Coolest Films to Watch on Halloween

While not everyone enjoys being frightened, many of us get a thrill out of watching horror films, particularly on Halloween. Even while the holiday is a couple of months away, it's a great idea to compile a list of your favorite fright-fests before it actually hits.

There are literally thousands of horror films out there, but people have often asked, "Which films are actually scary?" This list is a partial (some would say incomplete) list of the scariest and most disturbing films you may want to view in the darkness on Halloween night. And of course, if you think of any that I may have forgotten, feel free to share.

P.S. These are in no particular order.

Halloween (1979) - Directed by John Carpenter

Among slasher films, few compare to John Carpenter's original masterpiece, Halloween. Though the series itself has reached notoriety, the 1978 film that started it all actually has very little blood or gore, and a great number of scares. It also marks the big-screen debut of Jamie Lee Curtis, as babysitter Laurie Strode.

In addition to providing its share of screams, Halloween is one of the first films to incorporate the "non-virgins die in horror flicks" convention, now frequently parodied in films such as the Scream series and Scary Movie.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1973) - Directed by Tobe Hooper

Like Halloween, Chainsaw Massacre has become notorious due to its horde of sequels, imitations, and tributes. The 1973 original, however, is not nearly as graphically violent or gory as its reputation.

A group of five friends visit their grandpa's (supposedly) abandoned house, and one by one, they fall victim to the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen). A masterpiece of atmosphere, set decoration, and sound, this film is a Halloween necessity (at least once.)

Also of note are the numerous creepy tidbits of trivia surrounding the film's production. For example, according to The Internet Movie Database, the skeleton used in the house towards the end of the film is real. Apparently, purchasing an authentic human skeleton from India is cheaper than finding a fake one. Go figure.

Carnival of Souls (1962) - Directed by Herk Harvey

This lesser-known classic horror film is, like Nosferatu and Frankenstein, a frightful masterwork that does its job through atmosphere, performances, and that great horror film tool, the unknown.

Mary Henry, the protagonist, is involved in a tragic car accident at the film's opening. The sole survivor, she emerges, and later accepts a job as a church organist in town. She is, however, persistently followed by a terrifying apparition that seems to know her every move. Mary finds herself drawn to an old run-down carnival in town, which somehow seems connected to the mysterious figure.

Though it may look a bit dated today, this is one film that still retains its scares, even years later.

Alien (1979) - Directed by Ridley Scott

Yes, over time, this series, and its heroine, Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) have reached cult status. The original film stands on its own, however, due to the tension created by the spaceship's environment, the fantastic score by Jerry Goldsmith, and the actor's performances, portraying ordinary, everyday people caught in a fight for their lives.

Its now-famous monster, the near-invincible eponymous alien, has an entire crew at its mercy. And besides all the above factors, who can forget the famous scene in which Kane (John Hurt) has an after-dinner surprise? Even if you've seen it before, Alien manages to live up to its reputation, by remaining scary almost thirty years later.

The Shining (1980) - Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Most horror movie fans have seen, or at least heard about, Jack Nicholson's infamous "Here's Johnny!" scene. Adapted from Stephen King's celebrated novel, the film's surreal atmosphere and imagery are still memorable 28 years down the road.

Apparently, King himself was dissatisfied with the final version of the film. He felt that Nicholson's over-the-top performance took away from the focus of the story, which was meant to be Danny, the young boy. Nonetheless, many have said that this version is terrifying enough, regardless of what King may have thought.

The Exorcist (1973) - Directed by William Friedkin

Considered one of the scariest films of all time by many, this classic still brings chills to viewers on any night of the year, but particularly on Halloween. What makes The Exorcist all the more terrifying is that it's loosely based on a true story that happened in Mt. Rainier, MD. According to Strange Magazine, writer William Peter Blatty, during his years as a college student, based his novel on a news story of a boy's possession.

Today, it is notorious for such scenes as the 360-degree spin of Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair)'s head, and the pea-soup vomit during the final exorcism sequence. And like many classic horror films, a number of rumors and urban legends have grown around the film's creation process. See it on Halloween for the ultimate scream-fest.

Psycho (1960) - Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Though it may look dated today, Hitchcock's Psycho is still considered one of the most terrifying films ever made. Its infamous "shower scene" has reached cult status, and though shot in black-and-white, it has a universal unease about it.

Adding to The Master of Suspense's trademark shots and images is Bernard Herrmann's chilling score, complete with the memorable theme song and, of course, the screeching violins that accompany Janet Leigh's murder scene.

And like many classic horror/suspense films, Psycho has very little blood or gore (though in the '60s, it was considered extremely violent.)

Of note: the film is also famous for the first-ever onscreen shot of a toilet flushing.

Last House on the Left (1972) - Directed by Wes Craven

This film is horrifying, not because of any monsters or ghosts, but because the horror faced by the characters is indeed real. Two suburban girls go to a concert in the city, and afterwards fall into the hands of a sadistic family who rapes and murders them.

Like films such as Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer and Heathers, this film forces you to look at violence in a new, terrifying way. Though certain aspects may be exaggerated, there is a very real chance that such a thing could happen, or perhaps even has happened before. If this is your kind of scare, rent Last House.

The Addiction (1995) - Directed by Abel Ferrara

Not a horror film in the traditional sense, but certainly disturbing. Kathleen Conklin (Lili Taylor), a philosophy student in New York City, is bitten by a vampire, and finds her lust for blood akin to a drug addiction.

This highly stylized look at vampires is more for the art-film crowd than your average teenager, but young adults and college students may get a kick out of it. New York is authentically portrayed, to the point where the vampires almost seem to be a side note. Also, look for a great cameo by Christopher Walken later in the film.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) - Directed by John McNaughton

Of all the films on this list, Henry is the one least recommended for children, even teenagers. Though scary, in a sense, it is so realistic and haunting that many viewers have found themselves unable to sit through the entire film.

Loosely based on the confessions of killer Henry Lee Lucas, the film focuses on Henry, his roommate Otis, and Otis' sister Becky. Henry commits killings at random, which grow in brutality as the film carries on. If you can handle realistic, unflinching violence, see Henry. Again, it's not your classic Halloween film, but for a certain crowd (read: more mature), it may provoke interesting reactions.

Conclusion

Like I stated at the beginning, this is only a partial list...I'm aware that there are many more scary films out there. Feel free to suggest more! And have yourself a good scare on Halloween night.

Sources:
The Internet Movie Database
Strange Magazine: The Inspiration for the Exorcist
Google Books: Ultraviolent Movies: from Sam Peckinpah to Quentin Tarantino, p. 199 "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer"