31 Nights 2026 Picks

​Well it’s officially the best month of the year!! Happy October Cinemarolls!! I hope you all enjoy the spooky festivities you have planned and just a reminder that we get an extra hour of Halloween this year due to daylight savings so make the most of it. I always look forward to October not only due to the fact that I go on my annual trip to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights (I am SO GEEKED for the Sinners house this year), but also I spend this month watching my 31 Nights Marathon. I believe I started this tradition of mine back in 2022 a year after I made my Letterboxd account. Some of you may be familiar with Freeform (or ABC Family for us uncs) and their 31 Nights of Halloween marathon every October. I wanted something akin to that marathon I loved watching each spooky season so my very own 31 Nights was born. Before each October starts, I put together a list of 31 films that are a mix between horror films I have never seen before and Halloween/horror movies I revisit each year. I watch at least one movie from that list each day of the month. Sometimes I end up watching more than 31 films because I have so many favs and I crave to rewatch them all haha. If you are interested in following along I have provided 2026’s 31 Nights list below and the places you can watch them at if you are based in the US. Make sure to check out my Letterboxd daily to see my reviews for all these films this month and happy hauntings!! 

1. The Witches of Eastwick (Tubi)
2. Interview With The Vampire (HBO Max)
3. ParaNorman (Hulu or HBO Max)
4. It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! (AppleTV or Internet Archive)
5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (Netflix or Tubi)
6. Death Becomes Her (Prime)
7. Hocus Pocus (Disney+)
8. The Birds (Peacock)
9. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) (HBO Max)
10. Fright Night (1985) (Tubi)
11. The Sixth Sense (Netflix, Hulu, or Peacock)
12. Casper (Disney+)
13. Sinners (HBO Max)
14. The Wolf Man (1941) (Peacock)
15. Hellraiser (1987) (Prime or Tubi)
16. Alien Romulus (Hulu)
17. Carrie (1976) (HBO Max)
18. Brainscan (Tubi)
19. The Strangers (Netflix or HBO Max)
20. The Thing (Prime)
21. Creature of the Black Lagoon (Peacock)
22. Beetlejuice (HBO Max)
23. Bewitched (2005) (Tubi)
24. Hotel Transylvania (Disney+)
25. Backrooms (HBO Max)
26. Elvira Mistress of the Dark (Prime)
27. Bell, Book, and Candle (Tubi)
28. Little Shop Of Horrors (HBO Max)
29. Your Monster (Prime)
30. The Long Walk (HBO Max)
31. The Lost Boys (Internet Archive or right here on Cinemaroll Gal)  

Sick of Streaming? Here's How to Build Your DVD Collection!!

Disney+ recently announced in their new Terms of Use that they reserve the right to show ads across all of their subscription plans which is complete insanity. Especially for those who pay ridiculous amounts for premium subscriptions not to see any ads. I saw on Twitter after this announcement that a lot of people are now looking for alternatives to streaming like sailing the seven seas for pirated content. However, I think collecting physical media is another great alternative to look into. With AI on the rise as well it’s important to own a physical copy of your favorite films in case (and I HOPE this doesn’t happen) studios in the future decide to modify films using generative AI. I mean look at what they did to the Wizard of Oz last year at The Sphere who knows what film they’ll ruin with AI next. So if you are wondering where to start building your personal DVD collection keep on reading.

Thrift Stores, Record Stores, and Estate Sales

The thrift store or your local Goodwill should be the first place you search for DVDs. 80% of the time the DVDs range from 99¢ to $5. Keep in mind while you thrift to make sure the DVD disc is the correct one in the case and doesn’t have any scratches or flaws. Here are a few DVDs I found while thrifting through the years all were $1 each.

Sometimes record stores can carry DVDs as well. One of my local stores buys and resells DVDs for a decent price. If your record store is asking for $20+ for a used DVD do not buy it that’s ridiculous!! However you can find some hidden gems that you wouldn’t be able to find at the thrift store. I found my collector’s edition copy of Somewhere in Time and all three Star Wars prequels there in perfect condition. Don’t sleep on your local record stores!! 

I have yet to buy DVDs from an estate sale but often I see people getting them for cheap or a whole DVD lot for less than $20. Estate sales in general can be a hit or miss depending on what time you arrive and what’s leftover but again you never know what you may find. Keep an eye out for local estate sales near you here and here.

Thriftbooks

My holy grail for buying used DVDs!! If Thriftbooks has no fans then I am dead. When I really want a certain DVD that is hard to find at thrift stores this is where I go to find them. Prices for DVDs here can be a bit pricer ranging from $3 to $50 (mainly for super rare DVDs they get in stock). They always post the condition of the DVDs and I recommend only buying the good-like new ones. It can be a gamble when purchasing acceptable condition DVDs. I have bought the acceptable condition ones before since they are cheaper, but the discs may be damaged or if it's a multi disc set you may wind up with some missing. Thankfully the ones I bought only had damage to the DVD cases but take my advice and avoid the acceptable condition ones. Also Thriftbooks has a rewards program!! Each purchase you make will grant you points you can use towards an award for a free book/dvd award up to $6. I have gotten so many DVDs for free through this program it’s honestly the best. You can even make a wishlist of DVDs you are searching for and you will be notified when they get one in stock. Here are some DVDs I have bought from Thriftbooks.

Ebay and Depop

Both of these sites are another great alternative to finding second hand and sometimes even new DVDs. I have yet to buy some from both Ebay and Depop but I do occasionally browse to see if I can find what's on my wishlist if it is not in stock on Thriftbooks. Currently I am eyeing a collector's copy of Stranger Things Season 2 (aka the best season of the series) on Ebay for $17.

Barnes and Noble and The Criterion Collection

If you have money to spend I recommend getting some Criterions. I only get Criterions if the site or Barnes is having a sale because I cannot afford them haha. These DVDs are some of the most expensive on the market and for good reasons: the restoration and special features you would not find on regular DVDs. Some even include cool collectors items like posters and booklets. Here are all the Criterions I currently own.

Barnes and Noble I have found is the last major chain retail to sell new DVDs in store. Depending on your location, your store may have a big selection or just a small Criterion collection section like mine. A few months back I went to a Barnes outside my local area and I was astonished to see how HUGE of a DVD selection they had!! The non-Criterion ones ranged from $5-$10 which is pretty good for a new DVD. Here is my little haul.

Target, Walmart, and Amazon

While Target and Walmart no longer sell new DVDs in store, you can still buy new DVDs on their websites. All three of these places should be your last resort if you're unable to find the film you want at any of the places I mentioned above or for a reasonable price. I only buy new DVDs on these sites if it's a newer film recently released or if I REALLY want a certain box set I can only find there. Last Christmas I put on my wishlist that I wanted a copy of Sinners and an It's A Wonderful Life box set I had been eyeing for a while. My mom was awesome and gave me both shoutout to her!! And best believe the second The Odyssey gets a physical release I will be the first to buy it.

Your Local Library

If you are just looking to watch a film on your ever growing watchlist or you don't want to blind buy a DVD for a film you haven't seen, this is the place to go!! Even though you won't own the DVDs you check out, it's important you support your local libraries. September is National Sign Up for a Library Card month so go get your library cards Cinemarolls!!

Hayden, Dolly, & Tim: A Love Letter

Well August definitely was brutal. Honestly, I can't seem to find the words for this blog post. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that all three of these incredible people are no longer with us. I grew up watching all three of them during my childhood: Hannah Montana, Bring It On: All or Nothing, The Wild Thornberrys to name a few. Sometimes I forget death is inevitable and that eventually we will have to say farewell to our favorite celebrities. Although they may not be here physically anymore, I do find comfort that their work and legacy will live forever. 

I saw the news about Hayden Panettiere passing from my bestie's Instagram story. I remember letting out the biggest gasp of my life because she was someone I never expected to see gone so soon. She was one of my childhood idols and one of my fav final girls in the Scream franchise. I always thought she was one of the coolest girls and learning that she came out as bisexual just a few months ago made me love her even more. Whether it was playing a fierce cheerleader onscreen or lending her voice to some of the most beloved animated characters, Hayden always gave it her all. Life is so unfair she should still be here with us today. Rest easy diva I hope you are reunited with your brother <3

When I woke up on August 25th, my grandma broke the news to me that Dolly Parton passed away. I was in denial for a bit after she told me and as the day progressed every single emotion hit me like a truck. Dolly was such a rare talent that we only get once in a lifetime. There was not a thing this wonderful woman couldn't do. Honestly I believe she was the closest thing we had to an angel here on Earth. I still remember being introduced to her on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly and this year I was just starting to dive more into her film work. I watched 9 to 5 for the first time back in March and let me tell you she was an absolute POWERHOUSE in that film!! She ate that role up no wonder it's one of her career defining ones. Also I will be baking her chocolate cake in honor of her sometime this week (I found the mix at Walmart on Friday and saw it as a sign). Thank you Dolly for sharing your talent with us and your wisdom which I will carry for the rest of my life. Rest comfortably sweet butterfly <3

The next day after the news of Dolly, my mom told me that Tim Curry passed away. I just shook my head in disbelief and looked at her like she was playing a mean joke on me. Tim Curry was such a special person to me I adored him so much. He was one of the main influential icons of my childhood. Almost all of my favorite shows/movies as a kid featured him in some way. I explored more of his mature works during my teen years. I still remember wearing my Pennywise shirt to choir practices and I regret donating it to this very day. During my senior year of high school, my choir teacher introduced us to The Rocky Horror Picture Show to prepare us for our Time Warp number in our show choir set. I fell in love with that strange queer film and I'm forever grateful that it was made in the first place. It would not be what it is without Tim. Not many actors today can take on the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter the way he did. Tim had such an incredible range when it came to acting. He always gave it his all no matter how big or small the role was which is what I have always loved about him. Thank you Tim Curry for everything. I can't imagine the welcome home party you had in the afterlife <3

Everything I Learned About The Stars In Liza Minnelli's Memoir

Hello my cinemarolls welcome to August!! I hope you are all enjoying the last bit of summer and soaking in the cinematic experiences of The Odyssey & Spider-Man Brand New Day. This month I FINALLY finished Liza Minnelli's memoir: Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! (I started it in April). Going into this book I hardly knew anything about her life so I learned a lot about who she is. Liza is an indestructible powerhouse who I honestly believe is going to live forever considering everything she endured. Throughout her memoir, she recalls memories and moments she has with big names in Hollywood. I took note of everything that stood out to me and decided to compile some of the interesting things I learned here in simple bullet points (similar to how I do my main takeaways on Letterboxd). This book is a must read for both film and Broadway lovers out there so I hope you all check it out :)

-MJ

• Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland had an affair while she was married to Liza's father Vincente Minnelli. They were in love with each other so much that Frank even bought Judy a ring. Both decided against marriage, but Judy wore the ring always.
• Gene Kelly, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz were among a few of their neighbors during Liza's childhood and were close family friends. Liza recalls trick or treating at Gene's house and remembers him pretending to be terrified of her costume.
• Kay Thompson was Liza's godmother and a prominent mother figure throughout her life. Liza claims Kay allegedly based her character Eloise from Eloise at the Plaza off Liza.
• Martin Scorsese and Liza had an affair while they were both married during the filming of New York, New York. During that same time, he was battling a cocaine addiction that almost cost him his directorial career. The theme song from that film was originally sung by Liza, but famously popularized by Frank Sinatra.
• Elizabeth Taylor and Liza went to the same rehabilitation center: Hazelden Betty Ford Clinic. There's actually a picture of all three women at Studio 54 sitting down together at a booth. Elizabeth also in a way acted as Liza's sponsor and told her to go back to rehab when she relapsed the first time. 
• Frank Sinatra often called Liza his third daughter. He was generous offering to pay for the entirety of Judy Garland's funeral and even lent Liza his private jet so she could fly to rehab. While on the Together Again Tour, Liza describes he was controlling, had a short temper, and everyone had to work around his own schedule. She believes he might have been bipolar. 
• Michael Jackson and Liza were good friends. She even helped him develop his iconic moonwalk. 

Dr. Alan Grant: A Love Letter

I wasn’t planning on this being my first official blog post, but fate unfortunately had other plans I guess. Sam Neill, our beloved dinosaur man, has left this earth. It just felt wrong to write about anything else this month. 

I am not normal when it comes to Jurassic Park. You know the saying, "the thing you hyper fixate on at the age of 13 remains with you forever,” well I think you can take a wild guess on what that is for me. After seeing Jurassic World in theaters at that age, I became obsessed with the whole franchise. I have probably watched Jurassic Park over 100 times and to this day it never gets old. The moment where the T-Rex makes her grand debut still gives me chills. 

Dr. Alan Grant was the most relatable character in the entire franchise. He didn’t train Velociraptors or create lab made dinosaurs. He was just a simple man married to his passion for paleontology. Even while surviving being eaten by carnivores, Grant can’t help but examine the way these creatures move, hunt, and feed in child-like wonder. Honestly that would be many of us dinosaur lovers if we were put in his place. Grant was also a quick thinker, using his knowledge about dinosaurs to get out of situations that seemed to have no solutions. If it wasn’t for him, Tim would still be stuck in that tree after all haha!!

There’s a scene I love in the first film where Grant shows his distaste for a computer mapping out the entire Velociraptor skeleton they discovered. While everyone was in awe of how much easier it will be to excavate, Grant says this new technology is going to put them all out of work in the future. Fast forward to Jurassic World Dominion, if you pay close attention to Grant’s excavation tent you will see there is no modern technology to be found. It reminds me a lot of myself when it comes to generative AI. It’s unfortunately here to stay but you will never see me touch ChatGPT for as long as I live.

This character is the heart and soul of the Jurassic Park franchise. Rest easy Sam Neill. You did a wonderful job bringing this man to life. Thank you for being one of my childhood heroes.

-MJ