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By Stephanie Bajzik
Some will never understand the sheer terror that scary movie lovers are constantly in search of. We are thrill seekers that are simply not satisfied until a film has us gripping our seats with sweaty palms and hearts racing. So for all the horror film lovers, here is a comprehensive list of the best of the best when it comes to your appetite for fright.
The Shining
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel showing the Torrance family’s descent into chaos and insanity is best known for its iconic quote, “Heeeeere’s Johnny!” This horror film set in a secluded Colorado hotel in the dead of winter gripped audiences upon its release in 1980 and continues to do so to this day. Jack Nicholson nailed the murderous madman in the artfully crafted story from the master of suspense Stephen King.
The Exorcist
This film has gathered the collective hearts of thrill seekers around the world since its debut in 1973. Though it may be an obvious choice, the classic is a necessity to any horror flick list. With its controversial imagery and language, it left viewers deeply disturbed. The Exorcist will remain a classic scary movie for numerous gut wrenching reasons.
The Silence of the Lambs
Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s name has become synonymous with fear for decades now. He made nightmares come to life with a touch of seduction. This sick and twisted serial killer is the kind of villain we just hate to love. Even Scott Glenn, Sterling’s mentor in the film, claims to still have nightmares of the subversive killer to this day!
Psycho
Psycho resides securely in the horror film hall of fame. The 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic brings to mind the iconic neurotic mama’s boy accompanied by a score of shrieking violins. Alfred Hitchcock maintains his place in the scary movie iconoclast with his mastery of the art of keeping an audience guessing.
Rosemary’s Baby
Though some consider this more of a thriller than a horror, there is simply nothing as horrific as discovering you have been raped and impregnated by Satan himself. The slow progression of the story as it unravels to its filthy exposed core is a delectable delight for adrenaline junkies in Roman Polanski’s 1968 evil feature.
Poltergeist
Released but one week before E.T., the film based on a story by Steven Spielberg also portrayed the life of a suburban California family. With its sinister take on the afterlife and the tiny lady with the creepy voice, the film remains an unparalleled venture into the depths of childhood fears. I mean, does anyone like clowns?
The Thing
John Carpenter killed it in this science fiction paranoid frenzy located on the South Pole by a group of scientists who include Kurt Russell. With its blood and gore, it eventually oozed its way into the hearts of scary movie fans across the country.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer
You may have never heard of it and the budget may have been ridiculously low, but this film is one of the most disturbing glances into the life of a truly deranged individual that has ever been captured on camera. Michael Rooker who played Henry defines terror in this disgusting menagerie of evil and outrageous acts of unnecessary violence. It is a must see for any true horror fan.
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