picture above courtesy of mashable

So, tomorrow is Halloween and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what to do and how to celebrate it. First let me say, I’m not a big Halloween person myself – although I do love seeing the crazy, ridiculous, scary or cute costumes that people come up with; but now that I have older children, I’ll get to why I said “older” in a minute. They are always pumped about going trick-or-treating or participating in costume contest at school, well my son is that is, my daughter, ehhhh….she’s all about the treat instead of the trick, so I find myself every year, trying to figure out someplace cool for them to go….I mean, just because I’m not a major Halloween fan doesn’t mean that I want them to suffer in the process.

When they were younger, (like some months old, one or two years of age) I didn’t have to worry so much of them looking at me with sad eyes wanting to go trick or treating, Of course I would dress them up when they went to daycare so they can participate in their classes, but doing anything that night was totally out of the question, However; I do remember taking my daughter around in a stroller when she was 1yrs old from house to house getting candy (my mom’s idea). I just put a little mask on her and there we went, from house to house on Halloween getting candy. It felt a little awkward at first as I surely believed everyone thought, a young baby like that was not going to be eating the candy…but the grown woman was. (Probably why I didn’t get that much)

Anyway, it was an okay night but I couldn’t wait to get back home – the things we do for our parents…While that was great, years ago – now that my son and daughter are much older they look forward to doing something “great” on Halloween. Let’s face it, Halloween isn’t like it used to be when I was growing up in which is why the “trunk or treats” have become ever so popular alongside organizations having a big Halloween bash within a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. I have to say I do take notice of those things and do attend but I’m a home body and also enjoy staying indoors. So if you’re not that into trunk or treats or big crowds – maybe you can have your own Halloween gathering safely inside your own home.

One year, I did this and it was awesome! – I rented a couple of scary movies, bought some pizzas, chips, cupcakes, candy bags, drinks and we celebrated Halloween at home. So, if going out and celebrating Halloween is not your thing; then maybe staying indoors will fit the bill. While I won’t be able to help with the party food, I can definitely suggest a couple of scary/thriller movies to rent that will make your Halloween night “indoors” spookier.

Listed below are my recent favorite thrillers in which you and the kids (even their friends) or you and your friends or family can watch to SPOOK the night off.

Annabelle Creation – My Rating 9

She’s back! In Annabelle: Creation, several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a doll maker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home. They soon become the target of the doll maker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.

Wish Upon– My Rating 8

Clare Shannon, a 17-year old, is haunted by the memory of her mother’s suicide. Her father Jonathan, a former musician and compulsive hoarder who dumpster dives as a hobby, finds a Chinese music box and gives it to her as a gift. Clare deciphers one of the numerous inscriptions on the box as “Seven Wishes,” and absent-mindedly wishes for Darcie, her tormentor and school bully, to “rot,” at which point her wish comes true and the girl is admitted into the ICU. That same day, Clare’s dog Max dies in her house’s crawlspace after being eaten alive by rats. Clare realizes that the box grants wishes, but does not realize her wishes come with consequences.

Don’t Breathe – My Rating 9

Three young thieves fight for their lives after breaking into the home of a blind man who has a dark side and isn’t so helpless as he seems.

Get Out – My Rating 10

It’s time for a young African American to meet with his white girlfriend’s parents for a weekend in their secluded estate in the woods, but before long, the friendly and polite ambience will give way to a nightmare.

Lights Out – My Rating 8.5

Rebecca must unlock the terror behind her little brother’s experiences that once tested her sanity, bringing her face to face with an entity attached to their mother a dark spirit by the name of Diana.

The Boy – My Rating 8

An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.

Dead Silence – My Rating 8.5

A young widower returns to his hometown to search for answers to his wife’s murder, which may be linked to the ghost of a murdered ventriloquist.

***    ****   ***

And that’s it, those are my top faves. I hope this post was helpful to you and provided some great choices for picking out a movie for Halloween, most of these movies can be found at your local redbox – in which makes the night even more affordable. I wish you and yours a very good Halloween and if you have a scary movie that you enjoy, let me know in the comments – I would love to watch it!!

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

Let’s Live Well, Laugh Loud, Love Hard & Inspire Often!