Since Halloween has passed, I know I should have posted this article sooner. Yet, watching scary movies doesn't have to be just on Halloween night. So here is a list I have come up with varying levels of scariness.
1. Poltergeist (1982)
File:Poltergeist Filmlogo.png - Wikimedia CommonsFile:Poltergeist Filmlogo.png - Wikimedia CommonsIf you and your S.O want to watch a semi-scary horror film with some "family-friendly" imagery from the 80's, then this is a good movie to watch. I've watched this movie multiple times and I am always scared at the one part of the movie that you just know that there will be a creepy build up for. Also, the newer version for this movie did not a good job with this particular scary moment that I speak about.
2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
File:The Silence of the Lambs.png - Wikimedia CommonsFile:The Silence of the Lambs.png - Wikimedia CommonsThis movie I didn't watch until this past Halloween with my boyfriend. This movie is a psychological thriller that is sure to creep anyone out. It is subtle in its mystery and reveals and the guy named Buffalo Billy should have gotten multiple awards for his very convincing performance.
3. The Babadook (2014)
1. "The Babadook"google imagesThis horror film by far I think will be the scariest one (despite that it is not a classic movie) on my list since I watched this with my friends from high school during my freshmen year of college (on Halloween night). This story has a psychological thriller element to it, but its intense atmosphere, build up, creepy imagery and tone will have you running for the hills and maybe afraid to sleep alone in the dark.
4. Hellraiser (any of them)
Hellraiser: Lament - Trailer - Fan Edit (Hellraiser/Hellbound) on ...Hellraiser: Lament - Trailer - Fan Edit (Hellraiser/Hellbound) on ...This series of movies has some gore in it but it is less scary than it is violent. It can be associated as a parody of gory horror movies since even I didn't find this movie to particularly scary. But that could have also been from being around my high school friends during halloween stuffing ourselves with candy and soda and pizza lol.
5. The Evil Dead (any of them)
File:Ash-vs-Evil-Dead logo.png - Wikimedia CommonsFile:Ash-vs-Evil-Dead logo.png - Wikimedia CommonsThese movies I haven't particularly watched either but from what I've heard they are good to watch because they include some comedic elements. Also, the main actor/character throughout these movies is a cool action star and entertaining actor.
6. Red Dragon (2002)
This movie I haven't seen either but it is similar to The Silence of the Lambs in that it is a psychological thriller.
7. Halloween (1 and 2) 1978
File:Halloween (1978) Logo.JPG - Wikimedia CommonsFile:Halloween (1978) Logo.JPG - Wikimedia CommonsWhen I first saw this movie, I immediately knew why Michael Myers was killing all these young teenagers. Most of them were very stupid, except for the main protagonist and the sister of Michael Myers. These two movies are classic movie legends (whereas the movie proceeding these either don't make any sense or don't continue the story in a fulfilling way) and it is a chilly moment to see anyone in Michael's way.
8. The Exorcist (1973)
The ExorcistI saw this film also with a high school friend of mine and my brother since this movie has been reference many times as a horror movie classic. True be told, it hold up true that this is a classic horror movie. The possessed girl concept is very much captivating in this film and the creepiness of hearing a demonic voice come out of a 14 year old girl is still to this day unsettling.
9. Psycho (1960)
9. PsychoFacebookI have yet to see this original horror movie classic by the King of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, who has made many other well known films such as Vertigo, The Birds, and Rearview to a View (all of which are great classical movies with intriguing twists and turns.
10. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Night of the living dead title screen detail | Free SVGNight of the living dead title screen detail | Free SVGI have not seen this movie but it is another black and white film where the first appearance of zombies in film were introduced as a possible horror movie genre. It may be old fashion horror, however, if you are into the original style of cinema, check this movie out.
11. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
File:Nightmare on Elm Street 4 Schriftzug.png - Wikimedia CommonsFile:Nightmare on Elm Street 4 Schriftzug.png - Wikimedia CommonsI have not seen this movie and I assume that a lot of people already know of this film series since it was a popular series like Halloween or Friday the 13th franchises. Though, like those film series, the movies do get a little silly or irrelevant to the original movie/story that was shown to the audience when it hit theaters.
12. The Ring/The Grudge
File:The Grudge logo.png - Wikimedia CommonsFile:The Grudge logo.png - Wikimedia CommonsI have not seen either of these movies but they are also popular mainstream media horror films. Both these movies have the same story relatively. However, both of these movies were based on a Japanese horror film called 'Ring' and 'Ju-On' respectively. I've heard that the Asian counterparts are better however I am not a good expert to say which is better. Check out both if you want to compare which is better.
13. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
TheTexas Chainsaw Massacre | bavatuesdays | FlickrTheTexas Chainsaw Massacre | bavatuesdays | FlickrThis is another old fashion horror film that I have yet to see. The very thought of someone coming after you in the middle of nowhere with a chainsaw is already frightening but also that there is a family of cannibals is an additional frightening thing. Much like Night of the Living Dead, this is a old fashion sort of horror film.
14. Alien and Aliens (1979)
File:Alien 3 movie logo2.svg - Wikimedia CommonsFile:Alien 3 movie logo2.svg - Wikimedia CommonsI have seen both these movies and the first one is especially a masterpiece of cinema and horror. The claustrophobia situation and the badass Ripple carrying the story forward is a gut wrenching horror film that has made history in the sci-fi horror genre.
15. The Birds (1963)
THE BIRDS, 1963. Hatoful Boyfriend - WikipediaThis is another Hitchcock movie, but I have yet to see this movie myself. However, if you watch enough of Alfred Hitchcock's movies, you'll start to notice his pattern of having a lot of his leading ladies dress a certain way and this movie it is evident. The Birds is creepy, surreal and suspenseful in an old fashion sense.
16. The Fly (1958)
7. THE FLY (1958) 3.bp.blogspot.comI have personally haven't seen this film but the concept of a man turning into a human fly is enough of a creepy idea as it gets. Check it out and there was a remake made which I have heard is good as well.
17. The Haunting (1963)
Hayley Kosan - A Letter to Doctor Stuart on Vimeovimeopro.comI have not seen this movie but it is a dark psychological thriller diving into the mind of a disturbed young women. It is a great psychological horror film with gothic atmosphere that will send shivers down your spine.
18. The Thing (1982)
File:John Carpenter's The Thing (closing credits Logo).png ...commons.wikimedia.orgI saw a few scenes of this movie when I was younger and it was a creepy concept for a creepy movie. A alien life form that can take on the body of anyone is sure to keep you on your feet.
19. Jaws (1975)
7. Jawsm.media-amazon.comThis movie is a horror movie classic. If you have not seen it, check it out and, luckily, we still have time before we can go back in the water once you finish seeing this sea thriller about a killer shark.
20. The Shining (1980)
File:The Shining movie logo.png - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.orgAnother classic horror film, directed by Stanley Cupric who also directed 2001 A Space Odessey (another film classic that inspired a lot of Sci-Fi films). I have seen this movie and it is a great mix of gore, psychological thriller and slasher film which demonstrate both the actors and the director's talents.
21. Nosferatu (1922)
NosferatuThis was the first "horror" film to come out back in the early 20th century. And if you had noticed, this is what inspired the later Dracula movies (which you should also check out when you get the chance). It has great atmosphere and cinematography.
22. Rosemary's Baby (1968)
File:Rosemary's Baby (2014) Logo.jpg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.orgI have not seen this movie but I have heard good reviews on it so check it out when you can.
23. Carrie (1976)
7. "Carrie" (1976)I have not seen this movie, but have heard good things about it.
24. Eyes Without a Face (1960)
I was listening to Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face" when I stumbled upon a movie with the same name. I am not sure if the movie was inspired by the song (or if the song was inspired by the movie), but I think if you have the time check this movie out.
25. The Omen (1976)
File:Das Omen Logo.png - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.orgI have not seen this movie personally, but I have heard good things about it.
26. The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
File:The Curse of the Cat People (1943 poster).jpg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.orgI have heard of this title before, but have never seen the movie. Go check it out though since I want to figure out why this curse exists.
27. Seven
Seven" Monologue - Jon Doe Excerpt (Self Tape) in Jstrazz on Vimeovimeo.comThis movie is directed by the same director as The Zodiac. Both films are psychological crime films following symbolic homicides. However, Seven is known for it's amazingly diabolical twist ending and its amazing story.
28. Misery (1990)
8. Misery by Stephen Kinghttps://www.stephenking.com/library/novel/misery.htmlThis movie I haven't seen, but it is an intense thriller of a fan's love for a writer's work goes too far. If you are into Stephen King stories, this is a great movie to check out.
29. Candyman (1992)
I have not personally seen this movie, but I have heard good things about it. Check it out when you can.
30. The Wolf Man, Dracula, Frankenstein
These are the original trio of the monster horror films. If you are into monster movies, these are great to check out when you get the chance. They also have spin off films and films where they actually meet one another to square off if you are interested in how different monsters interact off one another.
31. Tremors
I recall when I was younger seeing Tremors on the TV and being creeped out by the idea of large worms engulfing people whenever they made a sound. This movie series can be confused with Dune but they are two completely different films. Tremors I found out also has multiple movies so if you like the first one, there are more that you can watch.
32. House On Haunted Hill (1959)
Riggor Mortiss Presents- "House On Haunted Hill" Halloween 2014 Ep ...vimeo.comI have not seen this movie but check it out since it has Vincent Price, the man that was in Thriller.
33. Village of the Damned (1960)
This movie I have seen snippets of, particularly the children with glowing eyes. When I get the chance I'm going to watch this movie and so should you.
34. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
10 years before this movie, the zombie horror genre was inspired by Night of the Living Dead. This movie being inspired by that movie, Dawn of the Dead is heavily based on the new genre and is a classic horror film after Night of the Living Dead. I haven't seen this movie, but check it out if you are into zombie movies and liked Night of the Living Dead.
