10 films to get you in the Halloween spirit

Halloween is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to revisit some unforgettable films. Whether you enjoy psychological horror, supernatural thrillers, or dark fantasy, this list has something for every kind of film fan.

For aspiring filmmakers, these films also offer plenty of inspiration across a range of specialisms, including cinematography, hair and makeup, special effects, sound design, and performance. Here are ten films to add to your Halloween watchlist.

1. Hereditary (2018)

Directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary is a critically acclaimed psychological horror film centred on grief, trauma, and the supernatural. Following a tragedy that befalls the Graham family, the film explores how grief can fracture relationships and expose deeper horrors.

Toni Collette delivers an emotionally intense performance, while the unsettling production design and carefully composed shots build an atmosphere of dread. A must-watch for fans of psychological horror and filmmakers interested in creating tension through visual storytelling.

2. Train to Busan (2016)

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, this South Korean zombie thriller follows Seok-woo and his young daughter on a train journey to Busan, which descends into chaos during a zombie outbreak.

The film combines claustrophobic action with emotional storytelling and sharp social commentary. Its fast-paced editing, practical makeup effects, and convincing zombie performances make it an excellent study in building suspense. At its heart is the moving father-daughter relationship, which gives the horror genuine emotional weight.

3. Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut blends psychological horror, dark humour, and incisive social commentary on race in America. When Chris visits the family of his girlfriend, Rose, he uncovers a sinister secret beneath their seemingly welcoming exterior.

Peele expertly builds unease through subtle performances, unsettling close-ups, and carefully controlled sound. The film demonstrates how cinematography, editing, and production design can communicate hidden threats, making ordinary situations feel deeply disturbing. It’s a great example of horror that stays with you long after the credits roll.

4. Obsession (2025)

Directed by Curry Barker, Obsession follows Bear, a shop clerk whose friend Nikki falls dangerously in love with him after he makes a wish. What begins as a seemingly romantic fantasy quickly becomes an unsettling nightmare.

The film is a compelling watch for fans of tense, character-driven horror, exploring the darker side of desire and control.

Did you know? Obsession was reportedly produced on an independent budget of around $750,000. It went on to become a massive global box-office phenomenon, grossing over $500 million worldwide.

5. The Witch (2015)

Set in 17th-century New England, Robert Eggers’ gothic folk horror follows a family who settle on a remote farm beside a forest, where increasingly disturbing events begin to unfold.

Anya Taylor-Joy made her feature film debut in a leading role as Thomasin, delivering a captivating performance in this slow-burning tale of religious paranoia and supernatural terror. The film’s natural-light cinematography, muted colour palette, period costumes, and carefully crafted soundscape create an immersive sense of dread. It is essential viewing for students interested in atmosphere, historical filmmaking, and visual storytelling.

6. Coraline (2009)

Created by LAIKA Studios and directed by Henry Selick, Coraline is a stop-motion animated dark fantasy horror film based on Neil Gaiman’s novella. When 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door in her new home, she finds an idealised alternative world that conceals a frightening secret.

The film transforms familiar comforts, including food, family and home, into something sinister. Its stop-motion animation, expressive character design, and imaginative production design showcase the craft behind animation. Composer Bruno Coulais’ score also deserves special attention, using eerie choral vocals, including a children’s choir singing in an invented language, to create a dreamlike, unsettling atmosphere.

7. The Wailing (2016)

Directed by Na Hong-jin, this South Korean supernatural thriller begins when a mysterious outsider arrives in a remote village, and a strange epidemic takes hold. A police officer investigates the disturbing events in an attempt to save his sick daughter.

Set in the mountain village of Gokseong, the film uses rural landscapes and Hong Kyung-pyo’s atmospheric cinematography to create a strong sense of isolation. As the mystery deepens, the film gradually builds an unsettling atmosphere, keeping viewers guessing about what is really happening. Its blend of folklore and supernatural horror makes it a great example of how setting, camera work, and sound can build suspense without relying on constant jump scares.

8. Carrie (1976)

Based on Stephen King’s first published novel, Brian De Palma’s Carrie follows a withdrawn teenager who faces relentless bullying at school and abuse from her intensely religious mother. When Carrie discovers she possesses supernatural powers, her life takes a turn.

Sissy Spacek’s haunting performance is central to the film’s impact, while De Palma’s split-screen shots and dramatic camera movements heighten the tension in its most memorable scenes. Its lasting influence has inspired multiple adaptations, including a new series directed by Mike Flanagan.

9. Beetlejuice (1988)

Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice puts a playful spin on the supernatural, following a recently deceased couple who summon a chaotic spirit to drive the new occupants out of their home.

Beetlejuice mixes gothic horror with dark comedy, bringing his quirky visual style to life through unusual sets, surreal imagery, and creative practical effects. Michael Keaton’s lively performance adds to the film’s chaotic charm.

For film students, it’s a great example of how set design, costumes, and makeup can help create a film’s unique look and feel. The film’s popularity led to a sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, released in 2024.

10. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan’s Labyrinth blends dark fantasy and horror against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain. The film follows young Ofelia, who discovers a mysterious labyrinth filled with magical and terrifying creatures as she tries to escape the harsh realities of the world around her.

The film is known for its striking visuals, with imaginative creature design and practical effects bringing its fantastical world to life. Del Toro’s use of colour and cinematography creates a powerful contrast between beauty and brutality, making it an inspiring watch for students interested in visual storytelling and special effects.

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