It's time to turn off the lights and turn on the VCR, Halloween is rapidly approaching. As the spooky festivities commence, we turn our attention towards the only way we can all truly experience Halloween: horror movies.

Horror movies are a phenomenon—movies made to accelerate your heart rate, to heighten your senses, and to just make you plain terrified. Only a psychopath (or a horror movie fan) would find pleasure in feeling petrified. With that said, here are my recommendations for movies horror buffs need to watch this Halloween season . . .

Warning: Most of these movies are not appropriate for younger audiences and include graphic scenes and distressing situations. Be advised.

Suspiria (1977)

Regarded as one of the most influential horror films, this Italian slasher follows a young American ballet student studying at a seemingly normal dance academy. But the longer she stays at the academy, the more she realizes that something is horribly wrong. This movie is truly unsettling, which is definitely helped by its soundtrack done by progressive rock band Goblin (which is an amazing name). With its themes of the occult and witchcraft, this film is great for anyone who wants to be freaked out.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

The only funny movie on this list, An American Werewolf in London follows two young American travelers who are attacked by a rabid werewolf in a remote English town. One friend dies from his injuries, but the other survives. In the hospital, he is haunted by the ghost of his friend who tells him that he will turn into a werewolf if he continues to live so he must die. You may be wondering what is so funny about this, but the film uses great timing and pacing to hit some seriously funny moments in a seemingly dreadful movie.

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)

After the success of the incredible and groundbreaking television show Twin Peaks (which is a recommendation in itself), director David Lynch planned to make a prequel based on the series. Personally, I would recommend watching the show before you watch the movie, but something is so individualistic about the film that it honestly could just stand by itself. If you are not familiar with David Lynch's work, his films are weird, freaky, and scary. Filled with uncomfortable dream-like sequences, Fire Walk with Me plays out like a cryptic, creepy poem in need of extensive annotation.

The Shining (1980)

I know, I know, pretty much everyone knows about the Shining, but I couldn't just forget about one of the greatest horror movies of all time. This Stanley Kubrick film is the one everyone recommends when someone wants to start watching horror movies—and for good reason. With incredible performances from both Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, impeccable cinematography, and a wonderful soundtrack, the greatness of this film speaks for itself.

Bonus Recommendation: Over the Garden Wall (2014)

Okay, I know this is not a movie or very scary, but I can't talk about Halloween media without mentioning one of the greatest animated series to grace television in years. Over the Garden Wall tells a story of two step-brothers lost in the woods. In their search for home they meet a variety of interesting characters, some much more sinister than others. The show is filled with warm tones and beautiful scenery mixed with an absolutely incredible soundtrack by the Blasting Company. This show will make you cry and it will make you want to live, I can promise that.