For frightening film fun, try some of these classic tales of terror.
The Shining (1980)
After Jack Torrence takes on the job of off-season caretaker, he and his family quickly learn they are not alone at the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the hauntings pile up, Jack becomes entrapped by the Overlook's evil, and too late, his family looks for a way out.
Jack Nicholson gives a terrifying performance as Jack Torrence. And for once, Stephen King's horror translates to the big screen to create a chilling classic.
The Haunting (1999)
When they follow Dr. Marrow, played by Liam Neeson, to a huge and stately mansion, Eleanor, Theo and Luke think they’re taking part in a sleep study. But as the ghostly occurrences pile up, the unlikely trio learn Dr. Marrow’s secret and the haunting story of the house.
Excellent performances by an all-star cast, beautiful sets, spectacular special effects, lots of cliches and a less than stellar script. You decide.
28 Days Later (2003)
Bicycle courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakes in an abandoned hospital to find London has become a deserted wasteland. Worse yet, he soon discovers that the city is not as empty as he first suspects. With its few "living" survivors in hiding, London is now home to the undead.
Danny Boyle directs a cast of unknowns in the best zombie film of all time.
Thirteen Ghosts (2001)
After the death of his wife, Arthur Kriticos, played by Tony Shalhoub, thinks he has hit rock bottom. But when he and his children inherit an enormous house from his uncle, Arthur thinks his family is on the mend.
The family jumps at the chance to take possession of their new home, but it isn’t long before Arthur and his children learn they have inherited more than just a house. They have inherited its prisoners.
There’s a ghost for every predilection plus intriguing back stories and special effects galore. This one’s just plain fun.
The Ring (2002)
Time runs out for reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) as she desperately attempts to unravel the mystery behind a haunted, killer video tape.
The premise may sound silly, but this remake of the Japanese classic Ringu, is positively terrifying. It contains one the most frightening on-screen scenes of all-time.
Jacob's Ladder(1999)
When Jacob Singer, a recently divorced Vietnam vet played by Tim Robbins, begins seeing demons, he becomes convinced someone is trying to kill him and begins a slow decent into madness.
Jacob's Ladder is suspenseful and brilliantly creepy with a satisfying twist at the end.
1408 (2007)
When skeptical writer of the paranormal Mike Enslin, played by John Cusack, insists on spending the night in Room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel, he soon learns he is in for more than he bargained for.
Cusack is believable and tragic as the skeptic turned believer in this horrifying nail-biter.
Saw (2005)
Dr. Lawrence Gordon, played by Cary Elwes, and Adam Faulkner wake to find themselves chained in an abandoned industrial bathroom. They have each been given a task by the Jigsaw Killer, a sadistic madman intent on teaching the morally wayward his own brand of twisted lesson. While Adam and Dr. Gordon attempt to escape their captor, Detective Tapp tracks the Jigsaw Killer.
Filled with flashbacks, revelations, shocks and shivers, you’re likely to chew through a few fingernails while watching this one. Forget Saw whatever-number-it’s-on-now. This is the one to watch.
Ghost Story(1981)
It appears the worst thing that could happen to the four friends of the Chowder Society is a bad case of the willies. But when a mysterious woman appears, the members of the Chowder Society begin to die one by one. And it looks as though the Chowder Society’s fifty year old secret might be coming back to haunt them.
Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and John Houseman play the aged members of the Chowder Society and give this movie a dignified quality amidst the ghostly cheese.
The Others (2001)
Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman) and her two photosensitive children live trapped lives in an enormous country manor. Joined by an odd collection of servants and a wayward husband, Grace is overwhelmed by the desperate responsibility for her children's wellfare combined with a sense of fear and foreboding that she cannot easily resolve. Alarming occurrences and skewed happenings don't seem to add up until the final shocking secret is revealed.
The Others offers a series of twists on the classic haunted house/ghost genre. It's convincing mood of desperation and helplessness will stay with you long after the closing credits.
Other Classics
Of course this is a subjective list and leaves out many horror classics. Seven, the original Exorcist, The Silence of the Lambs, Halloween, Orphan, Burnt Offerings, Resident Evil, Dawn of the Dead, Shaun of the Dead and Hellraiser are just a few more you might want to watch.
Have a spooky Halloween!
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