Spooky season is upon us! With October rolling in, it’s that time of year where I go hunting for new creepy films — but I also love revisiting some of my favourites. Here are a few picks I always recommend, written spoiler-light so you can discover the chills for yourself.

Oculus (2013) 👁️

I first stumbled across Oculus thanks to the YouTube channel Cinema Therapy, when they featured Karen Gillan (who plays Kaylie) in an interview. What struck me about this film is how much of the horror lies in what you don’t see — or what you’re unsure about.

The story follows Kaylie, who picks up her brother from prison years after he was accused of their father’s murder. She’s convinced the real culprit is the family’s antique mirror, a supernatural force with a dark past. What unfolds is a brilliant, fresh take on the genre. The first watch is gripping — though even on repeat viewings, it still delivers.

IT (2017 & 2019) 🎈

I’ll admit it: I have a soft spot for the 90s two-part TV version of IT. But when the remake hit cinemas, it shocked me right from the opening. There was a moment where I thought, “Are they really going to show that?” And then they did.

At its core, IT is about childhood fears, personified by a supernatural entity that loves taking the form of Pennywise the Clown. It feeds on fear like it’s a gourmet hotdog, fear sandwiched between to bits of bread. The kids’ vow to return as adults drives Chapter Two, and while it doesn’t fully capture the quirky charm of the 90s version of part 2, it’s still an impressive adaptation.

Confession: I’ve never made it past the first few pages of any of Stephen King’s, particularly this massive 1000 page novel (the endless descriptions lose me). But somehow, I adore the film adaptations — especially this one.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) 🔪💤

Freddy Krueger is pure camp these days, but when I first saw A Nightmare on Elm Street as a teenager, it transported me straight into dreamland horror. The thought of someone invading your dreams is terrifying

These films really prove how much timing matters. Seen in the right era, they’re nightmare fuel. Seen now, they’re cult classics with plenty of campy charm.

The Thing (1982) 🧊👽

John Carpenter’s The Thing might lean more psychological than pure horror, but it’s a masterpiece. The premise is simple: a shape-shifting alien infiltrates a research base in Antarctica, mimicking human tissue perfectly.

What makes it legendary are the practical effects and the suffocating sense of paranoia. Who can you trust when anyone could be the thing? It’s claustrophobic, intense, and a film I revisit often.

The Alien Franchise 👽

Each Alien film has its own flavour, but what ties them all together is H.R. Giger’s unforgettable design work. His surreal, nightmarish art shaped an entire culture of sci-fi horror.

Rewatching the original Alien, I’m always struck by how little screen time the xenomorph and set design actually gets — and yet how effective it is. The giant “space jockey” set piece (later revealed as the Engineer) is breathtaking and shows the scale and depth of the world-building with those exploring the strange planet, just specks. Giger’s work may only flash briefly, but it’s unforgettable.

The Fly 1986

Simple idea really, a mad scientist does the unthinkable using a 16 bit 1980 computer invents teleportation, only it doesnt teleport, it destroys the original and recreates the person much like the prestige . when drunk one night and feeling sorry for himself, Seth Brundle, deciding to be the first human trail, Jeff goldblum as Brundle has a fly enter the pod and it is in fact a gene splicer, creature movie and horror special effects unravel as he becomes the Brundle fly

CLOWN 2014

How could I forget this gem? Clown (2014) starts with a simple, unsettling premise: a desperate father borrows an ugly clown suit for his son’s birthday, only to discover the costume is cursed. As the fabric begins to fuse with his skin, the film unfolds as a slow, grotesque transformation that gradually warps his body and personality into something monstrous.

Cabin in the woods

Friends get stuck in a cabin in the woods, where beneath the ground is a scientistic lab using horror icons cliches to scare and torment the teens as a sacrifice to a great evil. I really wish to see a prequel of this around where the creatures are found, the scientists lore. Or a tv show where they show a different creature and lore each episode. Just a look at the cages and board is mouth watering for horror fanatics. the end feels a lot like the ready playerone Easter eggs but for horror fans.

Looking Ahead 👀

I’m especially curious about the upcoming film Weapons. But I have to tread carefully: Hereditary unsettled me more than almost any other horror movie. Director Ari Aster’s way of holding the camera just long enough for your brain to catch the terrifying detail hiding in the dark? Absolutely chilling. Different director however weapons does look like it could have a few of thee spooky moments where your brain caches up in the dark.

There’s beauty in the dark and fear in the light, but horror is about embracing both — the yin and the yang. October brings spooky movies, cosy hot drinks, and cooler weather (which my dog Ralph, husky cross definitely appreciates).

So, what about you? There are many more I could have of course included.

What’s your go-to spooky movie for October?
Any new releases you’re excited to check out?

Let’s share the scares. 🎃 Happy halloween to those who celebrate

* (I don’t personally but I have my own rituals with the films and art as the evenings close in )

Spooky Season Movie Picks 🎃