Annabelle: Creation:  This is the fifth film in the The Conjuring series and is a prequel to the preceding instalments. The film explains Annabelle’s origins and also provides some more context for the series. The script is diabolical, but the film does have amazing jump scares that will make your popcorn fly across the living room.

Shaun of the Dead: This film is perfect for someone who dislikes horror movies. Directly spoofing Dawn of the Dead, Shaun of the Dead is subversive and hilarious in equal parts. The zombies in it are creepy but not enough to keep you awake at night. It’s perfect to watch after you’ve viewed something really terrifying, or if you’re not in the mood for a standard scary flick.

The Shining: The adaptation of Stephen King’s 1977 novel is undoubtedly one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time. The acting from Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall is iconic and the script is infinitely  quotable. The famous baseball bat scene required a remarkable 127 takes.

The mysterious occurrences in this film may be more traumatizing than the CGI’d demons that we see in modern horror movies, and The Shining makes the acting in The Conjuring films look like a kindergarten play. Definitely put this one on your must-watch list.

The Orphanage: This horror movie may not be as critically acclaimed as films like The Shining or The Exorcist, but it still gets the Sheaf’s spooky seal of approval.

Horror movies in recent years have too frequently revealed the face of the threat — which can ruin the eerie atmosphere of a thriller, as nothing is as scary as the image your mind produces. Director J.A. Bayona knows this and does a masterful job depicting the paranormal beings in this film.

The Exorcist: Few would argue with the fact that The Exorcist is one of the most quintessential horror movies of all time. It was the first horror movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, which is an outstanding accomplishment. This classic is definitely one to watch during the Halloween season.

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Marianne Holt