See the new "IT" trailer yet? Pretty creepy (and faithful to the book!), but we have to wait until September to see the whole thing. I'm a serious horror fan, so I'm pumped for this movie. I feel like saying I'm a horror fan tends to get some looks, but it's the same way someone can be a roller coaster junky. Being afraid without consequence is a rush. Until "IT" comes out, here are my top horror movies to watch if you dare.
1. Green Room
I'm kicking this off with a recent, lesser known Gem called "Green Room." I love this movie. Some people argue it's not strictly horror, more of a suspense thriller, but still, it's pretty horrific. The premise is a punk band trapped in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by neo-nazis who would very much like to kill them. Overall, the protagonists are extremely competent (unlike 90% of horror movie protagonists), the stakes feel real, and the villains are chilling. Watch this if you want some gritty, small scale, tension filled horror goodness.
2. The Babadook
"The Babadook" got fairly popular, or at least well known, in the past couple years. The premise is a single mother is trying to raise her mentally disabled child when a strange book about the Babadook comes into their lives. Where it was initially praised unequivocally, people these days seem to not like it as much. A lot of the complaints I see about it are intentional elements of the movie. "The Babadook" is not a movie that is meant to make you feel comfortable when you watch it. The tension in this movie is through the roof. I think a reason people don't like it is because they don't realize they're supposed to feel really uneasy and irritable while watching this. Watch this if you’re ready to sink deep into a horror movie.
3. The Descent
"The Descent" is fairly well known among horror fans, but not so with the public. I guess that makes it underrated? Whatever, it’s great. The premise is a group of hikers/spelunkers decides to explore strange new caverns, and it all goes to hell. If you are claustrophobic (like me), this movie will make your stomach drop out. The first third of this movie or so is some of the best scare building I’ve ever seen. You’re constantly looking around the screen, trying to figure out where something, or someone, is hiding. The protagonists are pretty capable, if not always competent. Watch this if you’re looking for some fast paced, white knuckle scares with an ending that will make you just sit for a while.
4. Pin
I just finished watching this one. It’s another pretty underrated horror movie about an anatomy doll that talks. I’m definitely claustrophobic, but hands down my worst fear is mannequins. I hate them with a burning passion. Thankfully, not too many horror movies take advantage of them. Dolls are more common, and, while dolls are super creepy too, they’re not on the same level as mannequins for me. Anyway, I try to seek out movies with mannequins. "Pin" was one such movie. It’s a great slow build to dread. There are no jump scares, just more and more creepy moments courtesy of the male lead and Pin. Watch this if you want creepy without jump scares or gore.
5. The Thing
A classic of classics, "The Thing" is a must-see horror movie. Many people rate it as their favorite horror movie of all time, and for good reason. The premise involves a creature that can make itself look and sound like anyone, and it's hungry. The protagonists are competent, the monster is terrifying, and you’re always wondering who to trust. It also all takes place in an arctic base, so talk about seclusion. Even though the movie is older, the effects hold up and are just as creepy as they should be. Watch this if you want to something to measure all horror movies against.
6. Cabin in the Woods
"Cabin in the Woods" is not a good movie unless you’ve seen other horror movies. However, the more horror movies you’ve seen, the better this movie gets. It grabs horror movie tropes by the handful and turns them on their heads. A group of teens go on vacation to a mysterious cabin in the middle of the secluded woods. Sound cliché? It should, but trust me, it gets amazing. Watch this if you want something very different from a horror movie, especially as a way to wind down after a horror movie marathon. Do yourself a favor and don’t look up things about this movie, just watch it cold.
