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Do you remember your first scary movie?

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Source: Getty Images.

This year’s spooky season is gearing up to be a warm one. Gather your friends and family for a night in with snacks, drinks and a comfy seat in front of the TV — or dare to go it alone — with these terrifying throwbacks for a night of thrill and laughter!

Halloween

The shape of evil takes form in this classic 1978 movie starring Jamie Lee Curtis. Michael Myers is a quintessential horror character and one of many influential scary movies from the 70s, 80s and 90s that continue to make waves in modern cinema.

Although a recent 2018 sequel attempted to revive the franchise, the original remains cemented in the annals of pop culture and will forever serve as a testament to the terror of a villain that exclusively walks in pursuit of his victims.

Beetlejuice

Although the franchise received a very recent refresh, who can forget the original star-studded 1988 release? Beetlejuice, starring Hollywood giants like Katherine O’Hara, Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, featured a classic Burton-esque aesthetic that blended a unique visual style with innovative storytelling to deliver an almost surreal experience.

Whether you watched it in theatres or at home, this strange and whimsical film continues to enchant audiences over 30 years later. Why not revisit it today for a trip down memory lane?

Poltergeist

The infamous Poltergeist became iconic for its chilling atmosphere, gripping special effects, and unforgettable scenes — especially Carol Anne’s eerie proclamation, “They’re here.” The film expertly tapped into everyday fears of family safety, turning the familiar setting of a suburban home into a source of tension and dread.

Poltergeist is a reminder of a time when horror films didn’t rely on cheap jumpscares and gore, but on suspense and psychological thrills. It remains a beloved classic, captivating audiences with its heart-pounding scares and emotional depth.

Hocus Pocus

The Sanderson Sisters recently made their return in 2022 but their original screen debut in 1993 was an enchanting presentation of comedy, fantasy and music — firmly cementing its status as a cult classic.

Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus was revered for its campy and quirky storytelling, with the apex of its whimsical themes being the Sanderson Sisters’ iconic rendition of “I Put A Spell on You”. If there’s anyone to dress up as this spooky season, it would be three of the baddest witches in history.

Nightmare on Elm Street

The 1984 Nightmare on Elm Street forever changed the landscape of horror upon its release. Directed by Wes Craven, this classic film introduced the world to Freddy Krueger, a disfigured and menacing villain who terrorises teenagers in their dreams. Played with sinister charm by Robert Englund, Freddy quickly became an unforgettable character, haunting both his victims and the imaginations of moviegoers.

Though this franchise made its fortune off of the spread of terror, supermarkets and department stores across the world have Freddy to thank for one of the most popular Halloween costumes — a classic red-and-green sweater paired with a deadly hand glove.

Jaws

This 1985 film may have hit too close to home for the beachgoers and surfers among us. Jaws hinged its unforgettable terror on the power of suspense. This thrilling and spine-chilling production terrified audiences with what you didn’t see.

Even now, some of us are wary of aberrant shadows hidden lurking beneath the surface of the water. Revisiting Jaws today is a reminder of Spielberg’s genius and why this film still manages to make us think twice about going for a swim!

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