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Not even halfway through September, stores have already stocked up on their jack-o-lanterns, black cats, and witch hats. Hollywood has proven to be no exception, pumping out several horror movies an entire month before Halloween season has even arrived. In fact, there are very few horror films with release dates during the actual month of Halloween. The majority of movies in October 2018 seem focused on intimate character dramas and strong acting performances.
In September, a slew of horror/thriller releases poured out as hot and steaming as the Pumpkin Spice Lattes that have ruined this season forever.
First, “The Nun” continued to expand upon the ever-growing Conjuring universe. Second, “The Predator” looks to bring a balance of fun, fear, and brutal violence to the screen for its fourth standalone film in the cult-classic series of creature horror flicks. Additionally, the horror history film “Lizzie,” aims to show us that Kristen Stewart’s cold, lifeless, expressionless face might just be the perfect fit to portray alleged ax murderer Lizzie Borden.
Then there’s “Mandy,” which honestly looks amazing and seems to truly utilize the unhinged, psychotic acting methods of the creature formerly known as Nicholas Cage.
Even smaller horror films like “Hell Fest” and “Patient Zero” have September release dates. So, the question is, “why aren’t the majority of movies in October 2018 horror films?” There is one obvious reason for the lack of Halloween-themed horror movies in October 2018. However, if you don’t already know, then you’ll just have to read our list to find out why.
Considering 99% of people will skip past all of this “bullshit” anyway in favor of an easily-digestible “listicle,” let’s jump right into some time-wasting trailers.
Our first on the list of must-see movies in October 2018, and rightly so due to its namesake, is “First Man.” From the director of “Whiplash (2014)” and “La La Land (2016)”, “First Man” tells the truly epic story of humankind’s first successful journey to the moon. This intimate life story is told through the eyes of astronaut Neil Armstrong (Ryan Gosling).
Bradley Cooper makes his directorial debut with “A Star is Born,” in which he also stars alongside Lady Gaga. The film tells the story of an aging musician who attempts to help a young singer’s career rise as his career faces a downward spiral.
“Serenity (2018),” scripted and shot by “Taboo” and “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, is our first real taste of the darker themes we’ve grown to expect from October film releases. While not full horror, this dramatic thriller follows Matt McConaughey as he attempts to solve the unfolding mysteries and moral dilemmas in his small fishing town.
MadTV alumni Ike Barniholtz writes, directs, and stars in this PAC (Political Action Comedy) that ironically aims to show the horrors of getting through a family Thanksgiving during these politically-divided times. This movie is Ike Barinholtz’s film directorial debut and one of very few comedy movies in October 2018.
In his early career, Steve Carrell made us laugh until we cried as Michael Scott in “The Office (U.S.).” Now, as the star of “Beautiful Boy,” Steve Carrell really just wants to make us cry. This movie tells the sad-yet-inspiring true story of a father and son and their relationship through the struggles and pain of depression and addiction.
Already generating Oscar buzz, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” may just be the acting performance of Melissa McCarthy’s career to date. The film tells the fascinating true story of celebrity biographer Lee Israel as she uses her way with words to forge letters from some of the world’s greatest authors, playwrights, and actors-
Yes, that’s right. THAT Jonah Hill. In his writing and directing debut, Jonah Hill attempts to capture that unique period in time for a generation of people, when skateboards and hip-hop played counterculture to the growing drug epidemic and income inequality. Pre-internet. Post-Gulf War. Mid-90s.
A murder mystery has never looked so good! From the ingenious mind of writer/director/producer Drew Goddard (“Cloverfield [2008],” “Daredevil [2015],” “The Martian [2016]”), “Bad Times at the El Royale” oozes style and personality. With more stars than you can count on one hand and a seemingly perfect balance of suspense and comedy, this quirky comedic mystery/thriller checks all the boxes for an instant cult classic.
Although technically a comic book movie, “Venom” sets out to be the first one of it’s kind to dive head-first into the horror genre. This film is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated movies in October 2018, as fans were left with a sour taste in their mouth following Topher Grace’s portrayal of Venom in “Spider-Man 3 (2007).”
In “Venom,” Tom Hardy stars as Eddie Brock, a journalist who becomes the host for a violent, terrifying, and controlling alien symbiote. Check out our detailed look at the creature designs for the alien symbiote from the first full-length trailer!
Yes, that’s right. The answer to the question “Why aren’t any of the movies in October 2018 straight-up Halloween-themed horror films?” is simple. No Halloween-themed horror film could compete with the franchise that originated it all.
The aptly named “Halloween” marks the first film with involvement from creator John Carpenter since he produced the Michael Myer-less Halloween III: Season of the Witch in 1982. The first of the franchise to be produced by Blumhouse, Director David Gordon Green co-wrote the newest Halloween film with his frequent collaborator Danny McBride (“Eastbound & Down,” “Vice Principals”).
Although usually a comedy team, Green & McBride are die-hard fans of the original film and aim to please other fans alike. John Carpenter was quite impressed with their initial pitch, quoted as saying that “They get it.”
Halloween (2018) is technically the 11th film in the franchise (including Rob Zombie’s duology). However, This film acts as a direct sequel to the original 1978 film, retconning every subsequent Halloween movie as tall tales within the universe. Although, David Gordon Green and Danny McBride promise their film pays homage to every Halloween franchise film.
Interestingly enough, not only is Jamie Lee Curtis reprising her role as Laurie Strode, but actor/stuntman Nick Castle returns to his infamous role as Michael Myers (initially listed as “The Shape”) for the first time since the original 1978 film.
Halloween hits theaters October 19, 2018. Forty years after being hunted by the mysterious masked Michael Myers, Laurie Strode returns to bring the hunt to him.
There you have it! Our list of the top 10 must-see movies in October 2018!
Are you as excited as we are to see what William Shatner’s face would look like if it were 40-year-old aged leather?
Us too! But while you’re waiting, maybe you can binge a quick TV show or two to pass the time!
Be a lot cooler if ya did
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