A lot of things will be different on Halloween 2020 because of the global pandemic, but the longstanding tradition of horror films is here to stay because of how imperative it is to the Halloween experience.

“I like the whole culture that we make about them,” Colorado Mesa University (CMU) freshman Dane Campbell said. “I like how we all come together and try to get scared during this time of the month. I think it’s really neat, and movies are a really good way to express that and show it to other people.”

Although it may not be safe to share much during a pandemic, it goes without saying that (safely) sharing the experience of a horror movie together is what truly matters this Halloween.

“When you’re watching something on film, you’re all experiencing the same thing, so if we can put a scary experience on film, it adds to the aura of Halloween,” Campbell said.

Going onto Netflix or Hulu to find the right horror film can be a daunting task considering the mass of mediocre horror movies, which is why CMU students have their go-to movies.

“I’ve always liked [Texas Chainsaw Massacre] since I was a kid,” CMU freshman Landon Barkat said. “I even remember in fourth grade, we carved pumpkins in class, and mine had a little chainsaw. It’s a good movie. A lotta gore, a pretty good storyline if you watch the original.”

Considering the classic gore that may not be for everyone in Texas Chainsaw Massacre, there are many other spooky flicks to pick from.

“If you want to try something different, something original and creative, with the way it scares you, I think Hereditary is a good film,” Campbell said. “It’s original in the way it scares me. It really goes outside of the lines of normal Hollywood standards of what a horror movie should be.”

With a variety of options, its longstanding tradition and practicality during the pandemic, horror films are likely to be the saving grace this season for CMU’s spook-driven student body.