Horrific Horror Movies to Watch on Halloween

There is going to be a virtual flood of horror movie "marathons" this Halloween. Most of these marathons will be on TV. But be on the look out for other sources (e.g. video stores, movie theaters, etc.) since it is not just the TV stations that get into the Halloween holiday spirit, so to speak. If you are wondering which ones to watch, I can offer you a couple of suggestions.

First off, everyone needs to understand that most people have their own opinion of what constitutes a good horror movie. That criteria may or may not match your own views so try and have an idea of what you want to see before beginning your search. Below are several examples of horror movies that you may find "good".

If genuinely creepy is your thing, you might want to look out for the original, black & white version of "The Haunting" (1963). You might think that a horror movie of that age can't possibly be better than today's CGI-enhanced and special effects-laden horror flicks. If so, then this movie will likely surprise you. The Haunting rates a 9.5 on the genuinely creepy scale (based on zero to ten). This is the kind of movie that uses no silly tricks to make you jump (like sudden startling sounds or lots of blood and gore). As far as the plot goes, it's a fairly standard "haunted house investigation" type. However, it's not the plot that gets you so much as the house itself and its environs. The director has done masterful job of pulling you into the house (and vice versa). Before you figure it out, it's already too late. It has already taken hold. My telling you about it now won't give you one wit of solace once the terror begins.

Another genuinely creepy horror movie is the "Skeleton Key". It has a clever plot, some seriously creepy supernatural elements and very believable characters. As you watch it you will be reminded that voodoo (or hoodoo) actually does work under certain circumstances and that this situation is probably one of them. In fact, it is pretty likely that the events in the movie have already happened before. It's no stretch to picture the film's basic storyline (whether or not you believe in the supernatural) occurring between slaveholders and slaves in the dark, spanish moss-infested swamp communities of Louisiana. The fact that the story (and/or its major elements) is likely drawn from real events does nothing to diminish the horror of what happens. In fact, that makes it even more creepy! Listen for some subtle chanting that sounds like a prayer until you listen closely to the words. You will know in the pit of your stomach that there is something very wrong with that"prayer". This movie easily rates an 8 on the creepy scale.

The modern remake of "The House on Haunted Hill" (with Geoffrey Rush) is vastly scarier than the original. While it does contain some hokey elements, none of them are sufficiently goofy to detract from the truly horrific characters and effects that will make your heart pound. Don't expect frenetic, non-stop terror as the really disturbing things occur in small segments throughout the film. Pay close attention to how some of the characters move and interact with their surroundings. Even though you know it's a movie, you won't be able to shrug off your need to have people around after the movie is over. This movie rates a 7.5 on the creep scale.

Surprisingly, one of the better, scarier horror films recently made is "Silent Hill". It's hard to believe that a movie made from a video game could be so damn creepy. Horrified suspense is rife in the decayed fabric of the town itself and the lead character's exploration of it. A few of the supernatural characters are less than terror-inducing but, for the most part, they are scary and extremely twisted. This movie rates an 8 on the horror scale.

Finally, there are a few other horror flicks around that have some seriously spooky characters and situations. "The Thirteen Ghosts" comes to mind for both its interesting plot and its terrifying characters. And, of course, when all else is out, over or already rented, take a look at "The Shining" again. Jack Nicholson's attempt at an affair leaves a lasting impression that you won't soon forget. Also, consider Peter Straub's "Ghost Story". It's lead female character (Alice Krige) is very convincing as well as very disturbing throughout the movie. Not exactly a woman you want to piss off.

Well, that's it for the horror movie hints and suggestions. It will be up to you which one(s) you choose to scare the Hell out of you, so to speak.