FearFest at The Franklin Theatre: A Month of Movies for Spooky Season
October at The Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, TN, promises a packed calendar for film fans with the return of FearFest, now in its third year. Sponsored by Craft Body Scan, this month-long celebration combines family-friendly matinees, cult classics, midnight screenings, and some of the most iconic horror movies ever made. Whether you prefer lighthearted comedies, psychological thrillers, or Halloween night scares, the lineup offers something for every type of moviegoer.
Coco
Family-Friendly Movies
FearFest is not all late-night scares. Plenty of screenings are designed for younger audiences and those who prefer lighter Halloween entertainment. From animated adventures and spooky comedies to classic tales with just a hint of fright, these films are perfect for families who want to enjoy Halloween fun without anything too scary.
Coco – October 4th at 10:00 AM
Released in 2017, Coco tells the story of Miguel, a boy who dreams of becoming a musician despite his family’s ban on music. His journey to the Land of the Dead uncovers long-buried family secrets and celebrates Día de los Muertos in colorful animation. Starring Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, and Benjamin Bratt. Rated PG, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Hocus Pocus – October 4th at 1:30 PM, October 11th at 11:00 AM, October 20th at 7:00 PM
This 1993 comedy-fantasy favorite follows three sister witches resurrected in Salem on Halloween night. A group of kids and their talking feline companion must stop their reign of terror. Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy. Rated PG, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Scooby-Doo – October 13th at 7:00 PM
In this 2002 live-action adaptation, Mystery Inc. investigates strange happenings at Spooky Island, uncovering something far more sinister than expected. Starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard, and Linda Cardellini. Rated PG, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Corpse Bride – October 25th at 5:00 PM
Tim Burton’s animated fantasy follows a young man accidentally pulled into the underworld after proposing to a ghostly bride. Released in 2005 and starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson. Rated PG, 1 hour and 17 minutes.
The Witches – October 26th at 1:00 PM
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic, this 1990 film tells the story of a boy and his grandmother who stumble upon a witches’ convention where the Grand High Witch plots to turn children into mice. Starring Anjelica Huston, Jasen Fisher, and Rowan Atkinson. Rated PG, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Mean Girls
Cult Favorites & Lighthearted Scares
Not every film at FearFest is designed to terrify. Some screenings lean into comedy, camp, and nostalgia, giving audiences a chance to laugh, sing along, and enjoy a lighter take on spooky season. These cult classics and fan favorites bring a mix of supernatural fun, sharp parody, and over-the-top performances that have stood the test of time.
Mean Girls – October 3rd at 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM
In honor of “Mean Girls Day,” and First Kiss Friday, this 2004 teen comedy returns to the big screen. The story follows Cady Heron’s initiation into the Plastics, the most popular clique at her new high school. Starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and Amanda Seyfried. Rated PG-13, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Ghostbusters – October 6th at 7:00 PM
A group of parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City, only to face a supernatural threat unlike any other. This 1984 classic stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Sigourney Weaver. Rated PG, 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Beetlejuice – October 26th at 4:30 PM
Released in 1988, this fantasy comedy follows a mischievous “bio-exorcist” hired by a deceased couple to rid their home of its new living occupants. Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Alec Baldwin. Rated PG, 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Scary Movie – October 25th at 11:59 PM
The 2000 parody spoofs popular slasher hits of the 1990s with outrageous comedy. Starring Anna Faris, Marlon Wayans, and Regina Hall. Rated R, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – October 30th at 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM
This cult classic musical from 1975 follows a stranded couple who encounter the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his strange household. Starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick. Rated R, 1 hour and 40 minutes. Please note: props such as rice, confetti, or candles are not permitted.
Rosemary’s Baby
Chilling Thrillers & Horror Classics
For moviegoers who enjoy edge-of-your-seat suspense and legendary horror, this lineup brings some of the most influential titles in cinema history. From psychological slow burns and supernatural frights to slasher staples and modern nightmares, these films capture the darker side of FearFest and are best experienced on the big screen.
Rosemary’s Baby – October 4th at 5:00 PM
Roman Polanski’s psychological horror tells the story of a young woman whose pregnancy becomes tied to a dark and terrifying secret. Released in 1968 and starring Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes. Rated R, 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Se7en – October 4th at 8:30 PM
Two detectives hunt a serial killer whose crimes are based on the seven deadly sins in this chilling 1995 thriller. Starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. Rated R, 2 hours and 7 minutes.
Saw – October 4th at 11:59 PM
Two men wake up trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by the sadistic Jigsaw. Released in 2004 and starring Cary Elwes, Leigh Whannell, and Danny Glover. Rated R, 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Pet Sematary – October 7th at 8:30 PM
The Creed family discovers a burial ground with horrifying consequences in this 1989 Stephen King adaptation. Starring Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, and Denise Crosby. Rated R, 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Jaws – October 15th at 8:30 PM
Steven Spielberg’s 1975 thriller follows the hunt for a massive great white shark terrorizing a seaside town. Starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss. Rated PG, 2 hours and 4 minutes.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – October 24th at 11:59 PM
Five friends encounter a family of cannibals in rural Texas in this 1974 horror classic. Starring Marilyn Burns and Gunnar Hansen. Rated R, 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Smile – October 26th at 8:00 PM
A doctor begins experiencing terrifying visions after witnessing a traumatic incident in this 2022 hit. Starring Sosie Bacon and Kyle Gallner. Rated R, 1 hour and 55 minutes.
The Exorcist – October 31st at 7:00 PM
A mother seeks help for her daughter, who is possessed by a demonic force, in this 1973 horror landmark. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, and Max von Sydow. Rated R, 2 hours and 2 minutes.
Halloween – October 31st at 10:00 PM
John Carpenter’s 1978 slasher introduces Michael Myers, who returns to terrorize his hometown on Halloween night. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence. Rated R, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Sinners
Special Events
Beyond its regular schedule of family favorites and horror classics, FearFest also includes unique screenings that make this year’s lineup stand out. From a brand-new independent release to the debut of a double feature marathon, these special events add an extra layer of excitement and surprise for audiences looking for something different.
Sinners – October 25th at 8:30 PM
This independent feature, released in 2025, follows twin brothers who return home to start fresh, only to face a new and darker evil. Starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld. Rated PG-13, 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Terrorthon Double Feature – Silence of the Lambs and ??? – October 27th at 6:00 PM
FearFest debuts its first-ever Terrorthon, a double feature pairing The Silence of the Lambs with a surprise second film revealed at showtime. To celebrate the launch of this new event, the first 50 ticket purchasers will receive refillable popcorn and soda vouchers to last through both screenings.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she interviews imprisoned killer Hannibal Lecter in hopes of solving a string of brutal crimes. Starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. Rated R, 1 hour and 58 minutes.
The second film of the double feature will remain a mystery until showtime. Audiences are told only that the surprise screening will share a thematic connection with The Silence of the Lambs. Please note: the mystery movie may be in any language, and subtitles will be provided if the dialogue is not in English. The film will be rated R and is not appropriate for children.
Tickets and Details
FearFest runs throughout October, and tickets for all screenings are available at The Franklin Theatre. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Doors open 45 minutes before each show.
Concessions at The Franklin Theatre include pizza, fresh popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Guests can also enjoy the theatre’s exclusive locally produced chocolate bar, Showtime, which combines dark chocolate, almonds, caramel, and sea salt.
About The Franklin Theatre
The Franklin Theatre has been a cultural landmark in downtown Franklin since it first opened its doors in 1937. Originally built as a movie house, it quickly became a community gathering place where families and friends came together to enjoy films and live entertainment. After decades of use, the theatre closed in 2007, but thanks to a community-led preservation effort spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, it was fully restored and reopened in 2011.
Today, The Franklin Theatre is more than just a movie venue: it hosts concerts, live theater, special events, and community gatherings while maintaining its original Art Deco charm. With modern upgrades like state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, the theatre blends historic character with contemporary comfort. Its location on Main Street makes it a cornerstone of downtown Franklin’s entertainment district, drawing both locals and visitors for performances year-round.
Adding festivals like FearFest to its programming reflects the theatre’s ongoing mission to offer diverse cultural experiences for the community. From classic movies and family films to concerts and seasonal celebrations, The Franklin Theatre remains a place where history, tradition, and entertainment come together in the heart of Franklin.
