Fall Watches with Ms. Ryder

Movies You Should Definitely Watch This Halloween:

Halloween is coming up soon, which means it’s time to start going to theaters and diving into some spooky and fun movies, whether beginning to come out or already out. Let’s check out some of the top Halloween picks, some must-watch classics, and a few of my personal favorite films that are perfect for this time of year.

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Upcoming Halloween Movies You Need To Watch:

First off, if you’re looking to catch something new in theaters, here are a couple of upcoming Halloween movies that will definitely get you in the spooky spirit. These new releases are perfect for getting your heart racing as we head closer to October 31st!

“The Exorcist: Believer” – This is a sequel to the original The Exorcist, so if you're a fan of demonic possession stories, this one’s going to deliver all the chills.

“Five Nights at Freddy’s” – Based on the popular horror game series, this movie brings to life the creepy animatronics of Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. This is for you if jumps scares and creepy mascots are your thing!

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Classic Halloween Movies You Can’t Skip:

Now, let’s talk about the must-watch classics. These are the kinds of movies you can put on every Halloween and never get tired of.

“Hocus Pocus” – It’s a Halloween staple! The Sanderson Sisters are hilarious, and it’s just the right amount of spooky for a fun movie night with friends or family.

“Halloween” (1978) – No Halloween movie list is complete without Halloween! Michael Myers is the ultimate slasher villain, and the suspense in this film is next level.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” – Is it a Halloween movie? Is it a Christmas movie? Why not both? Tim Burton’s animation and unique style make this a classic that fits both holidays perfectly.

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My Personal Underrated Movies for Marvel:

Now, I’ve got to mention some of my personal favorites that are perfect for Halloween or really any time you want an awesome movie night. As a huge Marvel fan, I think these movies bring the action and excitement we all love, with just a touch of spookiness.

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” - This one is such a wild ride! With some horror elements and twisted alternate realities, it’s the perfect mix of superhero action and Halloween like suspense. Plus, the visual effects are amazing.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” – Ok, I know this isn’t technically a Halloween movie, but it’s got that fun adventure vibe that’s great for any time of year. Plus, I’m a sucker for Marvel's humor, and who doesn’t love Rocket and Groot?

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Cool and Underrated Movies in Theaters Now:

If you’re looking for something fresh and maybe a little under the radar, there are a couple of cool movies in theaters right now that deserve some love.

“Transformers: One” – This one’s an origin story for Optimus Prime and Megatron, diving into the history of their relationship. If you’re into epic robot battles, it’s a must-watch. It’s got action, a bit of a darker tone, and that classic Transformers vibe (highly recommend)

“The Wild Robot” – This is such an underrated movie. It’s based on a children’s book and tells the story of a robot trying to survive in the wilderness. It’s got adventure, heart, and a unique feel that makes it perfect for a cozy movie night this season.

A Conversation with Ms. Ryder

What are some movies you recommend people watch?

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (Horror/Western) – “It talks about the kind of society in Iran, and the kind of female experience, but under the guise of having a vampire.”

Promising Young Woman (Thriller/Crime) –“It’s about sexual assault and female rage in the face of society not really supporting women who have seen others suffer from sexual abuse.”

Argo (Thriller/Action) – “A fictionalized true story of members of the American embassy who got stuck in Iran, following the Iran revolution in the 70s and 80s, and how a fake film team was sent to get them out.”

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What are some upcoming movies you are looking forward to?

Heretic – “It’s a horror. I don’t like horror, and I will probably really struggle to watch it, but it looks fantastic. It’s by Blood-house Production, who makes some really good horror.”

Mickey 17 – “With Robert Pattinson. It’s a nice commentary on the future and the disposable loss of human life, and what lengths we’ll go to for innovation, and what lengths we’ll go to with the possibility of harming humans.”

Small Things Like These – “Cillian Murphy is in this movie, which is about Magdalene houses in Ireland, where they would sent unmarried women who were having babies. He lives next door to one of them and is coming to terms on whether or not he should do anything to help these women.”

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What classic movies do you personally like?

“I don’t like classic movies, I don’t like old movies, I find them boring and I’m a bad film teacher” – Hannah Ryder (JK, JK, JK)

Bonnie and Clyde – “I think the original really emphasizes the time period post-Hays Code.”

Singing in the Rain – “Is always fantastic, good fun, and the dance sequences!”

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What directors or filmmakers do you find the most interesting and why?

Taika Waititi – “Hilarious, beautiful, colorful, always makes great movies.”

Greta Gerwig – “You can’t be a woman in the 20th century and not say Greta Gerwig.”

Sofia Coppola – “I don’t know how much I agree with this one, but Sofia because she doesn’t just make good movies, but her movies are extremely beautiful. They have no narrative and no point, but they are very, very pretty and excessive in ambience.”

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What is your favorite film and why?

The entire Lords of the Rings Trilogy - “I watch repeatedly every Christmas – I find fantastic. The extended addition because it is fantastic.”

10 Things I Hate About You - “Probably the only film that has lasted me throughout all the years. It is cinematic perfection. It is Shakespeare translated perfectly to modern age, it is well cast, well-acted, and the music is fantastic, the look of it is fantastic, it epitomizes the feeling of being in highschool in a way that is relevant to everybody – it's just an all-round good film.”