Top ‘anything’ lists are always open to wonderful discussions about what has been missed and what other people think is better or worse. I’ve decided to do my list based on a couple of major points.
Did the movie truly scare me, or was I hypnotised by the critics to believe it was scary?
Has that magical ‘OMG’ moment stayed with me since the original viewing?
Have I gone back to watch it again and been scared again by the same scenes?
With these questions running through my mind I will now take your hand and lead you through the top ten horror movies of my life!
MY TOP TEN
#10
Evil Dead (1981) was the first horror movie I remember seeing as a child. I was being naughty and sneaking a glance at the TV from the hallway. I should have been in bed at the time, but for some reason I woke and saw one of the most horrific scenes to stain my memory. The OMG moment – Seeing that woman singing and scratching at the trap-door has stayed with me forever. The remake is about to hit our shores, but only in a VERY limited Australian release.
#9
I Spit On Your Grave (2010) is one of the most powerful revenge movies I have ever seen. It’s a remake, and while many prefer the raw original, the new version is my pick. If you can make it through the tough (and I mean truly tough – especially if you are female) first half then the rewards of the second half will be worth it. Trust me!! The OMG moment – the hedge shears … but so deserved!
#8
The Ring (2002) is of course a remake and as much as I love the Asian original, I have to admit that the remake scared the shit out of me. The OMG moment – when she crawls out of the TV is still up there as one of my favourite horror movie moments of all time!
#7
Hellraiser (1987) is quite simply a blood-soaked pleasure of the senses. Pinhead is supreme. The story is sublime. Hell has never looked so good. The sequels started to lose their grip once they moved past Hellraiser 3 though. A remake is still being spoken about, but nothing definite seems to have come about. The OMG moment – when the hooks first fly in from the dark. WOW!
#6
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) was a horror icon triumph. Not only did it scare a whole legion of teenagers and adults alike, it dragged the burnt and horrid Freddy Krueger into our nightmares. He was a brilliant character and Wes Craven was a legend for bringing him into our lives. It also gave us the debut of a young actor that went on to become a well-known name. Mr 21 Jump Street – Johnny Depp. The OMG moment – when the girl is being sliced open and flipped all around the bedroom walls and ceiling while her boyfriend watches helplessly.
#5
The Descent (2005) is one of those movies that cause me to ask people “Have you seen the movie called The Descent?” This movie was a ripper of a flick that I knew nothing about when I first watched it. The OMG moment – when she is standing at the window. It still makes me hit the roof every time … and I know its coming! I just wish I had seen this on the big screen in a dark cinema.
#4
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) is so insanely full of incredible actors that you are soon dragged into a world of alien invasion before you can say “What are those slimy alien pods on my doorstep?” The story isn’t a new one, and this was even a remake of the movie of the same name from the 50′s. I love it, and often go back to watch it again with just as much enjoyment. The OMG moment – this has one of the most truly terrifying final scenes of any movie ever made. You get my point?
#3
Martyrs (2008) appeared on the scene without my being aware of what it was about or what it was. I knew nothing … and it was the best way to watch it. This is one of the most visually violent horror movies I have seen, but the reward at the end is beyond incredible. I won’t give anything away, but it is such a pleasure when you find a movie that gives you a true and believable reason for the gore and hell that is unleashed. There is of course a remake coming from America, but do yourself a favour and see this version. It will not be beaten. The OMG moment – the big reveal at the end.
#2
Saw (2004) arrived on the scene without a great deal of fanfare, but that soon changed once word got out that this was one hell of a movie from a couple of unknown Aussies. It showed us all that the most important ingredient to the success of any movie is a damn good story! Most of the movie is set in one room. It’s a crazy game of chess, but you don’t know what the pieces look like or what direction they will move. Each Halloween gave birth to a new sequel and they made a hell of a lot of money, but after the second addition it really just became a cash-cow and lost its way. The original movie will always remain a triumph and a horror classic. The OMG moment – when he stands up.
SO WHAT IS ON TOP ON THE LIST?
WHAT MOVIE HAS STAYED WITH ME AND IS WATCHED OVER AND OVER AGAIN?
#1
Halloween (1978) has been my favourite horror movie for as long as I can remember. I don’t know when I first watched it but I know that Michael Myers burnt his image onto my soul and it never left. For me, the moment when he tips his head to the side is THE most frightening moment in horror movie history. Not because it was scary, but because it made you believe that nightmares are real. The acting was superb. The characters were perfection. I’m having a horror-gasm just thinking about watching it again. As for the Rob Zombie remake … unlike many others, I actually didn’t mind it, but it doesn’t even rate in the same universe as Carpenter’s classic. It spawned many sequels, including the third Halloween that didn’t even have Michael Myers in it. I haven’t watched Halloween 3, but I own and have watched every other sequel. The OMG moment – it’s the head tip. Such a subtle moment can do so much.
What are your thoughts?
What are your top 10 Horror Movies?
Have you seen all of mine?
