Movie-Holic

Horror movies have been scaring people for decades and the genre never really gets old. Everyone, regardless of what they say publicly, wants to be scared from time to time.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of… scary apprehension. Not knowing what’s going to happen next, while you’re sitting in the dark, the sound up loud, all eyes riveted to the screen, and…. WHAM!!! Something happens that causes you to spit out your drink, jump a mile off the couch, inadvertently punch someone in the head, or scream so loud the house a mile down the street calls the ambulance. I love that feeling. Sadly, it doesn’t happen that much, but when it does, it causes intense amounts of testosterone and adrenaline to course through my veins and leaves me feeling “jumpy” for a few days.

Over the years, there have been some pretty good horror movies. I’m not talking about the gory type. But, the actual horror type. The ones that are suppose to scare you. While some have fallen short, The Hills Have Eyes, 28 Days Later, or The Amityville Horror (The newest remake), there are some really great horror films that do actually send a few shivers down your spine.

While this isn’t suppose to be a be-all, tell-all of the best scary movies of all time. There will probably be some movies that are going to be passed over for ones that I felt delivered in the scare factor and not the cinematic factor.

So, in no particular order….

My List Of Five Horror Films That Actually Scare You

The Grudge Absolutely creepy. After watching The Grudge I had to actually walk around the house with lights on for a few days. It actually freaked me out.

I will say this about the movie. If you’re looking for stellar performances and a great plot, you will not find it here. It’s a basic horror movie with sub-par performances, even with the likes of Sarah Michelle Gellar. But, it does deliver in the “scare” factor.

The camera work, or more to the point – camera effects, were what I believe really freaked me out. I hate it when there is nothing there, then there is, then not, then there again, then gone, then there… freaks me out.

The “spirit” was always popping up when I wasn’t expecting it and I never really got comfortable with the movie. I was always on edge and even turned on a light or two in the other room just for security. The Grudge is a great scary movie if you’re looking for one.

Halloween I’m not talking about the several sequels, or even Halloween H2O. I’m talking about the original that kicked it all off. The one that made Mike Myers a household name. The one that scared the living crap out of me!

Halloween might have been made in 1978, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t scary. Mike Myers is the epitome of boogey men. Just look at the picture and tell me you’d love to see that coming out of the dark night into your living room.

Again, the movie is not a cinematic masterpiece but a horror classic that does deliver in the terrifying sense. I remember watching it for the first time. My parents wouldn’t let me watch it when it came out so I had to wait a few years and catch it on Beta Max. I never looked at horror movies the same again. I slept with the light on for months and any mask gave me the creeps.

As far as scary movies go, if you want to play with somebody’s mind and keep them scared of the dark for awhile, Halloween will do it.

Friday the 13th Again, I’m not going to talk about the several sequels that came from the Friday the 13th franchise. Not all of them anyway.

In my book, the first three Friday the 13th movies are what set the series apart as “must see” horror films. The others just got sort of cheesy and bloody instead of what made the series known… Jason scaring the crap out of people. Yes, I know… the first one was his mother, but the other two were all Jason.

In the realm of movies that make you jump, Friday the 13th has to be one of the top movies of all time. There’s just something about a machete wielding dead guy in a hockey mask that gives you nightmares. Especially if you live in an area with a lot of lakes and pine trees.

Quarantine I just watched this movie (and reviewed it here) a few days ago. I wanted to see if since it came out, but never got around to it. I guess I just couldn’t see myself watching one more zombie movie. But, I was wrong to wait.

Quarantine completely blew me away as far the jump factor goes. I literally flew off my armchair in a few spots and even let out an audible scream. In the history of horror movies, and in watching countless horror movies, Quarantine is one that definitely lands near the very top of my favorites.

The thing that really carries it for me is that it isn’t far fetched. I mean people coming back from the dead as zombies because of toxic spills or comets or some other freakish act is cool but not very realistic. You don’t need to worry about it. But, Quarantine can happen. I won’t give away the problem here, but it is altogether conceivable that something like this could happen. And that’s what is so scary. That’s what draws you into it.

The Amityville Horror I remember watching The Amityville Horror for the first time. I didn’t like it. Not because it was a bad movie, or because it wasn’t scary… just the opposite. I was terrified. I am trying to think back to 1979 and remember the damage it caused me, but that part of my mind doesn’t want to remember the trauma.

I was 9 years old, to tell you the truth, I didn’t think it was going to be that bad. I didn’t sleep for a long time after that and still will listen to any house that talks to me. If the house wants me out… I’m getting out!

But, seriously. The Amityville Horror was a movie that is a classic among horror movies. The suspense, the chills, the stressful buildup, letdowns, buildups and release were plenty and, at times, heart stopping.

Just like Quarantine, the creepiest part of this is that the house is real. While I am not quite ready to give into the whole ghost thing, the house is real. The people are real. And supposedly the events are real. When you’re watching it this is all in your mind, and even today, can still start those tingly feelings of being watched.

Horror Movies That Will Scare You

As I said, this isn’t really a “Best Horror Movie” list, but a small listing of movies that have “jump” factor.

What do you think? These movies scare you? Do you have any you’d like to mention?