Read, Listen, Watch, and Be Scared: Top 5 Books, Films, and Music for Halloween
There are many ways to celebrate Samhain, also known as Halloween. You might prepare some tasty treats, stock up on strong, aromatic drinks, and invite friends over, or paint your face in ghostly hues, don a scary mask, and join a band of fellow merry monsters roaming the streets, spooking passers-by with the question “trick or treat.” Or you could simply settle in a cosy corner with a glass of hot grog and watch your favourite horror film.
Whatever you choose, we’ve prepared a suitably chilling and atmospheric “playlist” for the darkest night of the year, featuring books, films, and music albums that will either frighten you even more or elevate the devilish revelry to a level that would make even the devils in hell nauseous. So, happy Halloween, and don’t forget to check that your windows and doors are tightly shut.
Books
“The Book Eaters” by Sunyi Dean
An original and masterful “dark fantasy” with elements of thriller and mystery, this novel tells the story of the book eaters, a highly unusual species dwelling somewhere amidst the grim Yorkshire moors. This secretive caste comprises six Families who consume books – for them, books are literally more than a “source of knowledge”; they are also sustenance. A spy thriller might be a spicy starter, a romance novel a piquant dessert, while consuming a map may help to memorise destinations, routes, and points of interest. When their children misbehave, they are forced to eat the dry, musty pages of dictionaries. All the knowledge a book eater consumes lingers in them as a burden of wisdom. But things take a shocking turn when Devon, the protagonist, has a son with a rarer “metabolism” – he consumes human minds. To save her child, Devon needs a recipe held by one of the Families, but this Family suddenly vanishes.
“Motanka,” a Collection of Short Stories
The Ukrainian anthology “Motanka” introduces readers to works by twelve contemporary Ukrainian women authors, diverse in mood, setting, and style. The collection’s mystical and fantastical stories often revolve around women’s wartime experiences, even when transporting readers to an alternate Leoburg or an unknown marshland in an imaginary world, or having characters encounter mermaids or spirits of the dead. The heroines in these stories are strong, capable of overcoming invaders and protecting themselves and their loved ones. Each of the twelve stories is illustrated by Inna Deliyeva, who also designed the stylish cover. The main image on the cover is a motanka doll, a feminine figure of protection, mystified, magical, and powerful. In the foreword, readers are introduced to anthropologist Maria Kuryacha’s scientific commentary on the motanka doll as a talisman, especially relevant in times of full-scale war.
“Witch King” by Martha Wells
Another fantasy novel by genre superstar Martha Wells, already the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Dragon Awards and Goodreads Choice Award, and a bestseller according to USA Today, The Sunday Times, and the New York Times. The book tells of the awakening of Kai, a demon who has been dormant for centuries, oblivious to the passage of time, his mortal body entombed in a crystal coffin in a strange underwater tomb. Freed, Kai sets out to discover what happened to him and his allies. Together with his old friend, the witch Ziede, he embarks on a journey to find his missing wife, the marshal Tairene. The novel has it all – from omnipotent mages and fearless warriors to incredible monsters and political intrigue, with the fate of the world as ever at stake.
“The Book of Accidents” by Chuck Wendig
Once a numbers-obsessed maniac, Edmund Reese failed in what he believed to be a sacred mission – killing 99 girls in Rambler Rocks Park, a stony field. He was executed in the electric chair, yet something far darker, hungrier, and more malevolent has taken up residence among the mysterious boulders in the park. The novel’s protagonists, Nate and Maddie, also encountered pure evil in their childhoods – Nate lived in a rural house near Rambler Rocks with his abusive father, keeping what happened there a secret, while Maddie, as a young girl, saw something in her bedroom she was never meant to see. She tries to revive her forgotten childhood trauma by creating unsettling, eerie sculptures. Now, married and happy, Nate and Maddie Graves move with their son Oliver into Nate’s childhood home. And what happened back then begins to repeat itself, this time with their son – as he befriends a strange teenager.
“Legacy on Bones” by Yuliya Cherninka
The central idea of this novel is that unpunished evil always returns. Proof of this can be found in both distant and recent history. Today, the world talks about Bucha. But the world does not know about the Salina mine. Even in Ukraine, few know this story, which is why Ukrainian author Yuliya Cherninka began writing this book. “Legacy on Bones” is a vast canvas that spans both our time and the far-off 1940s. In this book, the present and past intersect, with all the characters, whether from the past or today, somehow connected, either through blood ties or the horrific events in Salina Gorge in 1941, near Dobromyl. This mystical thriller’s main character is the history of Soviet terror in Western Ukraine in 1941, which created “The Call” – an unexplained force that pulls the descendants of murderers out of their ordinary lives. The Call always resonates, but only a few hear it.
Films
"Late Night with the Devil"
A film for fans of paranormal horror and the “mockumentary” or “found footage” genre (with classics like “The Blair Witch Project”). The main events revolve around an episode of the night show “Evening Owls” – the show’s ratings are declining, so the host decides to lure viewers with scandalous themes of the occult. Among the episode’s special guests are Krista the psychic and medium, Carmichael Haig, a sceptic and former magician, June Ross-Mitchell, an author and parapsychologist, and her book’s heroine Lilli D'Abo, who was allegedly once possessed by demons. Unsurprisingly, with this guest lineup, the episode quickly turns into a genuine horror show on live television. The film’s special effects include puppetry, computer graphics, and even AI-generated images, which have sparked criticism from film experts. However, this hasn’t made the film any less terrifying – enjoy the fright!
"Longlegs"
A detective thriller reminiscent of The Silence of the Lambs that smoothly shifts into mystical horror in the vein of Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist—what else would you expect from a film starring Nicolas Cage, the meme-worthy actor famous for picking the most eccentric roles? Over the last few decades, Cage’s films have either been masterpieces, utterly cringeworthy, or both at the same time. However, with Longlegs, Western critics unanimously agree that this is the scariest film of the decade. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but one thing is certain—you won’t forget this Nicolas Cage role. The plot follows FBI agent Lee Harker as she tracks an elusive serial killer with occultist leanings, known as “Longlegs,” responsible for multiple family murders across Oregon. But the closer she gets to this enigmatic figure, the more she feels a dark, inexplicable connection between him and her own past.
“The Witch Revenge”
This film, inspired by the image of a witch from ancient Ukrainian legends and beliefs in the extraordinary powers of Ukrainian women, as well as a real story involving a resident of Konotop during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is packed with supernatural intrigue. When Russian soldiers entered Konotop at the beginning of the invasion, a local woman fearlessly cursed a Russian soldier, warning him that “every other woman here is a witch.” In the storyline, an ancient Konotop witch falls in love with a mortal man and renounces her powers. But after Russian soldiers take over the town and brutally kill her lover, she decides to seek revenge. She regains her powers and unleashes horrific, bloody retribution on those who took her beloved. Despite the expressive and sometimes gory nature of the genre, the film conveys a powerful message on the importance of holding onto humanity and not becoming monsters oneself, even in righteous anger. But still—it's satisfying to watch the brutal fate of these Russian invaders.
"Strange Darling"
Another film that quickly became a classic of the serial killer thriller genre. It might seem that all is revealed in the prologue, but don’t rush to conclusions. This splatter film, with deliberately twisted chronology (scenes unfold out of order, keeping the final twist concealed), manages to include elements of current feminist themes, a disastrous Tinder date that escalates into a car chase à la Tarantino’s Death Proof, and a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. There’s even a dash of the demonic—of course. Allegedly based on the true story of a serial killer’s final days, the film captivates with its plot, excellent acting, the poetic cinematography shot on vintage 35mm film, and a carefully curated soundtrack. After watching, you might never hear Nazareth's famous rock ballad Love Hurts the same way again.
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
The long-awaited and unexpected sequel to Tim Burton’s cult gothic horror comedy, released 36 years after the original. Stars from the first Beetlejuice, including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara, reprise their roles, joined by new cast members like Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe. Thirty-six years after the events of the first film, Lydia Deetz hosts a supernatural talk show titled Haunted House, produced by her boyfriend Rory. During one episode recording, Lydia sees Beetlejuice's ghost in the audience. Soon, ghosts from the past haunt Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, dragging her into the spirit world. Left with no other choice, Lydia once again seeks help from her begrudging yet cunning ghost friend, Beetlejuice.
Music
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads
One of the most famous and poetic albums by the dark Australian punk rocker Nick Cave, Murder Ballads provides an ideal backdrop for a Halloween party. True to its title, each track on the album is a story of murder and bloodshed driven by love or obsession. Cave’s haunting bass voice narrates stories of men, women, and even a teenage girl (The Curse of Millhaven). Notable tracks include duets with PJ Harvey (Henry Lee) and Kylie Minogue (Wild Rose). These are ballads in the truest sense: each song is a complete story with a gripping, chilling plot, set to gothic country that blends folk and rock seamlessly. If watching horror movies on Halloween night feels like too much effort, Cave’s album is the perfect alternative.
Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt-Kickers - The Original Monster Mash
Feeling the Halloween blues with rain tapping at the windows and the wind howling? Then liven up the night with Bobby Pickett’s cocktail of spooky fun. Thanks to this album—and its titular hit Monster Mash—Pickett became one of the genre’s biggest stars, and his single an unofficial Halloween anthem. The album mixes pop and twist with classic horror movie sound effects like clinking chains, bubbling ooze, and creaking coffin lids. The lyrics are full of references to iconic horror films of the 1950s and '60s and parodies of the culture of the time. Under Pickett’s eerie yet upbeat tunes, Halloween turns from dark melancholy to light-hearted mischief.
Siouxsie & The Banshees - Juju
Another post-punk icon, the enigmatic and bewitching Siouxsie Sioux, has produced an album in Juju that’s often named one of the most influential British rock albums. Siouxsie’s deep voice, John McGeoch's distinctive guitar work, and psychedelic lyrics come together to create an atmosphere perfect for Halloween—a sense of foreboding and something ominous lurking just out of sight. The Banshees' music gradually builds a feeling of panic chord by chord. For the ultimate Samhain experience, pair the album with the music video for Spellbound.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Once again, Tim Burton proves indispensable to any “dark” holiday. The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack is a truly spectacular musical phenomenon, a score that celebrates both Halloween and Christmas. The plot of Burton’s cult animation needs no introduction, known by children and adults alike across the Atlantic. Songs like This Is Halloween, brilliantly performed by Danny Elfman and later covered by Marilyn Manson, make the perfect Halloween playlist starter—an unmissable tradition.
Folkulaka - This!
Ukrainian horror-folk band Folkulaka, a relatively new group born during the pandemic and still active during the full-scale invasion, brings Ukrainian folk into the supernatural realm. Adding demons, vampires, and mythical creatures into their music, Folkulaka reimagines traditional Ukrainian songs with an unearthly passion. Over the past three years, the band has released six singles and an EP, and performed at festivals and tours alongside bands like ZWYNTAR. If you’re looking to experience Halloween with a unique twist, Folkulaka’s re-envisioned Ukrainian folk will provide an eerie, yet culturally rich, soundtrack for the occasion.