Nightmare Before Christmas– The surprisingly deep “children’s” movie that I watch throughout the year, and obsessively so between September and December. Nothing sets the mental creepy crawlies into action like Tim Burton. The soundtrack is most excellent, too. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Shining– Many people claim this classic as “the scariest movie ever”, but not in the contemporary sense. The pacing is slow despite its length (over 2 hours) and there is only the smallest bit of gore, but that’s why it succeeds. I was constantly holding my breath to see when Jack would snap, and when he did it was worth all the exposition. On my top 10 favorite movies ever. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Donnie Darko– Time travel, an 80’s Halloween party, parallel worlds, and a truly believable teenage protagonist? What doesn’t this movie have? A cult classic full of thought provoking themes that’s darn near flawless. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Sleepy Hollow– This is (to date) the most overtly creepy, violent, and morbidly supernatural movie Burton has done. It’s visually stunning, like most of his work, and the otherworldly soundtrack will make your arm hairs stand up. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Addams Family & Addams Family Values– Between the million lavishly creepy props and excellent casting, both of these should not be missed. That adorable little Christina and perfectly possessed Anjelica are always my favorites. And remember that scene where Wednesday and Pugsley duel in the school play? [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Nightmare Before Christmas– The surprisingly deep “children’s” movie that I watch throughout the year, and obsessively so between September and December. Nothing sets the mental creepy crawlies into action like Tim Burton. The soundtrack is most excellent, too. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Addams Family & Addams Family Values– Between the million lavishly creepy props and excellent casting, both of these should not be missed. That adorable little Christina and perfectly possessed Anjelica are always my favorites. And remember that scene where Wednesday and Pugsley duel in the school play? [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Hocus Pocus– Don’t laugh, this movie rules. Omri from Eerie, Indiana is the dorky lead, but a young Thora, ridiculously skanky SJP, and lead Bette are the standouts. Very cheesy overall, but presented well enough to still be a great Halloween movie. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Corpse Bride– Another Burton movie that blurs the lines between the living and the dead. A cute musical with superb, gothic style stop-motion animation. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Vincent & Frankenweenie– Early Burton short films available on the Nightmare Before Christmas DVD. Vincent is my favorite of the two for its dark mood, but Frankenweenie is excellent, too.
Shaun of the Dead– A favorite of zombie fans, and a good intro to horror for newbies. Clever humor, classic shambling zombies, and an Every Man set of characters that are easy to root for. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Beetlejuice– Yet another Burton/Elfman collaboration. The visuals in this are so amazing, and the light way of dealing with the subject matter is effing brilliant. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Murder Party– A languidly paced (but always entertaining) indie horror/comedy that mocks the art world with its unique premise. The characters are over the top and all bent on murder for the sake of their art, but the acting is great. It takes place on Halloween and is full of little twists that make it perfect October viewing. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Severance– A rare blend of humor and gore with characters that you’re actually interested in following. A defense company on a team building retreat runs into the psychotic soldiers that their company helped create. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Dead & Breakfast– Often mislabeled as a “zombie” movie, Dead & Breakfast has its moments of reflection but is mostly slapstick horror-comedy. Includes a narrator/band that fires off genuinely LOL dialogue/songs, and is probably the only horror movie where (spoiler, highlight to view: the vegan saves the day). [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon– Independent horror that’s helping to reinvigorate a dying genre. Follow the titular serial-killer-to-be, documentary style, as he essentially dissects the slasher movie. A slick twist ending and plenty of blood for the gore hounds makes this a very satisfying movie for horror fans. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Slither– Made by and for horror buffs, this movie has lots of gross-out gore and humor. And a love story? If you like freaky creatures, Slither is for you. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Bordello of Blood– A Tales From the Crypt movie about a funeral parlor that’s a front for a bordello that’s a front for a coven of evil female vampires… run by a real-life supermodel. No joke. Unabashedly campy, sexy, and gross, in true TFtC style. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Waxwork– Review forthcoming. Wow, was that a weird one. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Return of the Living Dead 1 & 2– These zombies can’t be killed, and they never run out of corny jokes either. Both movies have the unintentional 80’s cheese factor, but they’re also fairly clever with the back story and situational comedy. (And no, the 3rd one isn’t funny. It bears no resemblance to the first two movies.) [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Evil Dead 1-3– The cult classic that every gore hound and indie horror fan loves. Watch Ash go up against some nasty demonic forces in the uber violent, super creative, and slapstick funny Evil Dead trilogy. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Shaun of the Dead– A favorite of zombie fans, and a good intro to horror for newbies. Clever humor, classic shambling zombies, and an Every Man set of characters that are easy to root for. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Night of the Living Dead (1990)- I can only say this for one other film, but this remake is a zombie tale that is more effective for this generation than the 1968 original. The pace is much quicker, there is some actual violence/gore, the female lead has a personality and moves the plot along… it’s still a little silly in places, but much more scary and engaging. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Dawn of the Dead (1978)- This is my favorite movie so I’m definitely biased, but this is a must watch. Tension continually builds with the slower pacing as we follow the 4 main characters to the Crayola-red blood-soaked finale. I’ve always thought that their responses and believability really made this movie terrifying; watching them react to the situation and finding ways to stay alive and sane is so unnerving. The slapstick horror and terrible makeup add an extra layer of surrealism to an already unconventional movie. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Dawn of the Dead (2004)- This remake is just loosely based on the 1978 original, and definitely stands on its own as one of the best zombie movies made. Even though the zombies run (a big no-no for most zombie fans), I’ll admit that it makes this adaptation more scary. You can’t walk away from these undead. Lots of fantastic character development, zombie gore, cinematography, and special effects. It’s fast paced from beginning to end, and you’ll be glued to your seat. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Day of the Dead– The initial threat of zombie invasion is over in this 3rd installment of the Dead series. This movie deals with the daily struggle of military & medical personnel trying to stay sane when trying to find some sort of solution… while living in a claustrophobic bunker with a bunch of soldiers who have lost it. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Land of the Dead– Long-term survival in a dead world is the basis for the 4th movie in the Dead series. While it’s one of the weaker films, it does have some great zombie gore! [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Fido– A new favorite of zombie movie makers includes the use of a satirical 1950’s setting. Fido is the first featue length zombie movie to do this, and it pulls it off with great success. The humor is tongue in cheek and politically incorrect, and their “solution” to the zombie threat is equally fun. Thank you, ZomCon! [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
28 Days Later– Not technically a zombie movie, but shares some similar elements. A fast paced, edge of your seat story of the apocalypse with strongly developed characters. And plenty of gore! [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Resident Evil 1-3– Sexy man-made super weapon fights victims of man-made zombie virus in Hollywood style fight scenes. Cheesy yet good for all those reasons. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Hide and Creep– This is my favorite low-budget indie zombie film mostly because its so observationally funny. If you have any experience with the south, you will probably love it. It’s made by huge zombie geeks and even begins with a monologue about zombie movies, differentiating between Romero style and the “traditional Haitian Voodoo” ones. The pacing is slow, but the jokes- and languid southern delivery- carry the whole movie. Great fodder for a drinking game after the first viewing. The DVD also contains a short that is equally hilarious. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Return of the Living Dead 1 & 2– These zombies can’t be killed, and they never run out of corny jokes either. Both movies have the unintentional 80’s cheese factor, but they’re also fairly clever with the back story and situational comedy. (And no, the 3rd one isn’t funny. It bears no resemblance to the first two movies.) [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Lost Boys– A sexy, comedic horror film in true 80 style. Lost Boys is mesmerizing, and nails the coming-of-age story while adding the prospect of eternal life into the mix. It’s scary regardless of the gore, but there are some unique, gross vampiric deaths. Plus, you get a “head vampire”, a must see to believe 80’s concert on the beach, and the two Coreys! [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Bordello of Blood– A Tales From the Crypt movie about a funeral parlor that’s a front for a bordello that’s a front for a coven of evil female vampires… run by a real-life supermodel. No joke. Unabashedly campy, sexy, and gross, in true TFtC style. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Near Dark– Every fan of vampire movies must watch this film. It’s atmospheric and sometimes dreamy, but can abruptly shift gears. There are tense, bloody scenes of violence, badass one-liners, and a new vampire mythos. You’re never quite sure who the “bad guys” are either… [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Bram Stokers Dracula– Heady, gorgeous, thrilling, romantic, fantastical, seductive, and heartbreakingly beautiful. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
From Dusk Till Dawn– This is more like 2 entirely different movies. The first half deals with 2 criminal brothers and their interaction with wayward priest and his 2 kids: ambient mood and and Tarantino style dialogue. Once they cross the border into Mexico… it becomes a hyper violent gross-out vampire flick like you would expect from Rodriguez & Tarantino. A wild ride with solid characters, great acting, and cool cameos. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Interview with the Vampire– Forget the questionable casting choices for a minute. Interview is a haunting and unnerving journey into eternal life. The entire cast, save for Louis, dole out beauty and cruelty in equal measure, creating an emotional tug-of-war within the viewer. The gore is fairly minimal, so if you can handle the continual atmospheric creepy crawlies, then this is a good one for horror newbies. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Dracula 2000– For an unapologetically modern remake, this movie isn’t nearly as painful as it could be. It gives a back story to Dracula that is wholly unique, giving the whole plot new devices to explore. And when you’re re-doing Dracula, that’s what you need! Like most vampire flicks, it’s rather sexy and combines that with softer violence when possible. Mostly great acting, and lots of the bells and whistles you’d expect in special effects and sets. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Underworld & Evolution– If you think that vampires and werewolves go together like Halloween and horror, then the Underworld series is for you. The war between the two races gets a little more complicated when the badass main female vampire, Selene, falls for a Lycan hybrid. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
1408– Destined to become a cult favorite, 1408 is a worthy addition to the new school of scary movies that has its roots firmly in classic horror. Low on gore, the unexplainable paranormal activity and nail biting mood throughout make this a tense movie with genuine scares. Unlike the vengeful ghost sub-genre, there is no one malevolent being responsible for the endless horrors that transpire in room 1408. As the manager says “it’s an evil f****** room”. I find that having an inanimate object as the antagonist in movies to be refreshing, as it allows more time for clever scares and less trying to legitimize what’s essentially unexplainable. Moments of questionable reality/time are also deftly used to augment terror rather than as a cop-out “it was all a dream” sequence. Can you tell how much we loved this film? Just go watch it already. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Trick or Treat– Ever heard the one where if you play a rock album backwards, you’ll hear evil instructions or the devil or something equally scary? In Trick or Treat, you can actually bring back your favorite dead shock rocker and reap revenge on the schoolmates who teased you! His only weakness (besides ridiculous skintight outfits)? Projectile laundry hampers and flushing toilets, apparently. No gore, just people getting electrocuted/vaporized and disappearing. Total 80’s cheese, but a fun ride and a few hot cameos. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)- An awesome cast does wonders for this chilling sci-fi tale of creatures who are taking over the lives of humans. The terror continually builds as the viewer and characters alike wonder what’s real, what’s the product of imagination, and how far the evil plan goes. Don’t miss that final scene! [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Children of the Corn– Evil children or kids with killer abilities have always freaked me out. An entire town of kids follow a child preacher who orders all adults to be murdered. They continue their sacrificial killings every time an outsider wanders into their little, hidden town… [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Birds– An ominous little flock of birds turns deadly when a little town is besieged by their vicious attacks. Just a few shots of gore, but much of the movie will make you shudder. When hoards of the birds are slamming against the boarded up house, they evoke the doomed feeling that comes with a zombie invasion. Great characters and acting, too. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Haunting– Not one scene of violence, no special effects, and not a peek of the malevolent force that’s haunting Hill House. And yet this film has been unnerving audiences for decades. A group of 4 diverse people decide to stay in Hill House, and along with the viewer, are subjected to constant psychological terror. This is classic horror, and a must see! (Bears no resemblance to the remake) [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Psycho– Atmospheric and tense with just that infamous scene of off-camera gore. The score is so disquieting that even scenes of seemingly little consequence aid in building suspense. Watch for that final scene and the momentary flicker! [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Beetlejuice– Yet another Burton/Elfman collaboration. The visuals in this are so amazing, and the light way of dealing with the subject matter is effing brilliant. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Shining– Many people claim this classic as “the scariest movie ever”, but not in the contemporary sense. The pacing is slow despite its length (over 2 hours) and there is only the smallest bit of gore, but that’s why it succeeds. I was constantly holding my breath to see when Jack would snap, and when he did it was worth all the exposition. On my top 10 favorite movies ever. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Donnie Darko– Time travel, an 80’s Halloween party, parallel worlds, and a truly believable teenage protagonist? What doesn’t this movie have? A cult classic full of thought provoking themes that’s darn near flawless. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
American Psycho– Patrick Bateman is scary. He is disconnected from other humans, and eventually all of reality, which leads to a string of brutal killings. He is also so highly functioning in the world of business and society, which makes him one dangerous sociopath. Patrick makes you wonder who in your life is hiding a murderous rage behind a perfectly manicured smile. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Donnie Darko– Time travel, an 80’s Halloween party, parallel worlds, and a truly believable teenage protagonist? What doesn’t this movie have? A cult classic full of thought provoking themes that’s darn near flawless. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon– Independent horror that’s helping to reinvigorate a dying genre. Follow the titular serial-killer-to-be, documentary style, as he essentially dissects the slasher movie. A slick twist ending and plenty of blood for the gore hounds makes this a very satisfying movie for horror fans. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Simpson’s Treehouse of Horror (aka: Simpsons Halloween Special)- I hope this show never gets canceled just so I can get a new Treehouse of Horror every year. These combine some really weird and often classic stories, while presenting it in the usual whip smart Simpsons way. There is just 1 DVD available that only contains 4 years worth of episodes so buy at your own risk. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Roseanne– This finally came out on DVD in 2006! The Connor family celebrates Halloween in wicked style with elaborate pranks, gross costumes, parties and haunts, and lots of unexpected surprises. As an adult, if you’ve ever lost your Halloween spirit, Roseanne will rekindle it for you. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Adventures of Pete & Pete: Halloweenie– This season 2 episode is about the brothers Pete trying to reconcile their ages and interests. I’m years past the struggle, and never gave up hope as Big Pete did, but I strongly sympathize with the disillusionment he feels, and the abandonment Little Pete feels in response. You might, too. Oh, there’s great music as well. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Garfield’s Halloween Special-For an 80’s child, this special is gold. I watched this so frequently as a child that even now I can repeat it almost line for line, sound for sound. I got a copy a few years ago from the all powerful Internets, and enjoy the nostalgia it evokes and the Garfield humor of days gone by. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Home Movies: Coffins and Cradles– I am definitely of the opinion that Brendan Small is a comedic genius, so I am biased. The episode offers little in the way of creepiness, and is really more outlandish than anything. As a huge fan of the show, this episode was really satisfying for me, but even casual watchers will appreciate the talk of costume choices, and the “calm down!” and “kitty” scenes. Trick meow or treat meow!
Trick or Treat– Ever heard the one where if you play a rock album backwards, you’ll hear evil instructions or the devil or something equally scary? In Trick or Treat, you can actually bring back your favorite dead shock rocker and reap revenge on the schoolmates who teased you! His only weakness (besides ridiculous skintight outfits)? Projectile laundry hampers and flushing toilets, apparently. No gore, just people getting electrocuted/vaporized and disappearing. Total 80’s cheese, but a fun ride and a few hot cameos. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Evil Dead 1-3– The cult classic that every gore hound and indie horror fan loves. Watch Ash go up against some nasty demonic forces in the uber violent, super creative, and slapstick funny Evil Dead trilogy. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Exorcist– Landmark horror movie about a child possessed. The increasingly hysterical mood results in a battle between innocence and evil that is chilling and emotional. An online review noted that people who were the most affected by this movie were those with “a definitive belief in Heaven and Hell”, but even if your spiritual beliefs are not cemented yet, watching young Regan’s battle will freak you out. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Constantine– The comic-based mythology of Constantine takes some standard religious ideology and tweaks it into perfect fodder for the horror genre. The roles of good and evil are clearly defined (and as Stephen King will tell you, that’s what makes a popular story), but our protagonist is actually of the anti-hero variety. There are scenes of absolute physical, emotional, and spiritual horror that are sharpened by excellent special effects. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Others– Relying on a tense and eerie atmosphere, you won’t find any gore in this “horror” movie. The payoff to all the suspense centers around a plot twist, so try not to read too much about it before watching! Unlike the 60’s horror that it takes so many cues from, there are definitive answers rather than a lot of unexplained weirdness. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Sixth Sense– If you haven’t seen this yet, stop reading and rent it. When it came out in 1999, the movie helped reintroduce classic thriller/supernatural plot devices with visuals and grit that had not been seen previously. The acting is excellent, and the characters are very real. The mood is alternately taut, emotional, and scary, with an ending that begs a second viewing. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Ring– (Caution: heavily biased summary) Not since childhood have I been so haunted by a movie. From the infamous “closet girl” at the beginning to the phone calls, the well, and the video itself, I knew I’d be having nightmares. Everyone has different emotional triggers that make a movie scary or boring to them, and The Ring might not do anything for you. It’s probably going to sound dramatic, but this movie is evil. Well acted, visually engaging, surprising and original, but like being stuck in a nightmare. Watch at your own risk. [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Poltergeist [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Omen (1976) [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
The Grudge [Buy DVD: eBay or Amazon]
Halloween series
Nightmare on Elm Street series
Friday the 13th series
Texas Chainsaw Massacre series
[…] I’ll be watching Hocus Pocus and The Craft (because I’m a scaredy cat these days) but why not get inspiration for your scary film of choice from this list from 365 Halloween. […]
on October 30th, 2012
I agree, IT is one scary movie! The Child’s Play series was scary but the last two movies were more funny. The Exorcist is still one of the scariest movies to me.
on December 26th, 2011
Don’t forget about Vincent Price Movies… Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972).. Tales of Terror (1962)…. etc.. etc..
on October 17th, 2011
Igor with John Cusack is a decent one for the kids. Very under rated. I really liked it.
on September 15th, 2011
Ummm….what about the scarriest movie of all time??? IT!! also, the Chuckie movies, Sleepy Hollow also. And, “My Grandpa is a Vampire”, and “Halloween Town.” Oh, yeah, and don’t forget the movie from like the 80’s, “Pumpkin Head”, also, “Pumpkin Carver”, and the Scare Crow Movies:)
on September 15th, 2011
I would say the original DRACULA with Lugosi, the wolf man with LON CHANEY JR, 13 GHOSTS , the original made in 59 or 60. House on Haunted Hill with Vincent Price, Black Sunday a movie done in the 50’s with an Italian cast, very good but kinda hard to find but worth it, well these are just a few. I will think of more later
on October 13th, 2009
ABOUT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN its got to be the funnists monster movie especialy when THE WOLFMAN aka LON CHANEY Jr changes all the time or another abbout and costello movie HOLD THAT GHOST the woman who discribs a owl WITH FANGS and then theres BELA LAGOSI in his classic DRACULA one of the scary ones and ol RENFEILD aka DWIGHT FRYE he was also the hunchback assistant in FRANKENSTIEN and HOCUS POCUS the witch riding the vacume cleaner was funny
on July 26th, 2009
These movies are good but what about some “candyman”… candyman candyman
365 Halloween Response: Another commenter has mentioned Candyman already and we’d love to add it to the list. If anyone wants to send in a brief review, we’ll post it right up!
on October 21st, 2008
yall left the best movies out come on people you need jeepers creepers 1 & 2 on the list that’s the best horror movie of all time
365 Halloween Response: If a movie has a 5/10 rating or less on IMDb, it probably won’t get listed here. To each their own, though!
on October 16th, 2008
I love scary movies !!!! But i love cake even more! Love you all .x.x. <3
365 Halloween Response: Cake and scary movies. Yep, life is good.
on October 9th, 2008
Cursed is a really good horror movie about a werewolf in l.a. brilliant cast. light blood, barely any, which is good for me.
on September 30th, 2008
13 Ghosts should absolutely be included and The Butterfly Effect.
on September 9th, 2008
Great collection! Going to bookmark this page for sure.
on September 1st, 2008
I’ll just go with scariest in all catagories. Some of these scared me at the time I saw them, some of them still give me the creeps.
1. The Shining- Just watched it again with my 15 year old daughter. This movie still gives me goosebumps after seeing it well over 20 times.
2. The Exorcist- I saw the updated version in the theater a few years back and when Reagen walks upside down and backwards down the stairs I freaked.
3. The Grudge- OK, some people say this is hokie, but something about creepy little kids freak me out.
4. Nightmare on Elm Street- I’m not going as Freddy on Halloween for nothing. First time I saw this and Freddy is chasing Nancy with his arms flailing around, scary stuff.
5. Sixth Sense– Simply because Shamalayan threw the rule book out about us being safe inside our little homemade forts we had as kids.
6. Candyman– “Be my victim.” Some of the best acting in the horror genre. Nuff said
Honorable mentions
Shaun of the Dead- Not scary just one of the best movies ever, period. This started my love affair with everything Simon Pegg.
Dead Alive– With perhaps the goriest scene ever in a horror movie that it’s almost laughable. Skip the movie and just watch the scene on You Tube
Shadow: Dead Riot- If you haven’t seen this “B” movie gem you are missing out. Tony Todd in a women’s prison, lesbian, zombie, martial art masterpiece. This takes “So bad it’s good” to a whole new level.
Don’t forget to add The Hunger to the Vampire list.
on August 15th, 2008
Maybe I’m easily scared, but I think the movie that bothers me most when I’m home alone at night is “The Blair Witch Project“. We have a basement that I refuse to go into after dark, especially in that one corner…and I’m 33.
365 Halloween response: Thanks Melanie, Blair Witch should be on the list. We ended up seeing that movie at an advanced screening, and like a lot of people, we believed the “basically a true story” hype. Hey, it was 99′ before the Internet could spoil any movie in 5 seconds flat. So when we got to that basement ending, rather than being terribly creeped out (which we would have been, had we not expected a “real life” ending), we were kind of miffed. It is a damn spooky movie, though! When I visited my basement-having family months after the screening, I’ll admit… I stayed clear of it too.
on June 25th, 2008
Yo,
I just have to suggest a few flicks that NEED to be on one of these lists or perhaps one of their own:
the stepford wives (1975)
the sentinel (1977)
burnt offerings (1976)
the dark secret of harvest home (1978)
these are 70s camp at their best, obscure, I know, but filled with quirky chills (forgive the gaping plot holes in some).
alice, sweet alice (1976, aka Communion)
sleepaway camp (1983) 365 Halloween note: you have to read this article that mentions Sleepaway Camp!
the river’s edge (1986)
80s and shameless. renegade kids, gratuitous nudity, but well worth it.
🙂 enjoy!
on May 14th, 2008
13 Ghosts, and House on Haunted Hill, (both remakes) for Vengeful Ghosts
Have to agree with you about The Ring, very high on the creep factor and that movie stays with you for awhile.
And to include in the Vampires section:
Modern Vampires (1998) If you haven’t seen this, its worth a look. Done by Richard Elfman, (Brother of the wondrous Danny Elfman) it stars Casper Van Dien, Kim Cattrall and Udo Kier (no vamp movie is truly complete without Udo). It’s a riot with a side of cheese.
Nice list…
on October 18th, 2007
What, no Night of the Comet? It’s funny, got zombies AND the 80’s cheese factor. How could you leave this one off? And classic tv: Kolchak the Night Stalker.
365 Halloween Response: In theory NOTC sounds like GOLD, doesn’t it? I thought about adding it for about 2 seconds, but despite it’s “comedy/horror” billing, it plays like a comedy and I didn’t want to put too much straight comedy on the list. You can easily rationalize movies like Shaun of the Dead or Return of the Living Dead 1 & 2 because of overtly violent/gory scenes, but I dunno about NOTC. Am I being too picky?
Kolchak sounds great, too. Thanks for the suggestions!
on October 13th, 2007
Vengeful Ghost movies:
Ghost
The Uninvited
Turn of the Screw (which year?)
The Fog
The Mummy (1932 Karloff version)
for gothic-level obsession:
Rebecca (which year?)
for horror/comedy:
Arachnophobia
cheesy beyond words
Gargoyles (Cornell Wilde tv movie 1972)
365 Halloween Response: Excellent suggestions, Madame! There were several years for Rebecca and Turn of the Screw; which version do you recommend?
on October 11th, 2007