# The ABSOLUTE creepiest movie **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 11, 2000, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947 "2000-08-11T11:13:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![rockstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/73ab20/32.png) [@rockstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rockstar)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/61 "2000-08-13T01:14:54Z")
One movie that has warped my mind badly… Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas… goodness, goodness. ---
**Author:** ![Sublight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/62 "2000-08-13T03:42:03Z")
I have to recommend the Japanese movie _Ringu_ (The Ring), about a video tape that causes anyone who watches it to die exactly one week later. The mystery tape itself was creepy as hell. Nothing gory, nothing scary, just creepy. In addition, the end scene made this the first movie to actually scare me since I saw _The Shining_ at age 8. –Sublight. P.S. two separate sequels were made, each creating a completely different story line (different characters live or die, Sadako’s spirit has different goals, etc.). Forget them. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/63 "2000-08-13T04:09:17Z")
Though you most certainly have already seen them: Romero’s 1968 classic **Night of the Living Dead** certainly belongs on any “very creepy” list, and the 1979 sequel \*\*Dawn of the Dead \*\* deserves mention as well. ---
**Author:** ![Kat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b19c9b/32.png) [@Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kat)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/64 "2000-08-13T04:32:34Z")
I’m not a big creepy/scary movie fan, but I have to agree with **Se7en**. And also that the little kid in **Pet Semetary** creeped me out. But then again, I haven’t been able to visit the Field Museum since seeing **The Relic**. ---
**Author:** ![kinoons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a698b9/32.png) [@kinoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kinoons)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/65 "2000-08-13T04:39:48Z")
just to throw in my two cents, I’m with Event Horizion ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/66 "2000-08-13T05:38:58Z")
Creepiest movie of all time? _Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band_ by far was the most disurbing thing you can possibly see. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/67 "2000-08-13T09:29:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Johnny L.A. \* > \*\ ***The Haunting**. The original one. Not the remake. > \*\* Damn straight. It’s one of the few movies worthy of the intent and artistry of the book. (The remake is a joke; don’t even consider it.) _Nosferatu_, the original Dracula flick. Forget the camp and cult trappings; this is pure film expression of nightmares. Weird suggestion, but the absolute creep show is Leni Riefenstal’s _Triumph of the Will_. She was Hitler’s brilliant girl-producer; it’s a numbing, gorgeous glorification of pure evil. Basically it’s a real-life mind fuck for those moments when you may want to look inside and get a glimpse how ordinary people followed a monster. Veb ---
**Author:** ![silent\_rob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@silent\_rob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silent_rob)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/68 "2000-08-13T09:38:50Z")
The two fires (Coldfire and Silver\_Fire) knew where it was at. _Hellraiser_ and _In The Mouth of Madness_ would top my list. Though I must say that _Excorcist_ is right up there on the creepiness as well. _Seven_ and _Silence of the Lambs_ are fairly creepy, but in a different way. They don’t give me the willies like the other ones. Curious and fascinating would be better ways to describe them, delving into the minds of maniacs. Of course, _Psycho_ has the same affect, though not to the same degree. On a side note, I really like _Hellraiser 2_ as well. I would actually consider it a better movie in some regards. Though it kind of fizzles near the end a little. _Hellraiser: Bloodlines_, #4, is also enjoyable, as it explains mysteries in the other ones. Skip 3 though, it’s just another slasher flick. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/69 "2000-08-13T17:51:59Z")
OK, I was overwhelmed with curiosity, and rented the Dutch version of **The Vanishing** this weekend. It _was_ creepy, and it was a very well-made film, but it wasn’t as disturbing as I expected after reading all of the posts here. I am guessing a woman might find this film a bit creepier than a man, because it plays to women’s fears of victimization. Didn’t do that much for me, though. As far as European films go, I found **Funny Games** to be considerably creepier. Any fans of creepy movies who haven’t seen this one yet ought to give it a try. Also, rent {b]The Hitcher\*\* if you haven’t seen it. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2000, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/70 "2000-08-13T23:34:26Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by TVeblen \* > [B_Nosferatu\*, the original Dracula flick. Forget the camp and cult trappings; this is pure film expression of nightmares. \*\* Vebbie, I always knew I loved you. Now I know why. That is one of the scariest things ever made, and certainly the greatest Dracula flick EVER. 1922, IIRC. And it scares me more than 98% of all “modern” Horror Movies. Amazing. ---
**Author:** ![Skwerl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Skwerl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skwerl)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/71 "2000-08-14T03:00:32Z")
The movie “The Vanishing” is called “Spoorloos” in Dutch. It took some rooting around at IMDB to find that out, but here’s its page: [http://us.imdb.com/Title?0096163](http://us.imdb.com/Title?0096163) ---
**Author:** ![NothingMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b77776/32.png) [@NothingMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NothingMan)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/72 "2000-08-14T05:19:02Z")
I guess it hasn’t really aged well, but when I first saw “ **The Duel** ” (made by some unknown named Steven Spielburg) it creeped me out. That whole faceless trucker thing. Sure, it all takes place during the daylight and theres no gore or anything, but psychologically its themes of isolation and stalking are fine examples of “creepy films”. ---
**Author:** ![MagicalSilverKey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@MagicalSilverKey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MagicalSilverKey)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/73 "2000-08-14T05:50:31Z")
Psycho (Hitchcock version) The Nanny (starring Bette Davis) Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte (starring Bette Davis) Night of the Living Dead (60’s b&w version) The Blair Witch Project The Omen Dario Argento’s “The Church” The Evil Dead The Bad Seed (1956 version) The Appointment (starring Edward Woodward) Village of the Damned (1960) Re-animator all above are top notch frightfests One I saw when I was a kid, that used to scare the bejeezus out of me, was called “Attack of the Mushroom People” I know the title sounds hilarious, but IIRC the movie is pretty creepy and non funny. However, the most DISTURBING film I have ever seen is Natural Born Killers, and I only saw the “R” version, not the Director’s Cut. This movie made even me, a seasoned horror fanatic, cringe. The episode of the X Files entitled “Home” is the scariest episode of the series. I could name a million more, but the classics are the best. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Freshmaker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed655f/32.png) [@The\_Freshmaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Freshmaker)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/74 "2000-08-14T05:59:44Z")
The creepiest/scariest movie I’ve ever seen has to be **The Changeling** w/George C. Scott. Also in the running (along with a lot of the movies already named): _In the Realm of the Senses_ _Parents_ creepy and funny _Deliverance_ _Swordsman II_ creepy fantasy w/the awesome Jet Li _Candyman_ mainly because of Tony Todd’s voice _The Cook, the Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover_ _Rabid_ creepy/cheesy ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/75 "2000-08-14T08:34:07Z")
I haven’t seen “Attack of the Mushroom People” in decades, but a few scenes are still with me. Thanks (not) for reminding me MagicalSilverKey! The definition of “creepy movie” for me is “Little Murders” with Elliot Gould and Alan Arkin. Not scary. Not gory. Just creepy. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/76 "2000-08-14T08:38:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Skwerl \* > \*\*The movie “The Vanishing” is called “Spoorloos” in Dutch. It took some rooting around at IMDB to find that out, but here’s its page: [http://us.imdb.com/Title?0096163](http://us.imdb.com/Title?0096163) \*\* You’re absolutely right. I messed up earlier on: _Het Gouden Ei_ is the title of the book on which the film is based. The English translation of the book is called [The Vanishing](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/067941973X/qid=966241910/sr=1-25/002-2309926-0400844?search-path-string=). The writer is Tim Krabbé, who is the brother of [Jeroen Krabbé](http://us.imdb.com/Name?Krabb%E9,+Jeroen), a fairly well known Dutch actor. Enough Dutch Trivia for now, I suppose. ---
**Author:** ![orestes543](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/b5e925/32.png) [@orestes543](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orestes543)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/77 "2000-08-14T13:59:14Z")
There are a few movies that I’ve seen that are pretty creepy. Here goes: 1. **Night Breed** - This movie gave even me nightmares and I don’t scare that easy. This is a movie version of a Clive Barker book called Cabal. Very good movie and it even has the very bizarre Canadian director/actor/producer David Cronenberg in it. 2. **Brain Scan** - Umm, there’s not much to say about this movie except that it was possibly \* the \* scariest and creepiest movie I have ever and probably will ever see in my whole life. It has Edward Furlong in it. 3. **The House on Haunted Hill(The Remake and the Original)**- I’ve seen both of these and think that both of them are excellent movies. I personally like the remake better because it’s a little more gruesome but that’s just my style. 4. **The Hitcher** - I’m getting the shivers just thinking about this one. Rutger Hauer just fits the role too well and he’s very, very creepy. 5. **Ravenous** - This is another extremely _creepy_ kind of movie. There’s not much more I can think to say about this one. Well, that’s all for now. We’ll see if I can remember any more throughout the day. ---
**Author:** ![Dumbguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dumbguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dumbguy)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/78 "2000-08-14T19:34:24Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Lizard \* \*\* > [@](#): > > I THINK I’ve seen the American remake with Keifer Sutherland and Sandra Bullock. Is this the movie where a guy buries someone alive? I didn’t find the American remake more than mildly disturbing, but many have said the original is something else. > \*\* The American remake is an absolute turd. Even the other turds won’t talk to it at parties. Unfortunately the two are similar enough from a plot standpoint that if you saw the original now, it likely wouldn’t have the impact as if you had seen it cold. Still, I’d recommend it. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/79 "2000-08-14T20:09:45Z")
The Hills Have Eyes. Must have been 25 years ago, and I’m shivering as I type this. And I remember the first time I saw Halloween in the theater while in college. My buddy and I smoked up before the show, and it let out at twilight. My buddy and I walked home practically holding hands, walking down the middle of the streets to make sure no one jumped out at us from behind a bush. ---
**Author:** ![ElwoodCuse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/edb3f5/32.png) [@ElwoodCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElwoodCuse)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2000, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947/80 "2000-08-14T20:36:45Z")
“I love that movie ‘Young Frankenstein’! Scared the hell out of me.” --Homer Simpson [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-absolute-creepiest-movie/28947.md?page=5)