Thursday Movie Picks #276: Halloween/Television Edition: Horror

Thursday Movie Picks is a blogging prompt put together by Wandering Through The Shelves! I’ve wanted to take part before but end up forgetting about it or being stumped on the theme for the week. I’m bummed I didn’t take part in more of the Halloween prompts but better late than never! The rules are simple: based on the theme of the week pick three to five movies and tell us why you picked them. This week it’s Halloween/Television Edition: Horror.

1. American Horror Story

I can’t pick just one season because I’ve really enjoyed a few even though I didn’t even bother with AHS: Cult. If I had to pick just three of my favorite seasons it would be Murder House, Coven, and Hotel. I do like that every season is different but they all seem to tie together in small ways. It’s like the MCU, but weird horror edition. Lady Gaga is fantastic in Hotel and no one compares to Jessica Lange.

2. Teen Wolf

Does this count as horror? Oh well. It’s close enough. There were a number of episodes that were creepy as hell. I was actually a little late on the Teen Wolf wagon but I’m glad I hitched a ride. Sure, some of it was frustrating but in the end I enjoyed it. If you’re not into a lot of gore this show would be good for you. It’s more spooky than anything else, and pretty funny at times too.

3. Tales from the Crypt

I loved watching Tales from The Crypt as a kid! I mean, sure maybe I shouldn’t have been allowed to watch it but I turned out fine. The Crypt Keeper is such an iconic horror mascot and I do love a good anthology style series. Since it aired on HBO it was one of the few anthology series to be allowed to have full freedom from censorship that meant nudity, violence, and naughty words. Oh my! It honestly feels like a walk in the park compared to what you’ll find on TV these days. A few well known actors appeared in episodes including Demi Moore, Teri Hatcher, Kyle MacLachlan, and Brad Pitt just to name a few.

4. Are You Afraid of the Dark?

This was my JAM as a kid. I guess I’ve always been a bit of a spooky bitch. Again, another anthology series. I do think when it comes to horror, it’s a great way to handle it. You don’t need to stress about filling multiple episodes with one big arc or anything. You can just focus on one episode at a time, and it’s easier to nab guest stars or directors if they only need to worry about one thing. I love how it was a bunch of kids sitting around a fire and telling stories. It made it feel more “real” to me.

5. Fear Itself

Does anyone else remember this? It aired on NBC back in 2008. It was supposed to come back after the Olympics were over but for whatever reason it never did, which is really disappointing. One of my favorite episodes was “Skin & Bones.” A man returns home to his family after being lost in the forest for a number of days but it’s not a happy reunion. Turns out he’s possessed by a Wendigo. It only aired 13 episodes, which I guess it kinda weird and spooky on its own eh?

I tried to mix it up with a few different choices. When I got around to thinking about the horror related shows out there, I never realized just how many there were. I probably could have easily listed a few more. What shows would make your list? Anyone else enjoy the shows I have listed here?