Call me a coinsurer for classic genera films, and for nearly a decade and a half, an easy way for me to single out popular movies was through a 2005 published book titled “501 Must See Movies”. Just about every movie genera in the vain of Action, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi and so forth are rounded-up into one section, and usually with fifty films per category.
#50 Eraserhead (1977)
An artistic vision and serial quality can make a film unique, but it doesn’t automatically make for an enjoyable watch either, especially when the final product just comes off as unpleasant, and even a little dull. Certainly not awful, but I won't care to repeat a second viewing for this one.
#49 Audition (2000)
Luring you in with a touching romance, only to pull the rug out into
shocking horror was an ambitious approach, and it would have worked for me ... if only the
first-half wasn’t so slow-moving, and the second-half so unbearable to watch.
#48 Angel Heart (1987)
What begins as a slow-burning, crime mystery, culminates into an
uncomfortable, Satanic experience ... with one of the bloodiest sex-scenes ever put
to film.
#47 Nosferatu, A Symphony of Terror (1922)
There’s nothing wrong with the
original vampire classic that launched the genera, but despite being a staple
for it’s time, I just don't find it as enticing as other silent-chillers of it's time, or the majority of spooky hits that
followed.
#46 Don't Look Now (1973)
Despite an ambitious premise, memorable visuals, and a
brilliant twist ending, it’s just not paced or structured in a way that either
engaged or thrilled me, plus throw in an unreasonably long sex-scene, and I’m
left asking ... "Why am I watching this".
#45 Freaks (1932)
A meaningful entry in the horror cannon that looks at real people, and
asks ethical questions like “what does it mean to be human” … so it’s certainly
got merit … it’s just not a very pleasant experience to sit through.
#44 Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Despite it’s unnerving premise, it takes till the ending to finally shock with it’s chilling reveal, making the film feel like a set-up for a movie that never happens. Never the less, the film presents the relatable drama of a mother going through parenthood, and this movie features one of the most disturbing nightmare sequences ever put to film.
#43 The Wicker Man (1973)
A slow burning experience that for me ... only benefits from the
presence of Christopher Lee as the villain, and obviously the movies famous, disturbing ending.
#42 The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Old silent movies are challenging to watch, but
there’s still plenty to admire from what the film accomplished for it’s time,
and without question, Lon Chaney’s physical performance, and goulash makeup keep
this film considerably more engaging then most others of the genera.
#41 Manhunter (1986)
Despite living in the shadows of it’s more famous follow-up, "Manhunter" still makes for a dark, and suspenseful crime thriller in it’s own
right … just not the most memorable for me.
#40 Deliverance (1972)
An upbeat musical duel sets the stage for a journey down
the river with many dark twists and turns, some keeping you on edge, while other
aspects of the film ... namely a sequence that rims with "grape" ... are
downright unbearable to watch.
#39 Peeping Tom (1960)
"Peeping Tom" takes a bold approach by looking into the mind of a
killer from a sympathetic point of view, resulting in a commendable, and mature
picture … even if it’s admittedly short on exciting thrills.
#38 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
A disturbing look at what real-life
Psychopaths could be like, and yet, while the film is admirable for it’s lack
of gore, and exciting chases … I just can’t say it gave me too much else either.
#37 The Blair Witch Project (1999)
A claustrophobic setting, and disturbed lead
performance make this mock-doc an effective simulation to experience once … but
it’s also a double-edged sword … as one viewing is all a "simulation" can really effect me with.
#36 The Omen (1976)
"The Omen" has a chilling premise, effectively slow-built suspense, and
one hell of a terrifying music score by the late Jerry Goldsmith, but despite
all it’s merit, I feel the sum of it's parts are more effective then the whole.
#35 An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Aw-inspiring make-up effects, dark comedy,
and creative dream sequences aside ... this modern Werewolf flick has great
set-up, but for me, doesn’t really deliver with the payoff.
#34 Child's Play (1988)
While never as terrifying as it’s premise would suggest, as well
as burdened by too much exposition, "Child’s Play" never the less has it’s place as a horror
staple, largely thanks to Brad Dourif’s unhinged performance as the maniacal
doll.
#33 Friday the 13th (1980)
Graphic kills, one-note story, and irrelevant characters due very little for me, but
keeping the killer off screen elevates the mystery, which builds to an
effective payoff, and one of the greatest endings in horror history ... in which
two-iconic villains are introduced in chilling fashion.
#32 Scream (1996)
Self-aware and fun, although "Scream" tends to devolve into the very
basic film it’s satirizing, making for a mixed, albeit passable experience.
#31 Carrie (1976)
Bounded by two brilliant performances from it’s two leading ladies,
and with an intense focus on the horror of how one innocent can be cruelly
treated, "Carrie" almost dose it’s job too well, to the point where it’s difficult
to watch … but certainly worth viewing.
#30 What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
"What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" is a
claustrophobic, tense, and character driven thriller … perhaps a little
indulgent at times … but an outstanding lead villain performance go's a long
way in making this a classic.
#29 The Thing (1982)
This staple of both Horror and Sci-Fi is boasted by increased
tension, both form a unique monster, and an uncomfortable situation in which
no-one can trust one-another. Throw in some astonishing … and grotesque …
practical effects, and this becomes a rare remake that’s every bit as classic,
if not more so then the original.
#28 Les Diaboliques (1955)
In this French horror classic, we see the original
template for a chilling murder mystery, descents into hysteria, an effective
twist ending … and clearly a huge influence on the movies of Alfred Hitchcock.
#27 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Grim and brutally real-life horror is presented
in this Oscar Winning Classic, but it's really the stellar performances by
Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster that have kept this film in our minds ... or at least mine.
#26 Tremors (1990)
A delightful throwback to 1950's monster movies, with memorable creatures, a respectfully un-conventional premise, and enough B-Movie charms to
make this ... no masterpiece ... but a genuinely fun time.
#25 The Fog (1962)
While certainly not top-tear horror by John Carpenter standards, it’s
still a chilling experience, with effective atmosphere, a reserved sense of
comedy, and the concept of spooky entitles in the mist is a fun idea in
general.
#24 Dead of Night (1945)
The first truly classic horror anthology, as well as a
for-runner for grim twist endings, and one that remains an influence years
later … as well as a reminder as to why living dummy's are reliably creepy.
#23 Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The for-runner of the zombie sub-genera, “Night of the
Living Dead” hasn’t lost it’s bight, and continues to inspire both horror fans, and independent filmmakers alike.
#22 The Birds (1963)
It may seem like a silly, B-Movie concept on the surface … but
this is Hitchcock, and he specializes in quality … thus, his direction,
build-up, Oscar-Winning effects, and execution, make this one-note premise one
of the greatest of 60’s horror cinema.
#21 28 Days Later ... (2002)
Political allegories and breakneck zombie action come together in the last of the truly classic Zombie movies, and one of the most significant early 2000’s horror films.
While the foul content goes too far in some scenes, "The
Exorcist" remains a game-changer in cinema, and when you look past all the
over-the-top possessed girl moments, the film compensates with compelling
themes, subtle unnerving moments, rich character ties, a chilling atmosphere,
stunning practical effects, and despite it’s many duplicators … it’s powerful
impact has never once been close to being replicated.
#19 The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
One of the greats of the original B&W classics, and
one that still holds up generations later, as a technically superior, and more
emotionally resonate experience then even it’s iconic original.
#18 Dawn of the Dead (1978)
The chilling horror elements of the original are replaced with more
carnage, and mayhem … as well as lovable characters, a fantastic setting, social
satire, and even a reserved sense of "fun" … making for one of the most enjoyable,
yet still disturbing entries in the zombie genera.
#17 Village of the Damned (1960)
Briskly passed, full of atmospheric dread and mystery, “Village of the Damned” is the minor classic that deserves to be placed among the greats, and is the … ah-hem … “Poster Child”, for scary children in cinema.
#16 Dracula (1958)
Christopher Lee shines brighter than any Dracula on film, as do
talented costars Peter Cushing and Michael Gough, along with stealer period
settings, and richly gothic atmosphere, which marks this as one of cinemas definitive
vampire classics.
#15 The Others (2001)
Emotional performances, effective slow-built tension, disturbed
twist ending, and the courage to give audiences chills with very little on
screen land “The Others” as both a memorable, and respectful early 2000’s horror
film.
#14 Ringu (1998)
This foreign thriller is largely innovative, and unnerving with it’s
methods of combining Supernatural terror, along with engaging character drama, and the anxiety of modern technology.
#13 Gremlins (1984)
A unique Christmas/Horror hybrid for the kids ... and so much more ... as it's also a loving send-up to both the monster movie genera, and Loony Toon antics, making it a rare case of different things coming together to create something special in it's own right.
#12 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A highly original and scary concept, with the unforgettable presence of Freddy Krueger, making this a twisted, atmospheric, and enjoyably shocking experience.
#11 Misery (1990)
With James Caan as the victimed author, and Kathy Bates as the
psychotic fan, "Misery" elevates its small premise into a deeply, and genuinely
suspenseful experience.
#10 King Kong (1933)
With a timeless story of beauty and beast, ground breaking
visuals, and innovative filmmaking … “King Kong” maybe nearing 100 years, but it’s
still an engaging experience, and one of the great motion picture classics.
#9 The Haunting (1963)
A frightening Ghost Story with no visible haunts, yet elevates
a chilling atmosphere, and works just as effectively as an eerie character
study.
#8 Jaws (1975)
On the surface … it’s a movie about a killer shark … yet beneath all
the shocks and suspense is a brilliantly layered screenplay, a directors
creative talents in full force, and above all else, a brilliant cast of
memorable characters that go beyond disposable shark-bate.
#7 The Shining (1980)
Jack Nicolsins larger then life performance, mixed with Stanley Kubricks
odd, but effective directing, and writing style, make "The Shining" a unique
kind of horror that's every bit as confusing as it is scary.
#6 Evil Dead 2 (1987)
Unapologetically over the top, bounded by no rules, packed with
stylized camera work, slimy action, eerie atmosphere, and a bad-ass lead, all add-up to one of the most entertaining offerings of the horror genera.
#5 Psycho (1960)
The classic that changed the genera, made horror respectful, and
proved that fear can come from layered character stories, with disturbing
twists, and raise's the chilling question of what goes on behind closed doors.
#4 Halloween (1978)
Using subtle atmosphere, a creepy music score, chilling sounds, and
effectively built-up suspense as it’s tools over excessive blood-shed and gore,
“Halloween” remains a staple of the genera, as well as a disturbing examination
of evil taking root in an ordinary person.
#3 The Sixth Sense (1999)
Emotional, inventive, inspiring, and terrifying on very human
levels, "The Sixth Sense" masterfully combines scares, with the works of a great
motion picture classic.
#2 The Mummy (1999)
Combining scares and monsters with a classy Indiana Jones style
adventure makes "The Mummy" a refreshing, original, exciting, and all-around
fun experience, with memorable characters, and some first-rate visuals.
#1 Poltergeist (1982)
"Poltergeist" is a surprisingly smart ghost
story, with intriguing concepts, impressive effects, a tight script, and even if you don't find it that scary ... the imagery and shock moments still have a way of sticking with us as some of the best of what a haunted house movie can offer. It's unmistakably a modern horror
classic ... and my personal favorite.
Thanks for reading my post, and as always …
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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