Looking for Mother? [Special Screenings, Oct. 25-Nov. 1]

The Exorcist. It’s an extended director’s cut of William Friedkin’s 1973 horror masterpiece that was adapted from William Peter Blatty’s best-seller. Sweet 12-year-old Regan (Linda Blair) begins exhibiting strange behavior that is soon accompanied by strange events in her Washington, D.C., house. Her actress mother, Chris (Ellen Burstyn), seeks help from a medical doctor, a psychiatrist and eventually Roman Catholic priests who suspect demonic possession is the cause. The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; thefridacinema.org. Thurs.-Fri., Oct. 25-26, 2:30, 5:30 & 8:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Halloween. John Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic is presented to raise restoration money for the Fox Fullerton Theatre, and a 40th anniversary remastered version is shown as part of an annual Halloween tradition at Frida. The backstory is that Michael Myers killed his sister on Halloween night 1963. Fast forward 15 years, and Myers (now played by Tony Moran) escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield to kill some more. Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays a teen trying to escape from him, turned in a career-defining performance in what Roger Ebert called “an absolutely merciless thriller.” Fox Fullerton Theatre, 500 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton; foxfullerton.org. Thurs., Oct. 25, 7 p.m. $10; also at the Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Tues., 2:30, 5:30, 8 & 10 p.m.; Wed., 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10; and at the Art Theatre, 2025 E. Fourth St., Long Beach, (562) 438-5435. Wed., 9 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Night of the Living Dead. A disparate group of folks take refuge in an abandoned house to avoid flesh eaters roaming the countryside in George Romero’s original, über-influential, 1968 zombie flick. Prior to the horror master’s death in 2017, he worked with the film’s sound engineer, Gary Streiner, to, restore and remaster the movie in 4K Ultra HD from the original camera negative. That’s what you’ll see, in addition to a new behind-the-scenes look at the making of this iconic, 50-year-old film that invented the “Zombie Apocalypse.” AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, 2457 Park Ave., Tustin, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, 1701 W. Katella Ave., Orange, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, 99 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, 26701 Aliso Creek Rd., Aliso Viejo, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, 255 W. Birch St., Brea, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, 26602 Towne Center Dr., Foothill Ranch, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, 65 Fortune Dr., Irvine, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, 7501 E. Carson, Long Beach, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Oct. 25, 7 & 10 p.m. $12.50.

RWBY Volume 6. The newest episode of the popular anime has Team RWBY and their friends taking the first steps toward transporting the Relic of Knowledge to Atlas, which proves to be an arduous journey. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, 9741 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. $12.50.

Bombs Away Live! Death Spa. It’s the same show twice! First, watch Michael Fischa’s 1989 horror flick about gruesome deaths at the hip Los Angeles Starbody Health Spa. Then, see and hear the Bombs Away podcast hosts rip the B-movie and take audience questions. Next comes Frida’s first Halloween party, with the moviehouse decorated to resemble the spa from the film. A costume contest, special refreshments and swag for sale are included. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Thurs., Oct. 25, 8 p.m. $15.

From Incarceration to Education. Underground Scholars Initiative UCI, the campus chapter of a student organization of formerly incarcerated and systems-impacted students, especially invites others like them to see this documentary that is followed by a panel discussion. What the hip kids call FITE Film aims to “change the narrative” when it comes to the U.S. having 5 percent of the world’s population and 25 percent of the world’s prisoners. Delving into the lives of formerly incarcerated students attending UC Berkeley, FITE Film charts their success beyond the campus. UC Irvine, Student Center, Doheny Beach A, 311 W. Peltason Dr., Irvine, (949) 824-5252. Fri., 11 a.m. Free.

The Fog. Rialto Pictures presents a 4K restoration of John Carpenter’s 1980 chiller about a creepy fog that rolls into a small seaside town, where residents soon find themselves paying for the sins of their pasts. The cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh and Adrienne Barbeau. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 2, 4, 6 & 8 p.m.; Sat., 12:30, 2:30, 5, 7 & 9 p.m. $7-$10.

Hocus Pocus. The 1993 live-action Disney comedy is about three sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy) awakening 300 years after their Salem witchcraft death sentences and concocting a revenge plot that involves the town’s teens. Bring blankets and low-back chairs to these outdoor screenings. Times indicate when gates open. Beachfront Cinema at Huntington State Beach, Newland and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; beachfrontcinema.com. Fri., 5 p.m. $9.99-$49.99; also at Pelican Hill Golf Club, Driving Range, 22800 S. Pelican Hill Rd., Newport Beach; www.pelicanhill.com. Fri., 6:30 p.m. $30.

OC Film Fiesta. See Matt Coker’s “Wide World of Cinema, From OC Film Fiesta to Your Living Room” on the final weekend of Media Arts Santa Ana’s ninth-annual event. Various locations; www.ocfilmfiesta.org. Fri.-Sun. Check website for show times. Free-$10; all-access passes, $75 or two for $125.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The pioneering midnight movie starts with the car of sweethearts Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) breaking down near the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry). The transvestite scientist’s home also hosts a rocking biker (Meat Loaf), a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien) and assorted freaks, including a hunk of beefcake named “Rocky.” Live shadow-cast troupe K.A.O.S. presents its annual Halloween Edition in Santa Ana, while Midnight Insanity does so in Long Beach. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Fri., 11:30 p.m. $7-$10; Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Sat., 11:55 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

The Met: Live in HD: La Fanciulla del West. Soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek sings Puccini’s gun-slinging heroine in this romantic epic of the Wild West, alongside star tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the role of the outlaw Dick Johnson. AMC Marina Pacifica, 6346 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, (562) 430-8790; AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288 (no Oct. 31 shows); AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036 (no Oct. 31, 1 p.m. show); Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Sat., 9:55 a.m. (live); Wed., 1 & 6:30 p.m. (taped). $18-$24.

The Shining. Stanley Kubrick’s modern horror masterpiece from 1980 stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer who brings his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), with him to look over the elegant Overlook Hotel deep in the Colorado Rockies in the wintery off-season. Let’s just say things take a turn. The Frida Cinema, thefridacinema.org. Sat.-Sun., 1, 4 & 7 p.m. $7-$10; also at Regency South Coast Village, 1561 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 557-5701. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $9.

The Nightmare Before Christmas. Tim Burton’s animated musical is about Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon, but sung by Danny Elfman) becoming bored with frightening people. Then he stumbles upon bright and happy Christmastown, which gives him a new lease on life. Beachfront Cinema at Huntington State Beach; beachfrontcinema.com. Sat., 3 p.m. $9.99-$49.99.

Casper. Compete in a costume contest (with prizes!), then watch Brad Silberling’s 1995 family film. A paranormal expert (Bill Pullman) and his daughter (Christina Ricci) bunk in an abandoned house populated by three mischievous ghosts and one friendly one (Caspar, voiced by Malachi Pearson). Etnies Skate Park, 20028 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest, (949) 916-5870. Sat., contest, 6 p.m.; screening, 6:30 p.m. Free.

The Room. In the bizarre 2003 indie thriller written, directed and produced by, as well as starring Tommy Wiseau, he plays an amiable banker having a grand old time in a gorgeously shot San Francisco with his fiancée (Juliette Danielle)—until his conflicted best friend (Greg Sestero) joins in to form a love triangle. Sestero’s tell-all book about the project inspired James Franco’s film The Disaster Artist. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sat., 11 p.m. $7-$10.

Beetlejuice. Sip mimosas, participate in a silent auction and watch Tim Burton’s 1988 paranormal comedy to raise money for KLBP-FM 99.1, a new local radio station in Long Beach. A couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) die much too young when their car plunges into a river. Stunned, they turn for help to Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), a mischievous, coarse, obnoxious ghost who supplies a hellraising hereafter. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435; KLBP.org. Sun., 11 a.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Let the Right One In. Not to be confused with Matt Reeves’ 2010 American remake Let Me In, Tomas Alfredson’s 2008 original is set in a very cold Stockholm, Sweden. A mysterious child (Lina Leandersson) and older man (Per Ragnar) move into an apartment next door to a boy (Kåre Hedebrant) who forms a bond with the girl. Meanwhile, bodies start stacking up in town. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., noon, 2:30, 5, 7:45 & 10 p.m.; Mon., 2:30, 5:30 & 8 p.m. $7-$10.

Spirited Away. GKIDS and Fathom Events’ Studio Ghibli Fest 2018 continues with Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning anime fantasy. Chihiro’s mom and dad undergo a mysterious transformation before the girl is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits, shape-shifting dragons and a wicked witch. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, 300 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com; www.ghiblifest.com. Sun., 12:55 p.m. (English-language dubbed); Mon., 7 p.m. (English-language subtitled); Wed., 7 p.m. (dubbed). $12.50.

[REC]. Among the best of the “found footage” genre is this 2007 chiller from Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza. A TV reporter (Manuela Velasco) gets much more than she bargained for when she does a ride-along with firefighters. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Sun., 10:30 p.m.; Mon., 2:30, 5 & 10:30 p.m. $7-$10.

Nosferatu: Symphony of Horror. F.W. Murnau’s silent masterpiece of 1922 is accompanied by a live score performed by the Jack Curtis Dubowsky Ensemble. The landmark vampire film begins in the Carpathian mountains, where real-estate agent Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) has arrived to close a sale with the reclusive Count Orlok (Max Schreck). Hutter soon discovers that Orlok is no ordinary mortal. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Mon., 6:30 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

National Theater Live: Frankenstein. Danny Boyle’s 2011 London stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s 1818 classic horror novel starred Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller, who would switch roles as Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Miller is the monster in this encore performance. AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Mon., 7 p.m. $15.

Pumpkinhead. HorrorBuzz presents a 30th-anniversary screening of special FX maestro Stan Winston’s 1988 directorial debut. A heartbroken father (Lance Henriksen) teams up with a local witch (Florence Schauffler) to summon a murderous demon, who is to kill the teens responsible for killing the dad’s son. The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Mon., 7:30 p.m. $10.

Frankenstein. As part of “The Frankenstein Meme” exhibit and program, which celebrates the enduring influence of Mary Shelley’s world-famous novel in its 200th-anniversary year, James Whale’s 1931 horror classic is shown. Also, Associate Professor Rebecca A. Sheehan lectures on “‘I’ve Created a Monster! Doubles and Compromised Agency in Frankenstein and Its Expressionist Predecessors.” Cal State Fullerton, Polk Library, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, (657) 278-2633. Tues., 5 p.m. Free.

A Plastic Ocean. Facilities Management hosts this documentary about free divers who travel the Earth and discover the shocking impact plastic is having on our oceans. Chapman University, Beckman Hall, fourth floor Small Patio, 1 University Dr., Orange; events.chapman.edu. Tues., 7 p.m. Free.

Russ Taff: I Still Believe. The Fuseic Entertainment documentary chronicles the multi-Grammy and Dove award winner’s musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Cinemark at the Pike Theaters, (562) 435-5754; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, (844) 462-7342; www.fathomevents.com. Tues., 7 p.m. $12.50.

Psycho. The 1960 Hitchcock classic must be among the most influential and blatantly ripped-off movies of all time. It’s about the uncomfortably close relationship between motel manager Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his rocking-chair-bound mother at a time when folks are disappearing. Directors Cut Cinema at Regency Rancho Niguel, 25471 Rancho Niguel Rd., Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-0446. Tues., 7:30 p.m. $8.

Evil Dead II. Sam Raimi’s 1987 sequel adds more slapstick comedy to the horror, bringing Bruce Campbell’s Ashley J. Williams character closer to the “Ash” we see in the current Starz series. Here, Ash, the lone survivor of an onslaught of flesh-possessing spirits, is holed up in a cabin with a group of strangers while the demons continue their attack. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Tues., 10 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.

Train to Busan. International Film Club’s Special Halloween Zombie Film screening is Yeon Sang-ho’s 2016 action thriller that takes place on a train, where passengers are threatened as a zombie apocalypse breaks out throughout South Korea. UC Irvine’s McCormick Screening Room, Wed., 7 p.m. Free.

Suspiria. It’s a Halloween, sneak peek screening of Luca Guadagnino’s new remake of Dario Argento’s 1977 chiller. A darkness swirling around a world-renowned dance company engulfs its female artistic director (Tilda Swinton), an ambitious young dancer (Dakota Johnson) and a grieving male psychotherapist (Swinton again!). The Frida Cinema; thefridacinema.org. Wed., 10 p.m. $7-$10.

The Birds. The Thursday Matinee film series, whose theme this month is “Birds of a Feather,” launches with Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller about a newcomer (Tippi Hedren) arriving in a seaside burg just as immense flocks of birds attack townsfolk. Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette and Veronica Cartwright co-star. Bring snacks and beverages, but no booze and ABSOLUTELY no bird feed. Fullerton Public Library, Osborne Auditorium, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 738-6327. Thurs., Nov. 1, 1 p.m. Free.

Anime Club. Such animes as Bleach, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Attack On Titan and Sword Art Online are streamed, and premium prizes from Crunchyroll are doled out during this program aimed at ages 13-17. Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress, (714) 826-0350. Thurs., Nov. 1, 5 p.m. Free.

Never Heard. Josh Webber’s drama has a father (David Banner) accused of murder and incarcerated for a crime he swears he didn’t commit; his son (Romeo Miller) growing up on the streets of Los Angeles without a dad’s guidance; and the boy’s mother (Robin Givens) and grandmother (Karen Abercrombie) raising him alone. AMC Fullerton 20, 1001 S. Lemon St., Fullerton, (714) 992-6962; AMC Orange 30 at the Outlets, (714) 769-4288; AMC Tustin Legacy at the District, (714) 258-7036; Cinemark Century Stadium 25, (714) 532-9558; Cinemark Century 20 Huntington Beach, (800) 967-1932; Edwards Aliso Viejo Stadium 20, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Big Newport 6, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Brea Stadium West 10, (714) 672-4136; Edwards Foothill Towne Center Stadium 22, (949) 588-9402; Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21, (844) 462-7342; Edwards Metro Pointe Stadium 12, 901 South Coast Dr., Costa Mesa, (714) 428-0962; Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26, (844) 462-7342; Regal La Habra Stadium 16, 1351 W. Imperial Hwy., La Habra, (562) 690-4909; www.fathomevents.com. Thurs., Nov. 1, 7 p.m. $12.50.

Soufra. The inspiring, unifying documentary follows Mariam Shaar, who has spent all of her 69 years in a refugee camp south of Beirut, and other refugee women from throughout the Middle East launching a catering company called Soufra, which is Arabic for buffet. Art Theatre, (562) 438-5435. Thurs., Nov. 1, 7 p.m. $8.50-$11.50.