Adults Only (or if you are as permissive as the author of this article, the one's you can't wait to share with your kids while being aware of not completly screwing them up) This is a list of films for someone who is ready to go all in the the horror genre. You watched the gateway stuff, ate up all the PG/PG-13, and now you want more? This list is for you.
- The Shining (1980) - "The Shining" is a cinematic masterpiece and one of the most iconic horror films ever made, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The film follows the Torrance family as they spend the winter caretaking the remote and haunted Overlook Hotel. As isolation takes its toll, the hotel's dark and malevolent forces begin to unravel the sanity of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson). Stanley Kubrick's direction is nothing short of brilliant, as he creates an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that permeates every frame of the film. The use of space and symmetry in the hotel's design adds to the film's uncanny and disorienting feel. The film's visual style has become legendary in the world of cinema. Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance is iconic, showcasing his descent into madness with chilling intensity. Shelley Duvall delivers a compelling performance as Wendy Torrance, and Danny Lloyd is remarkable as the psychic young boy, Danny. "The Shining" is known for its meticulously crafted and memorable scenes, including the elevator of blood, the hedge maze, and the "Here's Johnny!" moment, which have become ingrained in popular culture. The film is layered with psychological horror, exploring themes of isolation, family, addiction, and the supernatural. It's open to interpretation and invites viewers to ponder its enigmatic and symbolic elements. "The Shining" is a cinematic tour de force, a work of art that continues to captivate and terrify audiences. Its enduring legacy in the horror genre is a testament to its brilliance and its ability to invoke fear and fascination with every viewing.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - "A Nightmare on Elm Street" is a groundbreaking and iconic horror film directed by Wes Craven that introduced the world to one of the most memorable and terrifying villains in horror history: Freddy Krueger. The film follows a group of teenagers living on Elm Street who are plagued by a shared and haunting nightmare involving a disfigured man with razor-sharp glove blades. At the heart of the film's success is the brilliantly conceived and terrifying character of Freddy Krueger, portrayed by Robert Englund. Freddy's ability to enter the dreams of his victims, making them vulnerable in their sleep, adds a unique and chilling dimension to the horror genre. Wes Craven's direction is both inventive and nightmarish, blending surreal dreamscapes with brutal, real-world violence. The film plays with the boundary between dreams and reality, creating an atmosphere of unease and unpredictability. The cast of young actors, including Heather Langenkamp as Nancy Thompson, delivers solid performances, and their characters are relatable and sympathetic as they confront their shared nightmare. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" taps into primal fears of vulnerability during sleep and the inability to escape one's own nightmares. It's a film that skillfully blends supernatural horror with psychological terror, making it a standout in the genre. The film's impact on horror cinema is immeasurable, spawning a successful franchise and making Freddy Krueger an enduring horror icon. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" remains a must-watch for fans of horror, and it continues to haunt the dreams of viewers worldwide with its memorable scares and unforgettable villain.
- Psycho (1960) - "Psycho" is a groundbreaking and genre-defining masterpiece directed by Alfred Hitchcock, often considered one of the greatest suspense thrillers in cinematic history. Based on Robert Bloch's novel, the film tells the chilling story of Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), who embezzles money and finds herself at the eerie Bates Motel, owned by the enigmatic Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). Alfred Hitchcock's direction in "Psycho" is nothing short of brilliant. He masterfully crafts tension and suspense, using innovative camera techniques, memorable framing, and a hauntingly effective score by Bernard Herrmann. The film's infamous shower scene remains one of the most iconic and shocking moments in cinema history. Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins deliver outstanding performances. Leigh's portrayal of Marion Crane is both sympathetic and flawed, while Perkins's Norman Bates is a complex and deeply unsettling character who blurs the line between victim and antagonist. "Psycho" subverts expectations at every turn, making it a trailblazer in the horror genre. Hitchcock's exploration of themes like voyeurism, identity, and madness adds depth to the film, making it more than just a traditional thriller. The film's impact on cinema and popular culture cannot be overstated. It introduced a new level of violence and psychological terror to the screen, paving the way for future horror films. It remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate and terrify audiences, and it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of suspense and storytelling in film.
- Scream (1996) - "Scream" is a self-aware and genre-redefining slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson. It takes the conventions of the horror genre and turns them on their head, creating a thrilling and meta-horror experience. The film follows Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a high school student in the small town of Woodsboro, who becomes the target of a mysterious and masked killer known as Ghostface. As the body count rises, Sidney and her friends must uncover the identity of the killer while navigating the rules of horror movies. What sets "Scream" apart is its clever and often humorous deconstruction of the horror genre. It is aware of the tropes and clichés that often populate slasher films and uses them to both subvert expectations and provide a commentary on the genre itself. The characters frequently reference other horror films, creating a unique and self-referential atmosphere. The cast, which includes Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Skeet Ulrich, delivers strong performances. Neve Campbell stands out as the resilient and resourceful Sidney Prescott. Wes Craven's direction is sharp and suspenseful, effectively blending horror and comedy. The film's opening sequence, which features a chilling phone call from the killer, sets the tone for the tension and intrigue that follow. "Scream" revitalized the slasher genre in the 1990s and became a cultural phenomenon. It is known for its memorable characters, sharp wit, and inventive kills. It's a film that both celebrates and challenges the horror genre, making it a must-watch for fans of horror and meta-fiction alike.
- The Conjuring (2013) -"The Conjuring" is a spine-tingling and exceptionally well-crafted supernatural horror film directed by James Wan. Based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the movie takes place in the early 1970s and follows the Perron family, who move into a secluded farmhouse in Rhode Island, only to experience increasingly terrifying and unexplained supernatural events. What sets "The Conjuring" apart is its commitment to creating a genuinely eerie and unsettling atmosphere. James Wan's direction skillfully blends classic haunted house elements with modern filmmaking techniques. The film is rich in suspense, and it relies on tension-building, practical effects, and carefully timed scares to keep the audience on edge. The performances in the film are exceptional, with Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga portraying Ed and Lorraine Warren as empathetic and dedicated paranormal investigators. The Perron family, played by Lili Taylor and Ron Livingston, adds depth and relatability to the story. "The Conjuring" excels in its ability to make the ordinary terrifying. The film explores themes of family, faith, and the consequences of meddling with the supernatural. It also introduces the malevolent entity known as Bathsheba, which becomes a formidable and memorable antagonist. While the film delivers its fair share of scares, it does so without relying solely on gore or excessive violence. Instead, it prioritizes psychological and atmospheric horror, creating a lasting sense of dread. "The Conjuring" is a modern classic of the horror genre, with its skillful direction, compelling characters, and memorable scares. It's a film that has spawned a successful franchise and continues to captivate and terrify audiences with its well-crafted storytelling and effective horror elements.
- Hereditary (2018) - "Hereditary" is a harrowing and deeply unsettling supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. It delves into the dark and disturbing secrets that lurk within a seemingly ordinary family, the Grahams, as they grapple with grief and the sinister legacy of their ancestry. One of the film's standout features is its exceptional and often haunting performances. Toni Collette delivers a career-defining performance as Annie Graham, a mother haunted by her family's dark history. Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne provide strong support in their roles as well. Ari Aster's direction is both meticulously crafted and emotionally charged. He masterfully builds an atmosphere of dread and psychological horror, using unsettling visuals and a haunting score to immerse the audience in the family's nightmarish descent. "Hereditary" is unafraid to tackle complex and unsettling themes, including trauma, mental illness, and the destructive nature of familial ties. It explores the concept of inherited trauma and the inescapable legacy of one's family history. The film's horror is both visceral and cerebral, with moments of shocking violence and deeply disturbing imagery that linger long after the credits roll. It doesn't rely on jump scares but instead crafts a sense of impending doom that gradually intensifies. "Hereditary" is a bold and uncompromising horror film that has been widely praised for its originality and its ability to push the boundaries of the genre. It's a film that demands reflection and discussion, making it a standout in contemporary horror cinema for its fearlessness and its exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche.
- The Witch (2015) - "The Witch" is a haunting and atmospheric supernatural horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. Set in 1630s New England, the film follows a Puritan family who is exiled from their colonial plantation and settles near a secluded forest. As they try to establish a new life, eerie and inexplicable events begin to plague the family, causing paranoia and fear to consume them. One of the film's most striking features is its meticulous attention to historical accuracy and period detail, immersing the audience in the harsh and austere world of early American settlers. The dialogue, costumes, and set design all contribute to the film's authenticity. "The Witch" is a slow-burning and psychologically intense horror experience. It relies on suspense, dread, and a palpable sense of isolation to create an atmosphere of unease. The film's use of natural light and a haunting score add to the overall sense of foreboding. The performances from the cast, particularly Anya Taylor-Joy as the eldest daughter, Thomasin, are outstanding. The family's descent into madness is portrayed with increasing intensity and realism. The film's horror elements draw heavily from folklore and the fear of the unknown, particularly in the form of a malevolent witch lurking in the woods. "The Witch" explores themes of religious fanaticism, paranoia, and the breakdown of familial bonds, adding depth to the narrative. "The Witch" is a thought-provoking and visually striking horror film that challenges viewers with its slow, methodical storytelling. It's a film that lingers in the mind, creating a sense of unease and offering a unique and unsettling take on the supernatural horror genre.
- The Babadook (2014) - "The Babadook" is a psychologically intense and chilling horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent. The film centers around Amelia (Essie Davis), a single mother struggling to cope with the death of her husband while raising her troubled young son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman). When a sinister pop-up book titled "Mister Babadook" enters their lives, it unleashes a malevolent force that begins to haunt them. One of the most notable aspects of "The Babadook" is its focus on character development and psychological horror. The film delves deep into the emotional struggles of the mother and son, portraying their grief, fear, and strained relationship with raw authenticity. Essie Davis delivers a remarkable performance as Amelia, capturing her descent into terror and madness. Jennifer Kent's direction is both visually striking and suspenseful. She creates a palpable atmosphere of dread and tension, and the Babadook itself is a uniquely terrifying creation, brought to life through eerie and unsettling visuals. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and the darkness that can dwell within a person's psyche. It cleverly blurs the lines between supernatural horror and psychological horror, leaving viewers questioning the nature of the Babadook and whether it's a manifestation of the characters' trauma. "The Babadook" is a thought-provoking and unsettling horror film that relies on psychological terror rather than jump scares. It offers a fresh and deeply affecting take on the genre, making it a standout entry in contemporary horror cinema that continues to resonate with audiences for its emotional depth and its ability to tap into primal fears.
Look for part 2 of this list tomorrow! Happy Halloween!!!