End credits: Crimson Peak, Hotel Transylvania 2, Pan, Monty Python and the Holy Grail

With October in full swing we’re starting to get a trickle of the annual influx of scary movies ready for Halloween. Kicking things off is Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak, which is going to be a hard act to follow. Tom Hiddleston and Mia Wasikowska star in this chilling gothic haunted house movie, foregoing the usual cheap tricks of jump scares and all-out gruesome gore – all too much relied on these days. Instead Del Toro crafts a beautiful and romantic atmosphere that becomes progressively more unsettling and creepy, making for sometimes terrifying viewing.

Those wanting to entertain the kids for Halloween can try Hotel Transylvania 2. Its predecessor was probably the best thing Adam Sandler has been in for a long time. Granted, that isn’t hard but this monster-based family animation is cheesy, cheery and funny enough for a rainy autumn day.

Not in the Halloween mood yet? That’s OK. Over-relying on special effects, Pan sets up an alternative origin story for the boy who never grew up, focusing on Peter and Blackbeard’s (former) friendship. Interesting in concept the story is bloated yet hollow, and serves as little more than eye candy.

Also worth a note, celebrating its fortieth anniversary Monty Python and the Holy Grail returns to cinemas on Wednesday for one day only. The hilarious cult classic will be introduced by a special message from the Pythons and audiences are encouraged to dress up and sing along. (Coconut horse shoes not included.)

Mark Wheeler