Forest Whitaker, Amy Adams, and Jeremy Renner in Arrival (2016)

Julia Stiles, William Brent Bell, and Isabelle Fuhrman in Orphan: First Kill (2022)

My Yearly Watchlist For October Spooky Season.

Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson in The Lighthouse (2019)

Cozy up with animated masterpieces!  From heartwarming classics to visually stunning epics, this playlist brings a month of imaginative worlds and artistic storytelling.

Rules: 1. Only animated films, across 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or anime styles. 2. Include classics, family-friendly picks, and critically acclaimed animation. 3. Mix it up with diverse themes—from comedy and fantasy to deep storytelling.

Genres: Animation.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Eva Whittaker and Honor Kneafsey in Wolfwalkers (2020)

Kick off the year with visions of the future! Explore sci-fi worlds and futuristic adventures in a collection that celebrates the unknown, the advanced, and the mind-bending.

Rules: 1. Stick to sci-fi, futuristic, or dystopian genres. 2. Include a mix of space exploration, AI, and time travel. 3. Focus on films that imagine the future or question humanity’s path forward.

Genres: Sci-Fi.

'25: 1. '26: TBD.

Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey in Contact (1997)

Celebrate the season with holiday classics and winter stories.  This playlist brings warmth, joy, and a bit of magic to finish the year on a cosy note.

Rules: 1. Include classic holiday films, winter-themed movies, and cosy tales. 2. Aim for movies with a feel-good, festive, or heart-warming vibe. 3. Include at least one traditional holiday classic and one recent seasonal film.

Genres: Family, Fantasy.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Perfect for gathering together, this month celebrates family films and heartfelt dramas that remind us of the importance of connection, tradition, and love.

Rules: 1. Focus on family-friendly dramas, coming-of-age stories, and inspiring films. 2. Include films suitable for all ages, avoiding darker themes. 3. Mix in at least one animated family film and one tear-jerker.

Genres: Family, Drama.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

It’s blockbuster season!  Dive into action-packed, big-budget hits that deliver thrilling spectacle, heart-stopping excitement, and summer popcorn fun.

Rules: 1. Stick to big-budget blockbusters with high action or large-scale visuals. 2. Include a mix of genres—superheroes, action, sci-fi, and adventure. 3. Watch at least one film released in the summer.

Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Adventure awaits!  Perfect for the start of summer, this playlist dives into road trips and journeys of discovery where freedom and exploration take centre stage.

Rules: 1. Only include films focused on travel, road trips, or quests. 2. Watch stories where the journey is central to the plot. 3. Balance dramas and comedies for a mix of tones and perspectives.

Genres: Adventure (+ Drama/Comedy).

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Travel around the world without leaving your seat.  Discover remarkable foreign films that capture unique cultures, unforgettable characters, and diverse storytelling styles.

Rules: 1. Watch films in languages other than English, spanning different countries. 2. Aim for a variety of genres—drama, romance, action, etc. 3. Try to watch at least one highly rated film from each continent.

Genres: Drama, Action, Romance (non-English focus).

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

The spookiest month of the year!  October is all about horror, from chilling classics to modern nightmares.  Turn off the lights, and prepare to be scared.

Rules: 1. Only horror, supernatural, or dark psychological thrillers. 2. Watch a mix of classics, modern hits, and hidden gems. 3. Include at least one international horror film and one cult classic.

Genres: Horror.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

As autumn arrives, delve into mysteries and thrillers that keep you guessing.  With dark plots, secrets, and suspense, these films bring intrigue to the season.

Rules: 1. Focus on thrillers, mysteries, and psychological dramas. 2. Look for films with plot twists or intricate plots. 3. Watch at least one murder mystery and one crime thriller.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Learn, reflect, and be inspired.  August is dedicated to powerful documentaries and biopics that highlight fascinating lives, real-world issues, and unforgettable stories.

Rules: 1. Watch only documentaries or biopics based on real events or people. 2. Choose films that teach something new or explore impactful stories. 3. Include a mix of topics—history, social issues, famous figures, etc.

Genres: Documentary, Biography.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Embrace the joy of laughter!  This playlist features feel-good comedies and uplifting stories, bringing warmth, wit, and a little light-heartedness to the season.

Rules: 1. Watch light-hearted comedies, feel-good stories, and heart-warming tales. 2. Avoid heavy drama—keep it uplifting or humorous. 3. Aim for at least one animated comedy, one romantic comedy, and one classic comedy.

Genres: Comedy.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Escape to magical worlds and embark on legendary journeys.  This month is dedicated to fantasy films that inspire wonder, courage, and the timeless battle between good and evil.

Rules: 1. Focus on magical, mythical, or otherworldly settings. 2. Mix high fantasy epics with smaller, whimsical adventures. 3. Include at least one cult classic and one recent fantasy hit.

Genres: Fantasy.

'25: 0. '26: TBD.

Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam, Jack Klugman, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, Edward Binns, John Fiedler, E.G. Marshall, Joseph Sweeney, George Voskovec, Jack Warden, and Robert Webber in 12 Angry Men (1957)

Nell Fisher, Gabrielle Echols, Alyssa Sutherland, and Morgan Davies in Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Elle Fanning, Bella Heathcote, and Abbey Lee in The Neon Demon (2016)

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