Feeling chills? The tingly hairs on the back of your neck means October is here — and with it comes sweater weather and scary season! As the crows gather and temperature drops, get cozy with these titles.
Movies and shows to make you smile or scream
Whether you want funny, bone-chilling or straight up scary, there's a film or show for every Halloween and horror fan.
Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched, A History of Folk Horror (2021): Do you enjoy mythology? Journey through the history of folk horror and learn how it shows up in pop culture today. Stream this film on Kanopy with your library account.
Good Boy (2025): Indy is a dog and deeply loyal to Todd. When they move into a haunted house, Indy goes to great lengths to keep his human safe. Told through a pup’s eyes, this unique and hair-raising film will leave you hugging your furry companions close. (Yes, the dog lives.) Borrow the DVD or stream Good Boy on Hoopla.
An American Werewolf in London (1981): This cult classic is ideal for fans who enjoy body horror with a large dose of comedy. A plus: this film features one of the most iconic scenes of a man transforming into a werewolf. Stream it today with Kanopy.
The Witch (2015): For audiences that prefer slower-paced horror, this witchy one is for you. A favorite at independent film festivals, this thriller has a supernatural storyline to keep you entertained. Watch The Witch today with Kanopy.
Suspiria (2018): Inspired by the original 1977 Italian film, this remake has earned a reputation among the best of modern horror. Be warned, though: you must enjoy body horror to watch. Borrow the 2018 movie on DVD and stream the 1977 original on Hoopla.
Why stop at this list? Login on Hoopla or Kanopy with your library ID number and pin to browse more horror.
Fall-themed and scary season reads
Dark mysteries, classic horror or just fall-themed books — the library has something for you! Enjoy autumn with these great titles.
Ghost Hunter's Guide to Portland and the Oregon Coast, by Jeff Dwyer: From the spirits of dead soldiers to the Shanghai tunnels, stay entertained with haunting tales of our state’s past. Dwyer shares stories about Western Oregon spanning many decades, and even includes explanations about ghosts and how to find them.
The Good House, by Tananarive Due: Angela Toussaint deals with grief and discovers her family’s Vodún traditions while looking for answers about the tragedies plaguing her Washington town. Part horror, fantasy, mystery and thriller, this genre-blending novel has it all.
Pie Squared, by Cathy Barrow: If you love fall but prefer to enjoy it through cooking and confections, check out Pie Squared. With more than 60 recipes, Barrow has tips and techniques for bakers of all levels.
The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Stories, by Edgar Allen Poe: This collection of classics explores themes of murder, madness and death. Authored by a man obsessed with being buried alive, it’s especially a-Poe-priate for October.
Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep: A young gamer and a middle-aged man become unlikely allies as they navigate an ever-worsening nightmare. Check out this book for a comedic take on horror.
Discover America's haunted history: For those wanting to dive further into the paranormal, check out this booklist of ghost stories from Oregon and beyond.
If you need more scary fiction: Find everything from comics to longer reads in this list of horror titles.