Our Library staff have chosen four (4) recommendations, with some words explaining each pick.
They include everything from films and TV series to books, podcasts, music and beyond.
They can be accessed either online or from the Library's physical collection (for AFTRS staff and students only).
Collection Development Librarian
Theme: Halloween
Director: Dario Argento (1970)
What a directorial debut! Tense, fun and stylishly made. This is perfect late night spooky season viewing.
Director: John Carpenter (1982)
A friend of mine once had the perfect description for this film: ‘A terrifying vision of a world without women’.
Director: Bernard Rose (1992)
In my opinion this is a modern classic. It’s filled with ideas, without feeling overwhelmed - and it’s still very scary! An extremely rewatchable horror movie.
Director: Karyn Kusama (2015)
An excellent entry into the *dinner party goes extremely bad* sub-genre. This is a very effective low-budget freak out that has a gripping sense of slow-burn dread.
Engagement and Outreach Librarian
Theme: Halloween
Director: Elem Klimov (1985)
The most harrowing war film I’ve ever seen. Many horrific scenes have been burned into my memory. I’ll never forget the boy’s face turning ashen and wrinkled like a little old man from the horror’s he’s witnessed. He literally goes grey in the matter of what feels like weeks. So intense!
Director: Gasper Noe (2002)
The first time I watched this I was incredibly hungover, it was the middle of the day, the sun was shining and I could hear little kids playing out on the street. When I tell you this was probably THE WORST scenario to watch this film in!!!
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini (1975)
It’s about time for my yearly viewing of possibly the most hardcore film ever made? Let’s discuss.
Director: John McNaughton (1986)
I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the most terrifying film about a serial killer you’ll ever see. Here’s your Halloween viewing sorted.
Research Support Librarian
Theme: Halloween
Director: André Øvredal (2016)
A creepy mystery unfolds in a morgue as two coroners try to figure out who, or what, they’re dealing with. It’s a spooky slow-burn that shows how much tension you can build
with just one room and one very unsettling body.
Director: Oz Perkins (2015)
Two girls are left behind at their boarding school over winter break.. and things get weird. Moody, quiet, and seriously eerie, this one’s all about atmosphere and slow-building dread.
Director: Ari Aster (2018)
A family tragedy spirals into something much darker in this modern horror classic. It’s intense, emotional, and packed with unforgettable visuals. Definitely one for fans of bold, unsettling cinema.
Director: Rose Glass (2019)
A lonely nurse becomes convinced she’s on a mission from God, and things go downhill fast. Creepy, quiet, and totally unnerving, this one’s perfect if you like your horror psychological and stylish.
Assistant Librarian
Theme: Be Still My Undead Heart
Director: Zelda Williams (2024)
This movie inspired the theme of my staff picks being “Be Still My Undead Heart”. It’s campy, gorgeous, murderous, and so funny! Brought to you by the screenwriter of ‘Jennifer’s Body’, Diablo Cody.
Director: Jonathan Levine (2013)
A feel-dead movie that’s heartwarming. It’s cute and a fun watch!
Directors: Tim Burton and Mike Johnson (2005)
This movie is a beautiful stop motion film. Absolutely haunting, both sad and happy.
Director: Burr Steers (2016)
Anyone who likes Jane Austen or Austenesque material, this is the movie for you. Knowing the Pride and Prejudice story makes this movie utterly hilarious. Overall, a lot of fun.
Library & Information Services Manager
Theme: Something Witchy This Way Comes
Director: George Miller (1987)
Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon and Cher are iconic in this 80s witchy movie. As a child, Jack Nicholson’s turn as a mysterious wish granter who may or may not be the devil legitimately terrified me more than The Shining.
Director: Andrew Fleming (1996)
Four teenage girls practicing witchcraft, what could possibly go wrong? Classic 90s cinema portraying girlhood in all its messy glory.
Director: Anna Biller (2016)
This film is a luscious, technicolour love letter to the horror films of the 60s and 70s. Everything from the sound design, the costumes and the stylised acting made me nostalgic for an era of cinema I wasn’t even alive for.
Director: Griffin Dunne (1999)
The perfect combination of 90s aesthetics, romance, sisterhood and witchcraft. The soundtrack is pure magic.