The trailer of Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina only hints at just how much Halloween and horror-filled fun is contained in this series. Kiernan Shipka stars as Sabrina, a half-witch, half-mortal that must choose between the two worlds upon turning sixteen; that of her family or that of her friends. It’s a bewitching series that’s arriving just in time for Halloween, on October 26, 2018. Since it’s still a few weeks away, the wait is a struggle. To tide you over, here are 8 horror movies to watch in anticipation of pledging your soul to the Dark Lord.
Hellraiser
It was recently revealed that Clive Barker supplied over 150 pieces of art for the Academy of Unseen Arts set piece, but Barker’s influence extends beyond that. Keep an eye out for Mary Wardell’s cottage home. Wardwell, played my Michelle Gomez, is Sabrina’s favorite high school teacher. But Sabrina isn’t quite aware that there’s more to Wardell than meets the eye. Not only does she resemble Julia Cotton, but everything about Wardell’s cottage is a nod to Hellraiser. Keep an eye out for quotes from Hellraiser hidden on the walls of the Church of Night, too.
Rosemary’s Baby
A definitive witchy classic, Rosemary’s Baby plays a major influence to this series both in tone and in content. Like Rosemary’s Baby, the witches in this series live in service of Satan, cheerfully so. They borrow more from the stylish Castevet’s than the Wicked Witch of the West; they’re your happy next-door neighbors. Like Rosemary, Sabrina doesn’t always know who she can trust, either. To get in the bewitching spirit of Sabrina’s world, this classic is a must.
The Omen
Sabrina Spellman shares a lot in common with The Omen’s Damian. Both are special children coveted by the Dark Lord and his followers, which means both have guardians devoted to their safety. As a half mortal half witch, Sabrina isn’t inherently evil like Antichrist Damian, but she is someone with whom Satan takes particular interest in. He might have dark designs for her, but what?
Suspiria
Never mind that there’s a similarity between Sabrina and Suzy Bannion, in that both have no clue just how sinister their schools may really be. Look for the Dean of the Academy of Unseen Arts’ office doorway. It’s a visual nod to Dario Argento’s classic film. It’s not the only visual reference either. The ceiling of the Spellman household parlor bears a stained glass window that looks eerily like the infamous stained glass featured prominently in the opening scenes of Suspiria.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter
This series isn’t the first time actress Kiernan Shipka has played a character caught in the throes of a demonic entity. In Oz Perkins’ The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Shipka plays Kat, a freshman at a boarding school who has nightmares of her parent’s death. Kat’s nightmares soon give way to strange behavior, and eventually, her loneliness makes her a perfect target for evil. Though far moodier and depressing than Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the core Satanic values remain closely aligned.
Arachnophobia
Everyone knows and loves Sabrina’s familiar, Salem, but black cats aren’t the only familiars a witch can have. Arachnophobes beware, there’s a major witchy character in this series whose familiar are spiders. Yes, plural. This witch calls upon them many times when in need, too, which makes Arachnophobia a great selection to get acclimated to a spider invasion, right? Moreover, there’s a lighthearted comedic tone about Arachnophobia, something that Chilling Adventures of Sabrina often employs as well.
Drag Me to Hell
There’s a lot of playful fun to be found in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and it’s often very much in the style of Sam Raimi. Dark, daring, and humorous, but with an underlying since of serious danger. Drag Me to Hell sees its protagonist dealing with a supernatural curse that puts her very soul on the line, and the demonic Lamia is unrelenting in his attempt to claim it. The Lamia was a powerful demon Christine struggled to contend with. For Sabrina, it’s Satan that’s desperate to claim her soul.
Trick ‘r Treat
Because much of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is centered around Halloween, it’s only fitting that it pairs well with this holiday anthology. The vibrant colors, the festive décor, the fall setting complete with trips to the pumpkin patch, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is a Halloween fun-filled treat. And it doesn’t get any more Halloween-y than Trick ‘R Treat.
And this only scratches the surface of the horror nods, references, and Easter eggs. Look for more when Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is released on Netflix on October 26, 2018.