Writer's Block Magazine

In October, there is nothing better than curling up on the couch under a velvety, rusty-orange blanket with a cup of Autumn Storm tea—except, perhaps, doing it while watching your favourite Halloween movie. Here at Writer’s Block, we have been looking forward to this time of year since the start of the academic calendar. Our taste in Halloween movies vary, so we have put together a list of our favourite picks, ranging from timeless classics to new horrors.

Dracula Untold (2015)

Directed by Gary Shore

Recommended by Raquel

This 2014 film is the perfect alternative for those who are not that much into horror, but still want to give this season a spooky, gothic vibe. It is a very action-heavy fantasy movie, retelling the classical myth of Dracula in a different way: the well-known character is marvellously incorporated into a more sophisticated development. Following the line of fantasy movies from the past decade, there are lots of epic scenes, a bit of romance, and war-related intrigues that will keep you at the edge of your seat. However, keep in mind that there are some explicit scenes of violence and fighting, so maybe it is not the best option if you are a more sensitive spectator. After all, the movie focuses on a strong disagreement between the people from Transylvania and the Ottomans… but you will have to watch it if you want to know more!

Green Room (2015)

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier

Recommended by Arthur

My memory of Green Room is thorny. There is a constant presence of dread, fear, and tension, interrupted by sudden searing spikes: Patrick Steward’s menacing turn as a neo-Nazi; that heinous self-mutilation scene performed so zealously; and the dog scene, oh god, the dog scene. But what is perhaps most memorable is how it showcases the clash of youthful brashness with cold reality. In most young people there is a sense of invulnerability, one that isn’t bred by naivety or stupidity, but is simply present because of a willingness to live fully. It is a blind-sighted bravery born of beautiful intentions. But it is blind nonetheless. Some lucky few of us never have to experience this sense of invulnerability thaw away when met with the cruelty of reality, of a world that doesn’t care how invulnerable you feel, that hurts you nonetheless. Unfortunately, most of us do experience this adulting shift as a painful one, a simultaneous physical, mental, and emotional horror as our understanding of the worlds is hurled to clings closer to the true viciousness of existence. Green Room captures the death of youth and the young like few other films. The adventurous punk band at its center is teeming with this juvenile energy. We see it ebb away violently in the escalating bloodletting and purgatory of the film. The movie is masterclass in tension, the breathless anxiety ratcheting uncontrollably throughout its runtime, a superb showcase of balancing what to show and what not to show to disturb an audience maximally, but beyond this, it is an examination of the end of youth, of the sudden violent understanding that your actions have consequences and the complete finality of these consequences. But perhaps beyond all of this, it is just a very, very good horror film.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Directed by Roman Polanski

Recommended by Suzanne

Ah, Rosemary’s Baby—the classic tale of a man gaslighting his wife to boost his career. As old as time, right? In his defence, it’s probably tough to make it big as an actor when your name is as forgettable as Guy. The first time I heard about this movie was actually through a reference on Gilmore Girls, and ever since then, it’s been burned in my mind as the most horrifying movie experience I’ve ever had.

Mia Farrow’s performance as Rosemary is mesmerising, with her iconic pixie cut and delectable ‘60s style. Her growing helplessness, as everyone around her manipulates and dismisses her, is suffocating. The film brilliantly captures the way women’s voices were often silenced, especially in the 1960s. One of Rosemary’s Baby’s strengths is its ability to create fear without relying on jump scares. The slow-burn tension, the eerie atmosphere of the gothic New York apartment building, and the sense that something is off keep you on edge throughout.

The brilliance lies in how the film blurs the lines between Rosemary’s paranoia and reality. Is she being gaslit, or is there something far more sinister at play? The ambiguity heightens the psychological horror, making the viewer question everything along with Rosemary.

Based on Ira Levin’s novel and regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time, Rosemary’s Baby is my top recommendation for this—and every—spooky season.

The Substance (2024)

Directed by Coralie Fargeat

Recommended by Lhya

Source: Mubi

What is so deeply haunting about The Substance is that it is a “sci-fi”, body-horror cinematographic masterpiece that is actually so close to reality it will make you sick to your stomach. The movie is directed by French screenwriter Coralie Fargeat, and the French cinematographic tradition to make you squirm in your seat certainly shines through. In this story, 50-year-old Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is discarded from an aerobics show by her boss as she has simply become too wrinkly and grey-haired for the screen. The Substance is a carefully written satire with brilliant performances not only from its protagonists, but even from despicable characters like Elisabeth’s boss, the prototypically important white Hollywood producer with a narcissistic complex. The premise of this movie is simple, so much so it could have just as easily been a flop, but its disturbing close up shots, artistic performances, incredible soundtrack and ironic script turns it into what it is, which is a critically acclaimed story on the shameful punishment women get for not being pretty, young and thin.

Trigger warning: pretty gore.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Directed by Tim Burton

Recommended by Emilia

This Halloween, dive back into the delightfully twisted world of Beetlejuice (2024), a whimsical sequel that blends nostalgia with fresh supernatural thrills. After a family tragedy, Lydia Deetz, played by the iconic Winona Ryder, returns to Winter River with her estranged daughter, Astrid. Their lives take a chaotic turn when the mischievous Betelgeuse, brilliantly revived by Michael Keaton, comes back to haunt them.

Set over three decades after the original, Lydia now hosts a supernatural talk show, but her life spirals when Astrid accidentally opens a portal to the Afterlife. As Lydia grapples with her father’s funeral and a wedding proposal, the tension heightens with a sinister connection involving her daughter’s new friend.

Tim Burton’s signature visual style shines through, with a mix of eerie charm and dark humour. The ensemble cast, featuring Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe, adds depth to a story rich with emotional stakes and playful spookiness. The screenplay is packed with clever dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments, perfect for those who appreciate a light-hearted spin on horror. While it embraces a spooky ambiance, the film’s charm lies in its surreal comedy rather than jump scares.

Gather your friends and let Beetlejuice work its magic—it’s a must-see for fans old and new!

Edward Scissorhands (1991)

Directed by Tim Burton

Recommended by Francisca

Halloween season cannot go by without a Tim Burton’s masterpiece on your screen, hence why my screen will have Edward Scissorhands on.

Perking up the ears of suburbia, the mysterious-looking Edward (Johnny Depp) quickly becomes the neighbourhood’s new greatest attraction with his garden arrangements and funky hairstyles. As soon as the excitement of novelty dies down, Edward finds himself in a solitary and unkind situation due to his mere existence. Suburbia and prejudice, in all its glory, manages to alienate the weirdo next door – who would’ve thought?

This unconventional boy-meets-girl-tale gives Halloween a Gothic touch of kindness, with its scariest touch being the blatant prejudice in suburbia and all types of funky haircuts instead of the usual seasonal spookiness, which I really can go by without.

Dark Water (2002)

Directed by Hideo Nakata

Recommended by Robin

Dark Water (2002) tells the story of a mother and her young daughter as they move into a new apartment in the midst of a bitter custody battle. As the rainy season begins, a growing leak in their ceiling, a mysterious red children’s bag, and the eerie traces of a disappearance the year before increasingly start to influence their lives.

This film is not just scary – it’s disturbing. The pale and run-down interiors and frequent shots of rain and bleak skies create a gloomy, liminal atmosphere, and the way in which horror elements (and yes, jump scares too) are woven into a story that essentially centres around abandonment, makes for an emotional roller coaster of a film that managed to make me both scream as well as cry.

 So, if you’re feeling brave this Halloween, and would like to test your nerves after the stress of a busy exam week, Dark Water is the film to watch.

Note: while there is a Hollywood adaptation of the Japanese original, I would recommend watching the 2002 version. Not only is it (in my humble opinion) much better, but also because this version is available on YouTube for free 😉

What’s Your Favourite Halloween Movie? 

Share your spooky favourites with us in the comments or on our social media. Stay cosy, and happy haunting from everyone here at Writer’s Block!