The Hellraiser movies have been one of the biggest influences on modern Halloween costumes. For anyone who has not seen the Hellraiser movies, the first film debuted in 1987, simply titled Hellraiser. The first film begins with the misadventure of Frank Cotton, who unravels the mystery behind a strange puzzle box purchased from an antiques dealer. His reward for solving the puzzle: flesh tearing pain and imprisonment by the demons named “Cenobites.” The Cenobites are lead by the infamous Pinhead.
Later, Frank’s brother Larry and Julia (Larry’s second wife) moves into Frank’s house. In the past, Julia had an affair with Frank. After accidentally cutting his hand on a nail Larry’s blood winds up nourishing his brother’s soul which leads the captive Frank to convince Julia to help him restore his physical form. In order to do this, she must lure men up into the attic where Frank is held so that he can use their blood to regenerate himself.
The film is very unsettling with heavy sadomasochistic themes. The original Hellraiser was followed up with many sequels, including:
- 1988’s Hellbound: Hellraiser II
- 1992’s Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth
- 1996’s Hellraiser: Bloodline
- 2000’s Hellraiser: Inferno
- 2002’s Hellraiser: Hellseeker
- 2005’s Hellraiser: Deader
- 2005’s Hellraiser Hellworld
- And an upcoming 2011 release titled Hellraiser: Revelations
Such a long list of sequels and dark themes has made the Hellraiser series of films a fast favorite during Halloween. Rather than simply watching the films, some people prefer to take it a step further.
Fans Love Hellraiser Halloween Costumes
Pinhead is hands down the most popular character from the Hellraiser series. His likeness has been recreated in costume form. Each year, retailers offer premade costumes that come with everything fans need to dress up like the infamous Pinhead demon. There are a handful of different styles available, even children’s sizes. Pinhead window clings are also available for easy decorating while deviating away from the typical pumpkins, witches and spiders.
Although Pinhead is the most popular choice for Hellraiser costumes, there are other styles available. The extremely creepy, hook wielding Chatterer costume is also available, complete with grotesque face mask and detailed body suit. Butterball is another option that is equally as unsettling, with a meaty gut complete with gaping wound and gory effects. Serious fans can put together a group theme with each Cenobite costume. It could become the most disturbing Halloween ever for those who encounter this trio of movie characters.
Get Into Character for Halloween
If you plan to show your love of the Hellraiser movies, then make sure you get into character for Halloween. Many authentic character costumes are available online, along with creepy accessories such as the Hellraiser weapons belt. Plan a fun evening of entertainment by getting your fellow Hellraiser fans together for a movie marathon before Halloween. There is no better way to get into the mood and pick up on the best way to act the part than by watching the films that inspired the horror.
