10 Films and Series to Get You Into the Halloween Spirit

For the last few years, I've been putting together Christmas movie lists. This year, I thought Halloween deserved a little attention, too.

But this isn't necessarily a horror movie list. It's more about atmosphere: mysterious houses, gothic architecture, magic, dark comedy, supernatural creatures and stories that take us somewhere beyond the ordinary.

Some are funny, others genuinely frightening, and a few might even teach us something about life.

So, here are ten films and series I'd happily recommend for an October evening.

1. The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)

Let's start with something lighthearted. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett make a wonderful pairing in this magical adventure filled with mysterious clocks, strange characters and a house hiding more than a few secrets. Funny, witty and occasionally frightening, the film moves effortlessly between laughter and surprisingly meaningful lessons about courage, belonging and accepting what makes us different. And visually, that house is a Halloween dream.

2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

Back to something a little more welcoming, although we're entering Tim Burton's imagination, so don't get too comfortable. Eva Green is magnificent as the mysterious Miss Peregrine, guiding us through a beautifully peculiar world of extraordinary children, strange creatures and distorted time. The British atmosphere, period costumes and spectacular locations make this dark fantasy a visual pleasure. And beneath all that magic lies a lovely story about belonging.

3. Dark Shadows (2012)

Staying with Tim Burton and a little British eccentricity, let's bring gothic comedy to American shores. Johnny Depp plays an eighteenth-century vampire waking up in the 1970s, with predictably hilarious consequences. Eva Green and Michelle Pfeiffer complete an excellent cast, while the combination of Victorian architecture, seventies fashion and supernatural absurdity makes this film wonderfully entertaining. Not everything about Halloween needs to be taken seriously.

4. Ghostbusters (1984 onward)

Who are you going to call?

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson turned catching ghosts into one of cinema's most entertaining professions. The original film's mixture of dry humour, supernatural chaos and New York attitude remains difficult to beat. And whether you choose the classics or the newer instalments, the franchise offers plenty of ghosts, peculiar inventions and world-saving adventures. Sometimes all you need is a proton pack and a good sense of humour.

5. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Back to Tim Burton, and one of my favourite gothic atmospheres. Johnny Depp plays a New York constable who arrives in a mysterious village armed with science and rational thinking, only to discover that some things might resist explanation. Christina Ricci and Christopher Walken complete the wonderfully strange cast. Fog-covered forests, twisted trees and elaborate sets make this film look like a moving gothic painting. A beautiful example of practical filmmaking meeting the emerging digital era.

6. The Illusionist (2006)

No ghosts this time, but perhaps the next best thing: magic.

Edward Norton gives a beautifully restrained performance as Eisenheim, a mysterious illusionist who makes love the centre of his extraordinary craft. Paul Giamatti is excellent as the inspector determined to uncover his secrets. Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, the film's muted colours, elegant interiors and Philip Glass soundtrack create a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere. A romantic story that makes us question how much of what we see we should actually believe.

7. The Mummy Trilogy (1999–2008)

Ancient curses, forgotten tombs, supernatural creatures and a healthy dose of comedy. Brendan Fraser is endlessly entertaining as Rick O'Connell, while Rachel Weisz brings intelligence and charm to the first two adventures. The original trilogy combines horror, romance and spectacular action without taking itself too seriously. And if October has you missing summer, the deserts and exotic landscapes might offer a little escape. Just remember that some things are better left buried.

8. Harry Potter (2001–2011)

Few cinematic worlds feel as inviting during autumn as Hogwarts. The first films are wonderfully cosy, with candlelit halls, ancient castles and a world full of magical possibilities. But as Harry, Hermione and Ron grow older, the stories become considerably darker. The extraordinary British cast, evolving cinematography and unforgettable music make the entire series a pleasure to revisit. Whether you're looking for childhood wonder or dark fantasy, there's plenty of magic here. Just watch out for You-Know-Who.

9. Nosferatu (2024) *

Well, that went dark rather quickly.

Robert Eggers takes us into a world of obsession, desire and supernatural terror. Bill Skarsgård's Count Orlok is deeply unsettling, while Lily-Rose Depp delivers an extraordinary physical performance. The cinematography, costumes and gothic architecture create an atmosphere that feels almost suffocating. A haunting interpretation of a cinematic legend dating back to 1922, and a reminder that horror can carry much more meaning than simply frightening its audience.

10. Stranger Things (2016–2025)

Let's finish with a series. Eighties nostalgia, bicycles, mysterious laboratories, dark forests and a group of friends fighting creatures from another dimension. Stranger Things combines supernatural horror with humour, friendship and growing up, all wrapped in a wonderful retro atmosphere. Winona Ryder, David Harbour and the younger cast bring plenty of humanity to a world filled with monsters. Add that magnificent synthesizer soundtrack, and you have more than enough Halloween entertainment for several evenings.

* A little note about Nosferatu

I should probably warn you: this is by far the darkest recommendation on my list.

The first time I watched it, I could barely look at certain scenes. I'm not particularly fond of gore, and the film genuinely haunted me.

But something made me return to it.

The second time, I managed to look beyond the disturbing imagery and absorb the story, its symbolism and the emotions behind it. What initially frightened me became something I wanted to understand.

And now, strangely enough, I'm looking forward to watching it again.

It's certainly not for everyone, but there's something remarkable about a film that changes so much between viewings.

Halloween doesn't have to be about being frightened. Sometimes it's simply about enjoying the mysterious, the magical and the wonderfully strange.

Dim the lights, make yourself comfortable and enjoy a little darkness.

Happy Halloween!

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