(Michael Myers in a scene from Halloween Kills. Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal)
Horror fans are in for a treat this Halloween. From the return of Michael Myers in Halloween Kills to Edgar Wright’s new psychological thriller Last Night in Soho, there are plenty of films that will offer up some big screen scares. And if you prefer a movie night in, there are a ton of frightful flicks on the Cineplex Store that will have you keeping the light on all night including Candyman, Don’t Breathe 2 and horror classics like The Shining.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Starring: Michelle Williams, Stephen Graham, Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Naomie HarrisDirector: Andy Serkis Release Date: Now Playing
In the sequel to 2018’s Venom, Tom Hardy reprises his role as journalist Eddie Brock and tries to find a way to cohabitate with the host of an alien symbiote, Venom. But despite the pair’s tumultuous relationship, Director Andy Serkis tells Uproxx that the movie will be a “love affair” between the two. The film also features the return of Woody Harrelson as villain Cletus Kasady, the host of Carnage.
Another reason to watch: not only does Tom Hardy star in the film, he also co-wrote it.
The Addams Family 2
Starring: Snoop Dogg, Bette Midler, Charlize Theron, Oscar Isaac, Chloë Grace MoretzDirector: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon Release Date: Now Playing
The Addams Family 2 is another sequel to hit the big screen this October and one the whole family can enjoy. With Wednesday and Pugsley now more interested in “scream time” than spending quality time with the family, Gomez tries to bring everyone closer together with a road trip in the haunted camper. But with some unexpected bumps in the road as well as a reunion with their eccentric cousin It (voiced by Snoop Dogg), it’s sure to be a family vacation like none other.
The Great Big Boo!
Now Playing in Cineplex TheatresIf you’re looking for a Halloween event the whole family can enjoy, check out The Great Big Boo! The interactive Halloween musical is now playing on the big screen across the country where kids are encouraged to dress up in their favourite costumes.
The show follows Zoe and Justin as they sing and dance their way through Boo Alley, meet larger-than-life characters and embark on a quest to save Halloween.
Halloween Kills
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Thomas Mann, Anthony Michael Hall, Nick CastleDirector: David Gordon Green Release Date: October 15, 2021
Just when Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) thought the nightmare was over, Michael Myers returns in Halloween Kills. Picking up where 2018’s Halloween left off, Michael escapes from Laurie’s burning house to terrorize his old nemesis and her family. Laurie tells her daughter in the trailer they shouldn’t have to keep running and “evil dies tonight” but with the final installment in the series, Halloween Ends, set for 2022 there’s a good chance that won’t be the case. But we can’t wait to see her try.
Last Night in Soho
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie, Matt Smith, Rita Tushingham, Diana Rigg, Terence StampDirector: Edgar Wright Release Date: October 29, 2021
Are some things better left in the past? That’s what audiences are about to ask themselves in Edgar Wright’s suspenseful new psychological thriller Last Night in Soho. Thomasin McKenzie stars as a young fashion student obsessed with the glitz of 1960s London. But when she is able to transport herself to this era through her dreams and step into the life of up-and-coming singing star Sandie (Anya Taylor-Joy), it’s not long before her dreams turn into real-life nightmares.
Malignant
Starring: Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young, Michole Briana White, Jean Louisa KellyDirector: James Wan Release Date: Now Playing
Conjuring director James Wan returns with an all-new original horror film about a woman named Madison (Annabelle Wallis) experiencing paralyzing visions of horrific murders at the hand of Gabriel, someone from her past. There’s a ton of buzz online about the film’s twists and turns so it’s best to avoid all spoilers until you can experience it yourself on the big screen.
Candyman
Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Tony Todd, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman DomingoDirector: Nia DaCosta Release Date: Now available on the Cineplex Store
Do you dare to say his name? The “spiritual sequel” to the 1992 horror film sees a young visual artist named Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and his girlfriend Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris) move into the now gentrified Cabrini-Green neighbourhood in Chicago.
After hearing about the Candyman legend, Anthony uses the supernatural killer as inspiration for his paintings and unknowingly unleashes terror on the neighbourhood once again. The film, which features the return of Tony Todd as Candyman, promises to be as terrifying as the original and is being praised for how it addresses racial injustice.
Old
Starring: Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Alex Wolff, Thomasin McKenzieDirector: M. Night Shyamalan Release Date: Now Available on the Cineplex Store
From the director who gave us some of the most famous horror movie plot twists of all time comes Old, a new thriller about a family who mysteriously start aging at a rapid pace while on a tropical holiday. Starring the likes of Gael García Bernal, Vicky Krieps, Alex Wolff and Thomasin McKenzie, the film is sure to make us rethink that relaxing beach vacation we’re missing so badly right now.
Don’t Breathe 2
Starring: Stephen Lang, Madelyn Grace, Brendan Sexton III, Bobby SchofieldDirector: Rodo Sayagues Release Date: Now available on the Cineplex Store
Don’t Breathe 2 picks up a few years after the deadly home invasion in 2016’s Don’t Breathe with Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang) living a quiet life with a young girl named Phoenix (Madelyn Grace). But this peace is disrupted when Norman’s sins from his past catch up with him.
The Omen
Starring: Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, Billie WhitelawDirector: Richard Donner Rent now on the Cineplex Store
This iconic 1976 film directed by the late great Richard Donner is still considered one of the most chilling horror movies ever made. The film stars legendary actors Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as a couple living in London who realize their child Damien could be the Devil’s son.
The Shining
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman CrothersDirector: Stanley Kubrick Rent now on the Cineplex Store
What would a scary movie night in be without The Shining? This classic horror based on a book of the same name by Stephen King stars Jack Nicholson as a writer who takes a job as a caretaker at an isolated hotel and slowly descends into madness. Directed by the late Stanley Kubrick, the film’s ending still has people talking more than 40 years after it was released.
Possessor
Starring: Andrea Riseborough, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Christopher Abbott, Tuppence Middleton, Sean BeanDirector: Brandon Cronenberg Rent now on the Cineplex Store
From Antiviral director Brandon Cronenberg comes Possessor, a disturbing tale of a female assassin who can take over people’s bodies through brain-implant technology to carry out her hits. Although Brandon’s famous father David Cronenberg is a horror film legend, Brandon tells NME.com he is more interested in making meaningful films than familial legacy.
Night of the Living Dead
Starring: Tony Todd, Tom Towles, McKee Anderson, Katie Finneran, Bill MosleyDirector: Tom Savini Rent now on the Cineplex Store
This remake of the 1968 classic stars the legendary Tony Todd (who also reprises his role in Candyman) as Ben, who along with other survivors trapped in an isolated farmhouse, must find a way to survive as flesh-eating zombies close in. While remaining true to George A. Romero’s original film, the remake brought a new element of special effects by way of director Tom Savini, who also did especial effects and makeup for horror classics like Friday the 13th and Creepshow.
Escape Room: Tournament of Champions
Starring: Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Indya Moore, Holland Roden, Isabelle Fuhrman, Carlito OliveroDirector: Adam Robitel Rent Now on the Cineplex Store
Canada’s own Taylor Russell is back as Zoe Davis and this time her character is out for revenge. As fans of Escape Room will remember, Zoe and Ben (Logan Miller) were the only survivors of the deadly game orchestrated by Minos. In Escape Room: Tournament of Champions, Zoe is on a mission to uncover the truth behind Minos.
But when Zoe and Ben, along with four other strangers who have all played the game before, unwittingly get trapped in another series of escape rooms, they will have to find a way to solve the puzzles or die.
Russell says fans can expect even more terrifying rooms.
“I think people are going to be very hyped about seeing each new set and what it brings and the challenges of each room. I do think they feel a lot bigger than the first movie, which is exciting,” Russell told Cineplex.
The Exorcist
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Reverend William O'MalleyDirector: William Friedkin Now Available on the Cineplex Store
The Exorcist was released almost 48 years ago but is still considered one of the scariest movies of all time. Based on a novel that was inspired by true events, the film stars a young Linda Blair as a 12-year-old girl possessed by the devil. The only hope of saving her is an exorcism performed by two Catholic priests.
As well as a being a classic Halloween pick, there’s one more reason to watch. A trilogy remake set years after the events of the 1973 film is in the works from Blumhouse, making catching up on the original even more timely.
Saint Maud
Starring: Morfydd Clark, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Jennifer EhleDirector: Rose Glass Rent now on the Cineplex Store
British director Rose Glass’ first feature film is an original, psychological thriller that has been called a “masterpiece” by fans and critics alike.
The film stars Morfydd Clark as a hospice nurse named Maud who becomes a devout Christian after experiencing a trauma. Tasked with taking care of a dying patient named Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), Maud goes to extreme lengths to save Amanda’s soul.
The chilling and disturbing film is perfect for a spooky night in and one that will haunt you long after the credits roll.