Scary Movie and Wine Pairings

Halloween is around the corner. It’s getting colder; the leaves are changing color; it’s the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, a glass of wine, turn off all the lights, and scare yourself silly with horror movies. Whether you’re watching scary movies alone (who are you?!), watching them with friends, or preparing for a Halloween party, we’re here to help with these haunting pairings. We’ve paired horror films, some classic and some newer, with wines of the same vintages as the movies' release dates. From vampires and werewolves to ghosts and zombies, all creepy creatures are going to want to try these pairings. Cheers! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Dracula (1958) From Dracula to Interview with a Vampire to Twilight, vampires have existed in the supernatural (and teenage romance) world seemingly forever and will continue to thrive for years to come. Whatever Dracula adaptation you choose to sink your teeth into this Halloween, you must pop a bottle of a deep, blood-like red. If you’re watching the 1958 film, we recommend a glass of 1958 Cantina Bartolo Mascarello Barolo Nebbiolo . 2. Psycho (1960) “A boy’s best friend is his mother.” This line from one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most well-known films will send chills down your spine. Norman Bates and his mother will have you terrified to take a shower for weeks. Settle into the Bates Motel and share a bottle of 1960 Cockburn's Vintage Port Blend with your mother. 3. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) Based on Ira Levin’s 1967 horror novel, this classic is a staple of the thriller genre. A film that includes psychological suspense, satanic cults, and demon babies, Rosemary’s Baby qualifies as a disturbing film perfect to watch as a group. Grab your friends and hold them close while you sip on a 1968 R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend . 4. The Exorcist (1973) Do you enjoy horror films based on demonic possession? Well, this head-spinning tale of a young girl, her worried mother, two priests and a nasty demon is one you must watch. It’s a Halloween classic that you can’t pass up. Sip on a class of 1973 D'Oliveiras Vintage Madeira Verdelho and prepare yourself for the final scene. 5. The Omen (1976) Rosemary’s Baby all grown up? Not necessarily, but this movie focuses on a small child that is the Antichrist. Can you get any creepier than that? Follow young Damien as his parents learn more and more about their mysterious child. Make sure to have a bottle of 1976 Château Gilette Crème de Tête Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend – a light blend for when the movie gets a little too heavy. 6. Halloween (1978) We’re not talking about the new Halloween remake released in 2018. We’re talking about the original story of Michael Meyers staring a young Jamie Lee Curtis. It’s only fitting to watch one of the most popular scary movies that is appropriately titled and perfect to watch on Halloween itself. We think you should pass around a bottle of 1978 Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend and sit back and count the amount of times Michael should have died but always comes out unscathed. 7. The Shining (1980) "Heeere's Johnny!" If you’re looking for a duo costume this Halloween, a popular option is the twins from this goosebumps raising movie. Or you can grab yourself an axe and go as Johnny himself! Many costumes can be made from this 80s horror. Watch Jack Nicholson be overtaken by the horrific hotel while sipping on a 1980 Fattoria Selvapiana Riserva Chianti Rùfina Sangiovese Blend . 8. Poltergeist (1982) "They’re here." Has anyone seen Carol Anne? Imagine you find out your house is haunted by ghosts from another dimension, but then your daughter disappears into this dimension as well. Join Carol Anne’s parents and the paranormal investigators on the journey to save her with a bottle of 1982 Château Cos d'Estournel Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend . 9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Talk about a horror movie that makes you especially scared to fall asleep after watching. Eighties teens, Johnny Depp’s film debut, and Freddy Krueger make up this blockbuster hit. We recommend you drink a cup of coffee because you won’t want to sleep after this film, but you should also have a bottle of 1984 Opus One Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend on hand. 10. Night of the Living Dead (1990) We can’t have a list of horror films without the presence of a zombies. This remake of the 1968 film solidifies the idea that the dead don’t always stay dead. We’re not saying you shouldn’t walk around cemeteries at night, but if that’s on your Halloween party agenda, maybe don’t watch this movie beforehand. Share your 1990 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend with the zombies. 11. The Silence of the Lambs (1992) The infamous Hannibal Lector finds himself at the center of this spine-tingling, psychological thriller. Dealing with cannibalism, FBI investigations, and serial killers, what makes this genre of horror so creeptastic is that unlike monster movies or zombie attacks, the line between fantasy and reality is blurred. We think you should drink a lighter wine to combat the darkness of this film. How about a 1992 Domaine Colin-Deléger Les Vergers Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Chardonnay ? 12. Scream (1996) "Do you like scary movies?" If you’re looking for a slasher film that pokes fun at the horror genre with a handful of sequels, Scream is the scary movie for you. For those who want to participate in the fun without being too frightened, grab a glass of 1996 Dom Pérignon P2 Champagne Rosé . Like Scream, there are a few surprises in-store. 13. The Sixth Sense (1999) "I see dead people." Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, The Sixth Sense follows a little boy who can see and speak with the dead, his concerned mother, and a child psychiatrist who tries to understand and help him. This movie combines heartfelt stories with the supernatural and one major plot twist. We think you should enjoy the development of this movie with a Syrah that develops over time, such as the 1999 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas Syrah . 14. The Blair Witch Project (1999) The Blair Witch Project established the “found footage technique” that can be seen later in the Paranormal Activity franchise and the alien film, Cloverfield. Follow a group of film students into the woods as they try to uncover the legend of multiple disappearances while they slowly disappear themselves. We think you should sip on a wine that will surely disappear. Maybe a 1999 Château Latour Grand Vin de Château Latour Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend . 15. The Ring (2002) The Ring will make you wary to watch any unmarked video tapes you find in your mom’s attic. A remake of the 1998 Japanese horror film, this story follows those who watch a video tape that kills them seven days after watching. After you watch this film, keep an eye out for anything that looks as if it might be crawling out of your television screen. Open a bottle of 2002 Domaine Huet Clos du Bourg Moelleux Vouvray Chenin Blanc that you can drink over a few days while you wait to see your fate. 16. Saw (2004) "Do you want to play a game?" For our viewers who don’t like gore, it’s best that you stay away from the entire Saw franchise. In order to endure the stressful ups and downs and plots twists galore of this disturbing film, we recommend you enjoy a wine just as lively as the movie. Why not try a 2004 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé Brut Champagne Blend ? 17. The Strangers (2008) And we’re back to another eerily realistic movie that will make you never want to stay in a vacation home ever again. If strangers stalking you in your own home wasn’t enough, add creepy masks to the mix. We think you should pop a bottle that you might have on vacation. Maybe a 2008 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Vintage Brut Champagne Blend – just make sure your vacation is in a highly populated area. Maybe go to the beach. 18. The Conjuring (2013) Based on the lives and stories of Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring brings back the classic horror plot centered on demonic possession. Flipping between a family being tormented by a demon to the creepy doll of Annabelle, this movie is pact with jump scares. The spirits are making themselves known, so we think you should sip on a wine where the tannins do the same. Grab a bottle of 2013 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Riserva Rancia Chianti Classico Sangiovese Blend . 19. Annabelle (2014) We couldn’t list The Conjuring without following up with Annabelle. No spoilers, but if you watched The Conjuring, then you know who she is and her role in this horror universe. This movie acts as a prequel to the 2013 Conjuring and focuses on the origin story of the creepy doll known as Annabelle. Pair this movie with a red wine with just as much complexity. Pour yourself and your dolls some 2014 Château Pontet-Canet Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend . 20. Goosebumps (2015) Here is a break for our viewers who don’t like scary movies but have been forced to attend a scary movie watch party. It’s rated PG and features all the classic characters from R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps book series. The movie follows two teenagers and R.L. Stine himself after the monsters from his books are released into the real world. Pair with a wine you can easily sip on while getting lost in R.L. Stine’s world – the 2015 Marqués de Murrieta Capellanía Blanco Rioja Viura . 21. Train to Busan (2016) And we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming of actual scary movies, and we’re saying hello to another zombie centered scare. Train to Busan is a Korean action and horror film that takes place on a train travelling from Seoul to Busan during the zombie apocalypse. Will they all make it to their destination? Pop a bottle of 2016 Grattamacco Bolgheri Superiore Red Blend to match the suspense and find out. 22. Get Out (2017) When meeting the parents goes terribly wrong. In his directorial debut, Jordan Peele transitions from a comedy to horror with Get Out. Peele combines scares with elements of satire to bring attention to the social and racial commentary that is the core of the film. One second you’ll be screaming at your television and the next you’ll be laughing either at a witty comment or the uneasy reality the film depicts. We think you should sip on a 2017 Jean-Claude Lapalu Vieilles Vignes Brouilly Gamay to accompany you on this ride. 23. Hereditary (2018) We’re continuing with hauntings. This movie follows a family haunted after the death of their grandmother. Without giving the plot away, this eerie film encompasses the supernatural, cults, and family drama. To get you through this scare, perhaps you should select a bottle of 2018 Vietti Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti . 24. Midsommar (2019) Cults, festivals, flower crowns, oh my! Florence Pugh travels with her boyfriend and friends to Sweden for a midsummer festival, and in an effort to not spoil anything, all we’ll say is that this vacation turns out to not be as fun and relaxing as they were hoping. For all the twists and turns, you’ll need a wine with floral notes (once you see the movie, you’ll know why). Grab a bottle of 2019 Chalk Hill Estate Bottled Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc . 25. Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021) Think Goosebumps but for grown-ups. This R.L. Stine adaptation is the first of a three-part Netflix trilogy. Part 1, as you guessed, is set in 1994 and follows a group of teenagers that takes on the evil presence behind various murders that have occurred in their town over the years. This movie was released in 2021; however, we think you should grab a bottle of 1994 Fonseca Vintage Port Blend to match the year this movie is set in. 26. Fear Street Part 2: 1978 (2021) We obviously can’t mention a trilogy and not talk about the other two movies. An homage to the camp slasher horror welcomes you to Camp Nightwing. Part 2 picks up where the first movie left off; however, we go back in time to another period of murders for the cursed Shadyside. As the movie plays, you find out more and more about the town’s lore and what is really going on. Similar to the first movie pairing, we are going to suggest a 1978 wine to match the mood. Maybe a 1978 Cavallotto Barolo ? 27. Fear Street Part 3: 1666 (2021) The end is near! And yes, we are going even further back in time with the final movie in the Fear Street trilogy. Our main characters are taken back to the 17th century to find out the actual truth. Who is the witch? What does she want? Who is really the evil one in this long history of secrets and crime? By the end of the movie, you’ll have all the answers. Since it will be a little difficult to get your hands on a 1666 vintage, we think you should go for a 2021. Pick up a bottle of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir . 28. The Invitation (2022) Calling our non-scary movie fans back to the chat. This film was marketed as a horror film, but those who loved vampire, gothic, and romance novels as teenagers will have a great time with this movie. There are vampires and blood, but it is light on the jump scares. What would you do if you were invited to a fancy wedding in the English countryside and met a mysterious and attractive host with a taste for blood? We know what Bella Swan would do. You’d think we’d pair a vampire film with a red wine, but no! We are great at subverting expectations. Dive into The Invitation with a glass of 2022 Rombauer Sauvignon Blanc . 29. The Menu (2022) Exclusive restaurant, renowned chef, intricate tasting menu…If you’re interested in wine, there’s a chance you’ve had at least one experience at a fine dining establishment. Although, you’ve probably never been to one quite like this. For a humorous yet dark take on the industry, check out The Menu with a 2022 Garnacha in hand . 30. Evil Dead Rise (2023) Now if you don’t like gore, go back to number 20 on this list and skip the party where this is shown. Evil Dead Rise is the fifth installment in the Evil Dead franchise. Two sisters are reunited, which you think would be joyful. But kids find a demonic book and, of course, decide to open it out of curiosity. And chaos ensues from there. Now 2023 would be a pretty young wine, and we think you might need something a little stronger to get through this movie. Grab some Bourbon to make it to the end. 31. The First Omen (2024) Yes, this is in the same universe as The Omen franchise we mentioned earlier. This movie, the 6th in the lineup, is the prequel to the original. And if you have seen the original, or at least read our description, and know that it is about a child that is the Antichrist, what do you think the prequel is about? If you guessed it is about HOW they bring about the birth of the Antichrist, you are correct! Follow an American nun as she uncovers this conspiracy in a Catholic orphanage in Rome. And why not retaste the same bottle we suggested for the original Omen? Once you're done, you can reward yourself with whatever wine you wish for getting through our scary pairings!