Have you ever found yourself on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, as a spine-chilling scene unfolds on the screen? Do you revel in the adrenaline rush that engulfs your entire being when a ghostly figure emerges from the shadows, or a bloodcurdling scream pierces the silence? If so, this is the post for you. This month, I delve into the depths of the bone-chilling universe of horror movies, sharing those that have left me both trembling with fear and filled with an inexplicable sense of delight.
But before I unveil my top picks, let's first explore why I
find myself irresistibly drawn to the allure of scary movies. One might wonder
why anyone would willingly subject themselves to experiencing terror in a
controlled environment. After all, fear is not typically an emotion that people
seek out in their everyday lives. However, for me, the allure of scary movies
lies in their unique blend of excitement, suspense, and escapism. They
transport me to fantastical worlds where creatures of the night roam and
genuine terrors manifest. I find solace in the knowledge that, once the credits
roll, I can return to the safety of reality, untouched by the horrors I
witnessed on the screen. Being able to confront fear in a controlled setting
allows me to explore the darker realms of human existence without enduring
their haunting consequences. So, if you are prepared to embark on a chilling
cinematic journey, come with me as I recount the tales that have immersed me in
a captivating world of fright. Their ability to draw me in, challenge my fears,
and make my heart race is an experience I am eager to share. So, gather your
courage; here are some of my favorite scary movies:
Lights Out (2016) – One of my favorites of all
time, Lights Out takes the genre's best tropes and surprises the
audience in the best way. When Rebecca is left at home with her brother, a
supernatural entity with a strange attachment to her mother begins to torment
the entire family.
The Others (2001) – After twenty-plus years, The
Others still delivers one of the best twists in the genre. During World War
II, Grace relocates her children to the English coast, waiting for her missing
husband’s return. When the children begin seeing ghosts, Grace begins to wonder
what is happening in their new home. For period-piece fans, this is a must.
As Above, So Below (2014) -This
documentary-style film will leave you breathless in the best way. Follow a
group of thrill-seekers as they explore the catacombs of Paris and discover
more than they bargained for. One of my favorite horror films that I recommend to
people often.
Werewolves Within (2021) – I love when horror
can also be humorous, and Werewolves Within delivers. Sam Richardson is
one of my favorite actors, and he shines in this film. Werewolves Within follows
a forest ranger as he tries to unearth the truth behind a mysterious creature
that seems to be terrorizing a small, secluded community.
The Conjuring Franchise (2013-Present) – A must for
movie lovers. Anything “based on true events” in the horror genre always
heightens my interest tenfold. The Conjuring franchise follows the work of paranormal
investigators and demonologists Lorraine and Ed Warren. Brilliant casting and
production make this series a returning favorite.
The Witch (2015) – Set in 1630 New England, The
Witch reveals the paranormal panic experienced by early settlers. When a
family is condemned for witchcraft, they are cast out from society and struggle
to survive. Fun fact: watching this movie inspired some of the “witchy” backstories
for my first paranormal cozy mystery, You Can’t Candle the Truth.
Host (2020) – With a 57-minute runtime, Host
is perfect for a quick horror fix. Incredibly timely, as this was released
during the first months of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Host features a
Zoom-call séance and the dangerous aftermath of a spiritual reading.
The Insidious Franchise (2008-Present) – Patrick
Wilson was meant for scary movie franchises. He starred in The Conjuring movies
and leads another great cast in Insidious. This film poses the question
of whether a person, not a house, can be haunted.
Prey (2022) – I love historical horror, so I
was eager to see this movie when it came out last year. Set 300 years ago, Prey
delivers a riveting tale that follows Naru, a Comanche woman, on a mission
to protect her people from a highly evolved alien predator.
Honorable Mention:
Hell House, LLC (2015)
Voice from the Stone (2017)
La Llorona (2019)
Evidence (2013)
Get Out (2017)
Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Beyond “the classics” that everyone is familiar with, what
are some of your favorite horror movies?
I dabble in horror occasionally. And I've pretty much stuck to the classics. I can't think of anything to add, and I haven't even watched the movies on your list.
ReplyDeleteNot my cuppa, but neither are Halmark movies. Give me a good action thriller and I'm ready to count the bodies drop.
ReplyDeletePsycho and then The Devils finished me off for life. I still can't take a shower without locking all the doors first.
ReplyDeleteMy husband maintained that children should be permitted to watch or read whatever attracted them. If the content was questionable for any reason, a parent should watch/read along to monitor & help filter whatever was going on on the screen/page.
ReplyDeleteOne of my daughters had a penchant for horror movies from the time she discovered them. She eagerly watched any she could find and around Halloween always spent most evenings in front of the TV with the most horrifying movies, both quality ones and pure junk.
Since I worked nights, and this whole let-them-watch-anything was my husband's idea anyhow, he was the one who watched with her.
She came out apparently unscathed, but he had nightmares.
Total chicken, here, Sarah, so I'll rely on you to watch and enjoy them for me. Thanks, feeling safer already.
ReplyDeleteBeyond “the classics” that everyone is familiar with, what are some of your favorite horror movies?
ReplyDeleteIt’s a classic, but Carrie. I never saw it in the movies, but watched it on HBO. I got to the last few minutes wondering what the hype was about. Got out of bed to turn off the TV (yes, it was that long ago) and right there, with my face to the screen – the hand. Left the lights on all night, couldn’t sleep. Never watched it again.
My other favorites, The Omen, The Haunting of Hill House, and Red Rose, another Stephen King book to screen.
The scariest movie I have ever seen is not horror, but sci fi. The remake of On the Beach. It still disturbs me to think of the ending. Way more frightening than the original, or the book for my $0.02
I'm way too impressionable, I think! Horror movies are not my cup of tea, thanks to Psycho, The Omen, etc., that I gobbled up when I was younger, but still I love the original Halloween.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched it in many years but remember being terrified by Whatever Happened to Baby Jane when I was a teenager. Psychological thrillers are always much scarier to me than slasher flicks.
ReplyDeleteSo many great movies mentioned!
ReplyDeleteThis might surprise everyone, but I used to be terribly afraid of scary movies! Couldn't make it through one to save my life. But when I found out how much George (my fiancé) loved them, I decided to give them a try. Now, I'm hooked! The discussions we have in our household about them make the whole experience even more enjoyable. Especially when witchcraft and demons are involved!