Halloween is just around the corner!
There are many reasons why people love the holiday. Still, for the most part, Halloween attracts those who go nuts for the macabre, gory, terrifying, and mystifying.
One thing that marks the Halloween season is the scores of horror movie marathons that litter all sorts of TV channels and streaming platforms during this time of year.
Now, we know that not everybody is a fan of horror films, and the idea of using cannabis to help enhance the experience of watching one may be the last thing you want to do. But there’s no denying that the horror genre and cannabis use has been linked in some way or another for decades now.
Keep reading to learn more about the interesting relationship between cannabis and horror and what movies you should check out this Halloween.
The Counterculture
Now, you may be wondering why people have created a connection between the horror genre and cannabis.
Some suggest that this connection is because horror films and cannabis and those who enjoy them are considered outliers, forbidden fruits of the social norm. Throughout history, both have attracted unique and interesting people from all walks of life that are just looking for a way to process emotions, ideas, and trauma.
While it may seem unconventional to some that someone would turn to a terrifying horror movie or a perception-altering substance, there’s still no denying that the catharsis both provide is real.
The Pros of Mixing Cannabis Use with Horror Movies
We know it’s not for everyone, but those who do like to smoke some flower or eat an edible before getting comfortable for a night of jump scares and more have their reasons.
If you already love horror movies without using cannabis, you’ll probably like it while using cannabis.
Cannabis enhances the experience by heightening your senses, suspending your disbelief, adjusting your focus, and funneling any paranoia through a thrilling lens.
Classics For The Film Aficionado
It’s easy to get caught up in all the new horror films released every year. Don’t forget that those films are inspired by the classics that set the stage for the horror genre to take off.
“Psycho” (1960)
Watching this Hitchcock classic is the perfect way to start a horror movie marathon. Who hasn’t heard of Norman Bates and his murderess mother? If you have never seen this thriller full of twists and turns, we highly recommend you pop some popcorn (for the munchies) and get ready for a film that will have you checking your back; you know, just in case.
“The Exorcist” (1973)
While some people prefer gory and grisly murders, others prefer a more supernatural approach. “The Exorcist” is a story of a battle between good and evil, as an exorcist is sent to help save a young girl possessed by demonic spirits.
Although a controversial film, audiences marveled at the storytelling and special effects that ultimately made “The Exorcist” one of the film industry’s first ‘blockbusters’ and one of the only horror movies ever to be nominated for Best Picture.
“Night Of the Living Dead” (1968)
Directed by George Romero, this film cemented him in film history as the master of the modern ‘zombie film.’ Unlike the modern interpretation of zombies, these cannibalistic, re-animated dead were once depicted as trance-like undead slaves produced by voodoo rites.
While it was a low-budget, independent debut film, for 96 minutes, audiences experienced groundbreaking, genre-defining work as Romero conveyed his interpretation of a dehumanized society with the film’s explicit violence, rawness, cannibalism, and somber ending.
We could go on forever about what classics you should watch this Halloween. Some honorable mentions include:
- “Dracula” (1931)
- “The Birds” (1963)
- “Nosferatu” (1922)
- “Poltergeist” (1982)
- “Halloween” (1978)
- “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)
Modern Horror Classics
We could include so many movies on this list, so we’ll do our best to fit the best ones in.
“A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
A quintessential teen slasher, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” stars Freddy Krueger, one of the most well-known antagonists of all time. A child murderer in life and demonic child murderer in death, Freddy terrorizes the screen by invading the dreams of teens and causing a mind-altering sequence of horrifying encounters.
This film will have your mind turning from start to finish, as even the ending, ever ambiguous, leaves more for your imagination to assume.
“The Shining” (1980)
A mix of paranormal and human horror, this film was Stanley Kubrick’s masterful take on the traditional concept of a haunted house. While its title is that of its source material, Stephen King’s third novel under his name, Kubrick’s creation carries little resemblance to King’s work.
The film follows a father (Jack) and his descent into madness, fueled by both physical and intangible forces, while isolated with his family (his wife Wendy and young son Danny) in a snowed-in resort. The family soon finds themselves affected by a “psychic photograph” that depicts a series of historic murders that occurred on the resort’s property.
The film’s title refers to the psychic abilities of the resort’s head cook (Halloran) and Jack’s son, which add an otherworldly point of view into the world beyond the living.
“Shaun Of the Dead” (2004)
What would be a list of must-see horror movies without acknowledging the horror/comedy genre?
Written by Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg, Wright directed this romantic zombie comedy (a “rom-zom-com”) while Pegg played the role of Shaun, a downtrodden London salesman that must deal with his girlfriend, mother, and stepfather all while he and his friend Ed, try to survive a zombie apocalypse.
Inspired by classics like George Romero’s (we mentioned him earlier) “Dead” trilogy, Wright and Pegg’s film initially had commercial success, having grossed $30 million worldwide on a $6.1 million budget. It then went on to receive two nominations at the British Academy Film Awards, with some calling it one of the greatest comedy films ever made. It only makes sense that this gem quickly acquired a cult following.
“Get Out” (2017)
Written, directed, and co-produced by actor, comedian, and filmmaker Jordan Peele, “Get Out” was his directorial debut, and a box-office hit. Peele would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya).
This psychological thriller is equal parts horror, social commentary, and even comedy. While the story innocently starts with a young black man (Kaluuya) meeting his white girlfriend’s family for the first time, shocking secrets soon come to light that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Ranked by the Writer’s Guild of America as the greatest screenplay of the 21st century, the film creatively explores the implications and historical relevance of “covert” racism in modern society by depicting the antagonists as white, “New York liberal” types. Lanre Bakare wrote in The Guardian, “It exposes a liberal ignorance and hubris that has been allowed to fester.”
Ultimately, this film will have your mind whirling in circles with insane plot twists, murder, mind control, and more.
Modern horror film honorable mentions include:
- “Us” (2019)
- “The Cabin in the Woods” (2011)
- “The Ring” (2002)
- “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
Celebrate Halloween with North
Are you ready for Halloween? Whether you’re planning a night in or need a way to relax and recuperate after a day out celebrating, we can help!
North’s premier medical cannabis products are just what you need to get your body and mind feeling right, even when you’re watching a horror movie.
Check out our Pevely and Hillsboro menus to see what might work best for you. You can come in and purchase your products, order them and pick them up with our drive-thru, or have them delivered.
