Scarecrow Video isn’t just a video store. It’s a landmark for all we love about movies.

Each year, they do a month-long challenge to get people to stretch out and watch some movies they’ve never seen before.

You can also check out the Letterboxd list for 2023 as well as our lists for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The basic guidelines are:

• Watch at least 1 movie per day during the month of October in whatever order suits you.

• Must fall within the psychotronic definition.

• Have fun and get weird.

• If you see something, say something! Post your watches on social media and make sure to tag them with #SCVpsychochallenge. @scarecrowvideo (Letterboxd, Twitter/X, Facebook) @scarecrow.video.official (Instagram) @scarecrow.video (Tiktok)

• Want to be part of B&S About Movies’ Scarecrow entries? Just reply or email me at bandsaboutmovies@gmail.com

Here are the challenges!

1. JUMP-OFF POINT: Kick off the Challenge festivities by watching a movie that inspired a TV series.

2. DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS: Mad scientists never seem to follow the rules…

3. BLURRING THE LINES: Magical realism is the key for today’s witnessing.

4. FAMILY MATTERS: It takes a family to raise this village.

5. BROKEN BONES: Snap, crackle, “stop… is it sticking out?”

6. MAN’S BEST FRIEND?: This canine is no pal of mine.

7. LITTLE DEVILS, BIG SHRIEKS: How much terror can a child really wreak?

8. POOL PARTY: Is there a swimming pool in your plot? Take a dip, mind the drip.

9. BUT AFTER THE GIG: Just because the party has ended, that doesn’t mean the activities have.

10. NEW YORK NEW YORK: A slice and dice set in the city so nice they named it New York.

11. BREAKING THE MOLD: More than make up, this one is when practical effects masters employ their crafting skills directly to making the whole damn movie.

12. THE LIVING IMPAIRED: Insert zombie joke here.

13. ALL THINGS BEING SEQUEL: …As long as it isn’t a Part 1.

14. HALLOWED GROUND: Made by an indigenous filmmaker or has featured indigenous cast members.

15. YOU TOO, SHALL PASS: …If the gatekeeper permits.

16. INCREMENTAL BREAKDOWN: Stop-motion films are hard to make. Appreciate that mania today.

17. DON’T BLAME THE NAME: Many great films have been poo-pooed because of dumb titles. It’s time to let go of your judgement and enjoy one of those.

18. THE EYES HAVE IT: Elect to watch one with an eye specific scene. See what I did there?

19. VIDEO STORE DAY: This is the big one. Watch something physically rented or bought from an actual video store. If you live in a place that is unfortunate enough not to have one of these archival treasures then watch a movie with a video store scene in it at least. #vivaphysicalmedia

20. WITCH, PLEASE!: Watch a saucy spell caster do her damnedest. Be sure to check the Witch, Please! book for spelling errors…

21. STAGEFRIGHTS: Musicals are hell to endure. Can I get a hell yeah!?

22. CTHULHU’S COHORT: Wrap your tentacles around a “weird fiction” tale.

23. FOR PEAT’S SAKE: Log one that takes place in a swamp or a bog.

24. SHLOCK & AWE: Can you believe how “good” this is?

25. ICONOCLADS: Features a character that you have dressed up as for Halloween.

26. DANZA MACABRA: Boogie down with some soundtrack heavy Giallo.

27. MAN & MACHINE: When one interacts with the other, both are forever changed.

28. COUNTDOWN TO OBLIVION: Watch a race-against-timer. Oh, the tension…

29. RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB: An antagonist is only as good as his implements.

30. EXHUMATION POINT: Digging up the past one coffin at a tomb time.

31. “I’LL BE BACK”: We hope you had a good time with our little Challenge. Conclude your journey by watching one with a catchphrase you find yourself repeating in the real world.

Here are the challenges! Visit the Scarecrow site too!Get a printable PDF!