10 Brutal Horror Movie Openings Nobody Saw Coming

6. Not Getting Into The Spirit - Trick 'r Treat

Martyrs Movie
Warner Premiere

A throwback to the old-fashioned portmanteau horror films of yesteryear, Trick 'r Treat is a much-loved cult classic that has been a staple of Halloween viewing for horror fans since it came out.

And whilst its collection of twisted short stories is full of all manner of tricks, treats, and nastiness, its most brutal and shocking moment is arguably in its opening. In which Emma and her husband Henry return home from an evening of celebrating. Upon getting home, Emma blows out the pair's Jack-O-Lantern, which Henry is quick to chastise as it's against tradition to extinguish them before midnight.

Emma dismisses what he says as nonsense, and sets about taking down all the Halloween decorations whilst Henry goes inside for a rest. Whilst removing all of the spooky festive cheer, Emma is attacked and murdered by an unseen assailant. A few hours pass and Henry goes in search of his wife, only to find her heavily mutilated corpses displayed amongst the Halloween decorations that she'd planned on taking down.

It's a brilliantly chilling opening that sets the stage for the rest of the Halloween-themed shenanigans that are to follow, and one that will definitely linger in your mind for quite some time.

Contributor
Contributor

UK based screenwriter, actor and one-half of the always-irreverent Kino Inferno podcast. Purveyor of cult cinema, survival horror games and low-rent slasher films.