Normally, I put together a list of all the horror, science fiction and fantasy films that are being shown on and around Halloween. It is an enormous list, tallying in excess of 400 films. One of the first places to find a schedule for Halloween is Turner Classic Movies. Their website normally carries at least three months’ worth of programming.

When I examined the last days of October, I noticed that Turner was showing signs of celebrating Halloween all month long! Aside from their traditional marathon of horror films on Halloween, which is on a Tuesday this year, Turner Classics has designated Dracula as the “Monster of the Month”, and will be holding “Classic Horror” nights, two nights of George Pal fantasy and science fiction films and another monster marathon on Friday the 13th. These events total over 110 different films.

At the end of this article, there is a complete list of the month’s movies. But, before that, I’d like to hit some highlights and direct those interested to some of the better films being shown. Believe me, I have a great deal of respect for the folks at Turner. Picking the best films from this list is a bit ridiculous because nearly all are amazing examples of the genres. So, this is kind of a “best of the best”.

Another note: many of the classics, like Psycho, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Dracula, and so on, are being shown as well. It is rather obvious that these films are worth the time and trouble to see, given the quality of other alternatives. The ten recommended films are ones that you will not see as easily, or films that you may have only heard of, but had little opportunity to view. Sadly, many of these films are being shown when nearly everyone is asleep. Make sure that your DVR is properly programmed to capture these and other great films for the month of October.

Do try to see “Eraserhead,” “A Clockwork Orange” and “Carnival of Souls.” Did I say that?

All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Brainstorm (16 October at 9:45 am)

From 1983, scientists create a machine that allows the experiences of a person to be recorded and transmitted into another person. It sounds like a cheesy 80’s sci-fi. Ignore all that. Stellar performances by Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood, Louise Fletcher and Cliff Robertson makes this worth the watch.

Eyes Without a Face (23 October at 2:30 am)

From France, 1960, a doctor tries to find a way to cure the disfigured face of his daughter, by any means necessary. Marketed in the US as “The Horrible Dr. Hitchcock,” the subtitled version is far more atmospheric and creepy.

Kwaidan (23 October at 3:45 am)

From Japan, 1960, one of five Japanese Ghost films being shown during the month. Four ghost stories taken from Japanese Folklore are put into this film. Nominated from Best Foreign Film in 1966. The Academy gets it sooner or later.

The Seventh Victim (11 October at 2 am)

From 1943, a Satanic cult is running around Greenwich Village and a woman is searching for her sister, who has disappeared. A great example of Film Noir, this story keeps you guessing to the very end. Sometimes unsettling, which is rare for a film for that period.

The Puppetoon Movie (11 October at 10 pm & October 13 at 4:30 am)

A documentary from 1987 about the stop-motion short films by filmmaker George Pal. Includes classics like “Tubby the Tuba,” as well as early images of Gumby and Pokey. Pal won a number of Academy Awards for these shorts. Any student of animation will find this film to be eye-opening. A personal favorite.

The Brood (29 October at 2 am)

David Cronenberg’s 1979 masterpiece about a woman (Samatha Eggar) and the violent children that she bears as part of her therapy. Cronenberg was at the top of his form for this one.

Diary of a Madman (24 October at 10 pm)

A 1963 Vincent Price vehicle. Price plays a journalist covering an execution for a murderer. The evil spirit that inhabited the killer transfers to Vincent, who begins to murder just as the man he watched hung.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (28 October at 9 am)

The classic 1962 film about the decline of a child star and her relationship with her sister is a staple for Halloween. Legend had it that Bette Davis and Joan Crawford hated each other and filming was difficult. This feud may have spilled over into the filming.

Rasputin, the Mad Monk (26 October at 5:30 am)

A 1966 Hammer release, that I have yet to see. Christopher Lee plays the title role. My feeling is that this will possibly become a guilty pleasure, as the trailer looks like there was a lot of scenery chewing in the film. Could be “over the top.”

The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (13 October at 12:30 am)

A 1964 George Pal fantasy, the Circus of Dr. Lao comes to a western town, bringing with it the mysteries of the world. Tony Randall plays all seven “faces” incredibly and there is wonderful stop-motion animation, that ranges from a little fish in a bowl to the Loch Ness Monster.

Do your level best to see as many of these films during the month of October. With the quality and the quantity of material to be viewed, many of you will be able further your education in the genres of horror, science fiction and fantasy. There are ten films on this list that I haven’t seen. Believe me, I will try to see all of them. I will also revisit some old friends that I haven’t seen in a while.

Enjoy!

Here’s the list!