October is the spookiest season and there is no better way to spend it than watching horror movies with friends. 

With Halloween around the corner, there are plenty of great spots in south Essex where you can get your annual dose of scares and horror - from drive-in events to cinemas. 

Moonbeamers Drive-In

Moonbeamers drive-in cinema is back this month with two special Halloween events at Barleylands in Billericay. On October 29 at 6pm, you can catch 80s classic the Lost Boys from 6pm.

For those made of sterner stuff, follow this up on the same day with a special presentation of the Shining at 8.45pm. Tickets to both films cost £30. 

Vue Cinema Basildon 

Basildon's new Vue cinema has a range of excellent horror movies over this Halloween season. 

This includes a double bill of Smile and Smile 2 on Wednesday October 16 at 7.15pm, modern horror classic Saw on Thursday October 31 - unrated for its 20th anniversary and the Evil Dead 2 on Tuesday October 15. 

Southend Odeon 

Odeon in Southend is screening a special 40th anniversary edition of Halloween staple A Nightmare on Elm Street at 7.50pm on Monday October 28. 

This is alongside Terrifier 3, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the Substance and Smile 2.