Favorite Horror Movies
Submitted by jenhowel on Tue, 02/20/2001 - 09:15
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- When a Stranger Calls Back - this movie's opening sequence certainly inspired Scream's opening thrills which pale in comparison. The end shocker still makes me scream.
- Phantasm - Not so much scary as deliriously, humorously, harmlessly weird. Killer jawas, a killer flying sphere and a frightening tall... man. A cult favorite and on EW's top 25 horror list. Not that EW knows anything.
- Sleepaway Camp series - for funny horror in rather bad taste there's no beating this series, which only copies Friday XIII on the most basic level of being at a camp. In tone it's definitely sillier, hence more fun to watch in a big group.
- The Excorcist - (with the new 11 added min.) I recently saw the world re-premiere in Austin, and whether it was the new footage or just the big screen this classic instantly vaulted onto my best-of list. Though I still think the book is scarier.
- The Shining - Yes, it's not like the book which I dig, but for sheer style Kubrick's horror masterpiece is endlessly rewatchable. Even the decor is scary!
- Candyman - The sequels suck, the original is hella cool. Virginia Madsen's acting is really quite impeccable, the dialogue only rarely gets over-the-top, and it truly is scary. Let's see you say Candyman five times after viewing this.
- Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors - maybe it's more of a guilty pleasure, but I truly think the third installment is the best of the nightmares, not only because it features the young Patricia Arquette and Heather Langenkamp's return. It also gives lots of backstory, and the concept of "dream powers" is a cool one.
- Wishmaster - the second one bites, and at times the first one cheats (he didn't really wish for THAT) but for the opening sequence alone, this tale of the evil djin (genies) is a cool one.
- In the Company of Wolves - A Neil Jordan film which predates "Interview" and "The Crying Game" this twisted take on Red Riding Hood gets better every time as you notice all its layers, nuances, and haunting imagery. A must for werewolf or fairy tale fans.
- NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD - Black and white low-budget masterpiece featuring human beings who are scarier than the undead in their inability to get along.
- DAWN OF THE DEAD - What would you do if you were trapped in a mall with zombies on all sides? This is in the horror genre, yet doesn't really scare me, but it's a fun fun movie nonetheless.
Author Comments:
About three years ago my friend Nathan Buck turned me into a horror fiend, and now I've even written the first of many horror movies I intend to complete. These are my favorites in the genre, as yet in no particular order.
The Shining is one of my favorite movies. I can just watch it again and again. I'll have to check some of these other movies out.
I can't say that I agree with as many of your favorites as you did mine. However, favorites are just that, favorites. Not too many well made films on your list. I tend to go with more quality in my choices. I totally don't understand how Nightmare III gets on anyone's list. The originality and genius of the first installment far surpasses any of it's predecessors. The scene with Freddie walking in the ally, long arms scraping the walls totally chills me everytime I see it. The others are more for comedy than horror. And if comedy is what you're after, I suggest you check out "The Evil Dead." It's quite possibly the most humerous movie I've seen.