While ghost stories can seemly be confined to folkloric tales, saved for campfire legends or to scare younger siblings, many famous, blood-curdling ghost tales have made it to the big screen. As the Maker celebrates ‘chilling encounters’ this month, we’ve decided to collate a couple of our favourite ghost stories that have been produced into films. Hopefully some of these movies will inspire yourself to write on some ghostly themes and perhaps even create your own new folkloric ghost tale. 

The Mummy (1991) 

This horrifying epic follows a set during the 1920s, as a group of expeditioners in the Sahara Desert as they race to find hidden treasures. It is legend that if the mummy that guards these fortunes is disturbed, ‘a waking disease’ will spread throughout Europe. This movie perfectly manages to balance gleeful entertainment with the goriness of the horror genre. I’d recommend this film to any horror-movie newbie. 

The Haunting of Hill House (2018) 

While not a film, this Netflix miniseries can certainly be binged on an October weekend. Based on the novel by Shirly Jackson, this series’ narrative is split between the past and present, as a struggling family becomes aware of the horrifying past of their new home. Starring Victoria Pedretti and Mckenna Grace, this series will leave you feeling heart-wrenched and horrified all at the same time.   

The Woman in Black (2012) 

I remember watching this film at a Halloween party a few years ago and being truly terrified. Again, based on the novel, this film adapts Susan’s Hill’s work to the big screen. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, the film follows him as a young solicitor who after moving comes face to face with a vengeful ghost terrorizing the local community. My favourite part of this film is the ending, so I’d recommend sticking with this film until its final scene. 

Silent House (2011) 

Our first independent film of the list, Silent House is a psychological horror following a young woman, played by Elizabeth Olsen, who is terrorised in her family vacation home after she is trapped inside by supernatural forces. For those most interested by the cerebral aspects of the horror genre, instead of the classic jump scare, this film is sure to grip you. 

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) 

Based on a true story, The Exorcism of Emily Rose follows a lawyer who takes on a homicide case after a priest kills a young girl during an exorcism. By combining the contents of a horror film with a courtroom drama, this intriguing film will leave you questioning aspects of morality and ethics. 

Sure to get your hearts pumping, any of these films would be perfect to watch during a misty October evening. If any of these films inspire you to write on any ghostly topics, you can send in any creative responses to The Maker @themaker@causleytrust.org. Once again, we wish you a very Happy Halloween and hope that these ghostly movies will inspire you to write some supernatural stories of your own. 

Written by Anna Craig, The Maker’s digital intern