It’s that time of the year, when ghosts, goblins, and guys get to scaring stuff. This year we are offering up different lists of horror movies in Yell! Magazine’s 31 Days of Scares to help you celebrate the dying season. I tried my best to do a variety of old and new films, as well as films in different genres. Hopefully this list will give you a couple ideas for Halloween viewing! This list is in alphabetical order, as they are all excellent and highly recommended. Enjoy!
No.10 28 Days Later (2002)
Directed by Danny Boyle
Let’s start this list off right, 28 Days Later has reigned as one of my favorite horror films since its release back in 2002. Even over 10 years down the road, 28 Days Later still holds up as an excellent virus/zombie thriller. It never pulls punches in its gore or its grim story. By the end I am still holding my breath and praying for the best. The scene of Cillian Murphy running through a rainy forest is still one of my favorites, horror or otherwise. In terms of modern horror, it doesn’t get much better than this! The sequel is pretty good as well, but I am still waiting on 28 Months Later.
No.9 The Conjuring (2013)
Directed by James Wan
Speaking of great modern horror films, The Conjuring is the best exercise in form I’ve seen in quite a while. James Wan has been coming into his own lately, getting arguably better as he goes. The Conjuring may not be the most original horror film in recent memory, as it deals with a somewhat familiar haunted house premise, but what it does is interesting. The Conjuring actually develops two sets of characters, the family of victims, and the family of paranormal investigators. By letting us see both groups back and forth, we have a much clearer idea of what’s driving everyone in the story. The Conjuring is easily the best horror film of 2013, and maybe the best of the decade so far. The film also just got released on DVD so it’s the perfect time to see it!
No.8 Friday The 13th (Series)
I’ll admit, this pick is basically my way of recommending more than 10 movies. I’ve never been one for restraint I suppose. Anyway, Friday the 13th is probably familiar to most horror fans, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect time to revisit some classics. When it comes to the three big horror villains, Freddy, Michael, and Jason, I have always leaned toward Jason. Mainly because, by and large, even if his movies aren’t technically good, they are usually entertaining. This is why I had to include the whole series on the list, just too much good stuff to pass up.
No.7 The Innocents (1961)
Directed by Jack Clayton
This is a film that was actually recently recommended to me. So in turn, I thought I should share it with you. The Innocents is an early ’60s tale of ghosts and imagination. A young woman takes up a new position caring for a pair of young siblings. Their parents are gone and their absentee uncle doesn’t have the time to take care of them. This is a movie that almost completely forgoes blood in favor of atmosphere and the eerie visuals of classic horror cinema. Not to mention that the film holds up surprisingly well after just over 50 years. For fans of the classic horror genre, this should be the first thing you check out!
No.6 Noroi: The Curse (2005)
Directed by Kôji Shiraishi
Noroi:The Curse, often referred to simply as Noroi, is another film I just saw for the first time this year. I’ll admit that the found-footage genre is chock full of cliches and gimmicks at this point, but luckily back in 2005, right before the explosion of low-budget found-footage films, Japanese director Koji Shiraishi (Grotesque) added his amazing take on the genre. Coming in at nearly two hours, this film follows a documentarian as he follows clues leading him down a dark and dangerous path. The film has some very strong acting, and the mix of different footage, such as Japanese infomercials, simply adds to the realism. At times Noroi can be a little confusing, but once you start to unravel the mystery yourself you won’t be able to look away. The whole film builds up to a dynamite ending that stayed with me long after the film ended. This film may be a little tough to track down, but trust me when I tell you that it is worth the search!
The top 5 horror movie picks from Michael Stuhlman are just after the jump… if you dare…
