Around Halloween, many people enjoy watching classic horror films like “The Exorcist,” “Frankenstein,” and, of course, “Halloween.” But the films below are often overlooked cult classics that are seriously underappreciated, and that you should definitely be checked out if looking for something to watch on Halloween night:

1. “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” (1988): This madcap tongue-in-cheek B-movie tells the story of a small beach town invaded by aliens… that look like clowns. Shot partly in Santa Cruz, and packed with first-rate 1980’s effects (animatronics, make-up, etc.) and with some genuinely creepy moments sprinkled throughout.

2. “May” (2002): Lucky McKee’s directorial debut starring Angela Bettis, Anna Faris, and Jeremy Sisto follows a few weeks in the life of the extremely socially-awkward May. Not much more can be said without spoiling the film, but slowly the film builds to an insane and unpredictable finale, and is just as effective a psychological horror film as it is as a depressing drama/character study.

3. “Trick ‘r Treat” (2007): This anthology film from the creators of the X-Men movies perfectly captures the spirit of the Halloween season. Equal parts humorous and frightening, and starring Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, and Brian Cox, this may even surpass John Carpenter’s “Halloween” as the quintessential October movie.

4. “Creepshow” (1982): Another anthology from the mind of director George A. Romero (“Night of the Living Dead” series), writer Stephen King, and special effects artist Tom Savini (“Dawn of the Dead,” “Friday the 13th”). A homage to the old EC horror comics of the 1950s, it stars Leslie Nielsen, Ed Harris, Ted Danson, E.G. Marshall, Adrienne Barbeau, and Hal Holbrook. With a unique comic book visual style, black humor, and some fittingly over-the-top performances (given the old comic book basis), it’s a wonder why this film seems to only be remembered by genre nerds.

5. “The Monster Squad” (1987): B-movie director Fred Dekker (“House,” “Night of the Creeps”) brings the classic Universal monsters back in this “Goonies”-esque movie that remained a rare gem for over 20 years, before being recently rediscovered through VHS and DVD, and is now cemented as a cult hit. Despite this, it still remains somewhat of an underground film and demands more respect.

6. “Stage Fright: Aquarius” (1989): As the opening date of a musical production based on a real string of murders advances, a group of actors ensure a productive performance by locking themselves in the theater. Unbeknownst to them, an absconded serial killer has tagged along for the rehearsal and may have made their play much more convincing.

7. “Pan’s Labyrinth” (2006): In the midst of the Spanish Civil War, timid Ofelia suffers the perverse discipline tactics of her stepfather ; that is,until she follows an unearthly being who claims she has royal blood. As tasks to complete are thrown her way to prove her royalty she encounters nightmarish creatures and finds herself trapped in a fantastical world within a complex labyrinth.

Others to watch: “Martyrs,” “V/H/S/2” (segment: “Safe Haven”), “The Fog,” “The Wicker Man (1973),” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)”, “Dead of Night,” “Alice, Sweet Alice,” “The Witches.”