Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with horror movies. I really don't like blood and gore, but at the same time find myself drawn to them. Zombie movies, especially.
The most disturbed I have ever been by a horror film was the remake of Dawn of the Dead. It is so intensely gory, the zombies are fast and not the slow, shambling horrors you've come to expect and the end of the movie leaves you with a real sense of hopelessness. It all works together to leave you very unnerved at the end of the film.
So tell me, because I love to scare myself, what horror films left you jumping at shadows?
[question posted by Fennelfoot]
responses and comments:
The Freddy Krueger movies, Nightmare on Elm Street have always been my favorite. I remember as a teenager, a bunch of us teens got together at one friends house and watched it. Ew, it was so scary, that I had nightmares of the movie that night. I know there were more than one, but I can hardly remember the others. But the first one was extremely scary. And of course, who could forget Psycho. They brought it back during my day, and had it showing at the theatre. I still haven't figured out why they brought back such an old movie, unless a part 2 or something was about to come out. But, from time to time, when I am home alone, I am still paranoid to open the shower curtain. LOL [kykidd]
Did you see the Psycho remake? I actually really liked it. As far as remakes go, it was very true to the original, nearly scene for scene. I tend to laugh at the teen slasher movies more than anything! That's what makes them fun, though. Nightmare, the Halloween movies, and the Amnityville movies are all a blast to watch for their campy-goodness! Also, it's absolutely hilarious to me that Johnny Depp was in the original Nightmare on Elm Street. He's the kid who gets sucked into his bed which then explodes in a torrent of blood. What a way to start a career, right? [Fennelfoot]
Sorry, I can't think of one single horror movie that I thought was any good. None of them have ever scared me, most of them are just silly and even my children laugh at them thinking they're more funny than anything. I reckon I could make the scariest horror film ever if they let me direct it. It would probably get banned though and nobody would ever get to see it! The scariest thing that I can think of is real life experiences from the past. [android]
Well, I'd totally watch your film, given the chance! I do agree with you that real life events are much scarier than anything that happens in a horror movie. I sincerely believe that the reason for that is because everyone knows in the back of their mind that a movie is just fiction, while, you can watch the news and it hits you that horrible things really are happening every single day in our world. [Fennelfoot]
I saw the haunting in Conniciut and the unborn and those made me a little jumpy. but they have been the best so far [kerriisthebest]
i've seen UNBORN... kinda bad for me... i dont like the movie... have a nice day! unborn did not make me jump... DRAG ME TO HELL is much better. [shhheila]
The newer movies don't have the same appeal as the old ones (dawn of the dead remake was better than the old though) I mean their ok, and it can still make you jump, but the story just isn't as good :P The exorcist, halloween, nightmare on elm street (The first ones of course) :D [andrewkeister]
I think that the newer horror movies are too glamourous. They have lost the grittiness and realism that they used to have. I remember reading somewhere that the most frightning thing is something you know, so as we don't all live in Hollywood, with perfect lives, lots of money etc, etc, how can we have a true empathy with the characters in these movies. Although saying that I've watched some truely terrible ones from the 80's. [kelly10]
Mine is definitely Session 9. It isn't outright horror, but it creeps up on you. It's an indie movie by Brad Anderson (The Machinist, Transsiberian) and Stephen Gevedon, who plays one of the main characters, "Mike." It is about an asbestos cleaning crew who strikes a sweet deal to clean up an abandoned asylum (Danvers Mental Institution, before its demolition not too long ago). Things go awry right from the beginning, as is to be expected of a team of guys like this: one has marital issues and a new baby, one is deathly afraid of the dark, one who could've been a lawyer, one who has a back-up plan to go to Vegas, and the other lost his girlfriend to the guy on the team who loves to gamble. Tensions arise as "Mike" finds and plays through a series of nine recorded sessions he finds in the building between a doctor and a woman named Mary who has been diagnosed with three different personalities ("Billy," "Princess," and "Simon"). The film ends with moderate bloodshed and a huge revelation as the final session, Session 9, plays, and the final personality makes itself known. There are some jump scenes and a few that are known to make viewers cringe. I think the location itself lends to the eerie atmosphere. Anderson and Gevedon did a lot of research and made visits to the abandoned hospital, which stood on the grounds of Old Salem in Danvers, Massachusetts. Also, the character "Gordon" is loosely based on a real-life person who lived in Boston. Won't give away more than that though. The music is amazing. It is experimental instrumentals all done by the Climax Golden Twins. It perfectly fits the scenes in the movie. It took me a few times watching the movie to figure most everything out, but it was well worth it. I own the movie and watch it whenever I feel like having a good creep-out fest. [baldypriest]
The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer isn't terrible, but I like Rose Red a bit better. I watched The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer a few months ago and thought it was okay, but it got a little bit boring in some parts. It's worth watching at least once though. [baldypriest]
wow that is a tough one as i absolutely love horror movies and gorefest. in my estimation, horror falls into two catergories of fear factor for me. there is the things that go bump in the night, beasties, all manner of the undead which is your basic vampires, zombies and mummies, your lycan shapeshifters and the supernatural and whatnot. then there is the gorefest, the gory slasher flicks where everyone gets killed in all manner of exiting and truly gross ways, then there is the one with the serial killers who tortures his victims before killing them. well the latter scares me the most because it is all about the cruelty that humans can inflict on their fellow man, and it is stuff that can happen in reality, well that scares me silly. the horror with the beasties is not so bad, but it is very fun. i can quite say what the best one i have seen is but the following should get an honorable mention rob zombie for house of a 1000 corpses, the devil's rejects and halloween ridley scott for aliens george romero for his dawn of the dead and subsequent zombie movies eli roth for hostel and well a big shout out to the truly sick puppy who came up with the concept for the saw movies, GENIUS a super special mention goes out to REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA, both the movie and the stage show! [mama_bear]
Your categorization is right on, mama_bear. Monster movies are an absolute blast to watch. Mummies, werewolves, vampires, swamp men, all those old go-to creatures that were so popular back in the 50s. Zombies are a little edgier anymore because of all the remakes of the old classic zombie movies, but I really feel vampires have been forced into a more sexy role, rather than scary. I'm not a huge fan of the newer torture flicks, and I think it's because of the reason you mentioned. There are people who have mass murdered and tortured people in real life and it really disturbs me to see that kind of graphic violence translated to film. Like I mentioned in a previous comment, I'm more of a fan of the subtler, implied violence than the graphic in-your-face kind. Don't think I don't enjoy myself some gore, though! Also, George Romero is a zombie god. I love that man. [Fennelfoot]
I think i can say "The Shutter". Its the movie where he agreed to have her gf raped with his friends and the girl died and went back to haunt him. Whats funny is that my son got hospitalized for 10 days and we ended up spending All Souls Day in the hospital. I just finished taking a bath, its like 6pm and my cousin are watching the movie that time. I can remember i locked the doors while im changing and unlock it before sitting beside my son in bed. then someone knocked and i have to asked my son's nanny to check the door, it might be the nurse. When she opened the door, no one's there. And there no nurse walking back to the station. We should see if theres one walking away since we live 20 rooms away from the nurses station. So from then on, im not watching horror movies anymore. [daryljane]
Oh man, totally creepy! The scariest unexplainable thing I've ever had happen to me, is a few weeks ago my toilet flushed when there was nobody (and no pets lol) in the bathroom. Is the bathroom haunted by ghost-flushers? If that's the case, they need to get a clue and learn that if you're gonna haunt in California, you can't be water-wasters! Also, sorry to hear about your son! I hope he recovered well. [Fennelfoot]
Well let me tell you that Horror/scary movies are my favorite ones. The ones I have really enjoy are the Saw Series. Omg if you haven't seen this ones, you should they are great; but there is a lot of blood on all of them. Belive me once you get to watch the first one, you will fill the necesity to keep watching the next of them. [eunice_escobar]
hey there and happy day to ya!! I love this thread!! i am a horror movie fanatic! its a passion of mine..always have been..i even like the ol' B movies..which one of my favorite B is Kolobos..its truely a great freaky movie in the dark..if u like those kind u must see it..i also thought the new dawn of teh dead kick azzz!!! i bought it and watch it alot..the beginning is my fav..when the little girl was just standing there..then jumped on her dad..and when he changed it was the coolest and even made me jump in the theater lol..House of a Thousand Corpses by Rob Zombie was awesome..though i must admit BABY and ohhhh whats the clown guys name..i dont believe im forgettin right now i have watched it hundreds of times lol!! what else..ohhh1! House on Haunted Hill is prolly one of my favorites..! The new one..the old one isnt bad with Vincent Price..actually it rocks for that time period..but the newest one rocked..Ohh!! and one last one out of thousands i can name off lol..The Exorsm of Emily Rose..that movie just scared the crap out of me!!! [cloud_kicker_32]
I think the clown's name was Captain Spaulding or something similar. That guy stole the show in every scene he was in. So amazingly creepy. House on Haunted Hill is great, too. I love the skeleton walking around in the original! And what horror buff doesn't love Vinnie Price? The new version has some really, really freaky monster makeup in it. Very unnerving. I'll have to check out Kolobos, too. [Fennelfoot]
The best horror movie I'd seen is The Shining. It really gets down to my nerve. The story is very terrifying and you can actually imagine yourself to be one of the characters there. It's an old movie but still I recommend you guys to see it. You will not go wrong with this. One of the best! [extendcradle]
I love The Shining! Wow, you guys are bringing up all these awesome movies I hadn't thought about in ages. What's with the scene where there's a guy like...um...having relations with a man in a bear suit? And the woman from the bathtub that's all rotted and grossified? Awesome book, awesome movie. [Fennelfoot]
I liked Psycho, The Exorcist and Halloween. I do not watch horror movies much but have seen my fair share and these 3 are the best. I have not watched a horror movie in a long long time. Is there any recent movies worth watching?? Please let me know. [sagnik42]
You can never go wrong with Shaun of the Dead! Although, it's not really scary, but it does have zombies. The movies you listed are all classic horror fare, Psycho with the famous shower scene, The Exorcist with the head-spinning and pea-soup-vomiting, and for some reason, the scene I always remember in Halloween is when the killer dresses up like a ghost with that dude's glasses on. It's so funny, but then all of the sudden, he's stabbing away at them complete humor to horror 180. [Fennelfoot]
I used to like horror films a lot when I was younger, now when I watch them it's like - just another story. I particularly like The Ring, the Japanese version, I had goosebumps and felt really scared when I saw the lady in white with long hair covering her face come out of the TV screen - oh, nothing like it. Even now when I see it it still has an effect on me. I also like the the Sixth Sense, this one is a great movie, not just scary. I don't like films with zombies and other ugly creatures, I find them too gross. [doryvien]
The Japanese take horror films to a whole different level. They do things in their films that really make you think "Holy crap, did that just happen?!". If you've ever heard of the Guinea Pig series of films, you'll know what I mean. And no, they're definitely not about sweet, furry guinea pigs. Hehe, zombies and monsters are fun because they're so gross! Brainsss....Braaaainssss! [Fennelfoot]
I have seen most of the big name in horror movie like Psycho, Alien, Friday the 13th etc. and some other absolute gems such as Audition that are less known, but I have yet to find a movie that truly shakes me to the core. If you have ever seen the Cigarette Burns episode of Masters od Horror, I am talking about the movie in that episode. Are there any truly amazing lesser known works out there? Or how about list the 5 movies that have left you afraid to turn out the lights. [pillsen]
Do a search for Flower of Flesh and Blood. It's a 1985 Japanese film, second in a series, I believe, that caused a huge uproar because of the realism employed in its making. The film-makers actually ended up going to court to prove that the effects were fake because of the public uproar. I'm not sure how hard it is to get a copy of this one, or any of the Guinea Pig movies anymore, but I'd imagine it's easier now than it was 5-10 years ago. I saw it because a friend of a friend had it and it's hard to watch in places. There are some other great movies in the series as well, definitely worth checking out for any horror fan. As for my top 5, I'll have to get back to you on that. There are so many good ones, old classics and the like that it would take me ages to choose just 5. [Fennelfoot]
oh my god, fennelfoot. i know exactly what you mean, i don't like scary movies but i find myself watching them more than any other type. drawn to them secretly. why is that? its so weird huh. I haven't found many scary movies. resident evil was okay i guess. i like saw series though. saw 5 just came out a few months ago. its about this doctor who is mad, he is dying so before he dies he decides to change the world... or what few people he can. he picks victims, kidnaps them, and drugs them, so when they wake up their are in various trap scenes. either they have to harm theirselfs or hurt someone else. he also gives them time limit, if you don't do it, your family dies or something like that. blood pumping movie. but its disturbing. [dex1007]
Resident Evil has some really great make-you-jump moments. I'm a huge fan of video games as well, and Resident Evil actually made a halfway decent film when usually making a game into a movie is a complete failure. The laser scene is so gross...then the chunks of the guy all flop to the floor. Nasty. And when that zombie wakes up that's trapped behind the glass underwater. I totally jumped there. [Fennelfoot]
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET that's my favourite. [skye86]
I love horror movies, although sometimes it's scary when I'm alone in my room at night. I like The Grudge as well as The Ring series. Sadako is the best villain of all time. [keatondrunk]
You know how different television channels will do huge horror movie marathons during Halloween? Yeah, I'll sit alone in the dark watching scary movie after scary movie until I realize what I'm doing is completely insane and I'll never sleep again! [Fennelfoot]
I have seen many a horror film,let me think that is a meaningful called"balance between the incident haunted"It stresses v.a mother,because of family poverty,know that she rented out ahouse,it was the hospital morgue,but had no choice but also more innocent and that evil died.Repeatedly to harass her.Finally,the boy in order to protect the family.Courage to face evil.And evil battle for the exchange of ideas.Finally,to help complete their evil wish.Protecting its own people at home.Is a better outcome of a horror film.Music and movie screen,it is terror,is also to attract viewers.I like friends who are interested can take some time to appreciate that this film movivg and exciting. [wangjihong350]
Music and other sound effects are so important to creating a successful horror-movie-feel. It really encapsulates you when the music and what's happening on the screen really reflect each other. Adversely, lack of sound in a scary movie is really effective as well. Like when it goes completely silent, and you strain to hear even the smallest sound, then all of the sudden something jumps out at the characters and you about have a heart attack. That's so good. [Fennelfoot]
The others... it was a movie about a family trying to get spirits out of their house soon to find out thery are the real goes and the ghost that they are trying to scared are the real people. Its so scary and at the same time it makes you think. [jaizhi]
I love Grudge ,saw and ring series.THey are most horrible movies yet i have seen.Those ghost in saw and in Ring just make me cringe.I too have love hate relationship with horror films.I cant stop myself from watching those films.Then latter i get annoy as i get scary dreams. [piya84]
I can't stop myself either. I'll be sitting in the dark, alone, watching a horror flick and thinking to myself "you know this isn't smart, you know you're gonna be freaked out later, why are you even doing this?" Doesn't stop me though! [Fennelfoot]
hi... I really love to watch horror movies. Sometimes i feel fear when i watch these kind of movies alone. I especially liked the movie Vaastru Shastra and after seeing this movie i was very scared at that night. The scenes and sounds of this movie are very scary... its a good horror film... what about others... frankly discuss... [panjababu]
That's interesting. I love hearing about horror/suspense/thriller movies from other countries. I think I enjoy psychological thrillers the most...movies that really get your brain going and that twist and turn along the plot as it goes on. [Fennelfoot]
My favorite horror movie is The Exorcist. I love scary movies of all kinds, but the best ones to me are the ones with less gore and more supernatural, spooky moments. I guess because I'm a nurse seeing blood and body parts doesn't shock me that much! The first horror movie I ever saw was Children of the Corn - I accidently watched it when I was seven years old and it scared the crap out of me. Even now as an adult it creeps me out. [dawndawn]
Stephen King's books usually translate really well to film, and I absolutely love it. I mean, just Google a list of his movies and you'll see what I mean. They've turned so many into films,starting in the late 70's and even as recently at 2007 with the movie 1408. That's over 30 years of fairly consistent movie and television work. I remember reading Children of the Corn before seeing it and being really creeped out. I was the spooky girl always reading Stephen King in High School. [Fennelfoot]
I like campy horror more than anything. My favorite horror movie is probably The Blob, still. It certainly won't scare you (unless you're like 7), but it's definitely worth watching. I would love to see a Blob remake! [jamztown]
OH MY GOD A SLOW MOVING MASS OF JELLY WHAT WILL WE DO?!!? You could try stepping out of the way? No, really, you don't even have to move fast, just take like, 5 steps that way. You know I love old campy horror films. Invasion of the Body Snatchers, House on Haunted Hill, The Birds, Them!...I could go on and on. [Fennelfoot]
Im not really a fan of new horror movies. I find the excessive gore to be repulsive, and somewhat boring. I prefer older physiological thrillers. There is nothing like an old Alfred Hitchcock movie. You should all check out LIFEBOAT. The entire movie takes place on this little life raft, and its sounds like it would be horribly boring, but the mind games Hitchcock plays are awesome, and make the movie fly by. [mallenparker]
There's a lot in my opinion so I'll give you a list The shining The last house on the Left (both versions are pretty good) The original poltergeist is pretty good The exorcist Rose red Thinner The thing Session 9 The dark hours The devils rejects The fourth kind Hellraiser Cube Fire in the sky Ed Gein - In the light of the moon (surprisingly accurate compared to the true story) I have had days where I just sit and watch all of one type of movie. Like cube or hellraiser I would watch all of them in one day. [dimmusacio]
I almost forgot one of my favorites though it is kind of zombie/epedemic. 28 Days Later [dimmusacio]