Looking for something new to watch this upcoming Halloween? Check out these four October-themed features, each rated off their horror element on the “Spook-scale.” A high score on the “Spook-scale” would include disturbing imagery and jumpscares, while a low score would be the opposite.
The Craft (1996):
When Sarah Bailey, played by actress Robin Tunney, moves from San Francisco to Los Angeles and enrolls in St. Benedict’s Catholic Academy, she befriends the trio of presumed “witches” at her school. Each girl has a different problem in her life: Sarah wants the attention of a popular boy at her school; Bonnie has burn scars and wishes to erase them; Rochelle is struggling with racist bullying; and Nancy lives in an abusive home with her mother and stepfather. Together as a coven, they are able to undo these troubles.
This film is the epitome of late ‘90s fashion and music (the soundtrack features Portishead’s “Scorn” and a cover of the Smiths’ “How Soon is Now?”) and has gathered a cult following over the years. Besides a significant number of rodents and bugs, The Craft is at the low end of the “Spook-scale”.
Spook-scale: 2/5
Sleepy Hollow (1999):
In the autumn of 1799, Ichabod Crane (played by Johnny Depp), a low-ranking law enforcement officer, is sent to the village of Sleepy Hollow in upstate New York to investigate the strange, brutal decapitations of its residents. There, he discovers the truth about Sleepy Hollow and the figure behind the murders.
With its chilling, grotesque visuals, Sleepy Hollow has cemented itself as one of director Tim Burton’s most beloved films. The film is an adaptation of the short story by Washington Irving, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, which primarily focuses on German and Scandinavian legends of the “Headless Horseman” and real-life events that occurred in New York’s Hudson Valley. Sleepy Hollow is recommended to those who love Gothic-horror and don’t mind gory themes.
Spook-scale: 4/5
Practical Magic (1998):
The Owens’ are a family of witches whose heartbroken ancestor cast a spell to cause the inevitable death of every man an Owens woman loves. The two orphaned sisters in Practical Magic, Sally, Sandra Bullock’s character, and Gillian, played by Nicole Kidman, ignore the warnings of their aunts and fall in love. Unfortunately for the sisters, the family curse comes back to haunt them.
This cozy Halloween classic is a great film to add to your watchlist, but if you’ve already seen it, check out Practical Magic 2, which came to theaters earlier this year and features new actors Joey King and Maisie Williams, who both play Sally’s children as adults, along with some of the original cast.
Spook-scale: 1/5
The Ring (2002):
Set in Seattle, The Ring follows a young journalist (played by Naomi Watts) as she investigates the sudden death of her niece. Her research leads her to uncover the truth behind a local urban legend about a cursed videotape and she quickly becomes wrapped up in the curse herself.
The Ring won “Best Villain” at the MTV Movie Awards with one of the most iconic horror film antagonists, Samara Morgan. Though the franchise has more than 13 Japanese films, The Ring 2 and Rings were the only American follow-ups. This movie is rated higher on the “Spook-scale” due to the eeriness of the Pacific Northwest background and its several shocking jumpscares.
Spook-scale: 3.5/5
Article By Grace Phillips