I put up a similar post last year, but I wanted to go back to it in the spirit of the season. You see, my film literacy is brutally bad where horror is concerned, and every October I feel especially ashamed of this.

How bad is it? Consider that I haven’t seen any of the following…

Any Friday the 13th chapter.
Any Nightmare on Elm Street after the first one.
EVIL DEAD 1 & 2
Any Saw chapter
The original FRANKENSTEIN, WOLFMAN, MUMMY, and CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON
and the only time I’ve seen AMITYVILLE HORROR was the edited version on AMC

When I mentioned this last year, my faithful readers were good enough to suggest the long list you see below. Whil i was able to get to a few of them in the last year (ROSEMARY’S BABY, THE FLY, HALLOWEEN) there is a vast number of scary movies left untouched. So dear readers – once again I put this to you.

I want to try and strike five or six films off this list by Halloween – Which of the films are musts?

BLACK SABBATH
THE BLOB
CANDYMAN
CARNIVAL OF SOULS
CAT PEOPLE
CAT’S EYE
THE CHANGELING
THE DESCENT
THE DEVIL’S REJECTS
DOG SOLDIERS
EVIL DEAD 1 & 2
FRANKENSTEIN
FRIDAY THE 13TH PT 1 & 2
FRITT VILT
GINGER SNAPS
THE GORGON
HAXAN
HIGH TENSION
HORROR OF DRACULA
HOSTEL 1 & 2
HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES
HOUSE OF THE DEVIL
THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL
I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
THE INNOCENTS
INSIDE
JEEPERS CREEPERS
JIGOKU
KWAIDAN
LADY IN WHITE
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3
NIGHTBREED
NOSFERATU
THE OMEN
ONIBABA
POLTERGEIST
PULSE
[REC]
RE-ANIMATOR
ROVDYR
SAW
SLEEPAWAY CAMP
SUPSIRIA
THIRST
VAMPIRE LOVERS
VAMPYR
THE VANISHING

60 Replies to “Get Ur Freak On (Or My Lack of Horror Movie Know-How ver. 2.0)”

  1. I’ll just repost here what I said in the other one (for those who might want to comment on it).

    I’d say the top ones to go with…

    – Saw (though the first one is more thriller than horror)

    – Evil Dead 1 & 2

    – Poltergeist (cheesy effects, but is one everyone should see)

    As for some thoughts on the others on your list…

    The Blob – I haven’t seen the original, but the remake is good.

    Candyman – It’s really not scary, but Tony Todd is the man!

    I’m in the minority that thinks The Descent is vastly overrated. The first half is good, but then the little Gollum creatures show up and the movie gets silly. If you’re going with a Neil Marshall film, go with Dog Soldiers. I did really like that one.

    House of 1000 Corpses/Devil’s Rejects aren’t scary… just very gory and violent. Similarly, don’t bother with either Hostel film. The first is half softcore porn and half really fake-looking torture porn. The only good part is the last 20 minutes. The second film is exactly the same as the first, except with girls instead of guys… and without the good third act.

    Jeepers Creepers is fun in a very silly and stupid way. I can’t imagine you liking this one. It’s very juvenile horror.

    I recently saw Elm Street 3 myself. It’s very 80s, but it’s fun.

    [Rec] is great, though it does have some flaws. And if you’ve seen Quarantine, it’s practically shot for shot, with only a couple major differences.

    And, finally, Thirst has a great director and great ideas, but it’s only a so-so film.

      1. I’m gonna second Nick’s recommendations of EVIL DEAD 1 & 2, and POLTERGEIST.

        The EVIL DEAD films are must to watch if you’ve seen ARMY OF DARKNESS, and are really a lot more fun then they are scary. Gruesome, but funny too. Bruce Campbell is a cult icon because of these films.

        POLTERGEIST is more scary, but a great ride. I haven’t seen that one in years.

        1. I actually got a chance to see Poltergeist on the big screen a few years back. And it was the first time I’d seen it in forever. Now THAT was awesome.

  3. Elm Street 3…introduced me to Patricia Arquette, a love affair which lasts to this very moment.

    The Changeling – awesome ghost story. And Lady in White is actually tense for a PG Disney flick!

    Ginger Snaps…I think I’ve only seen the 1st one, but so fun!

    I’ve only seen the 1st Saw, but I really should get around to the others.

    Man…I had forgotten about Sleepaway Camp! haha Good times!

    The Vanishing…I’ve only seen the Kiefer Sutherland one, but I really liked it. Disturbing!

    I’m gonna throw in Skinwalkers, too, because part of it was filmed in CREEEEMORE!!! 😉

    I’m gonna throw in Day

    1. That’s two for GINGER SNAPS…I might have to bump that one up the list too. Wanna come watch it with me so I can bury my head in your shoulder during the scary bits.

  4. You know something Mad, I haven’t seen the original Frankenstein either. Quite ashamed by that fact, because I so dreadfully want to see it (and it was on TCM last night and I missed it!!!). If you’re up for it, I’m thinking that would make for a fun debate post.

    On the whole I’ve seen more horror films in a sort of half-aware state, but I’ve never been big on them. A neighbor up the street from me is real big into them and I usually rely on his trickle down effect for what I bother to indulge in.

    1. I do finally wanna scratch Frankie off my list, and am totally up for building a post around it too (not too sure what though).

      I vote you show my list to your neighbour and see what he suggests.

  5. FRIDAY 13TH, EVIL DEAD and SUSPIRIA.

    But, above ALL of them? THE EXORCIST. You fu****n wuss. Watch the bloody thing already. Director of THE FRENCH CONNECTION and, crucially, not as scary as you would think. You need to get over yourself and simply watch it. 😉

      1. OOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo… with the lights off? That’s quite bad-ass. In fact, we should switch around that whole “Taling about…” thing as this time its a film YOU’ve never seen – rather than the other way around

        1. Sorry, I mis-spoke.

          Because it’s the audio that continually fucks me up with this film, that’s the element I’m omitting. I’ll be selecting some apropos music, listening to *that* on my headphones, and watching it withg the vbolume off

          1. Don’t you freaking dare do this…Sound is such a key component to horror films. In all seriousness, don’t bother watching it if that’s your plan – it won’t count.

          2. I know I talk a lot, so I’ll overlook the fact that I’ve already said this before:

            The sound design of THE EXORCIST fucks me up. I can’t handle it and have to turn it off – it’s what has prevented me from being able to watch the film and chicken out even when I’ve tried watching it in broad daylight.

            It’s either being watched with the sound off, or it’s never being watched.

          3. Sorry, I’m with Bob. If you’re gonna omit the sound in The Exorcist, don’t even bother watching it. It makes the whole point moot.

          4. I know full-well what the sound brings to it: It’s what has kept me from seeing it this long. I’m still gonna watch it thus way to fill in what I don’t know.

  7. I’m not a horror film expert at all, but I can vouch for these films:

    CARNIVAL OF SOULS
    THE DESCENT
    EVIL DEAD 1
    NOSFERATU
    THE VANISHING (the original)

  8. “Cat People” should absolutely be one of them and here’s three reasons why:

    1) it’s really good
    2) it’s really short
    3) you’re not just striking through a single title, you’re putting a checkmark next to an entire horror film subcategory

    1. Welcome to The Matinee Helen!

      With an impassioned argument like that, how could I refuse. I’ll do my darnedest to watch CAT PEOPLE before the month’s out…is this the version that includes the David Bowie tune?

      1. I was thinking of the original actually- I don’t think any of the points of my argument apply to the remake, but if you watch it instead you can let me know. 😉

  9. “Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers”, solely because it stars Bruce Springsteen’s sister.

    I’m sorry. I’m useless.

  10. Rather than continue to push films that you’re already watching based on earlier votes…

    Consider this another plug for Cat People. Actually, I Walked with a Zombie is really interesting, too. Everyone should be a least a little familiar with Val Lewton.
    Suspiria isn’t great, but it’s visually a real treat.
    I’d throw The Devil’s Backbone on your list if you haven’t already seen it. It’s really beautifully filmed and has some good scares. I’d also put Black Sunday (different from Black Sabbath) on the list if only for the first 10 minutes.
    Vampyr and Haxan are interesting only for the film history. Neither is that good.

    1. Hmm, looks like some meaty stuff to dig into here. I did watch DEVIL’S BACKBONE during the run of The Film Locker podcast, but might have another chance to see it when the Lightbox screens it this fall.

      Some other meaty titles suggested though – is there one that you would push above the others?

      1. I’d suggest Suspiria just because. I wanted to see it because I learned that Dario Argento’s goal was to create a movie that looked like a horror movie directed by Walt Disney. If that doesn’t get you interested, I don’t know what could.

  11. Here are the ones I’ve seen that are on your list…

    Top 5 to see:
    EVIL DEAD 1 & 2
    – – because you can’t be a movie nerd and not have seen these – there is so much that have been influenced by these)
    [REC]
    – – Pure awesome. Legitimately scary. [REC]2 is just as good!
    SAW 1
    – – the only one in the series worth watching
    INSIDE
    – – HOLLEEE SHEE-AT. That is all.
    NOSFERATU
    – – which one? They’re both awesome!

    CANDYMAN – not a fan
    CARNIVAL OF SOULS – some bits are creepy mood, but kinda boring
    THE DESCENT – MY SIXTH MAN CHOICE
    THE DEVIL’S REJECTS – gratuitous raunch porn; not a fan
    DOG SOLDIERS – good early Neil Marshall, it’s fun.
    FRIDAY THE 13TH PT 1 & 2 – meh, at this point watch clips on YouTube
    GINGER SNAPS – not a fan; but everyone else seems to be for some reason
    HAXAN – milfly interesting, but I remember little
    HIGH TENSION – classic high tension, dude chases chick movie. it’s good
    HOSTEL 1 & 2 – torture porn stupidness
    HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES – I’m in minority here, but loved it for its batshit craziness in the last 20 minutes or so
    HOUSE OF THE DEVIL – good recall to the late 70’s, but many were bored to tears
    THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL – never saw original. remake is retarded.
    JEEPERS CREEPERS – kinda fun, not very scary
    NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3 – is this dream warriors? then if so my nostalgia meter just went through the roof. Love Dream warriors.
    THE OMEN – this one has some genuinely hair-raising moments. Good film.
    POLTERGEIST – at this point, kind of 80’s cheese. saw it a few years ago and thought it was stupid.
    PULSE – saw the remake. horseshit horseshit horseshit. But apparently the original is good.
    SUPSIRIA – not my cup of tea.
    VAMPYR – I have a review for this somewhere. I liked it in more of a historical sense than anything else
    THE VANISHING – got bored, turned it off (especially since I’d seen the remake and knew what happens anyway).

    1. Andrew, your comment about “The Vanishing” depresses me…Though I haven’t seen the remake, the endings are different – not in the solution to the mystery, but in what happens after.

      I’m OK with your top 5. I’ve only seen the first Saw and though it’s “good”, I wouldn’t put it on any “must” list. haven’t seen “Inside” – I’m a bit afraid to actually…I have “Martyrs” at home which I’ll finally tackle. I’ll consider “Inside” as well (I’m also not sure if “Inside” is a movie that can be enjoyed like other horror films – at least from what I’ve heard).

      Agree with you on Dog Soldiers, The Descent and the ton of fun that is Nightmare 3: Dream Warriors (do NOT watch Nightmare 2 – oh my goodness that’s terrible…Horrific in its terribleness).

      Ginger Snaps is more than just a horror film – it’s a whole package kinda thing.

      Carnival Of Souls is wonderful! I suppose I may give it extra points for being so low budget, but there’s some great moments in it and scenes from it.

      Shame you don’t like a classic like Suspiria…The mood and atmosphere in that film is spectacular.

      For me High Tension is the film that I don’t get – even before the controversial part, I just was not feeling it.

      The Pulse remake is barely a remake – borrows concept and a few direct rip scenes, but misses the mark on really getting its theme across as well as establishing any sense of dread. The original has that very creepy scene with the “spider” woman. The recent one makes her a CGI character and ruins any of the creep factor…

      Definitely watch the original House On Haunted Hill (I think it’s public domain, so should be easy to find) – it’s a lot of fun.

    1. Damn dude – that’s comprehensive! Considering the double-dog-dare you lobbed at me for INSIDE, I think that’s a must now.

      Might even watch it late at night…with all the lights off…

  13. Some good suggestions on your suggestions, so I don’t think I need to try to override any of them – however, I would say that if you have not heard about the endings to either The Vanishing (the original please!) or Sleepaway Camp, watch them soon in order to get the full effect. The former is all buildup and a punch to the gut ending while the latter is a bad movie (quite bad), but the ending is definitely in the WTF category.

    If you watch Exorcist, Evil Dead, Poltergeist, [rec], Frankenstein and Ginger Snaps you’ll be doing just fine sir.

    However, let me also make an offer to you…Since I’ll be seeing you tonight, I can bring any or all of the following:

    BLACK SABBATH
    CARNIVAL OF SOULS
    CAT PEOPLE
    THE CHANGELING
    GINGER SNAPS
    HOUSE OF THE DEVIL
    THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL
    I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE
    THE INNOCENTS
    JIGOKU
    KWAIDAN
    ONIBABA
    PULSE
    [REC]
    SUPSIRIA
    THIRST
    VAMPIRE LOVERS
    VAMPYR

    No pressure…I don’t expect everyone to plow through horror films in October like I do (it’s the one marathon I do – normally my movie choices are almost random and jump all over the place).

    If I had to recommend some additional titles from that list, I would add “Suspiria” (it’s silly, but it’s gorgeous), Pulse (the Japanese one of course…Simply one of my faves because of its subtlety and use of sound), Onibaba (slow, but spooky), Cat People/I Walked With A Zombie (probably the best two films of Val Lewton’s “horror productions – cinematography that one-ups some of the best Noir films) and, oh, let’s say “House Of The Devil” (just to throw in something contemporary – though it’s actually a nice throwback to the 70s – the directors latest film will be at After Dark, so you’d be up to date…).

    Of course, what I’m really trying to do is increase the size of your “To Watch” pile at home – then you’ll understand my issues…B-)

    1. Thank you for the loan of the scary movies – and of course, for your thorough response. You’re still wrong (…about something…not sure what…shut up).

  15. Or you could watch City of the Living Dead. Cody and I watched that on our first “date” and he still liked me afterwards.

  16. All my picks are up there

    SUSPIRIA is not only visually stunning but indeed a great film – maybe not scary in the “boo” sense but terrifying in the atmosphere Argento sets up. I’ve got THE BIRD WITH CRYSTAL PLUMAGE on the shelf which is also directed by Dario Argento – I’ve been told since I love his films DEEP RED and SUSPIRIA I must watch.

    [REC] should be followed with [REC 2] if you will do that one – it takes the concept of the first and gives it a much needed spin – did a write up on it – if you care to dig through those archives. Both are damn cool.

    THE DESCENT is my favorite horror film of the past decade ’00-’09 – so I can’t recommend that one more

    JACOB’S LADDER is one I’ve been meaning to revisit – not sure if I’d put that one out there without having rewatched it myself. There are a few on your list that I would tell you to skip – but I’m sure others have their reasons to recommend them – so I won’t say anything especially since you may end up enjoying them

    1. Loved JACOB’S LADDER…not sure what prompted me exactly, but I gave that one a watch a few years back. Will let you know what I think of SUSPIRIA if it ever makes it up the queue.

  17. I too, haven’t seen a lot of horror films though I will try and make up for that as I’m also going to watch the original Cat People and Guillermo del Toro’s Cronos which I own on DVD. Have you seen Audition? That’s one horror film I will never watch again. All because it fucked up me when I watched on one Halloween night.

    1. Haven’t seen AUDITION, but I’m pretty sure it’s too damned intense. I have the original CAT PEOPLE sitting on my counter now, so consider that on-deck!

      1. Audition isn’t necessarily as scary as it is messed up. It’s 90 minutes of a very slow-paced romance/drama (with a few mystery sprinkles tossed in here and there), then 20-30 minutes of “OMGWTF?!” But the WTF is just insane torture and violence, not really scares. There are maybe 2-3 legitimately creepy moments in the film, but I’d never say the movie is scary or terrifying… unless extreme violence and gore bothers you.

        1. Yeah, I’m not that big a fan of torture (and have seen in images and comments what happens in AUDITION). Pretty sure I’m firmly entrenched in “No Thanks”

  18. Wow, you really are lacking in horror films! Of the list you have there, I’d say that the following are must watch/watch first kind of stuff:

    CANDYMAN
    EVIL DEAD 1 & 2
    FRANKENSTEIN
    FRIDAY THE 13TH PT 1
    NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3
    THE OMEN
    [REC]
    SUSPIRIA

    There’s also some that I haven’t seen but are on my October lineup of reviews, such as Jigoku and Horror of Dracula, so I can’t comment yet on their value.

    1. Bob was nice enough to loan me [REC] last night, and given the outpouring for NIGHTMARE 3, I think that’s gonna be watched pretty soon too.

      And yeah, my horror literacy is pretty pathetic. That’s what comes from growing up a scaredy cat.

  19. The Inside dare isn’t so much for its scares as it is for its wtf. You’ll get halfway through it and think you’ve seen just about anything a gore fest can throw at you… then there’s more. and more.

      1. lol, I think it’s funny you’re willing to watch Inside, but pass on Audition. From what I know of Inside, it’s about 10 times worse than Audition, and for the bulk of the movie, not just the third act. If Inside is on your queue, I should recommend a little film called Martyrs. 😛

        1. Perhaps, but it’s more in response to Andrew’s dare than anything else. had I known that in advance, I might have whistled a different tune.

          Still…we’ll see how it all goes.

  20. I can really recommend both Fritt Vilt and Rovdyr. They are good examples of Norway being the frontrunner scandinavian country when it comes to commercial mainstream film.

    On your list I also have to recommend Nightmare on Elm Street 3 and Poltergeist.

    Friday the 13th is an underrated Horror Franchise I especially like part 3 but a lot of people seem to hate it.

    1. One of these days I really need to dig into the Friday films.

      Thanks for listening mate. I have the hunch you’ll quite like the next episode – stay tuned.

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