Spooky Cinematic Delights: BPHS Students' Favorite Halloween Flicks

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to turn, the anticipation for Halloween builds among the students of Bethel Park High School (BPHS). While the classic "Boo!" may be a familiar sound, nothing quite captures the spirit of the season like a thrilling horror movie. In a recent survey, BPHS students shared their top picks for the ultimate Halloween viewing experience.

Unleashing the Scares: BPHS Students' Favorite Halloween Movies

5. "Scary Movie" (2000): A Comedic Twist on the Slasher Genre

Defying expectations, the 2000 horror-comedy "Scary Movie" has found a special place in the hearts of BPHS students. This irreverent take on the slasher genre follows a group of teenagers who accidentally run over a man, only to be haunted by a mysterious figure in a ghostface mask. While it received mixed reviews upon its initial release, "Scary Movie" has since developed a cult following, spawning three sequels that continue to entertain audiences with their tongue-in-cheek approach to classic horror tropes.

4. "IT" (1990): Timeless Terror with a Clown-Shaped Twist

Transcending the boundaries of its era, the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King's "IT" has aged remarkably well, captivating BPHS students with its chilling portrayal of the shape-shifting entity known as Pennywise. Starring the iconic Tim Curry as the malevolent clown, the film follows the terrifying encounters of a group of children as they confront their deepest fears. Despite the controversy it generated at the time, "IT" has since become a modern horror classic, with a critically acclaimed 2017 remake further solidifying its enduring legacy.

3. "The Conjuring" (2013): A Spine-Tingling Paranormal Thriller

Embracing a more contemporary approach to the slasher genre, "The Conjuring" has firmly established itself as a must-watch Halloween tradition among BPHS students. Released in 2013, the film has since spawned a thriving cinematic universe, with two sequels and an upcoming spin-off, "The Conjuring: Last Rites," scheduled for 2025. Blending elements of paranormal investigation and supernatural horror, "The Conjuring" has captivated audiences with its chilling depiction of the Perron family's haunting and the Warrens' efforts to uncover the dark forces at play.

2. "Halloween" (1978): The Enduring Legacy of a Slasher Icon

It comes as no surprise that the 1978 classic "Halloween," starring Nick Castle and Jamie Lee Curtis, has secured a spot on the BPHS students' list of favorite Halloween movies. This seminal slasher film has left an indelible mark on the genre, spawning numerous sequels and reboots that have continued to captivate audiences across generations. From the iconic masked killer, Michael Myers, to the nerve-wracking tension that permeates every frame, "Halloween" has cemented its status as a Halloween staple, with the latest iteration, "Halloween Ends," set to conclude the long-running franchise.

1. "Scream" (1996): A Groundbreaking Slasher with a Twist

Topping the list with an impressive 16 votes, the 1996 horror classic "Scream" has emerged as the clear favorite among BPHS students. Directed by Wes Craven, this revolutionary slasher film follows the struggles of Neve Campbell's character, Sidney Prescott, as she navigates a series of attacks by the elusive Ghostface killer. Blending elements of self-awareness and meta-commentary, "Scream" subverted the conventions of the genre, earning critical acclaim and spawning a successful franchise that has continued to captivate audiences over the past two and a half decades. With a seventh installment planned for 2026, the "Scream" legacy shows no signs of slowing down, cementing its status as a true Halloween staple.