This October, I celebrated Halloween all month long by ranking my Top 20 Horror Movies and my
Top 20 Horror Novels. These were difficult endeavors and I spent a lot of time narrowing my choices down. It was also a lot of fun, and I'm pleased to share the results with my readers.
Note:
I want to be clear that I'm basing these choices on my own humble
opinion. I'm not trying to rank these movies in accordance with their
place in pop culture, but I'm offering up my take on the best horror
films that I have ever watched and enjoyed. There are some familiar
candidates that I consider to be great pictures that didn't make the cut
because there wasn't room, and there are some films that are widely
regarded as great pictures that didn't make the cut because I feel that
they are overrated. There are also a few instances where it was
difficult to determine whether or not a movie belonged to the horror
genre (I said "no" to
Aliens but "yes" to
Jaws), and it
may also be worth noting that this is largely a modern list (as long as
you're okay with my classification of modern as anything after 1960)
that only features one lonely creature from the so-called "Classic
Monsters" films produced by Universal Studios.
. . .
Okay, let's get things started with one of the most disturbing horror films out there, a stellar trip into gruesome terror from the one and only David Cronenberg.
#20) The Fly (1986)
The first entry on my list is one of three remakes to be included. This
one is surely the wildest departure from the original, as this somber
tale bears little or no resemblance to the cheeky Vincent Price vehicle
from 1958. This 1986 version of the
The Fly is directed by David
Cronenberg, one of the most visionary directors of them all.
Cronenberg's intense and often perverse work has largely originated
within either the horror genre or the science fiction genre, and I think
this deliberate terror yarn stands as his grandest achievement. It's
also the best work that Jeff Goldblum has ever done, and his total
immersion into the part of Seth Brundle, a daring and strangely
charismatic scientist, is amazing to behold. Throw in some fabulous
effects work and an eerie score by Howard Shore and you have the makings
of a classic. This version of
The Fly is a slow burn that
works magnificently. The first two acts are largely about meeting the
characters and witnessing a failed experiment and the subsequent
transformation as Goldblum's wacky but lovable scientist becomes one of
the most grotesque monsters ever put on film. These portions of the
film are ripe with suspense and dread, while the third and final act is
where most of the gruesome action takes place. The film is potent; the
combination of disturbing visuals and difficult content make it every
bit as emotional and dramatic as it is frightening. Yes, this version
of
The Fly is everything that I'm looking for in a great horror film, and viewing it remains a riveting experience that I highly recommend.
 |
| Jeff Goldblum's work in Cronenberg's remake of The Fly is absolutely amazing. |
. . .
Hey look, it's another spectacular horror movie from the 80s!
#19) The Howling (1981)
One of two werewolf movies to make the list,
The Howling is a
twisted frightfest that I have a lot of affection for. It has all the
necessary ingredients for a quality horror flick, to include a worthy
cast, an excellent setting, some creepy visuals, and an ominous mood.
The script by John Sayles varies greatly from the novel by Gary
Brandner, but brings an engaging and fearsome story to the screen to
superb effect. Director Joe Dante does a tremendous job, and while I'm a
big fan of Joe's other genre efforts (most notably
Gremlins and
Piranha)
I believe that this is his best feature film. It's tightly paced,
brimming with atmosphere, and loaded with shocking sequences. I'm
awarding some serious bonus points for the unnerving opening and the
equally disturbing conclusion. There's also a nifty scene midway
through the picture that surely ranks as one of the most frightening
horror scenes out there that takes place in broad daylight. The cast is
stellar, with Dee Wallace slaying it in the lead role with quality
support from players like Patrick MacNee, Kevin McCarthy, Slim Pickens,
and the one and only John Carradine. Pino Donaggio gave the film an
eerie score that is a splendid fit for all the spooky shenanigans
unfolding on the screen.
The Howling is equal parts engrossing,
entertaining, and terrifying. It is somewhat amazing to me that both
this picture and that other werewolf movie released in 1981 (a superior
effort that is ranked much higher on my list) remain the finest attempts
to bring lycanthropy to the cinema.
 |
Chief among the strengths of The Howling are
an ominous mood and some nightmarish visuals. |
. . .
Now it's time to talk about the zombie film that
started it all. Seriously, I'm not in the mood for any of that
White Zombie shit. I love me some Bela Lugosi, but George Romero gave us the zombie sub-genre as we know it today.
#18) Night of the Living Dead (1968)
This is one of two zombie movies from the legendary George Romero to make my list, and while
Night of the Living Dead may
not be his masterpiece, it remains eerie and effective all these years
after its initial release. Yes, we had seen zombies on the screen
before, but never quite like this. The shock and dismay that this bleak
low-budget affair inspired gave birth to a sub-genre that has never
been more popular that it is now, some 47 years after
Night of the Living Dead
hit the scene. It remains potent because it was so raw, so stark, and
because the man at the helm proved to be a genius. The horror of the
undead laying siege to a remote farmhouse where a few scrappy survivors
have holed up also proved to be a terrific premise for exploring serious
themes. The very presence of Duane Jones in the lead role, not to
mention his serious performance and the ultimate fate of his
character--all of these things speak volumes about the period when the
movie was made. In fact, many of these notions still hold a great deal
of relevance in this day and age. Besides, despite the weight of these
themes, the movie never suffers. It is entirely possible that many
viewers are oblivious to the commentary, for the picture quickly
descends into a grim nightmare and it never fails to function as a
gruesome chiller. I'm a big fan of the zombie sub-genre (there are
three* such pictures on my list, including this black and white gem, the
best zombie film of them all,
and Romero's epic improvement upon
the formula he created) and this tense and relentless horror film is
where the zombie as we know it was born. Beyond that, it's a fantastic
flick that surely warrants a spot on my list.
*Just so we're clear, deadites are
NOT zombies.
 |
| Board up the windows! George Romero gave the zombie sub-genre life way back in 1968. |
. . .
Now, we turn our attention to space as I unveil the next movie on my list.
#17) Alien (1979)
First off, I want to say that I do believe that
Alien is a stellar horror film. Secondly, I will acknowledge that I think that this film's sequel,
Aliens, is a much better picture. However,
Alien made my list and
Aliens will not. Why? Well,
Alien is a horror film, but I think
Aliens is a bit more like
Predator. Is it a science fiction movie? Is it an action movie? I'm not sure, but despite the presence of some horrifying content,
Aliens just doesn't feel like a horror movie to me.
Alien,
on
the other hand, is most certainly worthy of a spot on this list. It's
not a thrill ride with guns blazing, it's a subdued tale of terror that
relies more on escalating tension and big scares than escalating
machismo and big explosions. The mood and the sets are incredible, the
effects are totally convincing, and the cast is superb. Sigourney
Weaver's work here made her a star, and she is backed by talented
performers like Tom Skerrit, John Hurt, and Yaphet Kotto, among others.
There isn't a wealth of gore, but the scene where the alien bursts out
of John Hurt's chest is one of the most disturbing sequences that the
horror genre has ever produced. The design work by H. R. Giger is one
of the picture's biggest assets and Ridley Scott's direction is
splendid.
Alien is bolstered by one of Jerry Goldsmith's finest scores and the sceenplay from Dan O-Bannon is terrific. In short,
Alien is
a gripping horror film that fires on all cylinders thanks to the
presence and the efforts of a first-rate cast and crew. It remains the
best horror film set in space (though
Event Horizon is pretty damn scary too) and I am pleased to include it on my list.
 |
In addition to being a great flick, Alien also boasts one of the most
gut-wrenching scenes in the history of horror movies. |
. . .
For my last selection, we journeyed to outer space. This time, alien
spores designed for global domination are going to save us the trip.
#16) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
The second of three remakes to grace my list is a creepy sci-fi/horror hybrid that greatly improves upon the original
Invasion of the Body Snatchers from
1956, which was a damn good movie itself. This creepy affair has a
stellar cast and impressive effects, and Phillip Kaufman showed a deft
touch with his direction. In particular, Kaufman did a great job of
utilizing the city of San Francisco as the
setting and capturing some really wonderful images of the alien spores
that threaten our heroes. The plot is obviously a real winner; we've
seen a couple of different versions of the same story since this remake
was released, and there are a number of other films that are clearly
imitations of this sinister saga as envisioned by the author of the
source novel, Jack Finney. Things start slowly, but soon paranoia gives
way to outright terror as our weary players struggle to survive,
wondering who they can trust and who has already been replaced. Donald
Sutherland and Brooke Adams are outstanding in the lead roles. The
supporting cast includes Leonard Nimoy, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica
Cartwright, and Art Hindle, and Kevin McCarthy (the star of the 1956
version) briefly pops up in a significant cameo. I like the score from
Denny Zeitlin and I really like the way that this
Invasion of the Body Snatchers slowly
builds to a terrifying crescendo. The last scene is a genuine shocker,
and as many times as this tale has been brought to the screen, there
can be no doubt that this is the best version. It remains one of my
favorite horror films, and it is certainly deserving of the #16 spot on
my list.
 |
| This stellar remake benefits from groovy effects, a sinister mood, and an awesome cast. |
. . .
So far, we've been hanging with monsters, werewolves, zombies, and
aliens. Today, we keep the late 70s motif that started at #17 alive and
invite some witches to the party.
#15) Suspiria (1977)
Suspiria, a gruesome nightmare that many consider the finest
example of Italian horror, is one of two such pictures to make my list.
The other is also directed by Dario Argento, a gifted filmmaker who
spent much of the 70s and 80s churning out stunning motion pictures
before descending into mediocrity in the 90s and beyond. This inventive
yarn is a dark fairy tale of sorts, with a roving camera and a bold
color palette which give the picture a surreal tone that is positively
enchanting. The score by Goblin is one of the most striking scores that
the horror genre has ever been blessed with, and the bloody effects
work is top-notch. The script is simple but effective; Jessica Harper's
Suzy Bannion travels to a prestigious dance school where something is
seriously amiss. After a number of grisly murders occur and our heroine
starts to investigate some spooky shenanigans taking place, Suzy
discovers that the academy is merely a front for a coven of witches.
Argento was at his peak here, and the ominous atmosphere and the
outright terror that he is able to conjure up throughout this
fascinating picture is damn impressive. Some of the kills in this movie
are incredibly disturbing, and there are a handful of less violent
sequences in the mix that are ridiculously creepy. The cast performs
well, with Harper giving her best performance and genre vet Udo Kier
popping up in a brief but welcome part. Despite his recent misfires, of
which there are many, I still consider Dario Argento a legend in the
realm of horror cinema for his incredible body of work--and
Suspiria undoubtedly
ranks among his very best. In fact, while I favor another picture
(those who follow my blog closely are already aware of this, but the
rest of you will have to wait and see), most probably consider this to
be his greatest achievement.
 |
| I'm not sure which of Suspiria's potent assets is more impressive, Dario's deft camera work or the surreal color palette. |
. . .
Yes,
Suspiria was a strange one, but this next one may be even
stranger. We're sticking with the late 70s theme we've got going, and
the time has come to throw down with sinister dwarfs and a ghastly
mortician armed with deadly spheres that suck people's brains out.
That's right, peeps, it's time we got our
Phantasm on.
#14) Phantasm (1979)
Phantasm isn't just one of the strangest horror films out there,
it's also one of the coolest. How often do you get to see a movie where
a gutsy ice cream man who plays a mean guitar goes toe to toe with a
terrifying mortician from another dimension? Delightful, right? Our
main characters are an exuberant teenage boy whose brother may or may
not be dead, said brother/ghost/I'm-not-sure-what, and Reggie the ice
cream vendor, one of the horror genre's most beloved heroes. While
Reggie Bannister absolutely kills it as Reggie (all of the leads in this
flick have the same first name as their character), Angus Scrimm
dominates the proceedings as the villainous mortician, known simply as
"The Tall Man." Scrimm's work here is so unique and so totally on point
that he grounds this delirious flick and keeps audiences riveted
throughout all the strange twists and turns that
Phantasm takes
on the way to a wonderfully bizarre conclusion. The effects are solid,
the score is epic, I treasure the performances, and the script and the
direction c/o Don Coscarelli are extremely exciting and expertly
realized. This movie has everything going for it, and it delivers the
goods--
Phantasm is an awesome blend of scares, chuckles, and crazy shit. That gonzo finale gives way to one last big scare, cementing
Phantasm's status
as an iconic horror film that has inspired several sequels aimed to
please a rabid fanbase that is still clamoring for more. I have been a
big fan of this film (and Coscarelli's output in general) for most of my
life, and I can't imagine putting together a list like this without
including
Phantasm.
 |
| Wildly inventive and incredibly entertaining, Phantasm is a groovy cult classic like no other. |
. . .
I'm going to put our late 70s theme on hold so we can turn our attention
to the only true sequel to make my list, Sam Raimi's maniacal return to
the the cabin in the worlds where Ash and his friends unwittingly
unleashed deadites on the world.
#13) Evil Dead 2 (1985)
When Sam Raimi made a name for himself in the horror genre, he did so with
The Evil Dead,
a grim affair that was dark, dreadful, and brimming with bodily
dismemberment. It was a bit of a shock when he followed that picture up
with this sequel, a delirious effort that mixes demonic possession and
severed limbs with heavy doses of slapstick humor that would have
garnered applause from The Three Stooges. Yet Raimi's high-energy
direction and Bruce Campbell's immaculate chin made this mash-up an
astounding success. Three decades later, fans are eagerly awaiting the
latest from this franchise, the Showtime series
Ash Vs. Evil Dead, which is set to debut on October 31, 2015. If that show is half as good as
Evil Dead 2 (and
based on what I've seen, I'm pretty damn optimistic), we're in for a
real treat this Halloween. Fast-paced, funny, and utterly ridiculous,
this is surely one of the most purely entertaining movies to be featured
on my list. Everything about this cult classic is aimed at being so
over-the-top that it makes William Shatner's work seem like method
acting. The effects, the performances, the score, and Raimi's wild
camera work are all designed to wring every drop of fun out of a kooky
script that allows for an abundance of gore and some of the silliest
bits you'll ever see in a horror flick. In short,
Evil Dead 2 is
a zany descent into horror and comedy that works to sheer perfection.
While I'm not at all surprised that it made the cut, I am a little
surprised that I didn't wind up ranking it much higher on my list.
 |
| The first Evil Dead is grim and disgusting, but the sequel is gleefully absurd--and 100% awesome! |
. . .
Let's take a stroll down memory lane. Let's head all the way back
to the days when Universal Studios sat atop the mountain so far as
horrific cinema was concerned.
#12) Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
I love all of the "Classic Monsters" and I'm not here to throw shade at
Dracula, Frankenstein,
The Wolf Man,
or any other ghoulish menace who ran with that Universal Studios crew.
I am here to anoint the scaly fiend who terrorized the crew of the good
ship
Rita as
my personal favorite of the bunch. I also feel that his movie is the coolest, and I think it's a bit odd that he's the only
representative of that era who hasn't seen his saga officially updated for modern
audiences.
Of course, given the strength of this picture, maybe it's better that way.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon is
a whimsical and exciting horror film that boasts stellar
cinematography, giving genuine meaning to the phrase "in glorious black
and white." The creature design is incredible, and the meticulous
application of the costume yields one of the best-looking monsters of
all time. The creature's presence on screen is still rather
breath-taking more than sixty years after
The Creature from the Black Lagoon was
released. A strong cast that includes Richard Carlson and Julie Adams
helped director Jack Arnold breathe life into this fascinating classic
that features some of the best underwater photography that you'll ever
see. More so than any of the other beloved horror films that Universal
produced, I think there's something magical about
The Creature from the Black Lagoon that
extends beyond the unique look of the titular menace and the technical
prowess on display. The themes concerning the environment and science
that run just beneath the surface never distract us from the wonder that
the picture inspires. The creature is both fearsome and sympathetic,
giving the film additional depth and conflict.
Creature from the Black Lagoon is
a rich and rewarding motion picture that is still impressive to behold,
and there's no way I could make a list like this without including it.
 |
| Man, oh man, do I love that creature design! It still looks great in this dazzling era of modern effects. |
. . .
We just turned the clock way back to 1954, where we discussed
the oldest film to make my list. Now, we're heading to 2005 so we can break down the most
recent film to make the cut.
#11) The Descent (2005)
This claustrophobic feature from 2005 delivers the goods so far as both internal and external fright is concerned.
The Descent is a movie that is willing to do anything to destroy your comfort zone and subject you to absolute terror.
The
plot follows a group of adventurous women who enjoy extreme sports.
Hoping to offset the grief one of their members is dealing with as she
struggles with the loss of her husband and daughter in a tragic
accident, they prepare for an expedition into a pedestrian cave.
Unfortunately, this attempt at social therapy goes badly awry when their
leader elects to forego the novice grotto and instead leads her peers
into an uncharted system. Early on, a passage becomes blocked, and
these unlucky ladies know there is no hope of rescue as the proper
authorities believe they are in another cave altogether. Now, these
feisty females must find a way out before their batteries go dead and
they are lost in the darkest recesses of the Appalachians. This is a
terrifying premise, but things get worse when writer and director Neil
Marshall injects cannibalistic humanoid monstrosities into the mix.
Expertly plotted, well-acted, and bolstered by sensational
cinematography and effects,
The Descent is a relentless horror
film that is packed with tension and fright. It is one of the most
terrifying films to make this list, and I will add that I really dig all
the girl power on display throughout this riveting gem. If I was
making a list of the scariest horror movies ever, this incredibly dark
motion picture that doesn't pull any punches would rank even higher.
 |
| Coming hot on the heels of Dog Soldiers, The Descent seemed to herald the arrival of a new horror maestro. Even if Neil Marshall has failed to live up to the hype since then, The Descent is still a fantastic movie that is truly terrifying. |
. . .
I bet some of you are wondering when we're going to invite a vampire to
this party. Well, today is the day, but I should warn you: as much as I
dig vampires, Jerry Dandrige is going to be pretty lonely.
#10) Fright Night (1985)
A neat blend of comedy and horror,
Fright Night is my
favorite vampire movie and one of my favorite horror movies in general.
I have always been a big fan of Roddy McDowall's work, and the role of
genre actor Peter Vincent (who is famous for playing a fearless vampire
slayer) may have been the best part Roddy ever got to play. Likewise,
the vastly underrated Chris Sarandon is splendid as Jerry Dandrige, a
suave vampire who deftly veers from seductive charmer to frightening
monster whenever the script calls for it. The plot concerns a teenager
named Charlie Brewster (William Ragsdale) who is rather intrigued by his
new neighbor. One night, he's spying on this recent addition to the
neighborhood when he sees Jerry sprout fangs and realizes that he is
living next door to a vampire. This is very problematic, for Jerry
notices Charlie looking on and decides that he has to deal with this
curious youngster. Charlie is a big fan of Peter Vincent's hokey
vampire films, so no one is willing to believe him, least of all the
timid star himself. Yet Vincent reluctantly agrees to help Charlie, and
thus a teenager and a horror film vet must enter the vampire's lair at
night and do battle with the undead. The effects are splendid and Tom
Holland did a fantastic job with the direction. There are lots of
laughs, an abundance of suspense, and some serious scares in the mix. I
like the score a lot, and the supporting cast (including Amanda Bearse,
Stephen Geoffreys, and Jeffrey Stark) is solid. Everything works to
perfection throughout
Fright Night, and it is truly rare to find a
horror film that is so damn enjoyable. The humor never veers toward
parody and the fright factor is strong with this one. It may be the
only vampire movie to make my Top 20, but
Fright Night is a great representative for that beloved sub-genre.
 |
| One has to wonder why a talented guy like Chris Sarandon never got more love from Hollywood. |
|
|
 |
| Of course, the real star of Fright Night is the wonderful Roddy McDowall, who made the most out of what may have been his best part. |
. . .
My favorite director finally hits the scene with the perfect film for the spooky season,
Halloween.
#9) Halloween (1978)
Simple but highly effective, John Carpenter's
Halloween is a
fantastic film that remains at the forefront of the slasher sub-genre.
This smash hit produced on a shoestring budget heralded the emergence of
one of the genre's most celebrated directors and also signified the
arrival of Jamie Lee Curtis, scream queen extraordinaire. In addition
to putting a spotlight on Carpenter's talent as a director and Jamie
Lee's acting chops,
Halloween gave us the perfect boogeyman in
Michael Myers and laid the groundwork for one of the genre's most
frightening franchises. Donald Pleasance is also in the mix, and he
shines in one of his signature roles as Dr. Loomis, the determined but
panic-stricken shrink who couldn't keep Michael locked away and is
thereby determined to shoot him dead. Good luck with that. The mood
and the atmosphere are incredible; in addition to creating a wealth of
suspense and dread with ample foreshadowing that makes the most of
Michael's unnerving presence,
Halloween also perfectly captures
the essence of the spooky season. The kills are shocking, the tension
is almost unbearable at times, and I think this film benefits from one
of the best endings the genre has produced. It may not be all that
complex and the deliberate pace and the lack of gore may disappoint some
horror fans, but
Halloween does everything right. It's a
classic film from a gifted director and it should be mandatory viewing
for any respectable horror fan as the end of October draws nigh.
 |
| Carpenter scored big with this tense chiller that put Jamie Lee Curtis on the map. |
 |
| How did it all go so wrong? Little Mikey seemed like such a nice kid. |
. . .
It's time to add some more zombies to the list, and their second
appearance here comes via my favorite zombie flick. Having said that,
there will be a third zombie movie in this Top 20, and that one made it
into the Top 5. If you're confused, don't worry, I'll sort things out
for you in just a second.
#8) Return of the Living Dead (1985)
So, this is one of these weird situations where I'm comparing things and
I come to the realization that one of them is my favorite while I
recognize another as being superior. It doesn't happen often, but it
does happen. That makes sense to me, so hopefully it makes sense to you
too. Anyway, there is another zombie movie featured on this list that I
find to be a better motion picture, but
Return of the Living Dead makes
up for any flaws it has with a major dose of entertainment value. It
is the definitive take on the subject? No. Is it the most enjoyable
take on the subject? Absolutely. This movie has it all: laughs,
scares, a soundtrack for the ages, and a fabulous cast. There isn't a
true star in the mix, but everyone involved makes the most of their
part, and the stellar script by director Dan O'Bannon gives every
character some quality material to work with. The effects are great and
there is an abundance of gore. Most importantly, as I've stated on
numerous occasions, I do not believe that there is a movie out there
with better dialogue. As shit gets real, the characters verbally spar
with one another, and their exchanges are charged with energy and fear.
O'Bannon's direction is fabulous, and I give him an abundance of credit
for putting together this invigorating and fresh take on a beloved
sub-genre that produces a lot of really solid movies that seldom deviate
from the formula. Dan did his own thing with
Return of the Living Dead, and the end result is a real asskicker of a movie that is equal parts hilarious and horrifying.
For more on
Return of the Living Dead, be sure to check out this
Cult Classics from Dimension X
piece I wrote about it that contains a more detailed examination of the
picture and some really cool trivia. You can also check out this blog I
wrote about the movie's
totally gnarly punk rock soundtrack while you're at it.
 |
| ROTLD features Tarman, one of the most memorable zombies of all time. |
|
|
 |
| It also boasts a
terrific cast. Clu Galager (far left) may be the biggest name, but
everyone involved does an excellent job. The movie doesn't really
anoint anyone as the hero or heroine, so everyone involved gets lots of
cool things to say and do. |
. . .
And now for that other werewolf tale from 1981, the best film that particular sub-genre has given us.
#7) An American Werewolf in London (1981)
The finest werewolf movie ever filmed is quite the absurdity. Director
John Landis takes several familiar staples from this particular
sub-genre and employs them to tremendous effect, yet he also runs wild
with the concept. Thus, there are big laughs, horrifying nightmare
sequences, and dead friends who still drop by from time to time to hang
out and encourage our main character to kill himself. The
transformation sequence is the stuff of legend, and the soundtrack that
Landis put together (every song refers to the moon)
is positively
delightful. The cast, led by David Naughton and Griffin Dunne as a
pair of American backpackers, is splendid, and the script is lively and
inventive. Like the other movies to make my list that include a bit of
humor, the film never becomes a parody, and the chuckles are offset by
some chilling material that greatly benefits from stellar effects work
and an obvious affection for gore. The movie does a great job of
developing a sinister mood that is frequently interrupted by gruesome
hijinks and those devilish nightmares. The end result is a special
picture that is truly unique. While
offering up a sound and gripping yarn about the tragic curse of the
werewolf,
An American Werewolf in London takes lots and lots of
left turns along the way, keeping the audience on their toes. It's a
joy to behold and calling it the finest werewolf movie ever filmed seems
like a bit of an understatement. No other film of this ilk has ever
come close to challenging
An American Werewolf in London for that
title, and it's hard to believe that such a film will ever be
produced. This wild and hairy ride is a delirious smorgasbord of
delights that should thrill any red-blooded fan of the horror genre.
 |
| An American Werewolf in London is definitely not a movie that adheres to any sort of formula. |
|
 |
| All these years
after this one-of-a-kind frightfest hit the scne, it still boasts the
best effects ever seen in a movie about werewolves. |
. . .
Dario Argento strikes again! Seriously, these days the dude can't make a
decent movie to save his life, but there was a time when he was a force
to be reckoned with. This is his finest achievement, a robust offering
that is well-loved by many and yet vastly underrated.
#6) Deep Red (1975)
Dario Argento used to make top-notch horror films; he was known for his deft
use of a moving camera and
his lively color palettes which served to inject a surreal element into his work.
Dario was no stranger to gore either, and he had a serious jones for twisted plots. Though he has completely lost his ability
to make a quality film in this day and age, Argento was lighting up the
screen with sensational chillers and gruesome thrillers in the 70s and
80s. In my personal opinion, while
Suspiria will always be more popular, this is his finest film.
Suspiria was #15 on my list and it is surely a top-shelf horror film, but for my money,
Deep Red is more exciting and far more fulfilling. While
Suspiria is a fairy tale of sorts,
Deep Red is
a blood-curdling mystery that is equal parts slasher flick and ghost
story, though to label it as either would be inaccurate. David Hemmings
stars as a pianist who witnesses a horrific murder without being able
to identify the killer. Soon, he and an intrepid reporter (the
wonderful Daria Nicolodi as Gianna Brezzi) are trying to solve a vicious
mystery that reaches into the past. As they work to uncover the truth,
the death toll rises and it becomes quite clear that they are in great
danger. Stellar cinematography, an amazing score by Goblin, and one of
Argento's most inventive plots come together in
Deep Red, an elaborate whodunit that is full of scares and twists. Finally, while there can be no doubt that the death scenes in
Suspiria are sick and demented, the murders that occur in
Deep Red may be even more disturbing.
 |
| The moral of the
story? If you witness a brutal murder, do yourself a favor and leave
the subsequent investigation to the police. |
|
|
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| A spectacular score, gruesome kills, and creepy imagery are among Deep Red's many highlights. |
. . .
And now, ladies and gentlemen, here's Jack! Don't worry, he's not here to hurt you. He just wants to bash your brains in.
#5) The Shining (1980)
More akin to a different vision of Stephen King's terrifying book than a
faithful adaptation of that titan's work, this Stanley Kubrick venture
is definitely one of the most striking horror films of them all. Jack
Nicholson is front and center throughout, and he wrings every drop of
entertainment out of an iconic part. True, Nicholson's Jack Torrance
lacks the depth and the warmth that makes his literary counterpart's
sinister downfall a tragic affair. Yet his take on the character yields
one of the most sensational villains in the history of the cinema, as
Jack's work in
The Shining is both horrifying and a joy to
behold. It is most certainly a performance for the ages, and thought it
towers over the motion picture itself, Kubrick's peerless direction and
Shelley Duvall's emotionally charged acting are also superb assets that
are integral to the success of this beloved classic. While some may
chafe at the way Kubrick disregards many aspects of the source material,
the movie has an irresistible appeal and it is clearly a horror film of
the highest order. The technical merits of
The Shining are
beyond reproach, and while there can be no doubt that Stanely Kubrick
was both immensely talented and incredibly prolific, I think that this
terrifying journey into insanity and violence is his most remarkable
film. Furthermore, though his career is littered with fabulous star
turns, this is probably my favorite example of Jack's magnificent talent
as well.
The Shining is both legitimately creepy and totally
fascinating, and it greatly benefits from the presence of a gifted cast
and one of the finest directors in the history of the cinema.
 |
| Shelley Duvall had a great time working with Stanley Kubrick on The Shining. |
 |
| Nicholson exudes both charisma and menace as he chews scenery and positively owns the screen. |
. . .
Two zombie movies have made the list thus far, and now it's time for the
third and final entry from that particular sub-genre to rise from the
dead.
#4) Dawn of the Dead (1978)
George Romero invented the zombie genre as we know it with
Night of the Living Dead,
and he perfected this ever-popular sub-genre with his insightful and
provocative follow-up. Seldom has social commentary been so
entertaining, and few horror films offer as much in the way of a
character study. Some may complain about the lengthy running time, but
Romero made great use of every minute.
Dawn of the Dead is never
dull, and the bonds that we forge with the four leads only serve to
enhance the emotional undercurrent running through this captivating
yarn. At times, the picture is grim and utterly terrifying, but it also
contains moments that are downright hilarious. Then there are several
thrilling sequences that give way to gory mayhem on a massive scale.
Tom Savini's effects work is wicked cool, and Romero clearly got
everything that he could get out of this riveting tale. Ken Foree,
Gaylen Ross, David Emge, and Scott H. Reiniger are totally invested in
their roles, and each player has a nice arc that defines their character
as this weary quartet struggles to survive a blood-soaked nightmare.
Dripping with gore, peppered with subversive humor, and exceptionally
well-made, I think that declaring
Dawn of the Dead to be the best zombie movie of all time is an easy decision. Yes, I enjoy
Return of the Living Dead a bit more, but there can be no doubt that
Dawn of the Dead is a far richer movie.
 |
| Fact: Dawn of the Dead is the best zombie movie of them all. |
 |
| This is the face I make when someone asks me if I thought that the remake was better. |
. . .
My favorite director strikes again! That's right, John Carpenter's back
in the mix with his best horror flick, a picture that was savaged by
critics and labelled a failure after it struck out at the box office.
#3) The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter is directly responsible for so many awesome movies. Many
were major hits, but he has also produced his fair share of cult
classics. That's why it should probably come as no surprise that his
best horror film was so poorly regarded upon its initial release.
Arriving hot on the heels of
E.T., this grim and gory monster
movie was too dark for mainstream success in 1982, but over time more
and more people have warmed up to it. Kurt Russell is the star, and
though this part is far more somber than the roles he played in his
other pairings with Carpenter, he delivers another riveting
performance. The effects courtesy of Rob Bottin are outrageous and the
main theme from Ennio Morricone (this is the rare instance where
Carpenter passed the baton on that front) is a truly magnificent
symphony of doom. The locations give the movie the stark realism that
it needs to draw audiences into a tense and horrific struggle that leads
to a bleak conclusion with apocalyptic implications. Carpenter's shot
selection is superb and his dynamic vision yields a fantastic vision of
isolation and desperation unlike any other. Technically a remake, this
epic creature greatly improves upon
The Thing From Another World,
a nifty gem from 1951. Despite the downer nature of the piece, it
remains one of my favorite horror films to watch. The movie I have at
#1 on this list is so damn disturbing that I rarely view it, but
The Thing is
a great movie to revisit whenever you want to see Kurt Russell rock
cinema's gnarliest beard in John Carpenter's mindbending trip to
Antarctica. It's an immersive experience that slowly draws the viewer
into a paranoia-fueled nightmare where brave men battle a wretched
invader from beyond the stars. It's
The Thing, the biggest and baddest monster movie of them all, and I'm thrilled to include it here.
 |
| According to John
Carpenter, Rob Bottin got the job on the basis of his kooky
storyboards. Once they got on set, John asked him how he was going to
pull all this crazy stuff off and Rob basically said, "Shit, man. I
don't know." In the end, he delivered in a big way, and his effects are
a big reason why fans continue to flip out over The Thing. |
 |
| Obviously, I've
got mad love for Carpenter, and I'm also a huge Kurt Russell fan, so I
should note that their work together may represent the best that each of
these supremely talented individuals had to offer. |
. . .
As we near the end of this list, it's time to break down a pair of exceptional movies based on novels that I hold
near and dear to my heart. First up, we've got my favorite movie of all time.
#2) Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg's efforts as a filmmaker have yielded an amazing
filmography, but the thrilling motion picture that put him on the map
remains his finest offering. Working from Peter Benchley's stellar
novel, Spielberg fashioned a tale of terror that continues to scare
moviegoers away from the beach better than 40 years after it gave birth
to the summer blockbuster. At the end of the day, this is a horror
movie that nearly matches Benchley's ability to convey the might and
fury of a great white shark, driving home the terror that encountering
such a creature in its natural environment would generate. There are
some brutal moments in this vibrant shocker, and yet the warmth and
drama that propels the film toward a grand finale do make it seem a bit
too adventurous for the genre at times. The three leads take a fabulous
script and run wild with it, with Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss
both doing a tremendous job while Robert Shaw dominates the screen with
one of the richest performances in the history of the cinema. The score
from John Williams is as simple as it is iconic, the effects are far
better than the mechanical sharks' place in film history would have you
believe, and Spielberg's gifts have never been so evident. There are
big scares, big laughs, and even when things settle down,
Jaws is ten times more enchanting than most
movies.
This is my favorite movie, and if we were talking about movies in
general, I would surely put it atop my list. Yet I did elect to place
it at #2 on my list because I cannot fathom putting anything other than
the scariest movie ever made at #1. Having said that, second place here
is no small prize, and I hope I have made my affection for this grand
voyage into horror on the high seas evident.
 |
| Jaws has inspired numerous imitations, yet 40 years later it still reigns supreme. |
 |
| Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss shine only to be blown away by Robert Shaw as Quint. |
. . .
I had a hard time putting this list together, but determining which
movie belonged at the top of the charts was rather easy. There can be
no doubt that
The Exorcist is the crown jewel of horror cinema.
#1) The Exorcist (1973)
Believe the hype.
The Exorcist is the most frightening movie ever made. William Friedkin did a flawless job of bringing
William Peter Blatty's novel
to the screen. His efforts were greatly enhanced by legendary effects
work from the great Dick Smith and a fantastic cast that nailed the
difficult material. Ellen Burstyn is unbelievably good and it is her
work here that truly defines the experience, though Linda Blair, Jason
Miller, and the one and only Max Von Sydow (who plays the title role)
all brought their A-game to the table. The score is haunting, the
script is razor-sharp, and most importantly, Friedkin (a superb director
with a considerable legacy who still doesn't get the love he so richly
deserves) was at his very best when he made the greatest horror movie of
them all. The subject matter is extremely disturbing and equally
frightening, largely due to Burstyn's bravura performance as she plays
the character that viewers relate to throughout the picture.
The Exorcist
is as daring as it is horrifying; I am positive that you couldn't make
this movie in this day and age without significant alterations to some
of the more explicit portions of this grim journey into demonic
possession and despair. I treasure both this film and the book it was
based upon, but
I’ve only read the book a couple of times and I’ve only watched the
movie four
times. When I’m looking for a horror film to watch, I frequently grab
this Blu-Ray
only to pause long enough to wonder if I really want to spend another
night with
Reagan and Father Karras. If you have never experienced
The Exorcist,
there could be no better time than Halloween to do so. Please don’t
invite me over, however, because I’m not ready for another descent into
the devil’s
domain just yet.
Note: The original theatrical release is awesome but I prefer the
updated version from 2001. The "spider walk" is one of my favorite
scenes in the movie.
 |
| Friedkin used every trick at his disposal to bring William Peter Blatty's terrifying novel to life in spectacular fashion. |
 |
| They say it's the scariest movie ever made, and this time they are right. |
