Fright Favorites: 31 Movies to Haunt Your Halloween and Beyond

Turner Classic Movies

by David J. Skal

Turner Classic Movies presents a collection of monster greats, modern and classic horror, and family-friendly cinematic treats that capture the spirit of Halloween, complete with reviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and iconic images.

Halloween Favorites spotlights 31 essential Halloween-time films, their associated sequels and remakes, and recommendations to expand your seasonal repertoire based on your favorites. Featured titles:


Nosferatu (1922)
Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Dracula (1931)
Frankenstein (1931)
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1931)
The Mummy (1933)
Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933)
The Wolf Man (1941)
Cat People (1942)
Them (1953)
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
Horror of Dracula (1958)
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
The Birds (1963)
Black Sunday (1960)
Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
The Haunting (1963)
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
The Exorcist (1972)
Young Frankenstein (1976)
Halloween (1978)
The Shining (1980)
The Thing (1982)
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Beetlejuice (1988)
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Scream (1996)
Get Out (2017)

Genres: Horror, Nonfiction, Film, Halloween, Media Tie In, Pop Culture, History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

David J. Skal became fascinated with monsters at the height of the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when indestructible monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man provided a "nuclear security blanket" for a whole generation of youngsters.

Active as an editor and reporter on his high school newspaper, he was granted a journalism scholarship to Ohio University, Athens, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1974. His work as film critic, arts reporter, arts editor and assistant managing editor of the Ohio University Post, one of the country's leading college papers,led to his three-season appointment as publicity director of the University-operated Monomoy Theatre on Cape Cod. Following his graduation, he served as a public affairs intern in the office of National Endowment for the Arts chairman Nancy Hanks, and went on to the position of Publicity Director at the Hartford Stage Company, where he oversaw all media relations while the regional company fund-raised, built and opened a major new facility in downtown Hartford. In 1978, he was staff writer for the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, with responsibility for the content of all printed materials. From 1979-1982 he was Publications Director of Theatre Communications Group, a national service organization in New York City. From 1982 to 1992 he was president and creative director of David J. Skal Associates, Inc. (later Visual Cortex Ltd.), a Manhattan-based, nationally oriented design and marketing consultancy with clients ranging from the Metroplitan Opera to regional theatre, dance and music organizations.

A published writer of short fiction since his early college years (he was one of the youngest students ever admitted to the celebrated Clarion Writers Workshop in fantasy and science fiction), he authored three well-received science fiction novels: SCAVENGERS (1980), WHEN WE WERE GOOD (1981) and ANTIBODIES (1987). His long-standing interest in Dracula and his extensive contacts in the theatre world led to his first nonfiction book, HOLLYWOOD GOTHIC: THE TANGLED WEB OF DRACULA FROM NOVEL TO STAGE TO SCREEN (1990), followed by THE MONSTER SHOW: A CULTURAL HISTORY OF HORROR (1993). Many other books followed, including V IS FOR VAMPIRE (1995); DARK CARNIVAL: THE SECRET WORLD OF TOD BROWNING (1995,with Elias Savada); the Norton Critical Edition of Bram Stoker's DRACULA (1996, co-edited with Nina Auerbach); SCREAMS OF REASON: MAD SCIENCE AND MODERN CULTURE(1997); and the monumental anthology VAMPIRES: ENCOUNTERS WITH THE UNDEAD (2001, the largest such illustrated/annotated compendium ever published.

Skal began his work as a documentary filmmaker writing and co-producing segments for the A&E Network's award-winning series "Biography," and contributed scripts chronicling the lives and careers of Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr. and Angela Lansbury (with whom he had worked during his theatre career). In 1999, he wrote, co-produced and co-directed a behind-the-scenes chronicle of the Academy Award-winning film GODS AND MONSTERS. The same year, he was tapped by Universal Studios Home Video for a series of twelve original DVD documentaries exploring the legacies of the studio's classic horror and science fiction films. His DVD work has continued with Disney Home Video's "Jules Verne and Walt Disney: Explorers of the Imagination" (2003) and the feature commentary for Warner Home Video's special-edition release of Tod Browning's FREAKS (2004).

His current projects include CITIZEN CLONE: THE MORPHING OF AMERICA (Faber and Faber, 2005)and CLAUDE RAINS: AN ACTOR'S VOICE, a biography based on the acclaimed character actor's never-published reminiscences, written in collaboration with the actor's daughter, Jessica Rains.

David Skal is a member of the Authors Guild. He lives and writes in Glendale, California.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every year, I say "Next year, I'll try to read/watch more Horror for Halloween!" It never seems to work out, and this Halloween season has been especially bad, since I'm finding it so hard to concentrate on Fiction lately. I am, however, very glad that I picked up this book after seeing it advertised on TCM. I had a blast reading it, and it really perked up my mood and got me in a Halloween state of mind. TCM has been doing a great job of representing Horror every October, and this gorgeous book reaffirms their commitment to cinematic scares. Get in the Halloween spirit and pick up a copy.

[Jim Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the photographs alone, beautifully rendered, the book must have 4-stars!

Of course, one person’s “Greatest Films” is another person’s “They’re Okay.” What did surprise me were the errors and omissions from an acknowledged horror film scholar. I’m not talking about the choice of titles to include (although some perplexed me). No, I’m talking about well-known information that was stated incorrectly or omitted. For instance:

* In the coverage of James Whale’s FRANKENSTEIN, Skal notes that the “monster” destroys its mate before it is even brought to life in the novel. That’s not true. Victor Frankenstein does that. It is the reason for the Creature’s ominous curse, “I’ll be with you on your wedding night!”

* The writer hints that Bela Lugosi refused to play the Creature in FRANKENSTEIN, stating that “he wanted nothing to do with it.” He may have wanted nothing to do with it, but Lugosi (in only his second film for Universal) did not command the power to turn down a role if the studio wanted him to portray it.

* In the coverage of Karl Freund’s THE MUMMY, it is astonishing that not a word was mentioned of how he mentally abused Zita Johann multiple times on the set, a disgraceful occurrence that is mentioned in so many other books.

Granted, the purpose is not to cover these films in depth. The idea is to suggest October-appropriate films to watch, along with “if you liked this one, you may also like” suggestions. Even for the ones that I would not have included, such as HOCUS POCUS (really?!), there were generous images included that whetted my appetite for a film binge.

Being a horror movie fan, there was only one film mentioned that I hadn’t seen. A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT was suggested in the “you may also like” category ... and I did like it when I saw it later that same day on a streaming service. That meant that when I began the book, I had seen 61 of 62 films covered. (Do I need to get a Life?)

There were omissions that frankly amazed me. Absent were THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, THE FOG (by John Carpenter) and THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE (by Tobe Hooper). Also, not a single J-Horror film was included such as THE AUDITION or RINGU. Yes, I understand there are only so many slots to fill, but HEREDITARY and MARK OF THE VAMPIRE made the “you may also like” cut. And I while I share the writer’s admiration of THE MAN WHO LAUGHED, when did that show become categorized as a horror movie?

Oh, well.

FRIGHT FAVORITES is an enjoyable romp (sponsored by TCM) intended more for Monster Kids than those who study film history. If you grew up reading “Famous Monsters of Filmland,” you will feel right at home here.

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reading guide for fans of classic and new horror films. I'm not as well-versed in this genre so I found the insights on Halloween and Hollywood and the context given on each film, especially how it was influenced by its respective era, enlightening. There are 31 films which some might see as limiting but I love how the author pairs each with a bonus recommendation on a similar theme. Makes for some great spooky double bills!

[Jennifer Gallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fright Favorites is a terrific horror movie primer that includes a fascinating preface about the history of Halloween on film starting with the silent era. David Skal’s selections to “haunt your Halloween and beyond” feature some interesting anecdotes and photographs, plus a companion selection for each entry that highlights relatively obscure titles. An essential book especially for those just starting their journey into horror movie history.⁣
⁣

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a perfectly competent coffee-table-book/general overview of the genre...but being a book from TCM, I was hoping for a bit more background and analysis. All it does is whet my appetite for more, although it whets that appetite with considerable aplomb.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fright Favorites is the perfect book for people who like a few horror movies, but don't necessarily consider themselves horror fans. That may change after reading this book, which gives you 31 films (actually 62, if you consider the recommendations accompanying each entry) to explore.

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a horror fanatic like me, then it's OBVIOUS why you need to read this book ✅

[BookishApple · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic review of some of the most beloved horror movies. My favorite part is the suggestions the author has for each of the initial 31 movies. The suggestions are based on a shared theme of each move. This is a fabulous edition to any horror movie fan’s collection.

[Shawna Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned quite a few new things about my favorites and added some new movies to the watchlist

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Launching with a history of Hollywood’s take on Halloween, Skal (Something in the Blood) offers 31 horror flicks to carry readers through the month of October. Skal’s picks are safe but not entirely predictable, skewing toward the black-and-white era (the 1930s yield five selections, whereas only three titles are pulled from the last 30 years)—all of which is understandable, since the book is published under the auspices of TCM. Skal excels at explaining how a horror film becomes a classic. His encapsulation of 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera is a delight—he discusses its production and legacy and explores how the Phantom’s facial disfigurement would have been received by an audience reeling from the atrocities of World War I. Each entry is lavishly illustrated with promotional artwork and production stills, and Skal provides slightly more obscure viewing suggestions (such as pointing Night of the Living Dead fans toward Carnival of Souls).

VERDICT: Skal wrings new life from the undead in this loving tribute to horror cinema. Movie buffs will appreciate his depth of knowledge, and fright fans will treasure this gorgeous look at the ghoulish.

https://www.libraryjournal.com/?revie...

[Jeff McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

David J. Skal, who frequently writes on horror in the media (among other topics) has written an readable review of 31 horror flicks for Halloween..or, really, any time of the year. Beginning with the silent "Phantom of the Opera", and moving thru the Universal Monsters and into Hammer, before ending at "Get Out"...and offerring selections at the end of each chapter for additional viewing.

At 2213 pages..a quick read over a couple of nights...


Jeff McIntosh

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the format of this book. It can be plucked off the shelf for a solid recommendation for spooky season, and there was a range of films to pick from, black and white or color, whichever you prefer. I was disappointed to see on page one, a photograph of Betty Grable was mislabeled as Ann Miller—a serious oversight, considering this was published by Turner Classic Movies.

The summaries of each movie were good, with some behind the scenes trivia and glossy photos that I’d never seen. I loved the fact they were listed in chronological order, too. The book flowed well because of it, and each movie was a defining section if you only have a few minutes to read.

I do have to wonder if the author actually ever saw “Hocus Pocus,” (1993), which is profiled, because he claimed in his summary that the character of Alison (Vinessa Shaw) and her family owned the home of the Sanderson Sisters. That’s not true. She states in the movie that her mother used to run the museum, which used to be the home of the notorious trio. Ownership was never talked about. I’m probably nitpicking, but now I have to wonder how many of the other movie summaries I read about in this book are inaccurate, because I haven’t seen them all.

Overall, this is a great premise and fun, but felt rushed with those errors. I’d probably buy it on clearance, since it’s a good resource, but I’d never buy it at full price. I got it from my local library. Skal’s a better writer than this book makes him out to be, because his biography on Tod Browning, who was notoriously private, is a true page turner.

[Jason Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book, author David J. Skal included 31 movie recommendations for the Halloween season, presumably one for every day in October. Actually, there are 62 movies included, as each one comes with another movie you might also like if you liked the featured one. Keep in mind that these aren't the greatest, best, most influential, or most memorable horror movies; they're "Fright Favorites," and just recommendations at that. The movies included are rather an eclectic mix, and that's the whole point -- something for everyone. (The book is associated with Turner Classic Movies, which may have influenced some of the ones included or omitted.) For me, the movies included were a mix of ones I love, ones I want to see, ones I've never heard of, and ones that I probably wouldn't seek out.

Skal included a synopsis, production notes, commentary, tidbits, and other information for each movie. Some of it was interesting, and some of it was information that I could have done without, but it was informative and well-written. One of my favorite aspects of the book is the photos -- production stills, behind the scene shots, film posters, promotional materials -- a true treasure trove of beautiful and intriguing photos. (I was conflicted between giving the book a 3-star or 4-star rating, but the photos helped bump up my score.) The book goes in chronological order from Nosferatu (1922) to Get Out (2017), showing the evolution of horror movies. It's certainly worth a read for horror fans looking for new movie recommendations or to learn more about some of their favorites.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

-I had to put a witchy rom-com down for a few days as its main character is giving me anxiety.

But forward on to this intriguing fact foray of horror movie's personal favorites. I made very few stops to get up for bathroom breaks to read this book so I know that it kept my attention. This also made me want to search out some of the movies that I have not viewed such as The Curse of Frankenstein, Black Sunday, The Haunting, and others secondarily recommended like The Old Dark House. Though doubtful I will be watching Hereditary (a secondary recommendation) again. Overall, I enjoyed hearing about the actions that were made well creating these films. Also really appreciate that they don't overly laud The Shining even though it is one of the movies in here (Stanley Kubrick is an overrated perfectionist) and mention how Stephen King felt about his book made into the film. Stephen is quoted as saying it is "a great big beautiful Cadillac with no motor inside".😆
But I digress, I see a couple in here I would return to, such as Young Frankenstein. A fun way to learn more about the films you enjoy, as well as ones that you might wish to explore further in the horror genre.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a 2024 softcover edition apparently not listed on Goodreads, in which the movies were cut down from 31 to 27. I picked it up at a Hachette book sale at their Lebanon, IN facility, so perhaps my enjoyment of a different edition would have rated more stars. Looking over Skal's page, the author is an authority on Halloween, Dracula, and other conventions of "spooky" pop culture. The introduction paints this volume as a survey of good Halloween fare, including mild offerings like Beetlejuice and Hocus Pocus alongside less child-friendly movies like Cronenberg's The Fly and John Carpenter's The Thing. Nonetheless, as I read through the book the cultural impact of these films on Halloween or discussion of atmospherics that would make them essential Halloween viewing was replaced by light conversation on sociological impact and worse, promotion for other coffee table books possibly masquerading as scholarly tomes (see Hocus Pocus) or fare on the periphery of the genre. It was an okay read and I learned a couple of facts that I had not read or heard before, and there are good photos throughout the book. Still, a little meh, so I probably won't keep it in my permanent library.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noted film scholar and historian David J. Skal teams up with Turner Classic Movies to present 31 classic horror movies with a short, informative essay from Mr. Skal on each. Actually, 62 movies are presented; for each one of the featured films, Mr. Skal recommends an additional film for the viewer to sample.( You know; if you like “ The Haunting” , try “The Uninvited “.)

I don’t agree with all of the selections ; The exclusion of “Night of the Demon” and the 1973 “The Wicker Man” baffles me, while the inclusion of “Hocus Pocus” and “House on Haunted Hill” makes me want to face palm. That may be the point; it does spark some lively debate among my fellow former monster kids from the 1960s. As always, the TCM format is beautifully laid out, with incredibly high quality reproductions of stills. Mr. Skal’s essays are informative and entertaining as he maintains a light touch without ever becoming condescending.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any book like this, it's enjoyable enough to just sift through. But if you think about it too much, you'll only disappoint yourself when you realize what they did include that you didn't much care for, such as Mystery of the Wax Museum, The House on Haunted Hill, or Hereditary, or that they wrote up the original Friday the 13th as if it were good, or that they included a photo for the movie Cujo that was actually from a much inferior film called Man's Best Friend. And you might also realize some they forgot to mention, like The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), Psycho (1960), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Jaws (1975), The Omen, (1976), Alien (1979), The Howling (1981), Poltergeist (1982), Ghostbusters (1984), Fatal Attraction (1987), Misery (1990), The Silence of the Lambs (1991), Se7en (1995), The Sixth Sense (1999), Cabin in the Woods (2011), The Purge (2013), and It (2017), to name a few.

[Joseph R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This non-comprehensive list provides thirty-one horror films that would make a sort of "daily devotional" for October. The book is published in part by Turner Classic Movies and features films from the silent era (Nosferatu) all the way to the 2010s (Get Out). Each film is described in a few pages, both the plot and the cultural impact, along with pictures from the film and from the production (posters and behind-the-scenes photos). Each film as a sidebar "if you liked this, you might also enjoy...", for example, after discussing Beetlejuice, they recommend Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow.

The descriptions are entertaining, involving stories about the productions that you may or may not have heard before. For movie fans, especially horror fans, this is a fun read. I've seen all the main recommendations except for Mystery of the Wax Museum, Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist, and Hocus Pocus. I guess I have some catching up to do.

Mildly recommended.

[William Brownridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

02 - Fright Favorites

There's no shortage of "best of" books when it comes to horror films, so it needs to offer me something slightly unique to get my attention. Whether it's great art, some cool gimmick, or choices that don't stick to the obvious, it just needs something.

Luckily this manages to have all those elements. With 31 entries, it's perfect as a movie a day guide to the Halloween season. It's got great looking photos and manages to cover every subgenre and decade horror has dragged itself from the graveyard.

While it isn't really going to offer much info on the films, as a companion to a good month long movie marathon, it can't be beat. Each film entry also offers up a sidebar for another film that can fall into the same category, doubling your pleasure and making sure you can dig it out for a second year of frights.

[Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

From David J. Skal, author of the interesting 2001 Halloween analysis Death Makes a Holiday, Fright Favorites is a glossy and colorful list of 31 pieces of horror cinema from a century of film history he prepared for Turner Classic Movies. Discussing how popular culture influenced the celebration of Halloween through the twentieth century, Skal’s summaries and commentary on these classic horror movies from 1922’s Nosferatu to 2017’s Get Out illustrate the influence Hollywood had on Halloween celebrations in the US. Providing in depth facts about the productions of these seminal works, as well as companion films that might appeal to fans of each work, Fright Favorites offers fun facts on film horror history.

I talk about the books I read about Halloween history and popular culture at Harris' Tome Corner.

[Gerald Matzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Halloween approaches, what better book to read than Fright Favorites. It will put you in the mood for the marathon of spooky movies that can be found on cable channels at this time of the year. Thirty-one movies are given a brief review complete with iconic stills from the fright favs. Included are cast lists along with producers and directors and the year of release for each film. It spans movie history from 1922’s Nosferatu to 2017’s Get Out. Each film discussion concludes with a sidebar that begins with the words “If you liked _______ then you will like _______.”
If you enjoy the horror genre, you enjoy reading this book and you will find it to be a handy resource when questions come up about some of the most memorable Fright Favorites in movie history.

[James P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saturdays, when I was a kid, were important (they still are!). In the afternoon, a show on tv featured monster movies. At the time, these were all black and white, early classics.

I was never big on too much gore, and I really didn't like to get too scared (I still don't!), but Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney--and their on-screen personas--fascinated me. And, the styles of the films, with their use of shadow and period sets always intrigued me.

So, finding Fright Favorites reminded me of all that. And, Skal's essays on the various movies he covered featured great photos. Best of all, Skal knows his stuff and his tone remained playful.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My edition is purple so it may vary from this one, but I was unable to add it to the catalog.

This is a deep dive into certain horror titles so there may be spoilers, but it was very interesting to learn some of the behind the scenes facts.

I'd recommended reading this in chunks as it can get a bit tedious reading several entries at one go. I admit I skimmed the spoilery parts of movies I haven't seen and want to.

This will be a great resource to revisit once I see some of the movies in this book. It was more relaxing to read about the movies I'd already seen since I didn't have to worry about spoilers!

The photos are also a great addition.

[Terry Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Skal accomplishes the impressive feat of revisiting a collection of essential horror films, providing photographs not commonly seen, and providing well written mini essays that a reader unfamiliar with the genre can enjoy ... while seasoned fans discover new nuggets of information. A handsomely designed book for your own bookshelf or to give as a gift to the monsters in your family or circle of friends.

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A TCM introduction to 31 seminal horror films with some Hollywood history about Halloween. In addition to the 31 films, there are 31 more "if you like this film, try this one as well." The emphasis (as expected given TCM) is on historically relevant films that have inspired many others. Having most of these films in my collection, I can't argue.

[CA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview of horror film standards. A student of horror won’t really pick up anything new here, but it would be a good introduction for the novice horror film buff. A few lazy mistakes (Freddy’s glove is mentioned having blades on all the fingers, to include the thumb, Nick Castle isn’t mentioned as playing the Shape in Halloween, etc). Excellent pictures, great films highlighted.

[Nancy Helman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent goose bumpy, and informative and fun reading. The author has my favs, but also has my interest on some additional flicks I've not seen yet.
Will do that, as always, with every light in the house on. So delighted he has shined the light on "THEM!" And "THE HAUNTING" still remains Halloween of the Gods...
Bravo.

[Lillian Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my husband right before holloween and he loved it. We even went through and watched many of the movies recommended. This is a great book filled with pictures and narrations which are awesome. A beautiful book to learn about the genre of horror. The author did his homework and it shows!

[BluMoon Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book! I do wish that the author had either done a sequel or at least removed some 20th century books to include more from 2000-2017. The last two movies skip from 1998 to 2017, which nothing in between. But honestly, this was a really awesome pre-Fall read. The book was a good size and the glossy pages contained a ton of imagery. Overall a win!

[Jeanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read for a life long monster/horror lover. Although I have seen many of these films after this book I now have a very good list of films to watch this coming October. Amazing pictures and lots of facts, if you are a huge horror fan you will know most of the info from this book but it’s so beautiful that I am so happy to now have it in my collection.