It’s Halloween, which means it’s the perfect time of year to tuck yourself up on the couch, turn the lights off and enjoy a scary movie.
The horror film has gone through a massive resurgence in recent years, with the likes of The Witch, Midsommar and this year’s Frankenstein delivering both the scares and glowing reviews.
Of course there are many different types of film within the genre, from gross-out gore and so-called ‘torture porn’, to atmosheric slow-burn chillers and the type of ‘elevated’ horrors that have subtexts taking in everything from dementia to the loss of a child.
However some films transcend the genre, attracting both rave reviews and big audiences - not just great horrors, but great movies fullstop.
Here are the 11 best, according to review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, to enjoy this spooky season.
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5. The Babadook (2014)
A classic of the so-called 'elevated horror' genre, in 'The Babadook' the moster is grief - but it's also a horrifically scary demon that will haunt your dreams for nights after viewing. Australian director Jennifer Kent's debut feature follows a recently-widowed mum and her son who confront the titular toothy beastie who is menacing their home. It has a 'fresh' rating of 98 per cent. Altogether now: Baaaa-baaa-dooooook! | Contributed
6. Let the Right One In (2008)
Don't be tempted to opt for the bland American remake 'Met Me In' - stick with the subtitles for the Swedish original of 'Let the Right One In', directed by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It's the everyday story of a 12-year-old boy who falls in love with a centuries-old vampire who is picking off townspeople to satiate its need for blood. Set in Stockholm in the early 1980s, it's won numerous awards, with a swimming pool set-piece that once seen cannot be forgotten. It's garnered 98 per cent positive reviews. | Contributed
7. Host (2020)
Horror films are often the first to take advantage of new technology, and that's the case with 2020 horror indie 'Host' (as opposed to 'The Host'). The film takes place entirely on a Zoom video call where a group of friends are trying to escape a demon summoned during a regrettable online seance. It has a Rotten Tomato rating of 98 per cent - and an impressive 23 jump scared. Prepare to be frightened! | Contributed
8. The Loved Ones (2009)
Australian chiller 'The Loved Ones' succesfully splices horror with high school film with a plot that sees a suididal teenage boy held captive after rejecting a classmate's invitation to a school dance. It has a rating of 98 per cent. | Contributed