There’s no better way to celebrate the spooky season than sitting down with your friends or family and diving into a good horror movie. We all know that a great movie experience requires the perfect snack food to be available in gloriously indulgent quantities, and popcorn is a staple of movie-time memories. However, if classic buttery popcorn was Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther, Texas Pete® Popcorn is her performance in Jordan Peele’s modern classic horror movie Us. They’re both amazing, but one just hits differently so make sure your snack matches the energy of your October outings.
So, let me give you a few fun curated horror movie recommendations to pair with your bags of Texas Pete® Popcorn. First, be sure you are stocked up on the legendary popcorn from your favorite flavor flingers. Available on our online retail shop in Original Hot Popcorn or Cheddar Hot Popcorn and at your local Food City and Food Lion stores.
There’s something for everyone on this list, depending on your interest and tolerance for scary movie fare, from mild to wild! Let’s get into it!
The Classic Horror: Texas Chain Saw Massacre
If you and your crew are want to celebrate the classic vibes of the horror genre, then this is an amazing choice to pair with Texas Pete® Popcorn! Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a template that has been inspiring genre filmmakers since its first showing 49 years ago. The great thing is that most of this film’s dread and “horror” is entirely in your head. This movie has very little gore, and most of the violence is implied. However, that doesn’t keep this film from bringing the scares in a satisfying way. It really is a masterclass in horror movie timing and structure.
BTW, don’t @ me for the spelling of this movie…iykyk.
Best for: Casual horror fans, spooky party street cred, and a fun night in.
Gore Rating: 2 out of 5
Scare Rating: 3 out of 5
Availability: Free w/ Ads on Prime Video or rent/buy on favorite platform
Family Fright Fun: ParaNorman
Looking for a fun family movie to celebrate the spooky season, but you can’t stomach yet another viewing of The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Nightmare Before Christmas, or Hocus Pocus? I got you! ParaNorman is a beautiful and atmospheric family movie from Laika (known for its gorgeous stop-motion style films). The movie does a great job of introducing younger viewers to a lot of the “rules” and structure of a horror movie without going too heavy on the truly scary. It’s a great time that will likely capture the imagination of family members, no matter their age.
Best for: Families with kids interested in spooky stuff, anyone interested in the art and design of horror without the pesky nightmares.
Gore Rating: 1 out of 5
Scare Rating: 2 out of 5
Availability: Free w/ Ads on Tubi and Pluto TV, or rent/buy on favorite platform
Bring in the Spoopy: Hubie Halloween
Need a fun flick to throw on for a group of people you aren’t entirely sure are into horror movies? Hubie Halloween might be just what you’re looking for. This one is all amazingly indulgent Halloween set pieces mixed with a heavy hit of nostalgia from the Happy Madison team. Hubie Halloween is all about the sentimentality of the Halloween season, as portrayed by Adam Sandler and all his favorite actors from SNL and his many movies. It’s sweet, silly and brings all the spooky vibes without you needing to send an apology text to the more sensitive members of your party. Check it out!
Best for: Anyone wanting all the treats with none of the tricks.
Gore Rating: 1 out of 5
Scare Rating: 1 out of 5
Availability: Streaming on Netflix or rent/buy on favorite platform
More Gore Por Favor!: Evil Dead (2013)
Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead franchise is one of the most beloved series among horror fans. They were always considered precious. So, when Fede Alvarez–an unknown director who had only done shorts before this–announced he would be helming an all-new installment of Evil Dead, horror fans around the world crossed their arms and stomped their feet in defiance. However, that all changed when the movie came out and the rumblings started. This movie is a non-stop gorefest in an amazing way. If you and your friends are into over-the-top effects and watching movies through your fingers, you need to put this one on your list. It still holds the title of most blood ever used in a movie–with 50,000 gallons of fake blood just in the final climactic scene!
Best for: Your horror crew, the people in your life who crave a good jolt, and the person that keeps reaching for the Texas Pete® Hotter Hot Sauce.
Gore Rating: 5 out of 5
Scare Rating: 4 out of 5
Availability: Streaming on Hulu, or rent/buy on favorite platform
Sleep is Overrated: The Conjuring
“What’s a good scary movie?” is a nearly impossible question to answer universally. Everyone has different fears and different opinions on what makes certain movies scary. There are, however, a few movies that most people can at least agree and celebrate as having created an atmosphere of dread for even the most seasoned horror fans to appreciate. The Conjuring is usually on that list. This movie gets under your skin. There are a few token jump scares, but the things that make this film transcend many other horror movies are the timing, the sinister ambiance, and the actors’ performances. It is all orchestrated well, and creates a truly memorable horror experience. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, then buckle up!
Best for: Anyone up for a good scare that might have you checking behind doors and leaving lights on for the foreseeable future.
Gore Rating: 3 out of 5
Scare Rating: 5 out of 5
Availability: Streaming on Max, or rent/buy on favorite platform
Well, there are a few good options to help you plan your next spooky showing. Whether it’s a costume party or a low-key chill with those you love, this is the season to put on something fun and enjoy being together. Texas Pete Popcorn was designed for these moments, so be sure to have plenty on hand. Our popcorn pairs perfectly with the season and, as a bonus, no pumpkins were harmed in its making. Happy Halloween, everyone!