4 iconic Canadian films to keep you up at night this Halloween

A spooky Canadian Halloween awaits for you on your TV screen

By: Alisha Shaikh

With Halloween approaching, let the horror-movie-bingeing begin. With so many great scary movies to watch, it may be hard to choose which one to start with. Here are a few iconic Canadian Halloween films to make your doom-scrolling a bit easier.

The Witch (2015)

Directed by Robert Eggers and starring Anya Taylor-Joy, The Witch is one of Canada’s most iconic horror films, earning more than $40 million USD at box office. Although The Witch is an international co-production between the United States and Canada, it is primarily shot in Southern Ontario.

The movie does a spectacular job of building suspense and engaging its audience. Max Weiss, a film critic for Baltimore Magazine, reviewed this film as a “more slow burn than an edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it builds steadily to its dreadful and earned conclusion.”

The story follows a farmer and his family in New England in 1630, whose life is filled with fear and despair when their youngest son mysteriously disappears. The oldest daughter (Anya Taylor-Joy) is blamed for her brother's death, which leads the family to drown in chaos. As their paranoia grows, suspicion of witchcraft is suspected, putting the clan's faith, loyalty and love for one another to the test. Although The Witch was released in 2015, it’s still a perfect movie to get you in the spooky Halloween mood. The movie has a score of 90 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Changeling (1980)

The Changeling is a classic Canadian-produced supernatural, psychological horror film that won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Screenplay. It was directed by Peter Medak and released in 1980, starring George C. Scott. The plot centers on composer John Russell, who is on vacation with his family when his wife and daughter are killed in a car accident. Russell, devastated by his loss and unable to cope, relocates to New York City in a massive, remote mansion. Soon after, Russell starts to feel the presence of a young boy who drowned in the bathtub of his new home. The film leads to uncovering the spine-chilling secrets of the boy's death and the mansion itself. The film left many feeling scared and terrified, which earns it a spot on this iconic Canadian Halloween movie list.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Ginger Snaps, set and filmed in Ontario, is an iconic dark and gothic Canadian film. If you’re a horror movie fan with a love for werewolves, this is a must-watch. It was directed by John Fawcett, and it stars Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins, all three of whom are Canadian. It’s also highly acclaimed by moviegoers and critics alike, with a 90 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes

The story follows two outcasted sisters obsessed with death. As they attempt to deal with the unfortunate consequences placed upon them, one is bitten by a deadly werewolf. Watch how these sisters' lives unravel with the actions they must take in order to prevent chaos. With plenty of plot twists, desire and murder, this modern classic has something for everyone.

Videodrome (1983)

A classic from the '80s, Videodrome is a movie housing a myriad of genres from horror to sci-fi to gore. Canadian David Cronenberg directed the film, which starred American James Woods. Videodrome is set in Toronto during the early 1980s and is produced by Telefilm Canada. The film centers on the CEO of a small television station in Toronto as he discovers a broadcast signal of odd movements. As he determines the origin of the signal, a strange mind-control conspiracy begins to unravel.

Videodrome was released in 1983 and was a raging success, earning more than $2 million USD at the box office. Brian Eggert, a veteran film critic for Deep Focus Review, reviewed it saying, “films like this rouse powerful reactions to their extreme metaphors and violent imagery; but then, there has never been a film quite like this one.”

Along with these four must-watch scary movies, there are so many more great Canadian horror films out there. This list is a great way to start your Halloween movie marathon!

Iconic movie and TV characters played by Canadians to recreate this Halloween

If you haven't picked your Halloween costume for this year yet, here’s a list of characters notorious for their unique style.

By: Anna Maria Moubayed

(Abby Grant / CanCulture)

(Abby Grant / CanCulture)

As Halloween slowly begins to approach, many people go through their existing wardrobe to put together a fun costume, while others start hunting for costume ideas and clothing pieces. Either way, you’re in luck! This article has a list of Canadian actors from movies and TV shows, with roles that put them on the map.

1. Catherine O’Hara

This Canadian actress, comedian, and writer was a central character in the classic holiday film Home Alone. All you need to be Kevin’s mom is a beige coat, a white shirt, a scarf to protect you from the winter cold, a pair of gold earrings, and a worried look on your face. Walk around town looking for your son, screaming “Kevin!” and people are sure to recognize you as one of the best movie moms of all time.

Alternatively, grab whatever obnoxious item you can find around the house and turn it into “designer clothing” to fully embody O’Hara’s famous Moira Rose character from the Canadian TV show Schitt's Creek. This can span anywhere from a tablecloth with a belt to your pet as a headpiece. Of course, pay close attention to the wig you choose to match the outfit and your mood. Most importantly, don’t forget the red lipstick.

2. Eugene Levy

If you want to have a cute couple’s costume, here’s an idea: Moira’s character is only complete with her husband, Johnny Rose, who was played by Canadian actor, comedian, producer, director and writer Eugene Levy. Put on your best suit, borrow your dad’s best handkerchief and add some flour into your hair to get that iconic “silver fox” look. Now all you have to do is buy a town for your son.

3. Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry is a Canadian-American actor, executive producer, and comedian. He is best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the TV series Friends. Practice your jokes, sarcastic remarks, and stressing the wrong words in a sentence. All you need for his look is a shirt, your dad’s vest, and maybe a funky tie.

4. Jim Carrey

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The famous actor, comedian, writer, and producer is known for his energetic performances, making sure you’ll be the life of the party. With his long list of movie and TV show characters, you have many options. Let’s focus on three movie characters that would make great Halloween costumes.

Stanley Ipkiss, his character from The Mask will require you to drink a lot of coffee to match his energy. Other than that, all you will need is a green mask or face paint and a dashing yellow suit.

Be your natural self dressing up as Lloyd Christmas, Carrey’s character from the movie Dumb and Dumber. Wear your most comfortable clothes, get the bowl cut, and add in a tooth gap. All that’s left is your partner in crime and your dog-shaped mode of transportation.

Alternatively, grab your craziest pair of pants, along with your craziest shirt, and maybe a fluffy pink tutu to replicate another one of his famous characters: Ace Ventura from the movie Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Perhaps the most important part of this costume will be getting the hair just right, so make sure you stock up on a lot of hair gel.

5. Sandra Oh

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Get ready to show off all your high school biology knowledge! Oh’s famous character, Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy will not only be a killer Halloween costume but also highly effective as a COVID-19 safety measure. Incorporate a medical mask into your costume to stay safe.

You can also dress as her helpful principal character from The Princess Diaries or a badass teacher from Ramona and Beezus. Grab a nice shirt and a matching pencil skirt, and get ready to deal with princess drama or make a troubled little very happy.

6. Ryan Gosling

Polish up your dance routine, make sure to practice your jazz pieces on the piano, and put on your best suit and tie set to be Ryan Gosling’s famous character Sebastian "Seb" Wilder from La La Land. Let your friends know that you might break out in song at any moment and they should consider themselves warned. See if you can borrow a pair of tap shoes to complete the look.

7. Christopher Plummer

This legendary Canadian actor had a career that spanned seven decades. Who wouldn’t want to be him? His iconic role in the classic movie The Sound of Music portrayed the strict, yet caring and handsome Captain Von Trapp. For this look, you will need a dashing suit, fit for a captain, and either a guitar or a whistle, depending on whether you want to be the strict or caring side of the Captain. Finally, you will need seven children. The latter is usually hard to find, but you could always substitute them with pets, plushies, or potatoes.

8. Rachel McAdams

Grab any pink piece of clothing you own, we’re going shopping! Channel your inner spoiled, popular high schooler by putting together a jarringly pink and undoubtedly uncomfortable outfit. Rachel McAdams’ iconic Regina George character from Mean Girls is sure to make people recognize who you’re dressed up as instantly. This evil genius not only bossed the crew around but wreaked havoc when things didn’t go according to her plan. Get ready for the “spring fling” like it’s your Olympics. Have you started training yet?

9. Michael J. Fox

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Maybe the future will get better? It is no secret that the Back to the Future movies are staples in movie history. Become Michael J. Fox’s legendary character Marty McFly and get ready to travel. All you need is a pair of jeans, some layered shirts, a confused look on your face, possibly your passport and proof of vaccination to be able to travel, and a puffy vest to top it all off; the perfect outfit for a Canadian fall.

10. Tommy Chong

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Tommy Chong’s character Leo from That 70s Show is possibly the perfect Halloween costume. Grow out your hair and beard and find a ’70s closet you can invade. You will need a lot of denim clothing. Truly let your weird side shine with this character. Share your hippie-era stoner wisdom with the people around you, and the worthy will listen.

These classic characters make for great Halloween costumes. Whether you have all the time in the world to put together the perfect outfit or you want to use what you already have and create a last-minute costume, these characters will get you recognized by all trick-or-treaters. Don’t be scared of modifying these costumes to fit your style, comfort, and our Canadian weather. Happy Halloween!

Canadian horror movies to watch this Halloween

By Alya Stationwala

Spooky season is finally here! If you’re looking for something to watch in the dark, look no further. While Freddy Krueger and Michael Meyers may be wandering the streets of the U.S., here are some purely Canadian features that will have you begging for a Timmies Double Double to keep you from having nightmares. From getting lost in the snowy landscape of Banff National Park or getting mauled by a deranged miner, here are our top Canadian horror picks.

Summer of ‘84 (2018)

Image courtesy Summer of ‘84 Official Trailer via Move Trailers Source on YouTube

Image courtesy Summer of ‘84 Official Trailer via Move Trailers Source on YouTube

A serial killer story from the Montreal-based directorial trio RKSS (Francois Simrad, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell), Summer of ’84 follows a Stranger Things season 2-esque cast in their attempt to uncover the person behind the mass killings in their area. Heavily vulgar, this coming-of-age story successfully leaves you in suspense, especially in the highly climactic third act. With a slower pace than most horror movies, this Canadian feature focuses in on the mystery more than the fear in a distorted and dirty Goonies -like homage.

Ghostkeeper (1981)

Vide courtesy PassionHorreur via YouTube

Essentially a Canadian tourism ad, Ghostkeeper follows stranded snowmobilers facing a mysterious creature found in the abandoned hotel they stay in to keep warm. Based on the Indigenous legend of the Wendigo, a flesh-eating monster, the movie promises a creature-feature but ends up being more of a suspenseful ‘lost in the snowy wilderness’ story like The Shining. Filmed in Banff with an ever-changing script, it’s a slow burner but nevertheless a truly Canadian suspense story featuring Hudson’s Bay coats and endless snowy landscapes.

Pontypool (2008)

Image courtesy Grant Mazzy’s Monologue via Joseph K on YouTube

Image courtesy Grant Mazzy’s Monologue via Joseph K on YouTube

Taking place almost entirely in the confined space of a radio studio, this Ontario zombie flick is definitely different. A normal work day for radio host Grant turns sour when he gets a call about a mass virus spreading across the downtown area in his small town. Turns out the cause is the English language. Possibly an Anglo-Saxon vs. French Canadian satire, this oddly funny zombie apocalypse never really shows the creatures but does show native English speakers struggling to remember the French language.

Cube (1997)

Video courtesy TheTrailersofHorror via YouTube

Now a cult classic with multiple sequels under the same name, Cube is an escape room set in a claustrophobic maze. Riddled with motion censored traps, several strangers are stuck in the confined spaces of a box, 26 rooms by 26 rooms, where they have to help each other and use their strengths to figure out what’s going on and how to get out. If you have a fear of tight spaces, you might want to stay away from this movie by American-Canadian director Vincenzo Natali.

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Image courtesy My Bloody Valentine Trailer via Pyrkenstein on YouTube

Image courtesy My Bloody Valentine Trailer via Pyrkenstein on YouTube

This Canadian slasher by George Mihalka tells the story of the town of Valentine Bluff that faced a serial killer that murdered a mass group of young people during a Valentine’s Day dance 20 years prior to the film’s setting. Now, with a fresh batch of teenagers who only know that story as a local legend, another Valentine’s Day dance is underway, and the gas-masked killer is back. My Bloody Valentine is a classic small-town murder movie with police cover ups and rowdy teens, but where this movie earns its horror fame is in the killings: a guy getting cooked into hot dogs, and a woman becoming part of a shower system — this horror movie is shockingly inventive when it comes to gore.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

Video courtesy ScreamFactoryTV via YouTube

A coming of age, puberty metaphor shaped into a werewolf horror flick, this Canadian feature directed by John Fawcett did what Megan Fox did in Jennifer’s Body before she ever put on that short school-girl skirt. Pinning two very close siblings against each other when one starts kidnapping dogs and having unprotected sex, this sister-versus-sister creature feature has all the angry teenage fighting, paired with oblivious parents to the crazy shenanigans going on, to make a movie filled with screams, blood, and fun.

The Changeling (1980)

Image courtesy The Changeling Official Severin Films Trailer via SeverinFilmsOfficial on YouTube

Image courtesy The Changeling Official Severin Films Trailer via SeverinFilmsOfficial on YouTube

In this haunted house-poltergeist scenario mixed with Ghost Whisperer-like aspects, such as helping the dead move on, a widowed composer (John Russell) ends up in a secluded Victorian mansion to try and get his life back together after a car accident that killed his wife and daughter. When cupboards start opening and things start moving around by themselves, he discovers the ghost of a young boy that is seeking help to figure out how exactly he died in the house. John delves into an investigation on the boy, and the more he finds out, the darker things turn. If you’re looking for the origin of the famous horror scene of an object (usually a ball) bouncing slowly down the stairs only to land at the feet of the person watching, this is your movie.

Videodrome (1983)

Image courtesy Videodrome Original Theatrical Trailer (Universal Pictures)

Image courtesy Videodrome Original Theatrical Trailer (Universal Pictures)

Of course, you can’t have a top Canadian horror movies list without including famous Canadian director David Cronenberg. Three years before he made his famously disgusting The Fly starring Jeff Goldblum, he made Videodrome, a horror story that pushes the limits of reality television. When Max Renn (James Woods) finds a broadcast of pure sex and brutality, he begins to face a mind-altering reality created by the subliminal messages of the show, controlling hallucinations and the blending of what is real and what is not. Paired with Canadian Howard Shore’s unnerving score, the movie questions television viewership on a whole new level.

Les Affamés (2017)

Image courtesy Les Affamés Trailer via Cine maldito on YouTube

Image courtesy Les Affamés Trailer via Cine maldito on YouTube

Directed by Robin Aubert, this Quebecois horror film and TIFF selection in 2017 is a classic zombie apocalypse story with a slight twist. While still having the traditional unlikely group of survivors bonding and people-eating zombies caused by a virus plot, Aubert adds in a little mystery. His zombies gather mounds of toys, furniture, appliances and other pre-zombie items from their past to look at and feel pain when injured. How the virus spreads and why they do this weird ritual is never really explained. Rather than going into the build up of an outbreak, Les Affamés places viewers in the middle of the action to enjoy all the zombie goodness straight from the beginning.