Justin Freemyer
Mesa Legend
Fear, anticipation and disgust are among the effects a thrill seeker wants to experience watching horror movies.
Sure, Halloween MAY be over, and decorations HAVE BEEN stored away for the rest of the year, but who said watching horror films can’t be enjoyed year-around! These ten essential horror films stand the test of time and have a great re-watch value. They’re actually the ones I watch every year.
“Night of the Living Dead” (1968) This movie is a timeless classic. It’s what started the zombie craze we all know and love today. The story takes place in the 1960s and IS CENTERED on a group of people who scramble to find shelter in a farmhouse during a zombie outbreak.
“Psycho” (1960) The opening scene takes place on Central Avenue in Downtown Phoenix which holds a feeling of nostalgia for me. The movie directed by the great Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is about a secretary who leaves town after stealing money from her employer and decides to stops at a hotel to rest, only to be killed by the hotel owner who commits the crime to please his mother, or so we think.
“Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors” (1987) This movie hands down is one of the best sequels ever made in a series! Antagonist Freddy Kruger is a good mix of funny and downright creepy. His one liners are second to none in the installment that keeps the viewers begging for more thrills. This third installment film takes place in a mental hospital and the heroine from the original returns to lead this group of misfits to defeat Freddy once and for all.
“The Exorcist” (1973) The film was based on actual events. A mother believes her child has been possessed by the devil and asks a priest to perform an exorcism on the child.
“Halloween” (1978)
This movie defines terror. Such a classic with the brilliant acting of Dr. Loomis played by Donald Pleasance.
Halloween is set in 1963, when 6-year-old Michael Myers murders his 17-year-old sister and is locked away for 15 years. He escapes and returns home to stalk his younger sister and her friends.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) When a young woman discovers her grandfather’s grave has been vandalized, she and her friends hit the road to find out who did it and why. The travelers stumble upon a group of cannibals.
Although the plot is fictional, some details of the film are inspired by a true murderer.
“The Descent” (2005) Darkness, closed spaces and predators who love the taste of human flesh, sign me up to see this one! This British film is an adventure. A group of close female friends reunite to explore caves deep in the forests of South Carolina. Once they descend into the caves they find strange paintings and evidence of an earlier expedition that have gone wrong.
“30 Days of Night” (2007) The film is based on a comic book series. A flock of hungry vampires take over Barrow, Alaska as darkness descends at the start of the 30-day polar night. A Sheriff, his wife and a group of townspeople must try to survive as they are picked-off one-by-one by the hungry group of vampires.
“Don’t Breathe” (2016) This film delivers and keeps viewers on the edge of their seat. Three young, desperate Detroit thieves look to break into the house of a blind veteran who won a major cash settlement following the death of his only child. Trapped inside, these hoodlums find out they got more than they bargained as the supposed helpless victim defends his household with a chilling backstory.
“Cabin in the Woods” (2011) When I first saw this movie I almost walked out, but curiosity got the best of me.
The main characters are being manipulated by two scientists working to save their lives and that of the entire existence of mankind.
The Worst goes to:
“White Noise” (2005) The previews and the hype didn’t measure up for this film. Michael Keaton in a horror movie just isn’t right. This feeble attempt of the super natural was so stupid and boring it’s like a poke in the eye!
Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)This movie doesn’t live up to the name, but there are so many classic scenes that makes this movie worthy of this category.
“Child’s Play 3” (1991) The many one-liners make this funny with a hint of creepiness.
“Scream 2” (1997) This movie almost made the top 10 list. I feel this installment surpassed the original and the expanded role of once framed Cotton Weary makes the viewer think he’s a slam dunk to be the killer.
“Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” (1988) The previews and the return of Michael Myers made this an instant classic for me. My favorite scene is when the group of survivors’ band together at the town’s sheriff’s home and Myers invades to kill his young niece. The opening scene sets a really nice tone for the movie moving forward.
