By Howie Nave…I wanted the theme this year to be ’25 in ’25’ and couldn’t think of a better time to enjoy my annual fix of scary movies than right now. I’m not sure of the year when it happened, but horror movies definitely exceeded the number of Christmas movies a long time ago. Well, if you factor in the Hallmark Channel, maybe not, but the point is, people love a good ‘jump-out-of-your-seat’ moment from being scared, I think, then a Ho-Ho-Ho! Maybe it’s because of all the real-life frightful events that seem to unfold daily, it’s comforting to resort and be in control (well, sort of), watching something more fictional happening in front of us than reality.
I’ve been a fan of horror movies dating back to when I was a kid growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area and staying up late on a Saturday night, watching “Creature Features” on KTVU Channel 2 (before it became a FOX affiliate) out of Oakland. Not only was the television my tutor at that hour (introducing me to the likes of a Lon Chaney Jr., Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price) but it also gave me ideas how I could scare my sisters on Halloween and beyond.
There are so many good Halloween movies (and a few great ones too) so don’t be disappointed if yours wasn’t included here. Hey, if anything, maybe my list might get you turned on to watching some of those that you weren’t even aware existed! One movie that didn’t make my list (but did get an Honorable Mention) was 2022’s “Songbird.” That movie was about COVID-23, and it was scary enough having to live through 19 five years ago let alone see a movie that took it up a notch to 23! No thanks! So here ya go, Tahoe (and beyond) in no particular order just my Top 25 favs. I lumped in the Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters series as my 25th, ‘cause I wanted to end on a happy note, so Happy Halloween, everybody!
1) Halloween, R (1978)
What better way to kick off any Halloween Horror Fest than the original namesake? At last count I believe are some 12 of them in the series that includes various sequels, remakes and reboots the last one being “Halloween Kills” in 2021 all featuring the character Michael Myers. It’s easy to get lost in this franchise, that’s for sure. 2018’s “Halloween” was the direct sequel to the original and the twelfth installment in the Halloween franchise. Writer/director John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is a horror masterpiece and introduced us to the ‘Queen of Scream,” Jamie Lee Curtis long before she was regulated to those annoying Activia commercials that followed highlighting one’s irregularity issues. Remember those? “Halloween” set the sci-fi horror standard, which other movies would soon copy. Starring the late, great Donald Pleasence as Dr. Sam Loomis, “Halloween” had it all didn’t it? A psychotic murderer, The Shape (later to be known as Michael Myers in subsequent sequels) who loved to slash his victims, a terrifying music that sticks to your soul and by far one of the most frightening experiences I have ever had in a theater. There were some equally scary sequels but nothing that captured that first scream as the original.
2) The Omen, R (1976)
Okay, I almost forgot about this classic gem from the 70s but it was on the telly the other night and I put it right up there with other seventies horror classics alongside “The Exorcist,” “The Shining” and “Carrie.” The Omen is probably the reason I never wanted to have kids. Granted, this one was the spawn of Satan but still. Stylish and dark, “The Omen” brought back chilling memories that stayed with me long after watching the flick. Oh sure, there have been reboots, sequels and a prequel but as usual it’s the original that stands the test of time over all other incarnations. The movie starts Gregory Peck as an American ambassador whose wife gives birth to a baby boy and from that moment on, all hell breaks loose. Literally! Directed by Richard Donner (“Superman,” “Lethal Weapon,” “The Goonies”), “The Omen” has Peck’s wife, (Lee Remick) beginning to suspect that these random and horribly violent deaths going on around them may have something to do with her creepy kid. Things begin to fall into place when that infamous 666 tattoo is discovered on the kids forehead. Turns out he’s not really their kid but this problem child has no plans to leave. This flick creeped me out as much as “The Exorcist” did in part because of their religious parallels. That always puts a twist on things and makes me wonder when I watch these how come God just doesn’t enter the picture and kick Satan’s ass? Satan has protectors around this kid that includes a wigged out babysitter and an evil dog. Movies such as this when a priest is sought after makes me feel good I stayed with my Jewish faith since not too many rabbis are called in to take care of such things. Oy.
3) Infinity Pool, R (2023)
This movie is a psychological mind trip that’s part disturbing, visually stunning, shocking, campy, exploring the themes of sex, sadism, the male ego and carnage. Oh, and let’s not forget the commentary about what money can buy if you’re guilty of a crime but wanna pay it off because, isn’t that what the rich do anyway? Just get a receipt and continue on with your privileged life? Let’s start first with the director of this movie, Brandon Cronenberg. It’s noteworthy here to observe how much he may have been influenced by his father, the great director David Cronenberg. Some of my favs of David’s work include “Shivers,” “Crash” and “A History of Violence.” His son, Brandon has decided to amplify things developing getting into the carnal knowledge of grotesquerie making a sarcastic commentary on socio-economic concepts with no guilt. “Infinity Pool” is the third feature film from Brandon, following his equally twisted “Possessor.” I’m not alone when describing this movie as a Hitchcock-on-acid weirdness that bends the mind.
The other father/son connection in this movie stars Alexander Skarsgård, son of the just as great actor Stellan Skarsgård, who’s appeared in “The Hunt for Red October,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Ronin,” King Arthur,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” among others.
James (Alexander Skarsgård) plays a writer in-between novels (after 6 years can you say writer’s block?) who, along with his wife, Em (played by Cleopatra Coleman) travel to an all-inclusive resort in the fictional state of Lil Tolqa hoping the isolated environment will finally cure him of his writer’s block. This fictionalised nation is a natural beauty but is plagued by violent poverty so the totalitarian government wants to keep their one per cent-er tourists locked away on the resort compound. While there, James is approached on the beach by an actress named Gabi Bauer (plyaed brilliantly by Mia Goth) who says she’s a huge fan and invites the couple to dinner with her and her wealthy Swiss husband on a secret day trip to the island’s outskirts. This is where things get really weird from here on out.
James accidentally kills a local with his car, and the police mark him with the death penalty for his crime. However, when he thinks all hope is lost, Thresh (Thomas Kretschmann), a local detective, says that for a hefty price, there’s a loophole for his offenses at that’s when it pays off to be one of the one percenters! What follows is an introduction to the bizarre in which a body double of yourself is built for the purpose of execution. Surreal horrors await James with his fixation with the re-animation of his body. Watching his double die gruesomely paves the way for a journey he will never forget. Mind, body, and soul immediately fracture once you experience such action. It only gets even more surreal when you discover that Gabi is involved with this hellishly chaotic group of spoiled rich pricks. She’s uber sexy combining a childish petulance mixed with a menacing, psycho bitch who is very hypnotic.
I saw the social commentary immediately aimed at what separates wealth, poverty the haves and have nots with no guidelines morality when you infuse the power of money. It helps if you don’t have a conscience too. This is one mega tripped out ride folks!
4) Warm Bodies, PG-13 (2013)
One of my favorite zombie movies with a heart. Well, almost a heart but a second chance at life…….literally! As with most zombie flicks, the planet has suffered an apocalyptic catastrophe this one being a plague (oh no, not another one) that has left the earth’s population divided between zombies and humans. The movie starts off in a narration by a zombie named ‘R’ (Nicholas Hoult) who we see attacking humans along with his other zombie ilk. The humans have ventured outside their protective wall surrounding their city to get medical supplies in Zombieland. ‘R’ sees and falls almost immediately for a girl named Julie (Teresa Palmer) and rescues her from being attacked by the other zombies. Oh sure he’s eating the brain of her once boyfriend but that’s besides the point. Once ‘R’ makes eye contact with her rescuing her from the other zombies we see ‘R’ jolted out of his numb existence and by love at first sight and a bond begins to develop between the two. This leads to a chain of events that unfold transforming his world (and fellow zombies) to becoming human again. The jolt of his once lost emotion kick-starts his dead heart. I guess you could classify this movie as a zombie romantic comedy (or rom-zom-com) but it’s definitely a first seeing so many horror flicks in my lifetime.
I’ve always found zombie movies fascinating because there’s no one definition of what they can and cannot do. Hey, I didn’t know zombies could outrun humans till I say “World War Z” so the idea of a relationship between the almost dead and a human is possible. It was eerie that this reminded me of the relationship I had with my ex so I found the parallels got into this movie kinda scary in itself. Director Jonathan Levine does a very entertaining job here adapting the novel by Isaac Marion giving us not just the blossoming relationship between the ‘R’ and Julie but the idea that one can literally get a second chance at life let alone love from two completely different worlds. He does a yeoman’s job with Hoult having him communicating with his eyes since most of the time he can only make short, grunting sounds while still in his zombie state of mind. Palmer is great being very skeptical probably wondering why ‘R’ hasn’t eaten her but seeing her slowly come around trusting ‘R’ at just the right speed.
Complicating matters is the fact that Julie’s military dad (played by John Malkovich) is the leader of the humans and he won’t take so kindly when he realizes who his daughter’s new boyfriend is. I particularly liked Julie’s best friend, Nora (played by Lio Tipton) who has a scene making ‘R’ look more human by applying makeup and other touchups hoping that when he meets Julie’s dad won’t freak out. Another standout performance is that of Rob Corddry who plays R’s best friend, ‘M.’ He has (no pun intended) a deadpan sense of humor that stays with him as he goes from zombie to human. It’s an offbeat movie but kept me laughing throughout and cheering on the two main stars having to overcome some pretty heavy obstacles.
5) Get Out, R (2017)
Written and directed by Jordan Peele (in his directorial debut), “Get Out” hit this one right in the sub-conscience combining good old fashioned high octane suspense with some topical racial tension tossed in. The story centers around photographer Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) who is invited to stay at girlfriend Rose’s (Allison Williams) place in white suburbia that yes, is the epitome of white privilege. Rose is white and Chris is black and she has this thing of well, shall we say crossing off on her hit list boyfriends that she’s had before (all black)? Rose’s family is an interesting mess her dad played brilliantly played by Bradley Whitford (who’s skills as a physician come into play later when things start to get really mind trippy!) “Have you told your parents I’m black?” Asks Chris to Rose just before they drive off to her white guilt, privileged neighborhood. Her mom, Missy (Catherine Keener) seems to be a genuinely warm person but wait ’til you see what kind of cult-induced power trip she has to offer soon after getting into Chris’ personal life. Chris is quick to pick up the uncomfortable vibe that the family is giving off and that’s amplified even more after meeting the family’s black staff and immediately you get the picture that this is a modern day family of slave owners who look like combination of “The Stepford Wives” and “Zombie Apolcalpse.” One of the best characters in “Get Out” is Chris’ friend, TSA officer Rod (a very funny Lil Rel Howery), who’s getting some weird vibes from Chris spending time with Rose’s family. If you’re one of the few who for whatever reason haven’t seen this please do! And again, I gotta give major kudos to Peele in his debut working from his own script for making this a truly fun flick and starring actors that were perfectly cast for this flick.
6) The Conjuring, R (2013)
“The Conjuring” was directed by James Wan (probably best known for “Saw”) and already captured my attention being an ensemble piece. We’re first introduced to Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) who believe in the occult but are quick to understand that most events are easily explained hoaxes. Then there’s the Perron family, Carolyn, Roger and their five daughters. This is my favorite couple played by the always reliable Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor. They call on the Warrens once they realize that the old house they invested in is yes, haunted by nasty spirits. The Perrons have invested too much in an old house, which they gradually learn is haunted by spirits who mean to do them harm. Shot on a modest budget, director Wan knows all too well that his audience has probably seen every cliche out there so comes up with a mind-bending conclusion that will not only scare you silly but will leave you wanting more (and yes, there were sequels).
7) The Cabin in the Woods, R (2012)
I can usually tell you what’s going to happen in a movie within the first 15 minutes so when a movie comes long like “The Cabin in the Woods” that isn’t annoyingly formulamatic it’s a gift when it keeps your attention on high alert. Let’s just say that you’re not going to see this one coming. Oh sure, the movie starts out with the requisite college students each with its own stereotypical character centered around a cabin where horrific things are happening but wait! Is it by chance they start experiencing the undead wanting to kill them or could it be a higher power that’s much higher than the human race? I’ve always been a fan of actor Richard Jenkins and here his deadpan, nonchalant penchant for dastardly schemes is a mindbender. You can count his ‘co-worker,’ Bradley Whitford in there too. I ain’t tellin’ but there’s a surprise ending that reminded me a little of “The Hunger Games” meets John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” Survival of the fittest but when those controlling the outcome are themselves upstaged that’s when things get really interesting. “The Cabin in the Woods” was produced and co-written by Joss Whedon (creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”) and directed by Drew Goddard (writer of “Cloverfield”).
8) Carrie, R (1976)
It can be a drag watching Hollywood reboots of your favorite classics so I strongly suggest avoiding the other three that were made and stick with this original. After the first one there was “The Rage: Carrie 2” in 1999 that shifted the focus to another girl with similar powers, though it didn’t quite capture the magic of the original. In 2002, a made-for-TV remake of ‘Carrie’ aired with Angela Bettis taking on the titular role. While it stayed closer to the Stephen King book it too lacked the cinematic punch of De Palma’s version. The last sequel made was the 2013 “Carrie” reboot, featuring Chloë Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore. This version modernized the story with updated effects and a stronger emphasis on bullying, but some fans argue it didn’t surpass the 1976 film. Each movie has its merits, but the original remains the gold standard for horror fans and Stephen King enthusiasts alike. Brian De Palma’s 1976 masterpiece has an incredible cast that includes Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving and a very young John Travolta. Carrie White is a shy girl who doesn’t make friends easily and is bullied a lot at school because her classmates think she’s a freak. Kids in high school can be so cruel (and this before social media too) but what they don’t know is that Carrie has some pretty unusual powers making her the ultimate revenge on bullies candidate. A classmate does take pity on her and convinces one Tommy Ross (her boyfriend and class hunk played by William Katt) to invite Carrie to the senior prom. Carrie cleans up nicely (on the outside) until you get her mad and then watch out. Some fundamentalists were offended by this movie but hey, aren’t most of them anyway if there’s even a hint of a devilish angle?
9) Alien, R (1979)
To this day when you witness that alien bursting out of John Hurt’s stomach you know that director Ridley Scott’s terrifying flick had you captivated. “Alien” and it’s sequel, “Aliens” (1986) are still two of the better Sci Fi/Horror flicks out there even though their version of high tech by today’s standards looks antiquated. The aliens are still some of the creepiest and scariest I have ever seen in a movie which by the way were based on the work of H. R. Giger (for which he received an Academy Award under Best Visual Effects category). This is one of director Ridley Scott’s best movies ever that was written by Dan O’Bannon (based on a story by O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett). The film stars Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto and gave its main star, Sigourney Weaver a breakout performance where women can kick more than enough butt no matter what the species is.
10) The Exorcist, R (1973)
It would forever typecast its little known actress, Linda Blair and make peace soup useful for other things other than just consuming. After this flick it was tough for Blair to get any real serious roles forever typecast as the possessed girl who spit up that pea soup. Of course it was supposed to be barf but soon everyone found out it was pea soup and then people would always imitate her making a mess. One of the scariest and psychologically tinged movies ever, “The Exorcist” caused a sensation when it first premiered including religious protestors that of course only made me want to see it more! And yes, there were countless sequels and prequels but none of them hold up to the original mother of all satanic movies.
11) Hellraiser, R (1987)
Clive Barker knows a thing or two when it comes to messing with people’s minds and this to me is one of his best in that department and one of the most original too. Originally titled, “Sadomasochists from Beyond the Grave,” Barker (who wrote, directed and produced) must have been on some sort of medication (or stopped taking it!) when he came up with this classic horror gem. The character of Pinhead, the lead Cenobite is truly one of the more original icons in horror. You’ll never play with a Rubik’s Cube again if you haven’t seen this classic that’s for sure. Go ahead I dare ya!
12) Saw, R (2004)
Directed by James Wan (based on his story) “Saw” not only became a cult classic overnight but would eventually spawn ten sequels with “Saw X” released in September of 2023. An eleventh installment that was planned for release in this year (2025) has been cancelled. The original was shot primarily in one place where we’re introduced to Adam Stanheight (Leigh Whannell) who awakens in a water-filled bathtub in an industrial bathroom. Right across from his is Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elves). Both men are chained at the ankle to pipes, and a corpse is lying face-down in a pool of blood between them holding a microcaseette recorder and one revolver. They find tapes in their pockets, and Adam is able to retrieve the recorder. Adam’s tape instructs him to escape, while Lawrence’s tape instructs him to kill Adam before six o’clock, or his wife and daughter will be killed and he will be left to die. It’s mind-provoking and clues are slowly found that could assist in their escape including two hacksaws which are best used fir cutting off their feet in order to escape. There’s much more but suffice it to say not for the faint of heart.
13) The Grudge, R (2004)
Based on Takashi Shimizu’s Japanese movie, “Ju-On: The Grudge”) the American version is just as good. Why? Because someone out there in Hollywood was smart enough to let Takashi Shimizu do a remake from his own movie! How about that? The original creator gets to do his own work and wow-the results are impressive. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as an American nurse living and working in Tokyo, she discovers (and is exposed) to a mysterious curse that causes a person to experience an uncontrollable rage before taking their life. The part that still creeps me out is that of images of zombied looking kids in this waterlogged black and white image with freaky noises that stay with you long after the movie has ended. You’ll never want to enter an uninhabited house again unless accompanied by an army of eye witnesses.
14) Shaun of the Dead, R (2004)
Who would have thought that a horror flick could be so funny, huh? Well, nothing says, ‘funny’ more than a Simon Pegg movie (especially when it involves the undead). This British horror comedy makes scary very funny and sexy. By treating the genre as a joke Pegg gets plenty of mileage with his dry wit making this satire one of the best comedy/horror ever since seeing “An American Werewolf in London.” When zombies start descending on London the media declare it “Z-Day” in the U.K. Pegg, who wrote the screenplay with director, Edgar Wright, plays the title character, a hapless 29-year-old clerk who, with his best friend Ed played by Nick Frost. Pegg and Frost have co-starred together in some pretty outrageously funny flicks that include “Hot Fuzz” (2007), “The World’s End” (2013) and “Paul” (2011). “Shaun of the Dead” is dry humor at its best who plot a plan to make a safe exit along with Shaun’s on-again, off-again sweetheart, Liz (Kate Ashfield). The movie also stars Bill Nighy and trust me when I saw that “Shaun of the Dead” is one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen with regards to brain-eating zombies.
15) The Thing, R (1982)
I’m not usually a fan of remakes but John Carpenter’s 1982 “The Thing” is one of the best remakes I’ve ever seen and it still holds up. The special effects I think are better than what passes as today’s computerized special effects. The original story was written by John W. Campbell debuting in the August 1938 issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. The 1951 movie, “The Thing from Another World” (sometimes referred to simply as “The Thing) involved Arctic researchers discovering a huge, frozen spaceling inside a crash-landed UFO, then fight for their lives after a murderous being emerges from icy captivity. The version I saw was masterfully created by director John Carpenter (Escape from New York) who sticks more closely to Campbell’s original story. The horror-meister teamed Kurt Russell’s outstanding performance with incredible visuals that, like I said is tits up excellent! I first saw this as a double feature in the theater (yes kids, they used to let you see two movies sometimes for the price of one) not knowing what to expect but was literally blown out of my seat when I saw it. It was that good. This time it’s Kurt Russell who heads an American Antarctic expedition with an all-star stellar cast that includes Wilford Brimley, T. K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard A. Dysart and Charles Hallahan. Carpenter’s movie will have you grabbing anything when you see what happens when an alien being replicates itself into anything starting with huskies and moving on up from there. Every movie mentioned so far has had a sequel or two and yet this one is the one that I wanted to see a sequel but alas-Carpenter felt otherwise.
16) Paranormal Activity, R (2007)
The original was good but and I could see having a sequel was inevitable but 4 sequels? Now THAT is good! Someone went to the horror well a few times. The original had that feel of a low-budget quality that made it appear so real with its single-camera, rapid-movement-shot in the first-person style that even I felt possessed. With each subsequent sequel the budget got bigger as the quality depreciated. “Paranormal Activity” works in much the same way another very low-budget flick, “The Blair Witch Project” worked. The tension is just as shaky as those hand-held cameras are. You know the story is good when you don’t require any big names to carry your picture. Of course that makes it easier for the filmmakers to control their young actors lest they want to be killed off and not be in yet another sequel.
17) Poltergeist, PG-13 (1982)
Would you believe that back then, executive producer (and writer) Steven Spielberg had to lobby to give this movie a PG rating? The film was originally given an R rating so he (along with the filmmakers) protested successfully and got a PG rating (the PG-13 rating did not exist at the time). This was the movie that gave us the immortal line, “They’re baaaaaack” that was uttered by Heather O’Rourke, the cute little blonde who played Carol Anne, daughter of to Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams in the movie. The movie is a stark reminder of what happens when developers, in their zeal to construct urban sprawl forget to move bodies from a cemetery they are building on. The movie took on a life of its own with real life actors dying in each production. The eldest daughter in the movie (played by Dominique Dunne) was killed in real life by her boyfriend upon completion of the first film. Actor Julian Beck died of stomach cancer after shooting the second film and actress Heather O’ Rourke died of a mystery case of intestinal stenosis shortly before completion of the third film. Also, many cast members’ careers have suffered after appearing in the films. The ghosts at first appear friendly moving moving objects around the house to the amusement of everyone but then they turn nasty and start to terrorize the family before they “kidnap” Carol Anne. Still a great ‘scare factor’ to this day, “Poltergeist” has a great story and great effects that rival only that of “The Thing.”
18) 28 Days Later, R (2003)
Who would have guessed that the same guy who directed the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in London in 2012 would also be the same chap who brought us “28 Days Later” revolving around a deadly virus? Was it the precursor to Covid? Will it kill me slowly and is there a host to help find me a cure? Only director Boyle has the answer and he plays on this common fear combining the terror of its after effects turning one into a zombie. The movie also takes a look at what might happen if we experiment on things that go unchecked. It’s that ‘unknown’ element that can be the scariest psychologically playing off our minds. We’re introduced to Londoner Jim (Cillian Murphy) who wakes up in a hospital room all alone and no one else is in the entire hospital either. He puts his clothes on, walks out into the empty streets and does see other survivors but how long will they last? Are they exposed as well? It’s not pleasant and I can now see why people become germaphobes after seeing this movie and now hits so close to home.
19) Psycho, PG (1960)
“Psycho” is that one movie that would forever make showers a scary experience for a woman and brand those of the male species a ‘momma’s boy’ forever but taking to the next creepiest level. Leave it to Alfred Hitchcock to deliver one of the truly frightening masterpieces of all time. Phoenix office worker Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is fed up with the way life has treated her. She has to meet her lover, Sam (John Gavin) at lunch breaks and they cannot get married because Sam has to give most of his money away in alimony payments. One Friday afternoon, Marion is entrusted to bank $40,000 by her employer. Seeing the opportunity to take the money and run, Marion leaves town and heads towards Sam’s California store. Tired after the long drive and caught in a storm, she gets off the main highway and pulls into The Bates Motel. The motel is managed by a quiet young man called Norman (Anthony Perkins) who seems to be dominated by his mother. An interesting piece of trivia: After the film’s release Hitchcock received an angry letter from the father of a girl who refused to have a bath after seeing “Les Diaboliques” (also on this list), and how she refused to shower after seeing the movie, “Psycho.” Hitchcock sent a note back to the father simply saying, “Send her to the dry cleaners.”
20) A Nightmare on Elm Street, R (1984)
Outside of John Carpenter, Clive Barker and George Romero, I kind of know I’m going to pretty much enjoy my scare factor when I see horror master Wes Craven’s name attached to it. And with, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” I wasn’t disappointed. One could argue that many a subsequent horror flick borrowed their chops (no pun intended) from Craven’s original ‘Elm Street.’ High school kids being killed off in a small town and nobody knows why. Enter Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) playing detective who traces the cause to Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a disfigured bum in a slouch hat who sporting knives for fingernails long before Wolverine made it sexy. Still holds up as classic slasher that I think horror fans continue to hold in high esteem in part because it comes across as low-budget and with an intelligent (and original) script featuring some pretty impressive newcomers such as Johnny Depp, Ronee Blakley and Amanda Wyss with Craven himself directing.
21) The Shining, R (1980)
The pairing of director Stanley Kubrick with Jack Nicholson’s cold and frightening character (also named Jack) defined this movie and the career of both. “The Shining” introduces the viewer to Jack Torrance (Nicholson), a man who plans to spends the winter in solitude with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son, Danny (Danny Lloyd) as jack becomes the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel just as workers are shutting it down for the winter. Chef Dick Hallorann (the classic Scatman Crothers) is one of the crew but the movie centers almost entirely around Jack and his slow, deterioration into madness writing the novel that is page after page of the same line. For me it’s a psychological mind f**k at its best and a movie that would label Shelley Duvall as the Queen of Scream and one that every young actress would have to emulate in order to be considered as the leading lady for any horror flick.
22) Night Of The Living Dead, R (1968)
If this movie were made today it would be considered tame compared to the current crop of gore flicks out there. “Night of the Living Dead” is a true classic (and always will be) that definitely deserves its place in the Smithsonian Institute of Horror. Shot on a shoestring budget in glorious black and white. This classic was directed by George A. Romero, co-written by Romero and John A. Russo, and stars Duane Jones as Ben Huss, Judith O’Dea as Barbra, Karl Hardman as Harry Cooper, and Marilyn Eastman as Helen Cooper. There were a lot of firsts with this Romero gem. It was the first film in the so-called ‘Living Dead’ film series, It’s lead character was a black actor (Duane Jones) and considered by some critics as being a subversive critique of 1960s American society with most of them interpreting the film as dealing with racism, the Vietnam War and a distrust of authorities.
The story follows seven people trapped in a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, under assault by flesh-eating reanimated corpses. I had the rare privilege of seeing this film in a theater at a midnight screening. When you find yourself screaming and jumping along with other attendants that’s a good sign the movie still holds up. as I did in certain parts of the film. The cause of zombies being reanimated from the dead came from outer space being awoken from their graves to feed on human flesh for sustenance. After seeing this movie originally on television, I never slept near my sisters again when camping with the family.
23) Diabolique, R (1955)
This movie (original French title “Les Diaboliques”) centers around a nasty headmaster having an affair on his wife who, as it turns out treats his mistress just as badly as he treats his wife. In a twisted 3-way the two women conspire to do in the headmaster. Robert Bloch, author of “Psycho,” called this his favorite horror movie. This French psychological horror thriller was co-written and directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and stars Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot, Paul Meurisse and Charles Vanel. The movie takes place in a French boys’ boarding school run by a headmaster who makes life there as unpleasant for the teachers as for the boys. Michael Delasalle (Paul Meurisse) is a sadist a cheap SOB who serves the students rotten fish and slaps around his wife Christina (Vera Clouzot) even though the school really belongs to her. The boys hate him and the teachers seem to despise him, especially Nicole (Simone Signoret) who has until recently been his mistress. As the movie opens, Nicole is pressing ahead with a plan she has already explained to Christina. It’s an elaborate scheme in which they will visit Nicole’s home nearby, lure Michael there and drown him in a bathtub. Then they’ll secretly return to the school to dump his corpse in the swimming pool making appear like a suicide.
Things unfold when his body disappears from the pool and Michael’s suit is returned from the cleaners. Are the women going mad? Director Clouzot pleads with his final frame, “Please do not reveal the ending to those who have not yet seen the film!” This is one that even a number horror fans probably aren’t too familiar with so try to seek this one out if interested. Fans of TV series, “Columbo (starring Peter Falk) will definitely see a parallel to Inspector Fichet (played beautifully by Charles Vanel) donning a rumpled old raincoat, chewing on a non-lit cigar and being almost annoying asking repetitive questions wearing out those who are his targets.
Believe it or not, “Diabolique” has weathered the test of time that still works even today seeing it for the first time again in ages. Here’s a fun tidbit: A man wrote to Alfred Hitchcock that read, “Sir, After seeing ‘Diabolique,’ my daughter was afraid to take a bath. Now she has seen your ‘Psycho’ and is afraid to take a shower. What should I do with her?” Hitchcock replied: “Send her to the dry cleaners.”
24) Jaws, PG (1975)
Okay, maybe it’s not your classification of what a horror movie might be but when the scare factor is off the charts scary well, then why not? This was the movie that literally put a young Steven Spielberg on the cinematic map and if you think the PG rating is too tame you’re correct but back then they hadn’t come up with the PG-13 rating which is what this would be if seen today. This is one of the best psychological horror-adventure flicks I’ve seen in a while. The idea of a lone, killer shark bent on eating people in a popular vacation resort community just begs buffet specials! That coupled with that signature ‘shark’ music of John Williams makes this an all time fav of mine and even to this day I ask myself, “Is it safe to go into the water?”
25) The Abbott & Costello Meet the Monsters series:
I couldn’t let this one go without including one of comedy’s funniest duos, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello paired with some of Universal Pictures’ classic horror movies. Here are the must see:
Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein, G (1948)
This 1948 classic not only showcases the unparalleled chemistry between Abbott and Costello but also features legendary actors like Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr., and Glenn Strange. Astutely balancing humor with genuine scares, “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” remains an essential viewing experience for fans of both comedy and horror cinema.
Abbott & Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff, G (1949)
This 1949 film provides ample chills infused with laughs throughout its runtime. Showcasing captivating performances from all three lead actors while maintaining an engaging balance between mystery-solving antics and genuinely thrilling moments of tension, Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer holds up as an unforgettable entry within both genres.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, G (1951)
Combining science fiction, mystery, and comedy, this 1951 film follows Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as they help a wrongfully accused boxer clear his name using an invisibility serum. Through its clever use of special effects and expertly crafted comedic scenarios, “Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man”manages to keep viewers entertained while providing glimpses into the technological advancements of its time. Additionally, the film boasts a strong supporting cast that includes Nancy Guild and Arthur Franz.
Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, G (1953)
Blending horror and comedy once more, this 1953 film showcases Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as American detectives stationed in London who become entangled in the dastardly deeds of Dr. Jekyll (played by esteemed actor Boris Karloff) and his monstrous alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Through its expert use of atmospheric settings like foggy Victorian streets combined with well-timed comedic interjections from its leading men, “Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” effortlessly transports viewers into an engrossing tale filled with laughter-inducing antics.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, G (1955)
In yet another foray into blending horror with humor, this 1955 film follows Bud Abbott and Lou Costello as they embark on an Egyptian adventure rife with ancient curses, hidden treasure—and naturally—a menacing mummy! With its exotic locales, intriguing mythology, and the duo’s signature comedic stylings, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy offers a delightful cinematic experience that is equal parts captivating and hilarious.
Honorable Mentions:
There are so many other flicks that make Halloween worth celebrating including the rarely seen (or known) “Basket Case” (1982), “House of Wax” (not the Paris Hilton version but the original 1953 rendition with Vincent Price), “The Haunting” (1963), “Songbird,” (2022), “The Blair Witch Project” (1999), “Dracula” (1931), “The Birds” (1963), “Scanners,” “The Fly” (1958), “Seven” (1995). For campy, cheesy horror fun you must see “An American Werewolf in London” (1981), “Child’s Play” (1988), “Scream” (1996), “Zombieland” (2009) and “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” (1988).
