Movies are a timeless experience. And each is unique in its own way. Some have so much influence that they create entire sub-genres or reset industry standards. During October everybody loves to hit the theater, bust out the old DVDs, or tune into Netflix and catch their favorite scary movies. Whether you’re watching with others or on your own, no one can deny that October is the month to watch horror films. Horror films are a broad category that includes many sub-genres like thriller, slasher, suspense, monster/Kaiju, and many more. Why not watch some genre-shaping classics this season with 10 of the most iconic scary movies of all time?
1. Silence of the Lambs -1991
In what is probably Jodie Foster’s and Anthony Hopkins’s most iconic appearance, Silence of the Lambs is one of the most terrifying movies to ever exist. Considered the first true theatrical thriller, Silence of the Lambs stands in a category of its own when it comes to creepy and haunting experiences. This film is not for the squeamish and makes it very clear with the creeping soundtrack and dim colors and lights even in daytime scenes. Its two prequels, Red Dragon and Hannibal Rising are also worth watching if you’re in the mood for more of this phenomenally horrific tale of FBI agents and serial killers.
2. John Carpenters The Thing -1982
Next time you play Among Us with your friends, maybe watch this masterpiece of special effects after as it is what inspired the hit mobile game. While John Carpenter’s The Thing is actually a remake of a 1950 film of the same name. This gory 80’s sci-fi take far surpassed its predecessor in the horror department. Using puppetry, prosthetics, and makeup, this film has little to no CGI in it at all. It uses these practical effects to their creepiest potential with jerky marionet-like movement from the actors and a slow foreboding buildup of suspense as the cast is whittled down one by one and their bodies are left changed after becoming part of “the thing”. Indeed, a film not for the faint of heart or those with already strained trust issues.
3. Gojira – 1954
While many do not think of Kaiju movies as scary, Gojira, or Godzilla as he is known in the west, is the movie that spawned the genre and was definitely a horror movie. Considered one of the most recognized characters of all time, Godzilla is not seen in his first silver screen appearance until the second half of the classic film. Terrorizing Japan from the shadows, the massive monster represents a physical manifestation of the horrors of nuclear warfare and the consequences of man’s actions as he sinks boat after boat, demolishing Tokyo. Unlike the other entries on this list, Gojira is, at its core, a narrative about human resilience and kindness. So, if you still want to feel chills but are not a fan of slashers, try a Kaiju or monster film like Gojira instead.
4. The Exorcist – 1973
Originally a novel, this iconic movie adaption has been terrifying audiences for decades now. Considered one of the most well know pieces of horror, The Exorcist was considered so terrifying by audiences some theaters banned its screening. The Exorcist follows the story of a young girl who becomes possessed. Her mother and the clergy members she recruits into helping her attempt to exorcise the demon. Having been filmed in the late 1970s, this incredible film did almost all its effects live in the studio during filming. This film’s style of narrative and suspenseful pacing adds to the creepy atmosphere even when the demons are not on screen.
5. Psycho – 1964
Considered by many film historians to be the first true horror movie, Psycho is filled with Alfred Hitchcock’s flare for drama and attention to detail. The film was shot in black and white and uses shadows to a terrifying effect. This film has surprise, suspense, and chilling characterization. One of the most recognizable films ever made, Psycho is a must-watch for any fan of the horror genre. It is also the first film in history to show a toilet on screen, a scene whose inclusion in the movie was heavily fought for by Hitchcock.
6. Alien -1979
The only entry on this list to have given the author nightmares. Alien is without a doubt one of the scariest sci-fi movies ever made and one of the best. This riveting tale about a spaceship crew battling a terrifying extraterrestrial is graphic, suspenseful, and outright unnerving in how the human cast of characters becomes prey to the Xenomorph monstrosity. With its iconic puppetry and gory transformations, Alien has something scary for everyone. Alien is also truly a movie that honors hard-working women. Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, is one of the most iconic female characters ever in film. A badass who stares death in the face and calls it her bitch. An incredible character from one of the most iconic films ever made.
7. Jaws – 1975
While many do not think of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws as a horror film because of its sunny beaches and fun cast, this film still has many scares. With its creeping and ominous shark shrouded in murky water for most of the film, this fearsome monster of nature leaves the audience reeling with even the slightest sliver of its appearance. Considering this film spawned an entire sub-genre of shark films, this original heavy-hitter is definitely worth going back to watch. It is a unique movie with probably the most iconic soundtrack ever written for a fish. Jaws is a legendary masterpiece and worthy of recognition.
8. Scream -1996
Scream is one of the more recent movies to make it into the iconic scary movie list. While very few horror films dare to be humorous and challenge the established formulaic rules of the “scary movie”, Scream does exactly that and hits it out of the park. This surprisingly self-aware movie challenges the audience’s preconceived expectations with a unique take on the “serial killer is loose on the town” plot with an interesting and engaging story. While Scream was originally conceived as a sort of meta-commentary on horror films of the 80s, this film goes out of its way to be unique with its characters and direction. Its three sequels are also rather entertaining if you are looking for a movie binge-night selection.
9. Poltergeist -1982
This terrifying ghost movie has an interesting past with rumors of its set being haunted and real skeletons being shown on screen. None of this has any actual merit, but the film is scary enough it makes one think that these wild rumors could hold some kernels of truth. What is true though, is that Poltergeist is a must-watch for lovers of ghost stories and all things spooky. This iconic film was released alongside E.T. in theaters back in ’82 and Spielberg Summers is something we need to bring back. Poltergeist was considered so horrifying that flashing television screens were a common phobia for Gen X for a time.
10. It – 2017
It is a good movie. The only film on this list post-2000s, It is just an absolutely shell-shocking experience that will definitely deserve a re-release in theaters when its anniversary rolls around. From “You’ll float too,” to “AHHH!”, It has some of the most unsettling images in modern horror films; clowns, crows, and blood. It is a gallery of terror that is masterfully interwoven with a narrative of the hope of youth. Truly a horrific tale from the King of Horror himself.