Autumn is here, which means cider, pumpkins, hayrides, and, my personal favorite, horror movies. Nothing says "Halloween season" like a good chiller, thriller, or gore fest. So for the horror enthusiast or the new kid just looking for a good slasher, here is a list of 10 must see scary movies:
1. The Babadook
Honestly, I found this film on Netflix, and I wasn't expecting much from it, but it has a surprisingly high rating. If you're looking for some hardcore Texas Chainsaw style gore, this film is not for you, but it does have a decent story line. I wouldn't call it scary in the normal sense, but it is a good suspenseful watch, so I definitely recommend giving it a watch.
2. The Cabin in the Woods
This is a film from way back in 2012, but it's a good movie. Besides, it has Chris Hemsworth in it, so I had to list it. If you're looking for puzzles, gore, and government conspiracies, this is the film for you. You'll have to find a physical copy or use a streaming site, but it will be worth it.
3. Carrie
I'm not referring to the 2013 remake of Stephen King's Carrie, I'm talking about the 1976 version. This film was one of the very first works by Stephen King that I ever got the joy of experiencing, and it is purely amazing. Gore, Telekinesis, and a wonderful anti-bullying message are all tied up in this amazing horror film about an overly sheltered christian girl.
4. The Conjuring
Based on a case from the files of famous demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film is your typical possession film. Both it and its sequel are good watches, though, and Vera Farmiga does an amazing job portraying Lorraine.
5. The Amityville Horror
This is another oldie but goodie. If you haven't seen The Amityville Horror, you're really missing out. Based on the "true story" of the Lutz family and their experiences in a house where Ronnie DeFeo murdered his entire family, this is a good "haunt" film. I found the youngest DeFeo to be the most chilling.
6. The Shining
I only have one thing to say about this film. "Come play with us, Danny."
7. The Blair Witch Project
Again, I refer to the older version, not the 2016 remake. Please, don't waste your money on the new one. If you want a good film, go with the found footage film that started the series off right. Heads up, though, if you get motion sickness from shaky cameras, you might want a barf bag ready.
8. Drag Me to Hell
I enjoyed this film thoroughly, but that may have been in reference to the Gypsy lady in the film and the idea that Gypsy curses are real. Either way, it's definitely a good film, and I recommend everyone find it on a streaming site and give it a watch.
9. Dark Skies
This film, oddly enough, is an alien Sci-Fi horror film. It's on Netflix, and at first I didn't want to give it a chance, because I've never really been into abductions and all of that The Fourth Kind type of stuff, but I was pleasantly surprised. I'd have to say that of the few alien films I've ever seen, this is definitely my number one.
10. Stonehearst Asylum
This is another surprisingly good film from the recesses of Netflix. It even has a 4 star rating, beating out The Exorcist and The Amityville Horror. It's listed in the horror genre, though personally I would have it under psychological thriller, myself, but that doen't take from the storyline at all. If you're a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, this is a must watch, because it is an adaptation of one of his works. Prepare to be confused, amazed, and confused some more!
These are just a few good films in the horror/thriller/suspense genres, and nowhere near all of the tops, but I hope you enjoy them this fall!