Anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge horror junkie. In the past couple of years, I've found myself watching horror flick after horror flick in search of the ones that can truly leave me feeling terrified, or genuinely freaked out. In this list, I will name eight of my absolute favorites, in no particular order, aside from their release dates. Click on the titles for trailers and enjoy your own horror binge!
1. Jacob's Ladder (1990)
Released: November 2, 1990
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
IMDb: 7.5/10
Summary: A tortured man finds himself caught in a middle-ground between hallucination and reality.
If you want a film that truly defines the meaning of "psychological horror," then this is the film to see. Armed with a great cast, a powerful story line, and fantastic performances, this is a movie that will send legitimate chills down your spine and will haunt you, and leave you feeling completely unsettled for hours after you've finished it. Also note: the end is absolutely transcendent.
2. Session 9 (2001)
Released: August 10, 2001
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Summary: Tensions rise within an asbestos cleaning crew as they work in an abandoned mental hospital with a horrific past that seems to be coming back.
Once again, I present to you another psychological horror. The film does take a little while to get going. However, once it does, it digs its way inside your head and rattles you from the inside out. Though the plot is relatively simple, it is the atmosphere that makes this film insidiously creepy and eerie from start to finish. The twist near the end is another plus, if I do say so myself.
3. The Descent (2006)
Released: August 4, 2006
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Summary: A caving expedition goes horribly wrong as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.
Alright. I will be the first to admit that, upon reading the synopsis, I was not interested in this movie at all. In fact, upon watching it for the first time years ago as a child, I hated this movie. But then again, I hated all horror movies. Don't most kids? However, I picked this movie back up recently and watched it and I was amazed by how much terrifying suspense was packed into just over an hour and a half of film. To be honest, it's no wonder I didn't like this as a child. It's gritty, grotesque, and absolutely brutal! It easily claims a spot on one of my favorite horror films of all time.
4. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Released: April 13, 2012
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
IMDb: 7/10
Summary: Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods.
I watched this on my birthday with a few of my friends when it came out and let me tell you, it was nothing like I expected at all. The plot is absolutely genius, and the mixture of horror, gore, and humor had me on the edge of my seat throughout the duration of the movie. I left the movie with a handful of inside jokes and quotes that to this day, I still use with the friends that watched this with me. A definite must-see for the seekers of original content.
(Available on Netflix Instant Streaming)
5. V/H/S (2012)
Released: October 5, 2012
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
IMDb: 5.8/10
Summary: When a group of misfits is hired by an unknown third party to burglarize a desolate house and acquire a rare VHS tape, they discover more found footage than they bargained for.
Now this movie, being apart of the "found footage" category of horror, can be seen as a hit-or-miss for some people. However, it's gained quite the following of fans since it's release and honestly, I count myself to be one of those fans. There are numerous moments of dramatic irony -- moments in which the people in the movie are not aware of that you most definitely are. It is that factor that drives me to recommend not just this film, but it's two sequels V/H/S/2 (2013) and V/H/S: Viral (2014). It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely one of mine, so give it a shot.
(Available on Netflix Instant Streaming)
6. You're Next (2013)
Released: August 23, 2013
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Summary: When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of the victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.
This was a movie that I had heard so much about, but never actually got to watching until a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, I can see what all of the hype was about. Great thrills, humor, and a brilliant ending. There is just enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. All in all, this movie makes for a damn good time, and I'd definitely recommend watching with a friend or two; mostly so you don't feel as bad laughing at the more gruesome scenes (because more than likely, they will be laughing along with you).
(Available on Netflix Instant Streaming)
7. Housebound (2014)
Released: March 10, 2014
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Summary: A would-be thief is remanded to the custody of her estranged mother, who turns out to be correct in her assertion that evil spirits are afoot in their family domicile.
Speaking of laughter, if you're into dark and gory comedy, check this flick out. Featured at last year's SXSW Film Festival, this movie is a delightful balance of both horror and subtle satirist jabs that still manages to keep you in suspense and spook you with genuinely jump-worthy moments. It's hilarious, undeniably creepy, and has an ending that'll flip your lid.
(Available on Netflix Instant Streaming)
8. The Babadook (2014)
Released: November 28, 2014
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Summary: A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.
Ever since its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, this movie has been on the rage and can easily be seen on many "Best Horror Film" lists around written nowadays, and upon watching it, I can see why. This film heavily relies on what many consider to be true horror over the cheap and cliche jump-scares that we're all used to. It's sad, it's unsettling, and it's completely moving in its plot line and beautifully done cinematography. The performances of the actors are outstanding and overall, it's just a riveting and terrifyingly original horror film that will stick in your mind for days.
(Available on Netflix Instant Streaming)
