Owner - Johnny Scott Comics and Games
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Well, it's almost Halloween, so I thought I'd put this out there.
Here's my top 25 horror films of all time. Ask me again next year, and they might change:
25. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) - This gritty film by Tobe Hooper ushered in the era of gore and Grindhouse-style horror films. Many films have attempted to mimic this film, but none have approached its raw on-screen tension.
24. Frankenstein (1931) - James Whale's classic. This is one of the first horror films, and is still rewatchable. Colin Clive gives a stunning portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein and who can ever forget Boris Karloff as the monster?
23. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) - This spooky little flick took the "your neighbor may be a Communist" paranoia to the next level.
22. Nosferatu (1922) - Murnau's silent gem starring the elusive Max Schreck as Count Orlok the Vampire stands the test of time. Many of these camera shots are still used by film makers today to create on screen shadowplay and create a gothic atmosphere.
21. The Vampire Lovers (1970) - Hammer is renowned for its pioneering work in the field of graphic violence and erotic horror. This gem, with the legendary Ingrid Pitt, takes LeFanu's "Carmilla" to the next level. It combines vampirism with lesbianism, resulting in a fun romp that combines the suspense of horror with the essence of romance.
20. Dawn of the Dead (1978) - George Romero's gorefest classic brought the graphic on-screen special effects used predominantly in Europe to the United States. More horror film makers cite this film as an influence than any other.
19. Scanners (1981) - This surreal film by David Cronenberg about harnessing psychic powers to control the planet contains one of the most memorable scenes in horror cinema - an exploding head!
18. Curse of Frankenstein (1957) - This film starring Christopher Lee as the monster and Peter Cushing as Dr. Frankenstein was the first true horror film made by England's Hammer Films. Updating the Frankenstein monster to more of a walking corpse with an evil disposition, as well as showing more on screen violence than ever seen before, makes this a memorable film. Cushing would go on to portray Dr. Frankenstein in 5 more films from Hammer Studios.
17. The Omen (1976) - This spooky film effectively portrays a young boy as the monster. Young Damien is protected by the forces of Hell as he begins his life as the prophesized Anti-Christ.
16. King Kong (1933) - This film became an overnight sensation with the stop motion effects and screaming of Fay Wray. To this day, King Kong is a legendary piece of film making history. "It was beauty killed the beast!"
15. The Thing (1982) - With apologies to Jame Arness and the original Thing from Another World, this remake is far superior to the original. John Carpenter's masterpiece effectively conveys the feeling of isolation and paranoia as an arctic encampment is stalked by an otherworldly shape changer.
14. Psycho (1960) - The godfather of the slasher flick. Who knew chocolate syrup in a shower could cause so much excitement? Hitchcock's masterpiece of suspense and intrigue is now required viewing for any film student.
13. Night of the Living Dead (1968) - Holy cow! This film was the first to show ALL of its monster attacks on screen. Romero's crown jewel of zombie mayhem, coupled with a killer ending, spawned countless special effects artists and hundreds of zombie films.
12. The Wicker Man (1973) - So, you're a virgin, eh? Come on down to Summerisle for a holiday...
11. Curse of the Demon (1957) - Also known as Night of the Demon. This legendary film is known for its on screen suspense, and end of the film money shot. You never see the demon until the very end, but you just KNOW it's chasing you and there is no escape!
10. Jaws (1975) - Don't Go in the Water. Spielberg's tour de force in suspense is unparalleled in its ability to keep you riveted to the screen. Fans of this film are still a little nervous whenever they go swimming...
9. Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - James Whale is back. Directing a superior sequel to the original Frankenstein. Colin Clive is back as the nefarious Dr. Frankenstein, and Karloff also returns as the monster. Elsa Lanchester plays the title Bride, but doesn't particularly wish to be married. Needless to say, our resident monster doesn't take it very well when he is rejected...
8. Suspiria (1977) - Suspense. Effects. Moody soundtrack. This film is by far Dario Argento's best work. Exploring a world of witchcraft at a girl's boarding school, nothing is as it seems...
7. Black Sunday (1960) - Also known as Mask of the Demon. This gem from the father of Italian horror, Mario Bava, is probably the best horror film that most people have never seen. Witchcraft, possession, and revenge make up the plot of this film, but it is the camera work and use of lighting that make this atmospheric piece one of the best films ever made.
6. The Shining (1980) - Jack Nicholson portrays Jack Torrance, a seasonal caretaker of the Overlook Hotel who goes a little stir crazy as the haunted hotel begins to communicate with him in the dead of winter. Stanley Kubrick's vision coupled with Nicholson's performance make this one of the scariest films ever.
5. The Haunting (1963) - This adaptation of Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" is widely recognized as the perfect haunted house movie. Julie Harris gives a stunning performance as the protagonist, and this film delivers on the thrills and chills you expect to find in a horror movie from any decade.
4. The Exorcist (1973) - "The Power of Christ Compels You!" Scariest movie of all time? Quite possibly. This movie scares more people than any other. There are quite a few people who have never seen this film, and won't because they're afraid of what they might see! No movie provokes a stronger reaction from a typical movie fan than this masterpiece. Strong performances all around help this film stand the test of time.
3. An American Werewolf in London (1981) - John Landis' vision of lycanthropy stood hollywood on its ear. The special effects from this film are STILL considered some of the best ever put on film! Follow the exploits of an American werewolf as he tours the English countryside with his best friend, who becomes a "walking meatloaf."
2. Alien (1979) - Ridley Scott's epic tale of intergalactic suspense has never been equaled. From it's gut-wrenching (literally!) special effects, to the use of lighting and sound to create suspense, Alien is THE model film for settings that are dark and claustrophobic. And who can ever forget Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Ripley? Or the Giger-created aliens?
1. The Evil Dead (1981) - A model film for those with a low budget who want to make a horror film. Sam Raimi's first effort, starring Bruce Campbell, uses over the top special effects, innovative camera work, and great performances from an unknown cast to ignite the imagination of the viewer and create an atmosphere of stomach-churning suspense. This film has inspired many an independent film maker to greatness, and is my top horror film of all time!
Honorable Mentions:
Halloween (1978) - Low budget slasher flick helped spawn a slew of imitators.
A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984) - Wes Craven will make you never want to sleep again!
The Fly (1988) - Jeff Goldblum's Brundlefly is one of horror cinema's most recognized characters.
Dracula (1931) - Bela Lugosi is still the pre-eminent Count Dracula.
Village of the Damned (1960) - The children are not what they seem...