10 Must-See Scary Movies
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

10 Scary Movies To Watch This Halloween That Don't Just Resort to Cheap Jump Scares

There's a difference between being scared and just being startled.

53
https://unsplash.com/photos/ASNSoeead70

When it comes to scary movies, they're usually either a hit or miss.

There's nothing better than a good scary movie, but there's nothing worse than sitting through one of the many sad attempts at horror. Jump scares can be used effectively, but they can also be used as cheap scare tactics when movies lack solid plot foundation and character development.

If a movie relies solely on jump scares to initiate fear in the viewer, it's a cop-out. There's a fine line between scary and stupid. Here are 10 movies for your horror movie night that won't leave you disappointed.

1. 1408 (2007)


1408 tells the story of a horror novelist who rejects the idea of ghosts and only believes in things he can physically see. He is so confident in his beliefs that he engages in a project called "Ten Nights in Haunted Hotel Rooms" in which he seeks to disprove the existence of supernatural forces.

Despite the warning of the hotel manager, he decides to check into the infamous suite 1408 of the notorious Dolphin Hotel. He soon learns that he should've taken the manager's words of caution more seriously.

2. Train to Busan (2016)


An overworked man and his neglected daughter find themselves trapped on a train during a zombie outbreak in South Korea.

The movie follows their struggle for survival against horrifying zombies. The topic of zombie apocalypses has been done many times before, however, "Train to Busan" portrays the narrative unlike any other zombie film. The appearance and mannerisms of the zombies themselves are uniquely spine-chilling.

Even though the film is in Korean, the story line is strong enough to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The complex character development adds an emotional element that makes the story even more dramatic.

3. It (2017)


When children begin to disappear in a small town in Maine, children face a sadistic clown named Pennywise who has a malevolent demeanor and violent history.

Stephen King's classic novel lives up to its reputation in this frightening film with a flawless execution.

4. The Conjuring (2013)


The thing that sets The Conjuring apart from other horror films is the fact that it is based on a true story. Just as paranormal researchers Ed and Lorraine are considering retirement, they experience a case that proves to be too much for them to handle.

5. It Follows (2015)


After a sexual encounter, a teenager begins being followed by a creature. The movie has a dark, eerie tone that creates a creepy atmosphere. The concept of the story is interesting and unique. The monster of the film is unconventional and could symbolize a number of different things.

6. The Ring (2002)


This may be a little biased considering that I was five years old the first time I saw this movie. My parents hired a babysitter to watch me, but she was on the phone with her boyfriend the whole time and I somehow managed to put this movie into the VCR.

I was traumatized and had nightmares from the experience, The Ring revolves around a videotape filled with frightening images and a phone call foretelling the viewer's death in exactly seven days. A newspaper reporter decides to check it out for herself once four teenagers die in a single week after viewing the tape. Rachel tracks down the video and watches it, leaving her with seven days to unravel the mystery.

7. Hereditary (2018)


When the grandmother of the family passes away, the Graham family begin to learn terrifying secrets about their ancestry. Hereditary is unpredictable and full of surprises. It is one of the most depressing, tragic supernatural thrillers of our time.

If you're interested in a humorous or lighthearted horror film, Hereditary is not for you. If you're able to appreciate the depressing storyline, you're in store for a creepy thriller that will leave you shocked.

8. Gerald's Game (2017)


Another suspense novel by Stephen King made it to the big screen. Gerald's Game is about a woman whose husband dies as she is handcuffed to the bed as they try to spice up their marriage. Jessie is left defenseless and begins letting the voices in her head get to her. A creepy psychological thriller ensues.

9. The Shining (1980)

Stephen King's contribution to horror literature has been impeccable. No list of horror films would be complete without his films, particularly The Shining. It tells the story of a man's descent into madness in a deeply unsettling manner. It is an extremely long movie, but if you take the time to sit down and watch it, you won't be disappointed. It's known as one of the best horror movies at all time for a reason.

10. Alien (1979)


On the way home from a mission, Nostromo's crew is woken up from hibernation by the ship's Mother computer to answer a signal from another planet. A creature bursts out of a pod and ends up being a killing machine. Alien is suspenseful, eventful, and keeps the viewer watching for more.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94475
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments