Who doesn’t love a good fright film? If there were ever a time to indulge in the bone-chilling horror genre, Halloween is it. But which one to choose? SBP has done the heavy lifting for you and picked our top fave horror movies to watch this Halloween…but not without an LA twist, of course. Whether you’re looking to watch beneath the stars or in the comfort of a cozy theater, we’ve nailed down the time and place for you to be. Doubting SBP’s commitment to spooky thrills? Our brand colors are orange and black, after all…
Rocky Horror Picture Show
This cult-classic musical comedy horror film is a must-watch every Halloween. “This movie gets me into the spirit every year,” Founding Partner David Berg said. “I remember having a great time seeing it at the Nuart Theater on Santa Monica Boulevard nearly 20 years ago, and it still holds up today.” Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Riff Raff, Magenta and the whole wacky cast never cease to entertain and keep the audience doing the Time Warp again.
Lucky for you, Street Food Cinema is screening the film at The Ford — an epic outdoor amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills — TONIGHT, October 28, from 6-8pm. Get your tickets here.
The Hills Have Eyes
This 1977 horror film by Wes Craven follows a suburban family as they become stranded in the Nevada desert and are hunted by a clan of bloodthirsty savages. Known for its gritty realism and extreme violence, The Hills Have Eyes paved the way for Craven's future success with slashers like A Nightmare on Elm Street (more on that below). ”Don’t watch this movie if you’re planning a camping trip in the near future,” Founding Partner F. Ron Smith said. “It wasn’t marshmallows that got toasted by the campfire in this one. If it’s playing in your town this October, it’s guaranteed to start your holiday right.”
Not playing near you? You can find this gruesome classic available to rent on Amazon Prime.
Hocus Pocus
The Sanderson sisters fly again in this classic Disney movie as they wreak havoc on Salem, Massachusetts. “Hocus Pocus is hands down my #1 favorite Halloween movie, and now that my daughter is old enough, it’s become tradition to watch it on October 1st after decorating,” Director of Operations Courtney Welsh shared. Watch Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy ham it up as the wickedly funny witches who come back from the dead.
Want the full experience? You might just be able to catch Hocus Pocus on a big screen near you for the film’s 30th anniversary.
Talk to Me
If you want something a little more spooky, Courtney recommends this frightful flick: “If you’re looking for a really well-made horror film, Talk to Me is sure to thrill.” When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits with an embalmed hand, they become hooked on a new thrill and high-stakes party game…until one of them goes too far and unleashes supernatural forces.
And guess what? You can find it playing at an AMC theater near you right now. New Halloween plans unlocked.
Halloween
We can’t list our top favorite Halloween movies without the OG film itself. This 1978 slasher masterpiece reinvented the rules for horror flicks and spawned an entire franchise. The masked Michael Myers set up the “babysitter stalked by escaped psycho” premise that still gives us chills and thrills today.
For the ultimate spooky experience, buy late-night tickets for Rooftop Cinema Club and watch Halloween while surrounded by [sinister] city views.
Nightmare on Elm Street
Razor fingers and a striped sweater. Need we remind you of more? Freddy Krueger made his frightening debut in this slasher about teens stalked in their dreams back in 1984. Wes Craven absolutely hit the mark with his crafty premise, over-the-top gore and, of course, Johnny Depp in his first film role.
On October 30, you can even catch Nightmare on Elm Street beneath the stars at Melrose Rooftop Theatre in West Hollywood. Ready, set, get your tickets.
Rosemary’s Baby
This 1968 psychological horror classic gets under your skin with its satanic story of a pregnant woman suspecting an evil cult has sinister plans for her baby. Mia Farrow delivers an absolutely mesmerizing performance in Roman Polanski’s masterful occult thriller, and it’s still relevant 55 years later...
So much so that Cinespia is hosting a full-on Halloween party and screening at Orpheum Theater on October 31. Think full bar with themed cocktails, epic costumes (which are required!), frightful surprises and so much more. Buy your tickets here.
Slotherhouse
For Marketing Manager Krista Masella, there’s nothing like getting friends together to watch an absolutely absurd horror flick that delivers a good jump scare — and this 2023 horror-comedy is it. “It’s about a sorority girl who will do anything to be elected president, including adopting an adorable pet sloth who she thinks will win over voters,” Krista reports. “But, of course, a string of unexplained murders begin to threaten to ruin her reputation forever.” We know what we’re watching tonight.
Watch this one in the comfort of your own home on Hulu this Halloween. We can’t promise you won’t be spooked by the sound of your doorbell, though…