As we get deeper into fall, we get deeper into the pit of garbage that consists of scary movies coming out pretty much every week in theaters, on demand, and on Netflix. I say “pit of garbage” lovingly. I love how terrible the plot is, the cheap jump scares and the gore. However, every once in a while, I need to restore my faith the in filmmaking community and watch some real horror. Below is a list of some real horror films that’ll leave you up for days.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
At the time, it was one of the scariest films to ever be released and some argue it still is. The Exorcist takes the cake for the medley of demonic possession, sex, and corruption of children.
Highlights: the levitating bed scene, in which we see the demon showing off his power in the main character, Regan.
2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Just coming a year after The Exorcist, this film combines the classic final-girl gory storyline with cannibalism. It’s perfect. It actually provides a really great conversation about gender roles and familial values. Watch it, then get back to me.
Highlights: the dinner scene, in which the cannibalistic family sits and tortures the main character and final girl, Sally.
3. Halloween (1978)
On a budget of $350k, John Carpenter created arguably one of the most iconic killers of all time (as well as the advancement of the slasher genre) in Michael Myers. Sure, there’s like, 15 sequels, but the first one was a pioneer in horror and filmmaking.
Highlights: the closet scene, in which Michael Myers impossibly shows up in Laurie’s last safe space, inside her bedroom.
4. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Years before The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby discusses some hard stuff – rape, demonic possesion, the antichrist – the usual. It’s actually a great discussion about the worries of pregnancy and being out of control of your own body. It’s ahead of its time.
Highlights: Rosemary’s rape, in which she becomes pregnant with the antichrist.
5. The Shining
I consider this one of those movies that everyone knows the references for, but they’ve never actually seen it. It’s actually terrifying. It’s all about confinement and being afraid of yourself and you’ll probably have to watch it 5-10 times to understand what even began to happen. It’s dark, it’s psychological and it’s bloody.
Highlights: the bloody scene, in which all of Jack’s psychological problems come together and haunt him through a gauntlet of bloody adversaries.
6. Saw
Saw doesn’t get enough credit for just how scary it is. There’s this outside force toying with these people, just to torture them as a game. It’s stressful, and you know what’s going to happen – you just can’t believe it actually did.
Highlights: adam’s abduction scene, in which the photographer is attacked when his power goes out in the dark room. the only light is provided by a camera flashing.
7. Babadook
Super artsy but actually scary, this Australian gem brings childhood fears to life. The Bababook is a character in a children’s book that claims you can’t get rid of it. It’s weird and sing-songy and makes you fear for your life and the child’s.
Highlights: the returning book scene, in which the homeowners throw away the book after fearing the
Let me know your opinions if you’ve seen any of these! Are these your favorite classics?
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