The twist ending, which has become a staple for the genre, is now expected by the end of most horror films, thereby removing the effect a twist ending is meant to have. The so-called 'jump scenes' only serve to startle the viewer without actually scaring you because once the moment passes, so does your fear. I'm taking this season as an opportunity to start of this new blog with a post on my Top 31 Favorite Horror Movies. That title may be a little misleading though because it's a list not solely composed of horror films, but includes some horror-comedies as well. It serves as a list of great movies to watch, in my opinion of course, if you're searching for a great film to get you in the mood for ghouls and goblins this season.
I should make one note before beginning, this list does not include many of the "classic" horror films most people swear by. I believe that movies like Halloween, The Exorcist, The Silence of the Lambs, Alien, Nightmare on Elm Street and The Shining are praised as horror greats only because that's what everyone has heard. As a result, those are the only horror movies most people watch because they are the few that most people have actually seen and recommend to others, thereby limiting their knowledge of what is truly a frightening film (though again, it is just my opinion). Whether you've seen most of these films or hardly any, hopefully there are some on here you're unfamiliar with that you can check out. Anyway, I've rambled enough in this introduction, here's the list:
31. Freaks (1932)
Freaks is a film that tarnished director Tod Browning's reputation, even after coming off of Dracula only a year earlier. The film disgusted audiences and Browning became a pariah in Hollywood. His films were shunned and less than ten years later his career was over. His use of actual circus freaks in the film was disturbing to many in a politically incorrect culture, so you can imagine how disturbing it was to see them represented in a horror film. Today the film remains pretty tame, though in a culture that is now too politically correct, don't tell anyone if you get a little unnerved at the sight of the freaks, you'll be tarred and feathered for not having a soul.
30. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
This is a film I'm hesitant to put on the list because I know how much it won't resonate with modern audiences. I've included it mainly for the movie fanatic who might enjoy another meta-film along the lines of Scream and Cabin in the Woods as it's self-aware enough to crack jokes at lame horror movie cliches. The first half of the movie is told in the form of a documentary as a film crew is following the ambitious Leslie Vernon in his preparation for becoming a serial killer. Halfway in the movie becomes a regular slasher as Leslie puts his plans into effect. The humor in this one is very dry, but for anyone who loves a good satire and is tired of the same old horror films, this is a must-watch.
29. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
I'll go ahead and say from the beginning that I'm probably biased when it comes to this film as Washington Irving's classic tale is my favorite horror story ever. While this movie may not be one of the horror greats, Tim Burton's adaptation of the tale of Ichabod Crane has a very dark and haunted tone (of course it does, it's Tim Burton!) that boosts the film's story. If Burton has any talents, it's that he excels at creating a morbid atmosphere in his films, though they may not all be Oscar-worthy. The lack of language in this film means that it owes its R-rating to the copious amounts of gore, though they aren't over the top because they fit into that haunted feel of the story. This unusual twist on the old legend makes it worth watching, even if you have an aversion to Burton's films.
28. The Last House on the Left (2009)
Just because something is a remake, doesn't mean it sucks. While I haven't seen the original, the 2009 remake of Last House on the Left is one of the most intense films I've ever seen. There were several times throughout that I found myself shaking because I put myself in the situation of the protagonist. The movie is very realistic up until the last minute which almost ruins the entire thing because it throws the film into silly horror cliche territory. As a warning, this film is extremely intense and violent, and there is a graphic rape scene which would make any normal person uncomfortable enough to turn their head. Only watch this film if you think you can handle it.
27. The Frighteners (1996)
The Frighteners is a film that has a comedic side to it balancing out the horror side. Directed by Peter Jackson (yes, the man who gave us The Lord of the Rings) the movie stars Michael J. Fox as a man who can communicate with ghosts after experiencing a car accident which killed his wife. He soon discovers that a dark entity is killing people, marking them for death on their foreheads, and the numbers are piling up. It's a very amusing film that garners a spot on this list for being able to balance horror and comedy so effectively.
26. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
Along with Last House on the Left, this is a remake of one of Wes Craven's horror films from the 70s. I have yet to see the original for this one, but the remake is a superb horror film. It's one of the few horror movies in the mutant subcategory. The story follows a family on vacation out west as their car breaks down in the desert. However, nuclear experiments have turned the inhabitants of this desert into mutated freaks that kill for fun. The movie is extremely intense and gory, but it seems to work for the film as the mutants are vicious and sadistic. The characters are victims at first, but they soon get their act together and fight back, something not often seen in the horror genre. Another unique aspect of this film is that the mutants have been given personality, making them much more than just antagonists. Overall, the film is a very satisfying one if you can stomach the gore.
25. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
This film is the reason I don't look out the window or in the mirror if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The Mothman Prophecies would be just an average film with a creepy premise were it not for the fact that most of the film is based on actual accounts. And it's not loosely based like a lot of films, most of these things really happened. Whatever this creature is, there are actually hundreds of eyewitness accounts of this thing showing up in West Virginia in the late 60s. That fact alone sends enough chills up my spine to include this one on the list.
24. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Yeah, that's right, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is on this list because it's a guilty pleasure for me. I should go ahead and point out that this is the remake I'm talking about and not the 1974 original. Now, I've seen both and I have to say that the original not only puts me to sleep, it frustrates the crap out of me. Few movies are so mind-numbingly annoying as the original and that is why it will never be included on my list of best horror films. The remake is a film that most people don't seem to like and I can't figure out the reason. The movie has a gritty and raw feeling to it that works perfectly for the setting. The characters in this film don't make stupid choices like in most horror movies, and they aren't helpless idiots who don't fight back. And let's not forget the intense performance by R. Lee Ermey as the patriarch of this clan of cannibals. While many people would disagree with this choice, I'm including it because I believe Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be one of the more realistic slasher films out there.
23. 28 Days Later (2002)/28 Weeks Later (2007)
Now, this is the only time on the list that I'm including two movies together, but that's because I feel like the two are a continuing story that complement each other. Both films have their moments, but together they form a zombie story for the modern audience. Since the release of the first movie (directed by Danny Boyle), many others have borrowed its take on 'fast' zombies. The horror comes the moment you first see these zombies sprinting instead of staggering like in Romero's films. There is an underlying political theme from these movies that is anti-military, though if you prefer to ignore that aspect the movies can still be enjoyed.
22. The Changeling (1980)
This movie is probably one of the creepiest additions to the list. It stars Patton himself, George C. Scott as a widower who moves into an old Victorian mansion that may be haunted. Like most of the films on this list, it has that eerie feel that truly makes a film scary. There aren't too many scenes of horror actually in the film, but I will say the few present are noteworthy. The first time I ever watched this was around three in the afternoon and I'll just say one scene was enough to make me pause the movie to turn the lights on and walk around to shake off that creepy feeling. The Changeling also boasts one of the most unnerving seances I've ever seen in a film. If you're looking for a movie that's light on scares but will still give you goosebumps, this might be what you're looking for.
21. Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Trick 'r Treat is an anthology of horror stories. Five different tales interweave with one another on Halloween night, each one uniquely creepy. To be straightforward, this is not a film that has the best acting or special effects, but it is enjoyable to watch. The movie is meant to be fun and does what most films fail to do, it captures the essence of Halloween. Each story is unique and keeps the movie from getting boring. If you find yourself not liking one story, chances are you might like the next one. Unlike the Saw or Paranormal Activity franchises, this movie has the potential to keep rolling out annual sequels without it getting old because of the ability to include multiple stories. Hopefully someone will pick up on this and start a Trick 'r Treat franchise.
20. The Thing (1982)
The Thing is the ultimate shapeshifter movie. Coupled with the paranoia of not knowing who to trust is the claustrophobia of being in the Arctic wilderness with no help. It's the perfect setting for an alien shapeshifter to take over human bodies. The most memorable scene in the film has to be when everyone is tied down and Kurt Russell's character is testing everyone's blood in order to find out who is now the thing. When the impostor is finally revealed the scene goes from tense to freaky in a matter of seconds. The Thing is John Carpenter's best film in my opinion, no offense to Halloween.
19. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
From Dusk Till Dawn is a film that relies on over-the-top gore for it's scares. It's not necessarily meant to frighten you as much as it is to entertain you. Similar to Dead Alive or The Evil Dead series, there is a kookiness to the film's gore that helps provide some humor. This is a film I've only recently had the opportunity to watch and I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately I knew the twist that comes halfway through because almost every description of the film, such as on Netflix or Amazon, gives it away. If you really want this movie to be a surprise, just turn it on without reading any previous comments or summaries of the movie. The payoff will be greatly rewarding.
18. The Faculty (1998)
Okay, I know most people will see this movie on the list and stop reading, but you'd be wrong to do so. The Faculty is a horror movie guilty pleasure that is just plain fun. While the late 90s were churning out slasher after slasher because of the successes of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Faculty offered up something different, an alien invasion set in a small-town high school. The film has an all-star cast as both teachers and students are played by familiar faces such as Jon Stewart, Salma Hayek, Josh Hartnett, Famke Janssen, Usher and Elijah Wood. What works with this film is how dark it actually is, one example being a scene that has the students resorting to snorting homemade drugs in order to tell who is still human. It's not a well-known film or even a highly lauded one, but it's a cult classic that is worth checking out.
17. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
This is another horror-comedy included on the list that obviously from the title, focuses on a young American man in London who has to deal with the consequences of being scratched by a werewolf. The film definitely has its moments, especially the initial transformation scene which some say is the best special effects transformation on film without the use of CGI. What really makes this film so great however, is the balance between the horror of becoming a lycanthrope and the screwball nature of the morning after. The film is not so quirky that it ruins the frightening aspects of the film, but it does provide for some great laughs. This movie should be seen by any Twilight fans who think werewolves should be sexy.
16. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The original zombie movie, Night of the Living Dead was directed by George A. Romero and began the whole zombie craze. While many people prefer the follow-up Dawn of the Dead, this film is the one that started it all, and in my opinion has the better scares. The black and white makes the zombies seem more horrific than in Dawn because the make-up looks incredibly cheesy in color. Not to mention, the setting is more claustrophobic as the characters are trapped in a small farmhouse instead of a large mall. As the zombies descend on the farmhouse breaking in at every door and window, it seems as if there is no hope...until morning. Nevermind, I spoke too soon.
15. The Sixth Sense (1999)
Yes, M. Night Shyamalan has since become a Hollywood joke, but that doesn't mean his first foray into the cinema world has followed with him, mainly because it came before his ego got the better of him. The Sixth Sense remains to this day one of the creepiest ghost stories ever told, and though it has been spoiled time and again the twist ending is one of the greatest in cinematic history. I first saw this movie when I was 11 and it completely scared the crap out of me, especially that dumbwaiter scene. Though the ghosts in this film end up needing Cole's help, it doesn't take away from the fear you have when they start manifesting. The film's great psychological drama and character-driven story set it apart from other horror movies during its time, making it a worthy addition to this list. Shyamalan does an excellent job of making you feel as helpless as the little boy being surrounded by horrific apparitions. The film is still the highest grossing horror movie of all time, but audiences seem to have abandoned it in the wake of Shyamalan's atrocious career.
14. The Omen (1976)
The Omen is a film that I only recently watched all the way through for the first time. I had seen many of the more iconic scenes, but without the overall mood of the film, they just don't seem that horrific. As I figured out, that mood is needed for the full impact of the film. The Omen is a film that bests The Exorcist in the area of spiritual warfare because it doesn't go out of its way to be overtly shocking (I'm talking to you, crucifix scene). The story is also much more intriguing and dare I say believable than that of The Exorcist. The Bible contains many passages about the Anti-Christ and this is just one interpretation of how he may eventually come to power. You know from the beginning that it's hopeless for the parents to try to kill Damien because he has to rise to power at some point according to the Bible. It's a movie that really makes you think about the spiritual warfare going on all around us.
13. Misery (1990)
Misery was originally a novel written by Stephen King. Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie stars James Caan and Kathy Bates in a role that won her the Oscar for Best Actress, her only win. And rightfully so, as her performance is one of the greatest depictions of a psychotic killer ever put on screen. Sure, the premise of this movie is one that has been seen time and again, an insane loner keeps a helpless person hostage to the point of murder. What makes this movie so special is the reality of the situation and the obsessed fan angle. While watching this film you aren't screaming at the stupidity of the characters as with most horror films. Caan is truly helpless in this film which limits his capabilities, especially after that scene. If you don't know which scene I'm talking about, you will after you watch this movie.
12. Jaws (1975)
Okay, I have a personal dread of this film because of my irrational fear of sharks. That said, I still find it to be an excellent film that I enjoy sitting down to watch every once in a while. Steven Spielberg created the summer blockbuster with this film, and I know I'm not the only one who thought twice about swimming in the ocean after seeing this. There's something especially frightening about being eaten alive and Spielberg exploits that fear fantastically in Jaws. The special effects of this film may be outdated but it doesn't change the fact that this film can really mess with a person's head. Jaws isn't just a horror film either, it has an excellent story with some great dialogue between shark feedings. The scene where Quint recounts the events of the USS Indianapolis is cited as being Spielberg's favorite in the movie.
11. The Haunting (1963)
It's been a while since I've actually seen this one, but I remember it scaring me like no other movie before it. Don't judge this movie based on the 1999 remake, because this one is ten times better. As I've previously stated, I tend to lean toward the films that implement creepy atmospheres and slow-building tension as their form of horror, and that's exactly what this film does. I don't recall if the ghosts are even seen in this movie, which makes it even more terrifying. A few scenes in particular will leave you uncomfortably freaked out and reaching for the person beside you. There's an especially memorable scene with a door where all the characters are huddled together in the den. There's a lesson to be learned after watching this film: Don't underestimate a black and white classic.
10. The Others (2001)
Coming only two years after The Sixth Sense, The Others was a bit too similar story-wise to become a huge hit with audiences, despite favorable reviews. The film stars Nicole Kidman as a woman living alone with her two photosensitive children shortly after World War II in an old mansion she believes may be haunted. The ghost story is typically my favorite type of horror film and the use of strange sounds to create an eerie atmosphere is very effective in this film. If any film ever had the theme of loneliness and despair, it's this one. Nicole Kidman gives an excellent performance of a woman who is at the end of her rope taking care of her children and may be teetering on the edge of insanity. The ending is a very sad and melancholy one which parallels perfectly with the foggy, dreary setting. If you're a fan of ghost stories, this is one you cannot miss.
9. Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil (2010)
This is one of the few films on the list that is considered a horror-comedy, though it's definitely more of a comedy than a horror film. This movie is absolutely hilarious, second only to Zombieland, as it relies on spoofing horror cliches for its laughs. Employing the use of those cliches and turning them on their heads makes for a very enjoyable film. I don't want to ruin anything because I feel it will take away from the laughs, but this film has very quotable and has a longevity that makes it funny even after multiple viewings. I think if this film were more well-known it could become a horror-comedy classic similar to Shaun of the Dead.
8. The Mist (2007)
I absolutely love this film. Directed by Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, The Walking Dead), it follows a group of survivors as they take refuge in a grocery store when a freak storm brings an assortment of creatures in the mist. Though what they find out is that the people on the inside might be just as dangerous as the monsters outside. Many people gripe about how this film is too slow, but that's how most of Darabont's films are. It makes the horror of the situation more realistic and puts you in the moment with the survivors. Another common complaint is the ending of the film, which I'll be honest, I don't love. I'm torn between whether the ending is cheap or brilliant, and I feel that it might be both because it continues that realistic approach of the film while proving that things don't always turn out the best. The movie is at least worth your time once, and whether you love it or hate it is up to you.
7. Scream (1996)
Scream was the original meta-movie for the horror genre. Director Wes Craven brought audiences a film that introduced us to the rules of horror movies while at the same time giving us an extremely entertaining slasher flick. The film takes itself just serious enough to maintain the frights while providing the audience with an enjoyable cast of characters and a plot that is satisfyingly fun to watch. The film helped reinvent the horror genre and inspired studios to develop slasher after slasher trying to achieve the same success of Scream. The fourth installment in the series was just released in 2011 and was still better than most horror movies of the preceding years. Even though I'm not typically a fan of bloody and violent films, I can't deny that Scream is my go-to film for slashers.
6. Psycho (1960)
Hitchcock was known as the master of suspense, so it's somewhat ironic that two of his most well-known films The Birds and Psycho are of the horror genre. When Psycho first hit theaters, it shocked audiences because of its violent and sexual nature. It may not seem like much today, but in 1960 it was quite racy for a film. Another thing that made Psycho so ingenious was Hitchcock's unconventional decision to kill of his leading lady halfway through the film. That isn't exactly a spoiler as the the iconic shower scene is infamous in popular culture, even to those who have never seen the film. It may not be as shocking today as it was in 1960, but Psycho had a definite impact on the genre, setting the bar for future horror filmmakers.
5. The Devil's Backbone (2001)
The only movie on the list directed by Guillermo del Toro is one of his cinematic masterpieces. Set in a boy's orphanage during the Spanish Civil War, this film relies on the creep factor for its frights. At first the film centers around the haunted school, but as it turns out, the ghost may not always be the enemy. What I love so much about this film is that behind the horror facade is an amazing story about the loss of innocence. Del Toro loves to use children as his main characters, though he often rips their childhood away through terrible events. What starts off as a melancholy ghost story turns into a great tale of good vs. evil.
4. Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland is my absolute favorite film in the zombie category through its use of both gore and wit to supplement the story. Woody Harrelson gives a hilarious performance as Tallahassee and the film also stars the enigmatic Emma Stone in one of her first major roles. As in any zombie film, zombies feature prominently as there are very few characters who have yet to succumb to the zombie plague that is ravishing the planet. We're never given any of the four main characters' actual names (except one towards the end) and that helps somewhat in focusing on the character instead of just a name. The movie also has one of the best cameos in recent history, though I won't spoil it.
3. The Orphanage (2007)
This may actually be my personal favorite film on the list, not because I think it is the scariest or the best overall story, but just because of the range of emotions this movie can evoke. The Orphanage is a Spanish foreign film produced by horror fanatic Guillermo del Toro. While he only produced this film, there is another on this list, The Devil's Backbone, which he actually directed. The movie is about a woman named Laura who re-opens the orphanage she grew up in as a kid with her husband and son. However, after her son disappears, Laura discovers that there may be a few lingering spirits throughout the house. I won't spoil anything more on this film as it's truly a cinematic experience to watch. The scares are not built through blood and gore, but rather through atmospheric tension and the eerie setting. By the end of the film, the horror is completely different than what you would expect from the movie's start. If you're one who thinks subtitles ruin a movie, get over it, because this is one movie everyone needs to experience at some point in their life.
2. The Innocents (1961)
Based on Henry James' novella The Turn of the Screw, this gothic classic is one of the most chilling horror movies I've come across. The story revolves around a governess played by Deborah Kerr (in what she calls her greatest role) who is in charge of caring for two young children in an old English mansion, though she believes the children may be possessed by the spirits of two dead lovers. The atmosphere and mood set the tone of this film and it lends to the story, making it downright eerie, as the creepy atmosphere is what makes this movie scary. I've said before that 'jump scenes' are only cheap tricks that are just meant to startle you. What truly makes a horror movie is one that unnerves you throughout, even when nothing is happening. The Innocents does this perfectly from the opening scene as each following scene continues to employ the creep factor and sends chills down your spine so that when the ghosts are finally revealed you are truly frightened. If you don't believe me, try watching the scene where Miss Jessel first appears without turning on the lights.
1. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Following in the footsteps of Scream, Cabin in the Woods is one of the best meta-horror films to ever find its way to audiences. The movie starts off as a seemingly above average slasher film with a few random bits thrown in for confusion. However, as the movie progresses those random bits are revealed as part of a bigger story, one that sets this movie even farther apart from other horror films, as it suggests that the genre has become too predictable and cliche. Some critics have complained that the film, while self-aware of the rules and cliches that are prone to the genre, does not offer up any suggestions as how to improve the modern horror film. That may be the case, but it doesn't change the fact that Cabin in the Woods is one extremely fun ride that even as a standalone slasher without the final twists, is far better than most horror movies being churned out today. In a way, the movie does offer up a suggestion for changing the genre by presenting a twist like no other ever seen before it. Even if you don't enjoy the first hour of the movie, the last thirty minutes are so wildly entertaining that it makes the whole movie worth watching. It wouldn't be right to say that Cabin in the Woods is my favorite horror movie of all time, but it currently holds enough resonance with me to take the number one spot.
Rounding Out the Top 40
The Birds (1963)
The Phantom Carriage (1921)
Vampyr (1932)
Urban Legend (1998)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Nosferatu (1922)
The Fog (1980)
Diabolique (1955)
Frenzy (1972)
So, are there any films that you feel should or shouldn't be on here? Any films that I should watch and maybe add later on? For reference, I'll go ahead and list the horror films I have yet to watch, but plan to in the near future. The Howling, The Uninvited, The Amityville Horror, Faust, The Mummy, Phantom of the Opera, The Wolf Man, Silent Hill, Kwaidan, Onibaba, House, Candyman, Wait Until Dark, Peeping Tom, The Wicker Man, The Old Dark House, Phantasm, The Blob, Them!, Black Sunday, Army of Darkness, The Unknown, Eyes Without a Face, The Man Who Laughs, The Testament of Dr. Mabuse, Repulsion, Island of Lost Souls, Carnival of Souls. That's enough for now, haha!
