Film Review: Top ten Halloween films

WITH the scariest night of the year fast approaching, a night in watching some classic horror films or familiar Halloween favourites is the perfect way to get in the spooky spirit. Whether you want something that will have you sleeping with the light on for the next few nights or just some cozy October ambience, this list will lay out the very best films to watch this Halloween.10. Scream

Originally released in 1996, Scream redefined the slasher genre with its clever and self-aware screenplay providing a humorous critique on the genre itself. When Sidney Precott receives a mysterious phone call and finds that her friends are being killed, she suspects that a serial killer may be on the prowl, who is also linked to her mother’s murder. Scream’s iconic opening sequence, with the “What’s your favourite scary movie?” phone call, introduced audiences to the masked killer Ghostface, an instantly recognisable villain who is up there with Michael Myers and Freddy Kreuger on the Mount Rushmore of slasher villains. Always a fun rewatch, Scream is the right mix of horror and comedy that is a safe choice for those who want a good fright but not a sleepless night.9. Insidious

Insidious is a 2010 supernatural horror directed by James Wan. Josh and Renai Lambert move to a new house, seeking a fresh start. However, when their son Dalton mysteriously falls into a coma, paranormal events start occurring in the house. Having made his name in the horror genre with the Saw films, James Wan brilliantly subverted the expectations of audiences who thought they knew what to expect from him with this film. Crafting a unique supernatural concept and prioritising slow-burn suspense over gratuitous gore, Insidious is a genuinely unnerving modern classic with one of the most memorable jump scares in horror history.8. Hocus Pocus

I felt it was important to offer some comforting respite from the other entries in this list with a family favourite. Disney’s 1993 family comedy Hocus Pocus has become a beloved seasonal tradition for audiences of all ages. Three witches resurrect after 300 years to exact revenge and begin a reign of terror after Max, a young boy who moves to Salem with his family, lights the cursed Candle of Black Flame. With over-the-top humour, iconic performances and a cozy Halloween atmosphere, Hocus Pocus may not hit the spot for hardcore fans but is a great nostalgic choice for all the family.7. The Omen

The 1970s saw a wave of supernatural, religious horror sweep across cinemas worldwide. This was largely due to the phenomenal success of Roman Polanski’s 1968 classic Rosemary’s Baby. In 1976, a new benchmark for supernatural horror was set with the release of The Omen. Directed by Richard Donner, who ironically went on to direct 1978’s Superman after this, the film is an expertly crafted exercise in dread that blends satanic horror with a high-stakes murder mystery. Robert, a married man, agrees to switch his wife’s stillborn baby with an orphaned infant. But as the child grows, a sinister series of events start taking place. Starring Gregory Peck in a powerhouse lead performance, The Omen may look somewhat dated to modern audiences, but make no mistake, this film still delivers the scares.6. The Shining

This is a 1978 psychological horror starring the always unhinged Jack Nicholson in the leading role. Based on the novel by Stephen King, the film is a nightmarish journey into madness that slowly creeps under your skin and will stick with you long after you’ve finished watching. Jack Torrance is a winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. He lives there with his wife Wendy and son Danny. However, things take a turn when Danny and his family start witnessing supernatural events. In my opinion, The Shining is less overtly scary than some of the other entries on this list, but it is worth a watch purely for Jack Nicholson’s deranged performance alone.5. The Conjuring

Having already created two terrifying horror franchises in Saw and Insidious, director James Wan decided to outdo himself again with 2013’s The Conjuring. Designed to emulate the style and tone of some of the best horror films of the 1970s, The Conjuring is a genuinely terrifying modern masterpiece of horror. Rod and Carolyn find their pet dog dead under mysterious circumstances and experience a spirit that harms their daughter Andrea. They finally call investigators who can help them get out of the mess. While its following sequels vary in quality, nothing has reached the same horrifying heights as the original Conjuring.4. Sinister

Released in 2012, Sinister is often cited as one of the scariest films ever made. Having had the self-inflicted misfortune of watching this film a few times, I can safely say it has earned that reputation. Ellison, a crime writer, moves his family to a house that once witnessed gruesome murders. Soon, when his research leads him to some eerie footage, things take a dark and harrowing turn. Ethan Hawke stars in the leading role and delivers a grounded, vulnerable performance that really adds to the film’s raw realism. Directed by Scott Derrickson, Sinister will most certainly have you locking your doors at night.3. Nosferatu

In 2024, director Robert Eggers realised his life-long passion project of remaking 1922’s foundational horror film Nosferatu for the modern age. Having previously directed The Witch, The Lighthouse and The Northman, Eggers’ strong background in horror cinema proved most useful to him here, with Nosferatu becoming his most successful film to date. Retelling the timeless Dracula tale, Nosferatu is a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. With gorgeous cinematography and powerful performances, the whole film looks like some macabre oil painting you can’t take your eyes off, despite the horrors unfolding onscreen.2. Halloween

Of course, any list counting down the best Halloween films has to include the slasher that started them all. In 1978, a new sub-genre of horror film was born in the slasher. When the silent, slow-moving killer Michael Myers first donned the chilling white mask and began stalking his prey through the suburban streets of Haddonfield, an icon of horror was born. Having launched the genre which later introduced Freddy Kreuger, Jason Voorhees and a Ghostface, the original Halloween is such an effective horror film because it relies entirely on pure atmosphere, masterclass tension and a relentless, unmotivated villain.1. The Exorcist

Was it ever going to be anything else? In 1973, the face of horror cinema was changed forever with the release of a film so terrifying, so controversial and so undeniably brilliant it has lived in infamy for the last 50 years. When an actress notices dangerous changes in the behaviour and physical make-up of her 12-year-old daughter, she begins to fear her daughter has been possessed by a demon. Meanwhile, a young priest begins to doubt his faith while dealing with his mother’s sickness. Deemed so blasphemous and extreme, the film was censored in Ireland upon its initial release and was banned from general distribution for home video for 25 years until 1998. One of the best things about The Exorcist is that, apart from being blood-chillingly scary, it is just a great film with a well-told story. Treating supernatural horror with the weight and realism of a prestige drama, The Exorcist is without a doubt the scariest film of all time.