We’re getting to that time again where hooletts and bogles come out to play, people wander the streets in fancy dress, and it’s socially acceptable to almost drown trying to bite apples.

It’s also a great time to settle down, switch off the lights and enjoy a horror movie. Rather than recommending some brilliant mainstream classics like The Cabin in the Woods, Candyman, Dracula and such, I thought I’d throw together some recommendations for lessor known but equally excellent films.

The Loved Ones (2009)

When Brent turns down his classmate Lola’s invitation to the prom, she concocts a wildly violent plan for revenge.

A delightfully unhinged lead performance is at the heart of this low budget horror.

Paperhouse (1988)

Anna is becoming lost in the loneliness of her own world when she discovers she can visit another, a house she has drawn herself and occupied by a young disabled boy. But as she discovers more of the links between her fantasy world and the mundane present, she is drawn only deeper into a dream turning into a nightmare.

With some incredibly creepy visuals, this terrified me as achild, tapping into the base fear of being helpless in dreams.

The Borderlands (2013)

Follows a team of Vatican investigators sent to the British West Country to investigate reports of paranormal activity at a remote church.

A found footage horror that is genuinely unsettling and doesn’t rely on endless jump scares. Delightfully bleak.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010)

Tucker & Dale are on vacation at their dilapidated mountain cabin when they are attacked by a group of preppy college kids.

As a reversal of the usual college-kids-in-the-woods slasher type movie, this is frequently hilarious. From inappropriate chat-up attempts to unfortunately placed sticks, this is a great change of pace.

Eden Lake (2008)

Refusing to let anything spoil their romantic weekend break, a young couple confront a gang of loutish youths with terrifyingly brutal consequences.

No supernatural elements here, but that doesn’t make it any less tense or terrifying. Great performances from the cast make this chillingly real.

Dog Soldiers (2002)

A routine military exercise turns into a nightmare in the Scotland wilderness

Excellent take on the werewolf genre, mixing things up with interesting characters and a claustrophobic setting. The low budget just adds to the style.

If you have any other suggestions, fire them over.