; it’s timelessly watchable, and relentlessly entertaining. 

​2. Poltergeist 
(dir. Tobe Hooper, 1982)

We return to the ‘80’s (I’m not sorry; it is pretty much one of the best decades for horror) with one of the few PG-rated popular horror films. Hooper’s supernatural flick is equally charming as it is seriously spooky. You’ve got your average ‘80’s family with big hair, your classic ‘80’s musical score, and your timeless “oops you moved into a house built atop a Native American burial ground and now your family is being tormented by the restless dead.” Those silly suburban folk! And, I mean, if you have an oversized clown toy that you designate a rocking chair to in the corner of your bedroom, I’m sorry, but you’ve signed yourself up for a bad time. Anyway, movies like this are easy to digest. Sure, some of the visuals stick with you after the credits roll, but Poltergeist is a rollercoaster of genres and emotions. You can’t go wrong. I just wouldn’t show them too many other Tobe Hooper horror movies (Texas Chainsaw isn’t what I’d call a party experience for everyone, although it is one of my favorites). 

1. Trick ‘R’ Treat 
(dir. Michael Dougherty, 2007)

I feel so strange that my number one pick is something out of the last fifteen years, but Trick ‘R’ Treat is just one of those movies that has its sinister moments while remaining a crazy fun time throughout. It’s an anthology collection loosely tied together by one of the coolest horror characters. Sam is just such a cute little guy—until you find out why he hasn’t finished that jack-o-lantern lollipop he carries around. This is a studio film wearing an indie film’s bed sheets, and that’s not a defeating factor, in this case. It’s one of those “what in all hell are we watching?” kinds of movies that cannot be missed. I think if all guests know not to take Trick ‘R’ Treat too seriously, everyone will have a blast. You’ve got urban legends, forest cults with dark secrets, and children who aren’t what they seem, all wrapped up in a blood-soaked bow. You and your friends will flinch, laugh, and shriek with joy. Don’t count this one out! 

Source for photos: IMDb.com

Runners-Up:

1. Halloween (dir. John Carpenter, 1978); most people have seen this slasher classic. Give them something different!
2. The Evil Dead (dir. Sam Raimi, 1981); I’d say this indie would fit in better with a group with stronger affinities for the genre. But that’s not to say it isn’t a crazy wild ride.
3. Saw (dir. James Wan, 2004); again, this one’s more for the gore-hounds, but its injection into a wider audience than most recent horror remains noteworthy.

​Have I missed any horror films that you think would be a good fit to show to friends with many tastes? Comment some of your favorites and they might appear on future lists! Also let me know what lists you’d want to see next on the Nothing Peak blog.
 
Until Next Time,

-Ryan 

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