Halloween Movies That Will Leave You Shuddering for the Holiday
Halloween is one of the most beloved and anticipated holidays of the year. With candy, costumes, and monsters, there couldn’t be much more to ask for. Horror movies add so much to the 31 days of October with their scares, terrors, and sometimes outrageous laughs. Below is a list of horror films that will certainly leave you pleased, being they have been loved by critics and fans since their release.
1. "Halloween"- This 1978 classic by director John Carpenter has been regarded as the influence of modern horror. While tame in its violence, it managed to keep a very frightening and claustrophobic tone, and it boasts the greatest horror villain ever, Michael Myers. There is not a better flick to watch with your friends on this holiday, because it captures the worst-case scenario of the same night.
2. "The Evil Dead"- Director Sam Raimi has enjoyed his fair share of fame with big budget blockbusters like the "Spider-Man" series, but his roots come from a much more humble start in B-Movies. His debut "The Evil Dead" took the critics by storm with its shocking and often hilarious tactics. This movie is filled with outrageous effects, psychologically boggling cinematography, and moments that will leave you either laughing or in terror. I warn the faint of heart about this movie, because it can be gross, but it is definitely one of the finest horror films ever.
3. "Psycho"- Alfred Hitchcock was completely ahead of his time. His shocking stories left the world in awe, and his brilliant filmmaking tricks still have film critics and avid fans flabbergasted. One of the finest examples of his talent is the 1960 masterpiece "Psycho." Telling the frightening story of mysterious crimes at Bates Hotel, this movie has the mind racing with scenarios of what happens. Anthony Perkin's chilling performance as Norman Bates will make the hairs on the viewer's neck stand, and it adds to this piece art that will never be repeated.
4. "The Shining"- Stephen King has earned a reputation as one of the finest horror authors ever, and almost all of his books have been adapted into films. In 1980, director Stanley Kubrick made the visual masterpiece of a lifetime out of the novel "The Shining," and also made what may be the scariest movie of all time. With intricate effects and cinematography, a chronically creepy vibe caused by the music and visuals, and a sincerely insane performance by Jack Nicholson, every second of the two and a half hour run time has the viewers on the edge of their seats.
5. "Texas Chainsaw Massacre"- In 1974, director Tobe Hooper shook the world with his debut movie "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." While seen as a tame movie in violence now, the scares are still there, and it is known to be one of the most terrifying films ever. With a grainy filming that gives the feel of a documentary, the audience is almost given a perspective that the events on the screen are actually happening. The acting is great, the villain "Leatherface" is horrifying, and the movie has one of the most notorious conclusions ever. This is definitely not a film for the faint of heart, but I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good scare.
6. "Frankenstein"- Aside from the black and white picture of this 1931 film, "Frankenstein" has not dated at all. With a short time of an hour and 11 minutes, the viewer never gets bored in this clever and shocking horror classic. Actor Boris Karloff gives the performance of a lifetime as the monster that the audience has sympathy for.
7. "Night of the Living Dead"- George Romero made a revolution in the zombie genre with this 1968 classic. The black and white filing gives a much more eerie tone to the overall product, and the constant danger and terror leaves the viewer with a feeling of pure claustrophobia. This movie also marks one of the first African American heroes in cinema, making a legacy as one of the most groundbreaking films ever. To top things off, the movie has what may be the most shocking and unsettling endings of all time.
8. “Friday The 13th”- In 1980, the saga of Jason Voorhees was unleashed with this classic. With a wonderful sense of humor, shocking scenes of horror, and one of the most surprising endings of the genre, this movie scores in all ways. I highly recommend checking out the first four sequels, because they are all better than the original.
9. “Nightmare On Elm Street”- 1984 marked a huge revolution for horror with this surreal slasher flick. Freddy Krueger was exposed to the world, and he became the first villain to terrorize the dreams of his victims. With a talented cast including Johnny Depp, many terrifying moments, and one of the most outrageous scenes of all time, this one is definitely a blast.
10. “Alien”- Science fiction-horror films are always a blast, because the monsters are equally as terrifying as the typical horror villain. The greatest example of the genre is the 1979 classic “Alien.” With vivid sets, a feeling of threat that can rarely be found, fantastic acting, and one of the most notorious scenes ever, this movie is a perfect way to make a person shake.
The month of October is still young, and there is plenty of time for the scares of these movies. So cook up some popcorn, get some friends, and prepare yourself for a month of monsters, screams, and Halloween.
