Now that trick-or-treating is not an option, at least for most of us, one feels inclined to make a wise decision when deciding how to spend Halloween night. To all who are going to party and raise other kinds of hell this Halloween, I say party on, since a monster hangover is pretty scary in itself. But for all of those who choose to spend Halloween in the comforts of home, the video store might be a good destination. Here are some recommended videos that are scary, thrilling or just all-around fun.

In your head

Now that trick-or-treating is not an option, at least for most of us, one feels inclined to make a wise decision when deciding how to spend Halloween night. To all who are going to party and raise other kinds of hell this Halloween, I say party on, since a monster hangover is pretty scary in itself. But for all of those who choose to spend Halloween in the comforts of home, the video store might be a good destination. Here are some recommended videos that are scary, thrilling or just all-around fun.

In your head

Nightmare on Elm Street

First appearing in 1984, Freddy Krueger was almost impossible to hide from as a kid. You can?t escape from the burn-faced Freddy?s claws, because he lives in your dreams. Here we learn that you?re not safe in your sleep and you may pay for your ancestors? mistakes. Oh, and don?t buy that red-striped sweater.

Candyman

Yes, Clive Barker?s “Candyman” is scary. Some may dismiss “Candyman” as just being horror-genre affirmative action, but get it straight or else you could get hooked. He is the real deal, blood, guts and all. Just say his name five times into a mirror and he will appear. Here?s a hint: he?s the guy wearing a long raincoat with a bloodstained hook.

In your home

The Exorcist

This film is not as scary as its reputation, but it has definitely scarred enough people from the 70s to earn classic status. I give it credit for setting the standard in portraying a wretchedly possessed human being. Most aspects of this film make me want to puke, and that?s why I cannot deny it. Vomit isn?t blood, but it?s still pretty gross. I recommend the uncut version.

The Sixth Sense

It?s hard to believe a movie can be so heartfelt, make so much money, star Bruce Willis and still be one of the scariest movies in recent memory. The boy sees dead people. What else is there to say?

It came from outer space

Aliens

The first one may be more of a horror movie, but this sequel offers more action. When Lt. Ellen Ripley encounters hordes of acid-blooded aliens 57 years after her first experience with one, she takes no prisoners. As the aliens keep coming, the thrills grow more intense; more aliens mean more guns, more casualties and more bad ass action.

Event Horizon

When Laurence Fishburne leads a rescue crew that investigates an abandoned space ship, they find a machine that just may be the gateway to hell. The machine knows your past and your fears, and will wreak havoc on whoever comes upon it. This is amongst the most disturbing horror films I have ever seen, and I can?t help but speculate that a team of monkeys was brought in around the clock to think up how to make the film more gory.

That time of year

Halloween

John Carpenter?s classic film has been hailed by some as the best B-movie of all time. Michael Myers escapes from the mental institution where he has been held for 15 years to stalk a babysitter played by Jamie Lee Curtis. He carries a butcher knife, he doesn?t make a sound and you can?t see his eyes.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

No blood, no guts, just clay. After Jack Skellington the “Pumpkin King” grows bored of being the ruler of Halloween, he decides to try his hand at Christmas. This musical is probably too weird for children and adults alike, but it?s one-of-a-kind.

Chasing you

Scream

Wes Craven did us a big favor in 1996 when he resurrected the teen horror flick. Not often does a film come along that makes you scream and laugh at the same time. Sure the other two weren?t as good, and the majority of copycat movies in its wake sucked, but at four years old “Scream” is already a classic.

Tremors

“They say there is nothing new underneath the sun. But under the ground?” So goes the tagline for the greatest movie ever made about large worm-like monsters that inflict terror from underground. I?m convinced to this day that these creatures exist. I am also convinced that Kevin Bacon?s performance in the film is his best, next to his role in “Animal House.”

On the lighter side

Scary Movie

It didn?t take long for the Wayans brothers to poke fun at contemporary horror films. Their horror spoof takes shots at films such as “Scream,” I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “The Blair Witch Project.” The movie is shamelessly stupid and impossible not to laugh at.

Jack Frost

“He?s chillin? and killin?.” Yes, I am referring to that videocassette with the hologram cover of a snowman with sharp fangs and green eyes. Eventually there had to be a movie about a killer snowman, and this one is executed with class. He gets freaky-deaky with his carrot, if you know what I mean.