Sure, it's only September, but as the first hints of autumn chill creep into the air, it's never too early to start planning your Halloween horror film marathon. As the leaves begin their transformation from green to gold, it's time to dust off your DVD player (or, let's be honest, fire up your streaming service of choice) and dive into the world of horror cinema. But with more scary films than you can shake a severed limb at, how do you choose? 

Fear not, brave souls! We've compiled a list of three essential horror films guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit faster than you can say "Candyman" five times in front of a mirror. After all, why wait until October to start scaring yourself silly?

‘Get Out’ (2017)

If you thought your in-laws were bad, wait until you meet the Armitages. Jordan Peele's directorial debut Get Out takes the anxiety of meeting your significant other's family and cranks it up to eleven... thousand.

This social thriller remarkably blends horror with biting commentary on race relations in America. What sets Get Out apart is its ability to make the everyday terrifying. A cup of tea becomes a weapon. A photography session turns sinister. Even a bowl of Froot Loops takes on a menacing air. Peele masterfully builds tension through seemingly innocuous interactions, making you question every smile, every compliment, every offer of help.

Daniel Kaluuya's performance as Chris is a masterclass in conveying unease. His expressive eyes do more to communicate fear and suspicion than pages of dialogue ever could. 

‘The Babadook’ (2014)

Who knew that reading a pop-up book could be so terrifying? Australian director Jennifer Kent's The Babadook takes the monster-in-the-closet trope and turns it into a metaphor for grief, depression, and the challenges of single parenthood.

The genius of The Babadook lies in its ambiguity. Is the Babadook real, or is it a manifestation of the mother's grief and exhaustion? The film keeps you guessing, blurring the lines between reality and imagination in a way that's genuinely unsettling.

Essie Davis delivers a powerhouse performance as Amelia, a mother pushed to her limits. Her descent into paranoia and madness is as heartbreaking as it is terrifying. And young Noah Wiseman as Samuel manages to be both endearing and utterly annoying - much like actual children.

‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984)

Last but not least, we have Wes Craven's slasher classic, A Nightmare on Elm Street. Because if there's one thing scarier than a killer stalking you in the real world, it's one who can get you in your dreams.

Freddy Krueger, with his burnt face, striped sweater, and glove of knives, has become a horror icon for good reason. This film will have you questioning reality, fearing sleep, and probably investing in a good coffee maker to stay awake indefinitely.

What makes Freddy so terrifying is his playfulness. Unlike other slasher villains, he seems to genuinely enjoy what he does. His quips and one-liners add a layer of dark humour to the proceedings, making the horror all the more unsettling. After all, there's something uniquely disturbing about a killer who can joke while he's slicing and dicing.

The film's dreamlike quality allows for some truly inventive kill scenes. Beds that eat people, arms that stretch impossibly long, bodies dragged across ceilings — A Nightmare on Elm Street pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a horror film, creating a surreal and nightmarish atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.