It’s that time of the year again! That time when it is socially acceptable to watch horror movies all the time; but if you’re like me, you view them all of the time anyway. There are a lot of gore and frights out there, so it can be a little hard to navigate the world of terror entertainment if you don’t know where to look. So here are some great and popular films that are worth a watch. Plus, I have added a nice little Scare Score for those who are a little wary of the haunts that may be in store.
The Exorcist (1973) – S
This is a horror movie classic and no scary movie marathon is complete without it. It tells the story of a little girl who becomes possessed with a demonic spirit after playing with a Ouija board. What makes this movie even more chilling? It’s based on the actual exorcism of “Roland Doe” or “Robbie Manheim” in the 1940s. I personally don’t think this movie is very scary, but I gave it an “S” because it is known today as one of the greatest horror movies of all times. That scene where Regan is screaming profanities and lewd language at the priest is honestly the best thing ever.
Scary Movie(s) (2000-2013)- NS
These movies are pure gold for any scary movie fan. If you know the plot of most horror movies you will be able to laugh hysterically to most of the jokes this parody dishes out. From “Scream,” “The Exorcist,” “Poltergeist,” and “The Grudge,” there is hardly a movie left untouched by this franchise. You (kind of) get the experience of the great horror movies, but if terror isn’t your thing, you don’t get the fright. Perfect scenario!
The Orphan (2009) – SS
This movie is more of a thriller, and is creepy as hell. Vera Farmiga stars as a mother who recently delivered a stillborn baby and wants to adopt to fill that void. She and her husband select a seemingly normal, yet slightly depressing 9-year-old Russian girl named Esther. Things go wrong whenever she is around, and the viewer will soon find out she is not what she appears to be. This was one of my first horror movies, so it holds a place in my heart. Plus, all the killings really make this a heart-pounder. And that end fight is great!
Paranormal Activity (2009-2015) – S
Okay, this franchise gets a lot of crap. No, it is not even close to being the scariest movie ever. Yes, all the scary action happens in the last 10 minutes of the movie. But I personally enjoy them! Well, at least the first 3 (ish). This gets an “S” mostly because of the surprise and suspense factors. These movies really manipulate the whole “popping out” element of horror movies that we all love to hate so much. That’s what makes it scary. But after you see each one once, there’s no point in watching them again, because you know what to expect and it suddenly becomes an “NS.”
It (1990) – VS
Okay, I have a confession. I have never seen this one. Why? Because I do not. Like. Clowns. That is where I draw the line. I had a troubling experience as a kid and have forever been terrified. So, I don’t know if I will ever see this movie (I can barely watch the trailer), but this gets a “VS” just for the frickin’ clown. And that is all I have to say about it.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) – SS
This movie starred Sarah Michelle Geller, future husband Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ryan Phillippe; it was meant for greatness! Now, it’s not very scary, BUT it does have its chilling moments and the story is something that hadn’t really been successful before. Although the wax dummies they use for the slain victims is super fake and it features a lame pre-slayer Gellar, it still has its iconic moments, and of course its uber-classic title. This movie is definitely a lighter one in terms of scares.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – VS
Another classic horror film that is truly scary, even now. Just the thought of your husband drugging you and giving you up to Satan is bad enough, but then having its child? The movie has some of the most iconic moments in film history, including the spine chilling line from Mia Farrow, when she sees her baby for the first time, “You Maniacs!”
The Final Girls (2015) – NS
The newest movie on this list, “The Final Girls” is sure to become a horror movie favorite. The movie stars Taissa Farmiga, Alexander Ludwig and Nina Dobrev as teens who get stuck in an old slasher flick starring Max’s (Farmiga) deceased mom. This movie pokes fun at almost every cliché in a gore/horror film, from flashbacks to the stereotypical roles (i.e. dumb jock, horny girls, etc.) to the “final virgin” that has to kill the goon. It’s super entertaining, smart and has a great female presence! Definitely a must see (and it’s already available on iTunes, Amazon and YouTube!).
So grab some candy corn (for show), taffy apples and something to hold on to, because with these horror movies, your Halloween is going to be so scream-worthy.