Turn that Captain Kirk mask inside out, it’s that time of year again. It’s All Hallows’ Eve and horror fans are rejoicing in the street. Classic horror marathons and relentless slasher sessions are a-go. It’s party time, and the party’s got to be right.
Halloween isn’t a time for complex films - it’s a time to revisit some favourite frights. It’s a time to rejoice at the horrific, insane and twisted men who continuously defy natural law – Michael Myers continuing his sororicidal quest, Freddy Kruger stalking some sleep, Leatherface indulging his endless bloodlust and Chucky trying to make friends.
Here’s some essential selections for any Halloween get-together.
If you feel like repping horror a little more low-key, then maybe just a horror t-shirt is for you.
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
Halloween Horror Fundamentals
1 of 12Halloween, Blu-ray
Halloween for Halloween just makes sense. John Carpenter's iconic of slasher film helped spur on an entire generation of messed-up horror, so a return to the original Haddonfield is always a flawless idea. What Empire said: "Halloween remains about as distilled, raw an experience in terror as is ever likely to be committed to celluloid."
2 of 12The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: 40th Anniversary Restoration, Blu-ray
"You haven't seen The Texas Chain Saw Massacre?" the host proclaims aghast as their respect for the quest plummets. It's time for a disturbing but important cinema lesson. What Empire said: "The most purely horrifying horror movie ever made."
3 of 12Nightmare on Elm Street 1-7, Blu-ray
No Halloween party is complete without 656 minutes of nightmare haunting, shear-handed, blood-splattering slasher madness. It's going to be a long night – try not to fall asleep. What Empire said: "Wes Craven blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality in his groundbreaking, artery-slashing piece of mid-Eighties horror."
4 of 12Eleven Bleeding Nose Candle
A halloween decoration with a twist. One of the stranger things you could have on display at a party…
5 of 12Shaun of the Dead, Blu-ray
"We're coming to get you, Barbara!" It's a modern classic, seen countless times and never tiered of. A nice finisher for the night – light on the horror, heavy on film references, gore and laughs. What Empire said: "It cadges laughs with smart lines, silly observations or blokish inside jokes about zombie movies, video games and pub nibbles."
6 of 12Wednesday 13 Fang Bang, CD
You can't just invite people around and force them to watch films, apparently. So, this tongue-in-cheek horror-punk joyride will provide the ultimate Halloween party soundtrack away from the screen, with endless references to classic horror cinema and macabre satires of popular love songs. Tracks include 'Morgue Than Words', 'Happily Ever Cadaver', 'Haddonfield' and 'American Werewolves in London'. Also available on Spotify and Amazon Music.
7 of 12Halloween OST 'Bloody Knife' Colour LP
To truly help add some true slasher creep to your gathering, you'll be needing Carpenter's own 2018 homage to the 1978 Halloween OST, laced with haunting synth and eerie piano. This one's a pre-order and will be out on the 31st, but Zavvi.com always aim to deliver the item on, if not before, the advertised release date.
8 of 12Scream Original Rubber Mask
After years of a dozen Jokers turning up to every Halloween chorusing "why so serious?" throughout the evening, surely the Ghostface classic is due a revival? Just please, no "wassss up". Please.
9 of 12Child’s Play 2 Chucky 15-Inch Nice/Happy Face Good Guys Talking Doll
It's Chucky, he just wants to play and to be your best friend. The doll is 15-inches of pure innocence and will even talk to you when hugged. Adorable, so what's not to like? Sit him on the sideboard and relax.
10 of 12Evil Hot Fire Gummi Bears
Make your guests very, very unhappy. Hide them in a mix of some standard sweets to alienate all of your friends, forever!
11 of 12100 Must See Horror Movies Scratch Poster
This is more of a display for the host. It's a conversation piece, something to brag over as you demonstrate your horror flick credentials.
12 of 12IT Pennywise Balloon Lamp
Send shivers down your visitors' spines with a little mood lighting, courtesy of everyone's favourite clown, Pennywise.