Now that it’s officially scary season, we’re gearing up for Fashionably Undead, MOPOP’s annual Halloween bash. To help everyone get in the groove, we’ve curated a list of five films from 100+ Horror Films to See Before You Die that relate to this year’s theme, Deep Red Disco, highlighting the 70s Italian horror subgenre Giallo. Haven’t submitted your nomination for 100+ Horror Movies to See Before You Die? Check out the our recent blog post and start thinking of your all-time favorite to nominate.

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1. Psycho (1960)

Considered to be the genesis of all slashers, Psycho pushed boundaries and set the cinematic blueprint for slashings on screen. Hitchcock, known as the master of suspense, also inspired the mysterious ambience of the genre. 

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2. Don't Look Now (1973)

Released amid the Giallo craze in Italy, this UK and Italy co-production takes its own unique spin on Italian mystery with plenty of suspense and gothic atmosphere to spare. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland bring an emotional vulnerability that sets Don't Look Now apart from the often campy and salacious tone of Giallo. 

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3. Suspiria (1977)

From Giallo master Dario Argento, SUSPIRIA takes a supernatural twist on the classic Giallo narrative. Spinning a dreamlike web of suspense and colorful lighting, Argento took the genre to new heights. 

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4. Friday the 13th (1980)

Friday the 13th was one of the first films to bring the Giallo format to the United States, using the device of an unknown killer, over-the-top gore, and borrowing the lakeside setting of Mario Bava’s A Bay of Blood. Following the success of the initial film, the franchise incorporated the iconic masked killer Jason Voorhees, further drawing upon Giallo imagery. 

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5. Scream (1996)

The Scream franchise has continued to carry the legacy of Giallo, with a different gory whodunnit plot featured in each entry. Building upon the American slashers that came before, Scream and its bloodstained twists and turns continue to thrill audiences. 

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Looking for the ultimate films to watch this scary season? Check out MOPOP’s curated list: 100+ Horror Films to See Before You Die and submit your nomination for the 2024 film inductees.
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Still need to make Halloween plans this year? Join us for Fashionably Undead: Deep Red Disco!  

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