# Another thread about favorite horror movies **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 1, 2009, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288 "2009-10-01T22:24:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![moonstarssun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@moonstarssun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moonstarssun)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/1 "2009-10-01T22:24:32Z")
It’s October 1st, officially the beginning of Halloween season (in my mind at least). It’s time for me to dig into my stash of horror movies and settle in with a blanket, popcorn and hot chocolate. My tastes run more creepy than slashy. I usually get bored by slasher movies, with a few exceptions. Among my favorites: The Others The Shining Halloween (yes, it’s a slasher, but it keeps that feeling of menace without falling back on too much screaming and hacking) An American Werewolf in London The Ring (American version) Shaun of the Dead The Thing (80s remake) I like ghosts, werewolves and zombies best. Vampires can be good, but the Cullens haven’t done much to help the cause. Oh, and I’m always up for a good B-movie. I have The Blob and Them! on my Netflix queue. And I love MST3K. So, what’re your favorites? What are some that I should add to my don’t miss list for this year? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/2 "2009-10-01T22:56:55Z")
> [@moonstarssun](#): > > Halloween (yes, it’s a slasher, but it keeps that feeling of menace without falling back on too much screaming and hacking) Then try the original _Texas Chainsaw Massacre._ Unlike later slasher movies, whose directors seem to feel obliged to space the murders as regularly as porn directors space cumshots, in _TCM_ the film is half-over before the first bit of bloodshed on-screen; it’s all buildup and atmosphere until then. ---
**Author:** ![Pray\_for\_peace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pray\_for\_peace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pray_for_peace)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2009, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/3 "2009-10-01T23:25:04Z")
**The Grudge Poltergeist The Sixth Sense The Mothman Prophecies** ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/4 "2009-10-02T00:15:51Z")
May I suggest you see if you can find a copy of [The Other](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069050/) from 1972, which I remember as a sublimely creepy film, and which features the rarely-seen Uta Hagen and a very young and lovely Diana Muldaur. Don’t let anyone “spoiler” it for you. Roddy ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/5 "2009-10-02T00:24:01Z")
For a slightly more comic bent, I nominate\* Tremors \*and _Slither_. ---
**Author:** ![Savannah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Savannah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Savannah)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/6 "2009-10-02T00:51:19Z")
The original **Wicker Man** , and **The Changeling**. Loved 'em! And I’m with you–it’s my favourite month, and Spooky Season began today! I have the popcorn (pre-dinner snack) and I think I will shamelessly ape you with a scary flick tonight. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/7 "2009-10-02T01:18:18Z")
If you like “more creepy than slashy,” try the B&W classics [_The Haunting_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunting_(1963_film)) and [_Curse of the Demon_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Demon) (a/k/a _Night of the Demon),_ which not only avoid onscreen violence, but carefully cultivate ambiguity as to whether there is anything supernatural going on or not. Also, _Rosemary’s Baby._ ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/8 "2009-10-02T01:21:19Z")
Nothing supernatural, but [_Link_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link_(film)) is another example of a creepy suspenseful film with all the implied violence off-camera. (Probably because they used real apes in the filming and you can’t train an ape to **pretend** to tear somebody’s arms off.) ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/9 "2009-10-02T01:29:56Z")
MST3K and creepy at the same time? Hmm. How about _Manos: Hands of Fate_? I found _The Sixth Sense_ to be quite creepy in spots. ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/10 "2009-10-02T01:56:13Z")
A couple of oldies but goodies, plus a (relatively) newer one, all in the “creepy rather than gory” category: _[The Innocents](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055018/)_ _[The Uninvited](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037415/)_ [_The Woman in Black_](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098672) ---
**Author:** ![supergoose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@supergoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supergoose)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/11 "2009-10-02T02:00:44Z")
How about creepy movies that are also funny? I quite like Spiderbaby, which is both. ---
**Author:** ![moonstarssun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9bd4f/32.png) [@moonstarssun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moonstarssun)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/12 "2009-10-02T02:11:35Z")
> [@Savannah](#): > > The original **Wicker Man** , and **The Changeling**. Loved 'em! > > And I’m with you–it’s my favourite month, and Spooky Season began today! > > I have the popcorn (pre-dinner snack) and I think I will shamelessly ape you with a scary flick tonight. Ape away! I’m starting with Halloween tonight, since it’s on my shelf. Then I may have to hit the video store for tomorrow, cuz you guys have given me lots of good ideas already. Now, onto that hot chocolate… ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/13 "2009-10-02T02:13:41Z")
> [@moonstarssun](#): > > Vampires can be good, but the Cullens haven’t done much to help the cause. For some hardcore badass vampires, watch John Carpenter’s _Vampires_. Opinions vary, but I like it a lot. The two _Jeepers Creepers_ movies are fun B-movies. Sam Raimi’s recent horror movie _Drag Me To Hell_ will be out on DVD in a couple of weeks and it’s great! (in an over-the-top, comical kind of way) A somewhat forgotten and underrated movie from the early 90’s: _Warlock_. Julian Sands is really great and evil in the title role. It’s been forever since I’ve seen it, but I remember thinking it was very cool. ---
**Author:** ![Rufus\_Xavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/14 "2009-10-02T02:18:50Z")
One of my favorites is rarely mentioned: _Phantasm_. It’s way low budget, and it shows, but some of the acting ain’t bad and it is as creepy as many movies with ten times the budget. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/15 "2009-10-02T02:23:05Z")
I’m re-posting this from a previous thread. Hope you don’t mind. 🙂 70s movies are my forte, but I adore horror in general. So let me recommend some really good (hopefully you’ll think so) atmospheric ones that you might not have seen. If these don’t whet your whistle, just holler and I’ll dig up some more recent fare. [ul] [li]The original [Black Christmas](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071222/) is pretty creepy, with one of the coolest early “freeze frame” who dunnit shots there is.[/li][li]Not sure if you’d think this was too violent, but [Last House on the Left](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068833/) is what **Saw** and **Hostel** wish they could’ve been if a real plot were used. The infamous scene (you’ll know it when you see it) is truly chilling.[/li][li][Burnt Offerings](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074258/)had a twist back in the day that was pretty unexpected and a very delightful Oliver Reed.[/li][li]I liked the idea behind [Communion / Alice, Sweet Alice](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076150/), but the execution lacks a bit to be desired. Might be interesting enough to you to check out.[/li][li]There’s so many good things about [The Mephisto Waltz](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067419/), there too numerous too mention. My only drawback was the cheesy ending, but I can forgive any movie that used that Shatner _mask on a dog_… long before **Halloween**. [/li][li]The giallo [Don’t Torture a Duckling](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069019/). If you can handle strong horror themes involving children then this is a true gem.[/li][li]Same thing can be said for [Who Can Kill a Child? / Island of the Damned](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075462/). As a teenager, I was freaked out by **Children of the Corn**. I had no freakin’ idea man. :)[/li][li]Love, love, love [Tourist Trap](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080040/)! Now you gotta get past Chuck Connors in the dual role, but the rest is a blueprint on the slasher genre that was then exploding.[/li][li]Not quite that scary, but a terrific take on the old Hansel and Gretal fairy tale is [Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067983/). This movie would be perfect for a remake, if only they could find someone fitting to do it justice. I dunno, like [/li][li]For a WTF moment or more, I’ll second [The Other](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069050/). Uta Hagen was delicious and there are no kids weirder than those from this particular decade. \< shudder \>[/li][li]And I’ve got to own [The Little Girl that Lived Down the Lane](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074806/). Almost all (Sheen was too campy, but at least he was pretty hot) were Oscar-caliber performances and if this movie doesn’t make you sad and horrified at this same time, I have not done my job. [/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/16 "2009-10-02T03:49:16Z")
Halloween - The original Carpenter one. The others don’t exist. Salem’s Lot - mother of god that movie scared the p! out of me! I still remember being 12 years old begging my mother to let me sleep with her after watching it! The Hitcher - A cult classic for a reason. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/17 "2009-10-02T10:21:32Z")
The Night Stalker The Legend of Boggy Creek The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari Cat People I Walked With a Zombie The Return of Dracula ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/18 "2009-10-02T13:04:02Z")
I’ll second **The Ring** and **The Grudge** for creepy Japanese remakes, but if you aren’t averse to subtitles I would recommend \*\*A Tale of Two Sisters \*\*which is actually Korean. Whenever we have these threads I always have to come in an recommend it. It’s creepy as hell but also thoughtful, sad and beautiful to see and hear. **Burnt Offerings** is a must see every Halloween and if your gonna watch 70s style horror you’d better include **Trilogy of Terror**. Some other recommendations: The Skeleton Key Angel Heart Session 9 Ghost Story ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/19 "2009-10-02T13:32:25Z")
> [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Then try the original _Texas Chainsaw Massacre._ Unlike later slasher movies, whose directors seem to feel obliged to space the murders as regularly as porn directors space cumshots, in _TCM_ the film is half-over before the first bit of bloodshed on-screen; it’s all buildup and atmosphere until then. Yeah, but once the blood starts flowing, something else amps up- a lot of annoying noise. She’s screaming & the family is cackling & I just got pissed off at the whole bunce of them. The buildup till then, however, especially the shots of the desecrated graveyard is DAMN creepy. I have some affection for the first TCM II, in which the each member of the family is actually a developed character, the hero is Dennis Hopper as a Texas Ranger out to avenge his nephew (the wheelchair-bound boy in the first movie), and tension, gore & humor are all well-combined. Besides the classic Universal, Hammer & API (Corman/Poe/Price) films, Tod Browning’s Freaks the B&W Carnival of Souls Similar to the above is the theological horror film Soul Survivors the original The Wicker Man If you can find it or someone shows it- the complete NBC miniseries The Dark Secret of Harvet Home (an American ‘Wicker Man’) Also, if you can find it, a 1970s TV film- Crowhaven Farm Of the classic Universal, Hammer & API (Corman/Poe/Price) films, these REALLY stand out- Universal: Bride of Frankenstein The Mummy The WolfMan The first half of Lugosi’s Dracula Frankenstein Meets the WolfMan Hammer: Horror of Dracula Curse of Frankenstein Brides of Dracula API: House of Usher Masque of the Red Death Tales of Terror The Dunwich Horror The Haunted Palace (Lovecraft’s Charles Dexter Ward) From 1973, two very different but very effective TV-versions of Frankenstein- Dan Curtis’s Frankenstein starring Bo Svenson Frankenstein: The True Story I’ll be back with more, I’m sure. ---
**Author:** ![Ian\_D.Bergkamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Ian\_D.Bergkamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ian_D.Bergkamp)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2009, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288/20 "2009-10-02T14:03:37Z")
John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness fits the OP’s requirements perfectly, I think. Creepy as hell, not much gore, and he got a great performances out the Simon & Simon guy and Alice Cooper. And I’ll second Angle Heart because it’s one of my favorite movies. Way creepy, but also lots of gore (though it’s all very realistic, not over-the-top gore like you see in the Saw and Hostel-type films). I also have a soft spot for the Universal monsters - Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy. I usually watch all of them right around Halloween. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-thread-about-favorite-horror-movies/512288.md?page=2)