Horror as a genre has been innovated and explored several times in mainstream cinema. Although horror is now romanticized, what with sparkly vampires falling for a human and having the perfect wedding, we are talking about movies that were a creation from your worst nightmares. Gory, gruesome, creepy, grisly and downright scary are the ideal words that portray a horror flick. Here are the top movies that possess all these elements and much more!
The Exorcist (1973):
Directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist tells a story of a teenage girl being possessed by demons. Her mother turns to two priests and seeks their help save her daughter. One of the scariest scenes is the act of exorcism in which there are some stunningly levitated stunts and the famous spider walk scene that became well-known for its creepiness. The Exorcist is considered one of the scariest movies, though there have been various adaptations throughout the world, the original one still hold its horrific charm.
The Shining (1980):
A Jack Nicholson starrer, The Shining is psychological horror about a family that heads to a secluded hotel for the winter. Clubbing a psychic son that sees horrific scenes from the past and future with an evil spiritual presence wheedling the father into violence, the movie is a must watch. Director Stanley Kubrick brought the horrors of Stephen King’s novel on screens everywhere, earning this movie a spot in the most popular horror movies categories all around the world.
Nosferatu (1922):
One of the most influential movies from the silent era, Nosferatu was an unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A controversial movie of its time, Nosferatu certainly gained the title of being a masterpiece that should not be missed.
Psycho (1960):
This list is incomplete without the contribution by Alfred Hitchcock. Said to be one of the greatest films of all times, through Psycho Hitchcock changed the perception of violence, deviant behavior and sexuality in American films. And let’s not forget the shower scene that is still remembered and associated with horror.
The Omen (1976):
Revolving around the mysterious death of an American ambassador, The Omen will definitely give you the creeps. Robert Thorn, an American diplomat, questions if the son he is raising, Damien, is the son of the devil. The movie was followed by a sequel Damien: Omen ll in which Damien realizes his true nature. Both the flicks are perfect horror movies.
The Conjuring (2013):
The Conjuring is one of the well-made contemporary horror movies. The film revolves around Paranormal Investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. David Hayter has done a brilliant job directing The Conjuring.
These are just a handful of names of horror movies, but there are thousands of others that you shouldn’t miss. These are, in no particular order -Rosemary’s Baby, Halloween, A Nightmare at Elm Street, Friday the 13th, Alien, 28 Days Later, Night of the Living Dead, The Silence of the Lambs, Candyman, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Ring, The Eye, The Descent, Annabelle and the list goes on and on and on! So sit tight and prepare for frights every time you settle down to watch one of these films. Consider yourself warned!
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