With Halloween approaching and many of you most likely getting your scary movie-a-thon going over the weekend, I decided to compile a list of some of my favorite thriller/horror/slasher films. This really was well thought out, and it disturbs me to have left a few off.
You may agree or feel like one of your favorites was slighted, but that’s ok; this is all in good fun. With that said, here are my top ten horror movies of all time:
10. “Alien” (1979). Who can forget Sigourney Weaver as Ripley and even the many sequels? But nothing compares to the first of the series. Those aliens look the part, and we haven’t seen anything come close to looking that cool. More memorable is that itty bitty alien that bursts through John Hurt’s chest in a very gruesome scene. Gotta love the Chestburster!
9. (Tie) “Nightmare on Elm Street” Series (1984-current). The 2010 edition just didn’t stack up to the earlier films. Robert Englund’s always will be the real deal as the burnt up badass. His Freddy was funnier, scarier, and you know you were afraid to sleep the first time you saw it.
And…
“Friday the 13th” Series (1980-current). The Academy Awards won’t come calling anytime soon but Jason’s kill count is easily more than anyone else on this list. And no matter how tough you think you are, if you saw a hockey mask being sported by a big guy in the woods, you’d run.
8. “The Strangers” (2008). I’m not a big fan of the horror movies of the 2000s, but this one always got to me. Picture this…you’re vacationing in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and three masked assailants are trying to kill you. “The Strangers” had a certain plausibility to it, and the creepy part was a piece of the film’s dialogue. When asked “Why are you doing this to us?” One of the masked “strangers” replies, “Because you were home.”
7. “Psycho” (1960). I’m betting you lock the door when you take a shower. The shower is a very vulnerable place to be, just ask that weirdo Norman Bates. Tip: Never stay at the Bates Motel. It doesn’t matter how expensive the Hilton is.
5. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Anthony Hopkins’ Academy Award winning performance, as Hannibal Lecter was flat out awesome and creepy. You can’t help but like him and feel weirded out at the same time. Not only is it one of the scariest performances ever but one of the best in the history of film.
4. “Se7en” (1995). This cop thriller with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt feels creepy from beginning to end. Kevin Spacey will make your skin crawl as a serial killer that uses the seven deadly sins as a blueprint for his victims. Expect a great, but shocking, ending.
3. “The Exorcist” (1973). People believe in exorcisms, which is why this classic is high on the list. A possessed child, a couple of priests, and that bedroom scene will forever be remembered. Many movies were made about exorcisms, but the original was clearly the best ever.
2. “Halloween” (1978). Ah yes, the slasher film that made slasher films popular. No, it isn’t gory. This film is all about Michael Myers stalking and trying to murder a young Jamie-Lee Curtis. “Halloween” is all about anticipation, and it’s a safe bet you won’t forget that music anytime soon. Halloween is my all-time favorite, but it’s number two.
1. “Jaws” (1975). Ok, fine. Disagree if you will. Actually, I disagree with myself. Why is “Jaws” scary? The impact it had on swimming in the real world freaked everyone out. Who doesn’t think about sharks when they’re at the beach? It’s a guarantee you know someone who won’t swim in the ocean because of “Jaws.”