Florence Pugh in 'Midsomnar'

Free classic scary movies in one of the city’s most haunted locations this month

This is the month for scary movies. And what’s better than taking in a frightening film? How about if it’s free, and the theatre is located in a famously haunted and eerie location? That’s the recipe for a perfect Halloween-themed night out. This month, beginning on Oct. 4, Soulpepper Theatre, located in the cobblestoned Distillery District,  is embracing the thrills of October with its Spooky Season Movie Month, where horror film aficionados can enjoy a selection of the most spine-tingling flicks—absolutely free!

The Cabaret Space of Soulpepper with cozy wooden and cushioned chairs, plush sofas, and blankets await you for a thrilling night of scares. The intimate screening room is perfect for snuggling up with friends as you embark on a series of terrifying cinematic adventures. Not only does the ground-floor venue offer easy accessibility for mobility devices, but pillows and blankets will be provided to enhance your comfort. Feel free to bring your own fluffy extras for that perfect cozy vibe in which to get absolutely terrifed.

While all these hair-raising scary movies are free, you’ll need to register in advance. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so grab your spot before the ghosts do!

Distillery District perfect for scary movies
Distillery District perfect for scary movies (photo: Benson Kua)

Here is the lineup of scary movies:

  • Oct. 4 – The Shining
    Kick off the month with Stanley Kubrick’s classic, often hailed as one of the scariest films of all time. Follow Jack Torrance, a writer who takes on a winter caretaker job at the isolated Overlook Hotel, bringing his family along for the ride. As he descends into madness, uncovering the hotel’s dark secrets, you’ll be left questioning your own sanity!
  • Oct. 11 – Funny Games
    Get ready for a heart-pounding experience with this unsettling tale. After a wealthy family arrives at their serene lakeside home, their peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when two seemingly polite young men invade their space. Armed with golf clubs and chilling smiles, they give the family until the next day to survive. Directed by Michael Haneke, this shot-for-shot remake of his original Austrian film will keep you glued to your seat.
  • Oct. 18 – Ready or Not
    This darkly comedic thriller puts a twisted spin on family bonding. On her wedding night, a bride is forced to participate in a sinister game at her new in-laws’ estate, where she must hide until dawn while they hunt her down with all sorts of weapons. It’s a wild ride filled with unexpected twists that will redefine what it means to “love your family to death.”
  • Oct. 25 – Midsommar
    Conclude the month with this disturbing masterpiece that starts as a picturesque getaway and spirals into horror. A couple and their friends travel to a midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village, only to find themselves embroiled in unsettling rituals led by a pagan cult. Directed by Ari Aster, Midsommar is a dread-soaked fairy tale that reveals the darkness lurking beneath idyllic facades.

This live theatre space in the spooky Distillery District, with its share of ghostly sitings, is the perfect backdrop for your spooky cinematic adventure, making it a must-visit destination for all Halloween lovers this October.

Want a double-whammy of fright, book a Distillery District Ghost Tour on the same day. Or dine in one of the Distillery’s haunted restaurants.

Article exclusive to STREETS OF TORONTO