With Halloween just around the corner, this SCIFI.radio Fan Film Friday will explore the supernatural side of fandoms that deal with spirits, mysticism and the paranormal.

As many of these fan films contain darker and more mature subject matter, viewer discretion is advised.

ANOTHER WITCH (2017)

Though the producers and actors are Spanish speaking, the story doesn’t depend on it, and is easy to follow for anybody through the action and visuals. This fan film focuses on the esoteric superhero Scarlet Witch, best known as a member of the Avengers. The actress playing the Scarlet Witch feels natural in the role, and she is able to convey her inner thoughts without much dialogue. While the production budget was probably smaller, they make up for it with a compelling character study fan film.

DAYWALKER: BLADE ORIGINS (2017)

No Halloween themed fan film list would be complete without vampires, such as the Marvel Comics vampire hunter Blade. This half hour production is the origin story of Blade, who once was known as Eric Brooks. Though this is much shorter compared to the feature length Hollywood productions, it could almost pass for one. Everything is done on a mind blowing caliber, from the expert camera work to the professionally coordianted fight choreography. Finally, it’s awesome to see the character development of Eric from the beginning to the end, and his interaction with a surprise Marvel character.

DOCTOR FATE RETURNS (2011)

Premiering at the Superman Celebration fan film festival, this production is about the mystical DC Comics superhero Doctor Fate, who’s helmet imbues its wearer with powerful magic powers. The story also has the investigator superhero the Question, and invokes the H.P. Lovecraft legendarium. The soundtrack really builds on the esoteric feel of the character and his world, and the costume and set design reflects the comics. Perhaps the acting might need some work, but overall this is a fun fan’s original take on the character.

HELLBLAZER: JOHN CONSTANTINE (2013)

The producers of this fan film have stated that this in an adaptation of Hellblazer #230, by Andy Diggle. Like in the comic book, supernatural investigator John Constantine must survive against a London gangster out to impress his mob boss. Robbie Allen, the actor who portrays Constantine, nails the character. He’s subtly charismatic and cunning, but still carries the weight of the dark and demonic forces that he battles every day of his life. The close-ups really capture all of this, and the overall tone feels straight from the comic pages.

THE HELMET OF DR. FATE – TRAILER (2016)

This is a fan-made trailer for a movie that doesn’t really exist. It’s an alternate take on the mystical Doctor Fate, set during a post-apocalyptic future, with vibes of the Mad Max film series. The editing is smooth, the cinematography is professionally shot and the soundtrack builds on the intensity. Finally, there’s some surprising cameos from other DC Comics characters.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK – FAN FILM (2014)

Inspired by the comic book about a team of DC Comics mystic superheroes, investigator John Constantine and magician Zatanna must rescue her father from hell itself. But, their efforts are blocked by Deadman, a spirit who can jump from body to body. The actors playing Constantine and Zatanna have great chemistry together on screen, which really pays off. Overall, this fan film has a superb production value with the camera work, effects and pacing.

KRUEGER: THE LEGEND OF ELM STREET (2016)

Inspired by the Nightmare on Elm Street horror film franchise, this fan film finds legendary and infamous Springwood Slasher Freddy Krueger being targeted by the parents of young people he has killed. The soundtrack really supports and builds upon the inner turmoil of Freddy alone in his warehouse, which has a nice eerie blue that accentuates his feelings. My only criticism might be that some of the dialogue and reflection scenes go on a bit too long. That being said, the actor playing Freddy is superb … and chilling.

MISCHIEF MANAGED (2017)

As Halloween is the time of witches and wizards, of course there should be some Harry Potter fan films on this list. This is a prequel to the Harry Potter Hollywood film series, focusing on the Four Marauders, a group of friends who attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry together. Among them is James Potter, the father of the future hero. It was filmed on the grounds of the real life Oxford University, where some of the Harry Potter films shot some scenes. Overall, it does a great job recapturing the whimsical magic and friendships that has enchanted fans all across the world.

SEVERUS SNAPE AND THE MARAUDERS (2016)

Nearly half an hour long, this fan film acts as another prequel to the main Harry Potter Hollywood movies, though this one is darker than the previous fan film on this list. It also focuses on the Four Marauders, who all find themselves in a tavern after graduating Hogwarts, where they contemplate their place in the coming war against the Dark Lord Voldemort. The production attempts to reflect the Harry Potter films in a commendable way, with the set design, the visual effects and the costumes. Finally, the actors give their best performances as their iconic characters.

SUPERNATURAL: ENTER SANDMAN (2013)

This fan film is inspired by the Supernatural television series on The CW network. It follows two brothers who investigate and combat metaphysical threats to the earth. Here, they contend with the Sandman from fables, who is punishing children that misbehave in a small Oregon town. The actors playing Sam and Dean Winchester really capture the personalities and quirks of their inspired characters, but still manage to make them their own. The production value at times feels like an episode from the series, and overall stands as loving tribute to the Supernatural fandom.

In this season of ghosts and goblins, SCIFI.radio hopes that these spooky and spectacular fan films give you all the right thrills and chills this Halloween.