Although opponents never scare them, athletes are like the rest of us when it comes to their favorite Halloween movies. Some live for classic frights, others prefer modern chills. And still others are into witches and friendly ghosts, or can’t stand scary films whatsoever.
Twenty-two Chicago athletes shared what gets their adrenaline pumping come Halloween.
“BOOGEYMAN”
Patrick Doody, Fire defender
One movie that really scared me as a kid was “Boogeyman.” I was like 12 at the time, and I remember being scared of my closet for probably a good six months. The movie isn’t even that scary, either. To date though, the scariest movie I have ever seen is “The Strangers.” I was asked to leave the theater because I kept kicking the guy’s chair in front of me so many times.
“CASPER”
Doug McDermott, Bulls guard-forward
My favorite Halloween movie as a kid growing was “Casper.” Remember that one? But recently I saw this movie called “Don’t Breathe.” That was very scary, almost unhealthy to watch. I don’t recommend anyone see that.
“THE FOURTH KIND”
Brandon Vincent, Fire defender
I wasn’t a big fan of scary movies as a kid, but as I’ve gotten older they’ve grown on me. “The Fourth Kind” was one that left me pretty spooked and curious about aliens.
“FRIDAY THE 13TH”
Brian Campbell, Blackhawks defenseman
I’m not a big scary movie guy, but probably all the Jason [“Friday the 13th”] movies. Growing up I always watched them, probably didn’t want to watch them, but I ended up watching them. I remember also watching “The Blair Witch [Project].” That was pretty scary walking out to your car after the movie.
Jordin Tootoo, Blackhawks forward
Jason [“Friday the 13th”], the original. I was a young kid back then. I thought it was the freakiest thing ever. Probably didn’t sleep for the rest of the weekend. It just seemed real.
“HALLOWEEN”
Taj Gibson, Bulls forward
My favorite movie is the original “Halloween” with the first Michael Myers. I didn’t like the remakes too much because they got kind of crazy, but the original was really scary.
Betnijah Laney, Sky forward/guard
I watch scary movies all year round and get excited for the scary movie marathons through October. It’s hard for me to pick one, but if I had to choose it would be “Halloween H2O.”
Cheyenne Parker, Sky forward
My favorite scary movie is the “Halloween” series.
“HOCUS POCUS”
Jimmy Butler, Bulls guard-forward
It has to be “Hocus Pocus.” And don’t make fun of me because it’s a Disney movie.
Isaiah Canaan, Bulls guard
I can’t remember too many Halloween movies. I liked “Hocus Pocus,” that was good. And if I had to pick between Jason, Freddy or Michael Myers, I’d probably go with Jason. He was cold-blooded with it.
“JEEPERS CREEPERS”
Imani Boyette, Sky center
[I like] “Don’t Look Under the Bed,” “Ghost Ship,” “Thirteen Ghosts” and “Jeepers Creepers.”
Bobby Portis, Bulls forward
My favorite Halloween movie is probably the first two “Jeepers Creepers.” Those were crazy.
“MAMA”
Vinnie Hinostroza, Blackhawks forward
The one with the dolls. They go in like a different dimension or something. Is “Mama” scary? “Mama.”
“NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET”
Dwyane Wade, Bulls guard
I didn’t really get into scary movies too much around Halloween, even though I’ve watched all the “Nightmare on Elm Street” and all the “Friday the 13th” movies. If you ask me to pick which one is scarier between Jason, Freddy or Michael Myers, I’ll probably go with Freddy because he comes when you’re asleep.
“THE RING”
Trevor van Riemsdyk, Blackhawks defenseman
“The Ring.” That was one that was a big deal to watch. I think that scarred me for life. That came out when I was pretty young. I remember watching it in a hotel room at a youth hockey tournament. Haunted me for a little bit, I think.
“SAW”
Eric Gehrig, Fire defender
My favorite scary movie was probably the first few “Saw” [movies]. Talk about twisted!
Michael Stephens, Fire midfielder
My favorite scary movie is “Saw.” Not sure who came up with that, but they have some issues.
“SCREAM”
Richard Panik, Blackhawks forward
“Scream.” That was the first scary movie I saw when I was a little guy. It made me a little bit scared after. When I watch it now, it’s pretty funny. When I was like 12 or something, it was pretty scary at that time.
“THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS”
Scott Darling, Blackhawks goaltender
I like the Hannibal series, all the Hannibal movies, “Red Dragon,” “Silence of the Lambs.”
“THE STRANGERS”
Tyler Motte, Blackhawks forward
I’m not a scary movie guy, I get too scared. “[The] Strangers,” that’s the last scary movie I watched. At the end they go, “Why did you do this to us?” And they go, “Because you’re home.” Never watched a scary movie after that. Can’t watch scary movies anymore.
CAN’T STAND SCARY MOVIES
Cappie Pondexter, Sky guard
I hate them.
Nick Schmaltz, Blackhawks forward
No scary movies. No.
Freelance reporters Bryan Crawford and Scott King contributed.
