Horror Picks to Get You Through Election Day
Hannah Hughes - Rotted Pumpkin Editor-In-Chief
For us Americans, the 2024 election is upon us, after months of campaigning, debates, and mind-bending political moves.
Of course, it’s most important to make sure you hit those ballot boxes. But after you’ve voted, it’s time to distract yourself from all that’s to come this week.
So, tuck in, turn off the news, and blow off some steam with blood and guts. After all, these characters have a fate much worse than America… right?
Jessica Rothe in Happy Death Day (2017). Credit: IMDB
Begin your day with Happy Death Day, because we all wished this day would never come.
In Happy Death Day, our final girl Tree (Jessica Rothe) deals with a baby-faced killer on her birthday. Instead of dying, Tree must replay the day over and over again until she unmasks her murderer.
For most of us, I think it’s safe to say we’d much rather replay Monday than face whatever is to come on Tuesday and beyond. Although this may not be reality, we can at least live out our Groundhog Day fantasy with a flair for the scare through Happy Death Day.
Christian Bale In American Psycho (2000). Credit: IMDB
Think about filling your time with American Psycho, because we're all sick of toxic men. Politicians are no exception.
American Psycho is a satirical horror film, directed by Mary Harron. It follows Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), an eccentric yet successful businessman who has some truly horrifying tendencies outside of the workplace.
From business card battles, to elaborate morning routines finished with three-piece suits. Bateman and his fellow male co-workers are meant to exemplify toxic masculinity to an absurd degree. Its familiar tone, injected with dark humor makes it a perfect watch for Election Day.
Florence Pugh In Midsommar (2019). Credit: IMDB
Based on the election results, it might be time to get away for a while. Why not begin planning that long vacation with Midsommar?
What could be more relaxing after election season than a Swedish getaway? For Dani (Florence Pugh) and her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor), it’s anything but, as they get caught up with a cult in the rural countryside.
Midsommar’s stunning visuals and breathtaking performances hide the true horror until it’s too late, and you can’t escape.
Hopefully, your international vacations don’t turn out like this one.
Killers in The Purge (2013). Credit: IMDB
Well, it’s about time to get to the polls. Try not to have visions of The Purge on your way there.
Although I tried to keep this list away from traditional political horror, there is no way to leave out 2013’s The Purge.
In a version of our country where crime is at an all-time low, the government has instated “The Purge,” a night where all crime is legal for 24 hours. When a wealthy family takes in an outsider, they find themselves at the mercy of masked murderers looking for a way inside.
Offering commentary on class and privilege, it is more on the topic of politics and election night, far more than any of the others on our list.
Sharni Vinson in You’re Next (2011). Credit: IMDB
Dinner with the family should be interesting tonight. Instead of dealing with the in-law’s opinions, turn on You’re Next.
Invited to have dinner with her boyfriend’s difficult family, Erin (Sharni Vinson) becomes their only hope as masked attackers show up looking for blood.
Ripe with family drama, brutal gore, and an epic final girl to match, You’re Next delivers, and is much more entertaining than dealing with your own family’s political views.
Jesse Eisenberg & Woody Harrelson in Zombieland (2009). Credit: IMDB
The end of the world may be near. While contemplating what the apocalypse may look like, at least laugh while watching Zombieland.
Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has rules to surviving the zombie apocalypse. Then he meets his new sidekick Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) and sisters Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) and Wichita (Emma Stone). How many of those rules will go out the window to protect his newfound family?
Zombieland is a funny, heartwarming look at the chaos that ensues after an impending apocalypse. Hey, if you’re contemplating the potential crash and burn of our country, might as well have fun doing it.
So no matter how you spend your Tuesday, I hope these six films can help ease your mind and lighten the stress as the election cycle finally comes to close. Hey, we all might want to run, scream, and tear our hair out, but that’s what horror is for, right?
