Halloween has a unique way of captivating the silver screen, with a rich tapestry of horror classics and chilling tales that have become ingrained in popular culture. From the relentless pursuit of Leatherface to the sinister presence of Pennywise, the Halloween season offers a thrilling cinematic experience that is unparalleled. As the spookiest time of year approaches, movie enthusiasts in the metro area have a wealth of options to immerse themselves in the eerie and the macabre.

Unleashing the Haunting Potential of the Halloween Season

Varsity Cinema: A Haunting Hotspot

The Varsity Cinema, nestled in the Drake neighborhood, has embraced the spirit of Halloween with a lineup of spine-tingling offerings. Fans of the horror-comedy classic "Shaun of the Dead" can catch the film on the big screen until October 31st, with a special treat in store – a meet-and-greet and Q&A session with actor Mark Donovan, who portrayed one of the undead in the film. Additionally, the cinema is reviving the chilling thriller "Longlegs," which follows an FBI agent's pursuit of a notorious serial killer, starring the talented Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage.

Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres: Thrilling Alternatives

Across the metro area, other cinemas are also embracing the Halloween spirit. On the night of October 31st, Fleur Cinema & Café will host the 48 Horror Film Project's Best of Horror Screening & Costume Contest, showcasing the top horror films from this year's entries, including "Come Play With Me" and "Recykill," along with live music and prizes for the best costumes. Meanwhile, Fridley Theatres in Pleasant Hill and Waukee will be screening Halloween favorites such as "Hocus Pocus" and "Caroline" throughout the month.

Cinemark Theaters: A Spooky Lineup

The Cinemark theaters in Altoona, West Des Moines, and Ames are also getting in on the Halloween action. From now until October 30th, they will be hosting sporadic screenings of the beloved "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Hocus Pocus." On Halloween night, all three theaters will showcase the classic 1978 horror film "Halloween," as well as the eerie animated movie "Coraline," which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Flix Brewhouse: A Dine-In Cinematic Experience

The Flix Brewhouse at Merle Hay Mall is embracing the Halloween spirit with a diverse lineup of events. On October 26th, families can enjoy a screening of "Hotel Transylvania" while donning their spookiest costumes. That same day, the cinema will also host a special showing of the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," complete with noisemakers, newspapers, party hats, and rubber gloves. Horror enthusiasts can also celebrate the 50th anniversary of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" on October 27th, and on October 28th, the cinema will feature a double feature of the 1931 classics "Dracula" and "Frankenstein."

Embracing the Haunting Allure of Halloween Movies

The metro area's cinematic landscape is alive with the spirit of Halloween, offering a diverse array of thrilling and chilling experiences for movie-goers. From the classic slasher films to the quirky horror-comedies, there is something to captivate audiences of all tastes. Whether it's the Varsity Cinema's special events, the Fleur Cinema & Café's costume contest, or the Flix Brewhouse's dine-in experience, the metro area is a veritable playground for those seeking to immerse themselves in the haunting allure of Halloween movies.