As the crisp autumn air settles in, San Diego State University is gearing up to celebrate the beloved holiday of Halloween. What better way to embrace the season than by indulging in the thrilling world of spooky and cult-favorite movies? Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or simply seeking a nostalgic cinematic experience, the Aztec community has an array of must-watch recommendations to elevate your Halloween festivities.

Unleash the Chills: SDSU's Top Halloween Movie Picks

Timeless Terrors and Modern Masterpieces

Delving into the archives of horror cinema, SDSU faculty and students have curated a diverse selection of films that have stood the test of time. Professor David Coddon, from the School of Journalism and Media Studies, shares his personal favorites, including the iconic "Night of the Living Dead," the chilling "The Exorcist," and the thought-provoking "Get Out." Coddon marvels at how the black-and-white classic "Night of the Living Dead" can still evoke a sense of claustrophobia and terror, while also praising the work of director Jordan Peele, whom he considers "the best horror movie maker today," for crafting "intelligent but scary stuff."Echoing Coddon's admiration for Peele's work, Devin Deynata, a fourth-year Television, Film and Media major and A.S videographer, cites "Us" as one of his top Halloween picks. Deynata also includes Zack Snyder's "Dawn of the Dead" and the more recent "Late Night with the Devil" by Cameron and Colin Cairnes in his list of favorites. Deynata's criteria for a truly terrifying horror movie is the "realism of it, as if what I'm watching on screen can actually happen," which he believes these films possess, despite their unorthodox concepts.

Nostalgic Favorites and Spooky Celebrations

While some SDSU community members gravitate towards the more unsettling and suspenseful offerings, others find solace in the whimsical and festive Halloween classics. Temple Northup, the director of the School of Journalism and Media Studies, eagerly anticipates watching "Hocus Pocus" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" every Halloween season, describing the latter as a film he "will find any excuse to watch." Northup also holds the original 1978 "Halloween" directed by John Carpenter in high regard, recalling how it was the first horror movie he ever watched, and how it continues to scare him just as much today.Jayla Lee, a lecturer in the School of Journalism and Media Studies, shares a similar affinity for the Disney Channel classics "Hocus Pocus" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," as well as the beloved "Halloweentown." Lee's nostalgia for these films stems from her childhood, when she grew up during the "Golden Age" of Disney Channel movies. Additionally, Lee cherishes the more recent animated film "Coco," which allowed her to experience the vibrant Día de Los Muertos celebrations in Old Town last year, and she eagerly awaits participating in the festivities again this Halloween.Samantha Arciaga, a third-year kinesiology major and avid film enthusiast, also shares a deep affection for "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Halloweentown," which she considers core films from her childhood. While Arciaga enjoys watching more thriller-oriented Halloween movies, these nostalgic favorites hold a special place in her heart, as she can vividly recall the cozy memories of watching them as a child.

Facing Fears and Embracing the Creepy

Not everyone in the SDSU community shares the same enthusiasm for horror movies, however. Michael Rapp, a lecturer in the School of Communications and instructor of the universally-taken COMM-103 class, openly admits his dislike for scary films, stating, "I hate movies where things jump out at you and scare you (and) where I throw my popcorn in the air because I was startled and screamed." Despite his aversion to the genre, Rapp does make an exception for certain films that he deems "creepy, but not scary," such as "The Shining," "Speak No Evil," and "Silence of the Lambs."Rapp's perspective serves as a reminder that the world of Halloween movies caters to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or someone who prefers a more subdued cinematic experience, the SDSU community has a wealth of recommendations to explore and discover the perfect Halloween movie for your mood and sensibilities.