The Shining.
Halloween.
The Exorcist.
As October moves swiftly along and more pumpkins pop up on the neighborhood doorsteps, these three films often spring to mind when we contemplate heading down to the video store (or more likely, rearranging the Netflix queue).
While there is nothing wrong with these tried-and-true fright flicks, they make it all too easy to let lesser-known horror gems fall by the wayside.
Over the next week, I will discuss 13 of the spookiest movies that deserve a spot on your Halloween watch list, from the classy, sophisticated scare pictures to the unrelenting, terror-fueled thrill rides. There's no particular order here, but counting down is always exciting, right? And as usual, all proceedings are spoiler-free.
So throw on a Vincent Price record, break out the candy corn, and turn off all the lights, because here comes: #13 – 10!
#13: Black Christmas
 |
Director: Bob Clark
Starring: Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder,
Keir Dullea
Year: 1974
|
Although Black Christmas has earned a devoted cult following since its release in 1974, this slow-burn slasher remains criminally underseen by the general public.
"Agnes, it's me Billy..."
What's it About?
Just in time for the Christmas festivities, a murdering psychopath hides in the attic of a sorority house, waiting to prey on a group of unsuspecting college girls.
What Makes it Scary-Good?
- Pre-dates John Carpenter's Halloween with its use of the first-person point of view through the eyes of the killer.
- Blends chilling atmosphere with witty and well-timed humor, making the characters relatable and likable.
- Guaranteed to make you think twice before answering the telephone.
#12: Dead Alive (aka Braindead)
 |
Director: Peter Jackson
Starring: Timothy Balme, Diana Peñalver,
Elizabeth Moody
Year: 1992
|
What's it About?
Lionel lives a thoroughly dull life in his New Zealand home under the finger of his demanding mother. But when a Sumatran rat-monkey infects his mum with a lethal and highly-contagious zombie virus, Lionel must prevent the disease from spreading throughout the entire town.
"Your mother ate my dog!"
What Makes it Scary-Good?
- Zombie dogs, zombie babies, and the many uses of the common lawnmower.
- Considered by many critics as "the goriest film of all time."
- Timothy Balme's slapstick and borderline-insane portrayal of Lionel.
#11: The Innocents
 |
Director: Jack Clayton
Starring: Deborah Kerr, Martin Stephens,
Pamela Franklin
Year: 1961 |
What's it About?
Miss Giddens is hired as governess to two orphaned children living in an empty British mansion. When haunting apparitions begin to plague Miss Giddens, she sets out to defeat the evil and protect the children. But what if the visions are all in her head?
"It was only the wind, my dear."
What Makes it Scary-Good?
- Mood, mood, and buckets of mood. The atmosphere present here is enough to leave you with a lingering sense of dread for days.
- Deborah Kerr's energetic and entirely convincing performance pulls you in with every word.
- What if the children aren't so innocent after all? A terrifying and resonating concept perfectly embodied in the two child actors.
#10: Trick r' Treat
 |
Director: Michael Dougherty
Starring: Brian Cox, Anna Paquin,
Dylan Baker
Year: 2007 |
What's it About?
A father teaches his son the reason for the season, a Scrooge-like neighbor keeps the trick-or-treaters at bay, and a group of teenage girls find themselves up to their teeth in trouble. Meanwhile, a mysterious pumpkin-headed fellow watches from the shadows, waiting for his moment to strike.
"Always check your candy."
What Makes it Scary-Good?
- This one earns instant points for dedicating itself to educating its audiences about the rules and superstitions surrounding All Hallows Eve.
- Like all the best horror, the film knows when to make you chuckle and when to go for the jugular.
- Enough satisfying twists and turns to keep its suspenseful tone without losing you in the details.
Check back soon for Part 2 of 3 segments in gut-wrenching terror!
