It’s Halloween, which means we’re talking about the horror movies we HAVE to watch every October.

In this Halloween special of Slasher & the Final Girls, we’re breaking from our usual horror movie deep dives to share some of the films that have become part of our personal Halloween traditions, from House of 1000 Corpses and Trick ’r Treat to Final Destination and Haunt.

Nikki brings the CSI and death investigation perspective to House of 1000 Corpses and Trick ’r Treat, including vivisection, postmortem dismemberment, and whether a cause of death can still be determined from dismembered remains. Austin revisits the glorious chaos of Final Destination, the horror of Death itself as an unstoppable villain, and why forensic details can make or break a movie for a former CSI.

Courtney takes us inside the psychology of Haunt, where an extreme haunted house turns very, very real. We’re talking anticipatory anxiety, the fear that comes from surrendering control, and why haunted attractions become so terrifying when the unspoken agreement between performer and participant is broken.

Then we head to the After Party for paired snacks and drinks, and one question every horror fan has an answer to: What’s your horror movie sweet spot, and what’s your absolute deal-breaker?

Whether you love slashers, psychological horror, horror comedy, gore, creature features, elevated horror, camp, or a little bit of everything, consider this our love letter to Halloween viewing.

Grab the candy, turn down the lights, and tell us: What horror movie do you HAVE to watch every Halloween?