While I am a fan of scary movies, there are some that rise above the rest when it comes to the Halloween tradition. If you want the full, spooky Halloween experience, watch these movies. Grab a blanket, pop some popcorn and scream for your life.
“Halloween” (1978)
Celebrating Halloween isn’t the same without this classic film. This movie is known for its iconic music by John Carpenter that never fails to give the audience chills. Not only that, this is Jamie Lee Curtis’s first film. A girl gets stabbed in the beginning of the movie and dies.
Who did it? Michael Myers. He killed his sister and escapes the mental institution years later. He’s after Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Does she survive? Well you’re just going to have to watch this film and possibly the nine movies after that.
“Saw” (2004)
This horror movie is unlike any I’ve ever seen before, and I can’t stop binge watching it. “Saw” is sure to keep you on your feet. Literally.
Two guys are stuck in an old, rusted bathroom chained to the pipes by their ankle. All they find are saws, unsure how they’re supposed to help them escape. Meanwhile they are stuck in this room with a dead guy, video recording tapes and clues they find along the way.
This hit film led to a seven film franchise, video games and recently “Jigsaw” (possibly the last film in the series).
If you watch the first movie, I highly recommend you watch the rest. You learn more about the storyline and the reason for certain events that occur in the first movies. “Live or die, make your choice.”
Watch this movie or not, but if not you won’t appreciate your life.
“Child’s Play” (1988)
Here is another classic that is worth watching. Especially if you want to watch “Cult of Chucky,” which just came out this year. “Child’s Play” is the first film in the Chucky character franchise.
A little boy wants a Good Guy Doll. The doll talks and he’s your “friend til’ the end.” What could go wrong?
Strange things start happening to the doll, and you find out he isn’t normal. He’s Charles Lee Ray, a murderer stuck in a doll’s body, and wants out. He will do nothing to stop — including killing everyone who comes in his way.
“The Exorcist” (1973)
I’m sure some of you think this movie should be higher up on the list for its horror. It’s scary. I’ve only watched this movie once, because the night I watched it, I couldn’t sleep — at all.
A young girl, Regan, is possessed by the devil. This movie is known for the scene of her spinning head completely turning backward. A priest is sent out to help get this little girl back. Does it work? You’ll just have to watch to find out.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)
A group of teenagers decide to go on a road trip and take a detour at their family’s farmhouse, and in the process pick up a crazy hitchhiker. He and his family member, Leatherface go on a killing spree and kill these teens one by one once they reach their destination.
Will the final girl survive? Or will she be added to the skin mask that is Leatherface? (Warning: don’t eat meat while watching this film)
“Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984)
When you sleep you dream. When you dream you have the possibility of being killed by Freddy Krueger.
This movie will give you chills, and it has a young Johnny Depp in it. This movie was his first film, and he really does his character justice.
Freddy is one of the horror movie icons that still freaks me out when I think of the scene where his scissor claws rise from bathwater in between protagonist Nancy’s legs.
“Psycho” (1960)
Black and white, but still full of fright, this movie continues to give me the creeps.
It’s known for the shower scene that has no gore but still creates a dramatic impact.
Marion, the protagonist, decides to run away with a ton of cash from her work and stops at a motel run by Norman Bates.
This film takes a series of turns you wouldn’t expect and, as a woman, I got really creeped out by Norman’s character and his obsession with Marion. Will she leave the motel? Watch to find out.
“Scream” (1996)
Wes Craven directed this mystery slasher movie that makes fun of horror movies and at the same time keeps you interested.
A killer calls people on the phone and comes into their homes to kill them.
Never have sex, never drink or do drugs and never say “I’ll be right back,” because you’re never coming back. Follow these rules and you’ll survive a horror movie.
“Alien” (1979)
This sci-fi thriller is unlike any of the other scary movies in this list.
A space crew awaken from sleep capsules and find a nest of eggs inside their ship. What arises from these eggs? Aliens. They aren’t too friendly.
“Jeepers Creepers” (2001)
“Jeepers Creepers, where’d you get those peepers?” Have you heard this Frank Sinatra song? If you do, run.
The two characters in this film find something in a basement of an abandoned church that changes their lives forever. A creature chases them and won’t stop until it gets what it wants.
You’ll want to hold onto your eyes after watching this flick.
Lindsay Trombly can be reached at [email protected]