I've been counting down the days since the year began. That one special day every year where you can gather with your friends and family and be yourself. And like any major holiday, it has plenty of movies centered around it. I've combed through my stack of DVDs to find ten of my favorite horror movies (listed in no particular order) for your enjoyment this Halloween.
1. "Psycho"
Starting off the list is an Alfred Hitchcock classic. This film was pivotal in shaping the horror genre as we know it today, and even if you haven't already seen it, you've probably seen the shower scene a million times.
2. "The Blair Witch Project"
"The Blair Witch Project", while not the first to do it, was what really kicked off the found footage horror genre. The concept might be overused now, but "The Blair Witch Project" gave horror a shot of originality. I'm not easily scared, but there's a beautiful, well-paced buildup in this film that creates an insanely unsettling atmosphere culminating in an ending that could leave you with nightmares for weeks.
3. "Saw"
From a franchise that eventually degenerated into torture porn, the original "Saw" is a pretty amazing movie for the relatively low budget it was produced on. Much of the film takes place in one room, and at times, you're guessing about the situation and trying to piece things together just like the characters. While there are some bad parts of this movie, and the later films in the franchise definitely aren't as good as the first few, it's certainly worth the watch.
4. "Poltergeist"
"Poltergeist" has everything you could possibly want in a horror movie. Demons, portals, abduction, ghosts, separate dimensions, a medium, and a house built on a cemetery. I've only seen the first of the original trilogy and the remake, both of which aren't very scary, but are good for a laugh at some points, and sometimes you just need to be able to say you've seen something.
5. "A Nightmare on Elm Street"
This was one of my absolute favorites as a kid. Although some of the special effects has lost their- well, effect- over time, it's still a classic, and the concept of a undead killer that murders you in your dreams is terrifying. Plus, young Johnny Depp.
6. "The Shining"
If you haven't seen "The Shining", I don't know what you're waiting for. This film takes cabin fever to an extreme. The Torrence family is isolated in the cavernous Overlook Hotel in Colorado for the winter, which is enough to make anyone crazy. Like "Psycho", this film is very recognizable and has been referenced in everything from "Bob's Burgers" to "Seed of Chucky". This film is highly recommended by both authors.
7. "Carrie"
The ultimate revenge film centers around a bullied girl named Carrie who has telekinetic powers. When she feels she has finally been accepted by her peers, a prank at her prom sends Carrie over the edge. This Stephen King classic combines horror and all the tropes of a high school drama.
8. "Child's Play"
Playing on your greatest childhood fears, the "Child's Play" saga is a five part series, the first three of which follow a serial killer whose soul is trapped in one of the creepiest dolls ever created, as he continues his killings in minature. “Bride of Chucky” and “Seed of Chucky” take a more comedic approach to the character and are meta horror films. Watching the whole franchise is the best of both worlds- a good scare, a good laugh, and an opportunity to smash all the porcelain dolls your grandmother has lying around.
9. "Rosemary's Baby"
How far would you go to succeed in life? This thirst for fame drives a young married couple into dangerous territory. Some people find the film slow or boring with its two hour and sixteen minute running time, but the slow buildup of this mystery reaches fruition in the climatic last five minutes.
10. "Misery"
Being a writer can be difficult, but in the case of Paul Sheldon, there is nothing crazier about being a writer than the fans. Another Stephen King film to top off the list, "Misery" centers around the dynamic between an injured author and his biggest fan who will go to any means to get a happy ending. Plus, Kathy Bates is in it and gives an award-winning performance, and that should be enough of a reason as any.
With special thanks to Alexandra Kornides for invaluable input and assistance in writing this list.
