So for Halloween I’m going to attempt to create a fun piece of content around the holiday every day in the run up to October 31st. Halloween is my favourite time of year, so I wanted to share some of the fun things I get up to and love about the day.

I thought I’d start with a round up of my favourite films to watch around Halloween. Autumn is the perfect time of year for film watching, because as the weather turns we all find ourselves wanting more nights in with the soft glow of a lamp and a warm blanket and a mountain of treats to keep us occupied.

And since October is so close, why not indulge in some horror flicks, to creep you out when you finally go to bed and have to put the dog out for a pee in the garden and convince yourself whatever monster you’ve just witnessed is out in the dark waiting?

So, with that in mind, here are some of the best films to watch in the run up to Halloween (and once it’s over…)

The Nightmare before Christmas 

There’s a lot of debate over what time of year to watch this movie. Is it a Halloween film, or a Christmas one? I say you can watch it whatever time of year! The story of Jack the skeleton discovering Christmas Town and deciding to take over the holiday is one that can be enjoyed by kids and adults – I’ve been enjoying it since the age of six or seven – and it has some great spooky characters to tie in with the Halloween theme.

Hocus Pocus 

Now, I’m going to admit, I hadn’t watched this film as a child and only discovered it a couple of years ago. I know. Sorry. But now it’s a firm favourite on my Halloween watch list. Set in Salem, it features the story of the Sanderson sisters – three evil witches who were hung on Halloween for luring children to their home to use in spells. The sisters are brought back to life again in present day and wreak havoc on the town but are thwarted by three kids and a cat. There’s witchcraft, spooky settings, costumes and even a zombie to enjoy.

Cabin in the Woods

This is one of my favourite horror films, simply because it turns the genre on its head and makes fun of the ‘rules’ of scary movies. It’s so unusual that when me and my sister went to see it at the cinema we thought the wrong film had been put on at first. It features all the classic horror movie elements, but the whole thing is being controlled behind the scenes by a corporation who has to give regular sacrifices to giant angry gods.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

If I hear about a story that involves possession I’m there and the Exorcism of Emily Rose is apparently based on a true event and a famous court case involving a priest being charged for negligence which lead to the death of young Anneliese Michel. The movie is an interesting take on the story and is definitely shocking in places, knowing that it’s loosely based on a true story makes it a little scarier – perfect for Halloween.

Shaun of the Dead

There had to be a zombie flick on here, right? But Shaun of the Dead is a black comedy and one of the best examples of British comedy on the big screen. Set in London, the zombie apocalypse takes place with Shaun and his friends trying to reach the local pub to stay safe while evading the hungry undead hordes.

The Descent

I remember putting this film on with no clue what it was about and perhaps that is best for you too if you haven’t seen it.I will say though, expect jump scares, lots of blood and bad ass women kicking butt. Plus, as well as the monsters the concept of caving is portrayed well in the film, watching them move through tiny spaces is enough to get my heart racing.

The Addams Family Values

The Addams Family are basically Halloween personified but watch The Addams Family Values for Wednesday at summer camp and Joan Cusack’s hilarious golddigger character.

So those are the films I’ll be sticking on this time of year. I know they’re not classics but they’re perfect for a Halloween themed night in. What would you add to the list?

Jade