Typically I don't attempt these watchlist challenges, but Hooptober is a big exception. For the third year in a row I’ve committed myself to the big man downstairs; pledging my soul to a marathon of horror cinema. With two notches on my belt already, Letterboxd's most famous annual tradition no longer feels so daunting. Hmmm. Being comfortable isn't as fun, is it? That's why this year's picks shall test my limits like never before. Assorted are 31 gruesome obstacles, selections designed to incite personal torment. Each movie will be a first watch to maximize shivers and shakes. Starting late September, I jump into this pit of cobras armed only with my popcorn. Satan take the wheel!

REQUIREMENTS:

The Six Countries: USA, Japan, Italy, Germany, South Korea, Austria

The Six Decades: 20s, 30s, 50s, 70s, 80s, 90s

The Six Pre-1966: Nosferatu (1922), A Page of Madness (1926), The Unknown (1927), Frankenstein (1931), King Kong (1933), House on Haunted Hill (1959)

The Six From '6: A Page of Madness (1926), God Told Me To (1976), Aliens (1986), Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), The Frighteners (1996), The Love Witch (2016)

Special Effect Legends: Frankenstein (Jack P. Pierce), The Unknown (Lon Chaney), Elm Street 3 / Tales from the Hood (Screaming Mad George), Freddy's Dead (John Carl Buchler), Alien (Carlo Rambaldi)

Women at the Helm: Culture Shock & The Love Witch

Mexican Direction: Culture Shock

Sixth of the Series: Freddy's Dead (Elm Street #6)

Reptile Rampage: Godzilla vs. Biollante

Eighties Abomination: Hobgoblins

Church in Crisis: The Conjuring

Universal Monsters: Frankenstein (1931)

Black Horror: Tales From the Hood

Larry Cohen Presents: God Told Me To

Dee Wallace in: The Frighteners

Tobe Hooper Memorial Pick: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

If you'd like to participate in this Hooptober yourself, check out cinemonster's list for more details. Have a hoopy All Hallow's Eve!