Horror's best: 10 films that make the cut

[one...two...tree 2,762]

1) "Nosferatu"

Director F.W. Murnau's silent adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is still creepy more than eight decades after its creation. If you can't stand the thought of a silent movie, Werner Herzog's 1979 remake is also exceptional. A nice companion piece to the 1922 original is the indie drama "Shadow of the Vampire," in which John Malkovich plays a fictionalized Murnau. Good, too, is Willem Dafoe as Max Schreck - an actor with a taste for his co-stars.

2) "Frankenstein" and "The Bride of Frankenstein"

Many people think director James Whale's sequel was better than his original take on the classic Mary Shelley story. I think both were great. These films also come with a companion piece, the excellent 1998 drama "Gods and Monsters," which chronicles the last days of Whale's life.

3) "The Sixth Sense"

Director M. Night Shyamalan knows how to tell a good ghost story, and this one (about a little boy who sees the dead) is great even if you know the twist ending. Bruce Willis stars.

4) "Seven"

Serial killer films don't get any better than director David Fincher's chilling story of a murderer who bases his crimes on the seven deadly sins.

5) "Silence of the Lambs"

Another great serial killer drama, this one defined by wonderful performances from leads Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

6) "Jaws"

Some folks don't consider "Jaws" a horror film, but if a gigantic shark capable of sinking boats isn't a monster, I don't know what is. Director Steven Spielberg at his best.

7) "Psycho"

It's impossible to make a list of great horror films without including an Alfred Hitchcock title. He had several movies in the running, but this one made the cut, so to speak. It has, after all, become the definitive slasher film.

8) "Scream"

Alternately scary and humorous, this horror send up by Wes Craven, which brilliantly slices its star (Drew Barrymore) from the cast in the film's opening scene, is as smart as they get.

9) "The Exorcist"

Don't believe in Satanic possession? That's OK. This film will scare your pants off anyhow.

10) "King Kong"

One can't go wrong with either the 1933 original or director Peter Jackson's excellent 2005 remake. This movie has it all: a monster, a girl, and a heartbreaking morality tale.

[Jenn! 918]

Whose list is this?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Whose list is this?

Oh, sorry for not citing the source. It was some movie critic in a local paper.

[canadalaura 0]

they forgot the shining.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

they forgot the shining.

For sure!

[Cristy 4]

Saw needs to be on the list as well.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Saw needs to be on the list as well.

I have not seen that one. I thought it looked too gruesome to watch. I don't think a good horror film has to be all that graphic to scare the sh!t out of you.

[Jenn! 918]

There are several on that list that I wouldn't call "horror" movies. Maybe my definition is too narrow.

[Cristy 4]

Saw needs to be on the list as well.

I have not seen that one. I thought it looked too gruesome to watch. I don't think a good horror film has to be all that graphic to scare the sh!t out of you.

It is not like a slasher film. It is very psychological. I would highly recommend it.

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

Scream?

They can't be serious?

Cass (bebop the great)

[Inlove_tx 0]

What about psycho-horror movies like "The Ring" or "The Grudge"???

[Cristy 4]

What about psycho-horror movies like "The Ring" or "The Grudge"???

I hated both of those.

And what about the original Friday the 13th?

Another oldie but goodies is Burnt Offerings.

Edited October 13, 2006 by cristy

[bebop + rocksteady 0]

Can I put the "Thriller" video up for the running?

Cass (bebop the great)

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

I don't think of Sixth Sense or Silence of the Lambs as Horror movies but more suspense.

I like original Stephen Kings Horror Movies all were decent scary movies with Dark themes

The Shining -tops my favorites list

Cujo

Children of The Corn

Pet Semetary

Salems Lot

Silver Bullet

Carrie

Misery

Johnny Depp played in a Movie "Secret Window it was dark Stephen King like

I like the Friday the 13th series & Halloween series, A little dated but basic Hack films that had a sense of realism to them.

Texas Chain saw Masacre was good, I am curious to see what the new one will be like

" People Under The Stairs" And A funny/ Scary Movie

Kevin Spacey in Seven was brilliant.

Alien series was good!

Newer movies

the Grudge and original Japanese version Juon

The Others

There was another Movie recently about cannibals Detour or something like that also

Hostel was decent,

[Addie_Goodvibes 0]

I don't think of Sixth Sense or Silence of the Lambs as Horror movies but more suspense.

I like original Stephen Kings Horror Movies all were decent scary movies with Dark themes

The Shining -tops my favorites list

Cujo

Children of The Corn

Pet Semetary

Salems Lot

Silver Bullet

Carrie

Misery

Johnny Depp played in a Movie "Secret Window it was dark Stephen King like

I like the Friday the 13th series & Halloween series, A little dated but basic Hack films that had a sense of realism to them.

Texas Chain saw Masacre was good, I am curious to see what the new one will be like

" People Under The Stairs" And A funny/ Scary Movie

Kevin Spacey in Seven was brilliant.

Alien series was good!

Newer movies

the Grudge and original Japanese version Juon

The Others

Frailty -Bill paxton

Detour or something like was Movie about cannibals

Hostel was decent,

If your stomach can handle it

The Hills Have eyes, Very disturbing film especially if you have children for the second half of the movie I found it very hard to watch. Not the gore but more the connection ot me having a family with a young baby.

My LEAST Favorite This list is way too long, I will stop @ my bottom 5

13 Ghosts.. 13 reasons never to rent another Movie with Matt lillard

Scream series - Give me a break! Matt lillard again

I know what you did Last Summer .. Yeah stayed as far away from any sequels to this train wreck

Jeepers Creepers .. Are you kidding me , that song made me laugh!

Nightmare on Elm Street .... any of them esp Freddy Vs Jason