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Posted by: HausofKubrick 30th March 2016, 09:23 PM

It's been years since I did any sort of movie countdown, and i've never attempted to rate horror as a genre before but i've done my best and here it is. Horror is my favourite genre - that sounds a totally grandiose claim to make but for me it is the genre that generates the most feelings when I watch a film; feelings of dread, terror, humour, shock, intrigue, suspense and everything in between. The films I have included here are my personal faves - they are not necessarily ranked in order of how scary they are, but how technically good I think they are as horror films (there is one film featured which has fallen a few places because it branches across every genre known to man, when really it should be higher but i'll discuss that in more depth when it comes). For most other films I have ranked them on how much I enjoy them as films and the gravitas they have as works of art.

I hope you enjoy the countdown and can discuss the films back with me - I also hope you make some discoveries out of it! Many of the films will be well known but there are some much lesser known ones that are well worth a viewing. Though not all technically "traditional" horrors, I will attempt to explain some of the more obscure genre-bending inclusions. I am not sure how long this will take me to get through, so apologies in advance for any delays that may occur but please hang with me.

All that's left to say is turn down the lights, lock all the doors and enter the Haunted Haus of Horror...

Posted by: HausofKubrick 30th March 2016, 09:24 PM

HausofKubrick's Top 30 Horror Films

01. The Exorcist
02. Nightmare on Elm Street
03. Repulsion
04. Suspiria
05. Don't Look Now
06. Rosemary's Baby
07. Psycho
08. Halloween
09. Carrie
10. The Omen
11. The Shining
12. A Clockwork Orange
13. [REC]
14. Peeping Tom
15. The Wicker Man
16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
17. Martha Marcy May Marlene
18. Alien/Aliens
19. Drag Me To Hell
20. The Silence of the Lambs
21. Kill List
22. The Evil Dead
23. The Birds
24. Pan’s Labrinth
25. Let the Right One In
26. No Country for Old Men
27. Scream
28. Shaun of the Dead
29. Night of the Living Dead
30. The Orphanage

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 30th March 2016, 09:25 PM

Incredibly hyped for this! Not seen too many of the older/classic horrors so I may be persuaded to finally get round to watching them (though at like 2pm in the afternoon because if I watch a horror later than that I'd probably scream the road down!!)

Posted by: princess_lotti 30th March 2016, 09:36 PM

Oh yes hyped for this! Looking forward to getting a few new horrors to watch from this as well

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 30th March 2016, 09:38 PM

We should maybe watch a few on Rabb.it and try and get a few more people to join us so they can scream and be scared have fun!

Posted by: princess_lotti 30th March 2016, 09:42 PM

oh yes please!! I really enjoyed our 'It Follows' session

Posted by: Joe. 30th March 2016, 09:42 PM

Rosemary's Baby is my personal favourite, so that to slay please.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 30th March 2016, 09:54 PM

^ stay tuned to see if it features

Thanks UV! Some of the films are very FUN horror and play on their scares while some others are very deep psychological horrors so having a glance at the list now there should be something for everyone.


Yay thanks Lotti! A good mix of obscure and very well-known I think so hopefully some good discoveries along the way

Posted by: HausofKubrick 30th March 2016, 10:03 PM

30. The Orphanage (2007)

We start the countdown with this recent slice of Spanish horror. The Orphanage or El Orfanato tells the tale of an orphaned girl, now grown up and re-opening an orphanage to care for disabled children. But of course the building is not what it seems and it seems the disturbed presences of lost souls are still haunting the place. It's a film full of huge frights and brilliantly suspenseful moments, all beautifully acted and shot by Juan Antonio Bayona (with production from Guillermo del Toro). The film just makes the countdown here because I have fond memories of watching it in the cinema at the time of its release and being totally immersed in the atmosphere that is created. A very standard horror in many ways, but the story is brilliantly woven and it never once feels tired or over-done.

Best scene: THAT bus scene with the old lady. Watch it and you'll know what I mean

Posted by: notfurlong 30th March 2016, 10:11 PM

ooh, this should be fun! I wasn't particularly taken by The Orphanage but it had its moments.

(Rosemary's Baby is my face too so it best be high! tho I fully expect it to be tbh)

Posted by: Joe. 30th March 2016, 10:22 PM

I watched The Orphanage at uni and was initially disappointed because it had Pan's Labyrinth's legacy attached to it, and it just wasn't anywhere nearly as good. (though I see now that was just a marketing ploy GDT wasn't really that involved). But, while I've never found it very scary (though very creepy, that mask...shudder), it's quite heartbreaking.

Posted by: princess_lotti 30th March 2016, 10:25 PM

I remember watching The Orphanage once a few years ago, but I definitely feel like I need to give it another watch, from what I remember it was absolutely fantastic

Posted by: HausofKubrick 30th March 2016, 10:50 PM

I debated between a few films to take the 30th place but really this film grabs me the most. It's everything I need in a standard horror film with a touch of the EMOTIONAL as Joe touches upon.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 30th March 2016, 10:51 PM

29. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Most films are here because I rewatch them over and over again, but this is one I don't return to as much but it's still up there for LEGACY alone. Night of the Living Dead begins a tremendous trilogy of zombie-infested horror and despite the shoddy make-up and effects in this, the sheer terror comes from the isolated farmhouse and the panic stricken faces of the poor, endangered escapees. It's a film that doesn't really need a whole heap of special effects to generate horror but it helped to ignite a trend of zombie flicks that we feel right up to this day. A political and satirical film (each of the sequels too dealt with issues plaguing (for want of a better word) America during the time and it's therefore already much better than any remakes that came because it's very much a film OF ITS TIME). A cheap film that went on to make it big and its clear to see why; the richness comes from Romero's expert trickery of space and presence to create a sense of dread wherever you turn.

Best scene: The opening cemetery scene leading into the first zombie appearance No amount of money or flash graphics could make that scene more terrifying than it is.

Posted by: princess_lotti 30th March 2016, 10:56 PM

That's one I've never seen I don't watch a lot of older films, but this one looks quite interesting from that trailer!

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 30th March 2016, 11:06 PM

Not seen either movies yet, the orphanage however is one I do want to check out at some point!

Posted by: Jack 30th March 2016, 11:07 PM

I haven't seen either of these but 'The Orphanage' is one I have always meant to watch. Excited to see the rest of this list!

Posted by: Severin 30th March 2016, 11:44 PM

As a fellow Horror fan I'm VERY interested to see this countdown.

I've never been overly fond of The Orphanage although I do rate its atmosphere and ambition.
Night of The Living Dead however is a stone cold classic that has done more than most to define the genre. For me though the scene that stands out is the very final one. Gut wrenching and a huge socio-political statement

Posted by: HarryEzra 31st March 2016, 12:27 AM

Not seen these yet but interested in Night of the living Dead *.*

Posted by: HausofKubrick 31st March 2016, 03:10 PM

28. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Seems a bit silly having this one directly after Night of a Living Dead, given it is a clear parody of it but for it's huge laughs and entertainment value it is the one I actually prefer to watch more slightly. From a quick glance there are two other Horror-Comedy films but Shaun of the Dead is the one that gravitates most towards comedy - it's utterly hilarious. Between this and Hot Fuzz, the team concocted a brilliant formula of dread and hysterics while at the same time owing a lot to the earlier films it parodies. It's the tale of a hard-done by gentleman where life continually takes a bite back and it's a raucous laugh in the process. The lightest moment in the countdown, consider this a BREATHER before things take a prolonged turn towards the dark, deadly and macabre.

Best scene: The garden scene and the onslaught of knick-knacks having no affect on the two zombies "fast" approaching (but obviously not throwing their Prince albums at them *.*)

Posted by: Joe. 31st March 2016, 03:18 PM

Ohhh I hate this one. I don't find the humour in that trilogy funny in the slightest :\\\\

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 31st March 2016, 03:33 PM

Seen that one! Great to see 'Shaun' here, always laugh so much and have watched it multiple times! Also agree with your best scene choice of the garden scene

Posted by: HarryEzra 31st March 2016, 06:19 PM

Completly agree with everything there Those reasons are they reason why it is MY personal favourite film ever

Posted by: HausofKubrick 1st April 2016, 11:52 AM

27. Scream (1996)

A film that is inspired heavily by many other films still to come in the countdown, so naturally it had to shuffle down considerably because it does take so many elements from elsewhere. But still, as far as Scream goes as a standalone piece of horror cinema it's effective. Built around the concept of screaming and shocking the audience with expertly done build ups and blood-curling release it's a good homage to the slasher film genre. Not taking itself too seriously either, while it's far from my favourite slasher film I can't help but watch with unbridled anxiety and joy every time.

Best scene: Sidney's phone call had me terrified of answering the call for a while after and it summarises the meta-nature of the film very well.

Posted by: Froot. 1st April 2016, 12:03 PM

I discovered Scream after seeing the fourth one in the cinema and it soon became one of my favourite franchises! I often enjoy whenever something is self-aware, which Scream does very well with all the rules of horror films (which is why I still need to see Deadpool ) but they still stand out as films in their own right.

Posted by: Joe. 1st April 2016, 12:13 PM

Scream is a masterclass in horror, I think so many casual film viewers see it as quite a fun, but throwaway piece of horror, in similar vain to I Know What You Did Last Summer, but it's one of the most critically acclaimed horrors of the 90s, and it's so obvious why. I find Scream 2 almost as good, too.

Posted by: HarryEzra 1st April 2016, 01:00 PM

Scream has to be hands down my favourite horror franchise Its self aware, yes, but thats the beauty of it Most importantly you relate and love characters a lot more before they are killed off which is different for say the Saw franchise.

Posted by: princess_lotti 1st April 2016, 01:43 PM

Scream is absolutely fantastic I feel like a Scream marathon on rabb.it has to happen!

Posted by: Oliver 1st April 2016, 02:03 PM

I would be WELL up for that Lotti.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 1st April 2016, 02:37 PM

Would also be up for that Lotti!

Only seen the first Scream (and the tv-spinoff show last year) and absolutely adored it! Was such an original and fantastic take on the horror genre and an all time classic so great to see that here also Haus

Posted by: johnjo07 1st April 2016, 03:04 PM

27. Scream >> Amazing. One of my all time favourites for the reasons you stated! A perfectly executed scarefest. So many "Oh S--T!" moments! <<
28. Shaun Of the Dead >> Again. Another of my all time favourites. Everything else they've done doesn't come close. The perfect mix of comedy and some genuinely creepy moments. I think it's the reason why 'Cabin In The Woods' works so well, too! You don't have to be silly to be funny... *cough*Scary Movie*cough*<<
29. Night of the Living Dead >> Not seen the original, so can't comment. The remake however is ATROCIOUS! <<
30. The Orphanage >> Along with '[Rec]' & 'Martyrs' it's in my top 4 favourite non-English films. I prefer this to 'Pans Labyrinth' personally, a film which I find good, but overrated. If you've not seen the first two '[Rec]' movies & 'Martyrs' Bal, I'd highly recommend, although the latter is extremely hard to watch at times! <<

LOOOOOVING this so far <3 Looking forward to seeing where all the classics will end up!

Posted by: Wall 1st April 2016, 03:18 PM

I've always adored 'Scream' and it's easily my favourite franchise.

I adored the television series also and I'm already anticipating season 2 of the tv series. I'm very interested to see the winner because I adore horror films and I'll need to give your top 10 a watch.

Posted by: SamJudd 1st April 2016, 06:32 PM

Love all of these that has dropped so far apart from 'The Orphanage' which I haven't seen yet.

'Night Of The Living Dead', I actually saw the 1990 remake before I saw this one and remember really enjoying that. Then when I heard of this and finally got round to seeing it, I really liked it. I love watching black and white horror movies, they're so creepy and tense. Also I really liked the ending to this, found it very bold, considering the time period it came out. But the 1990 version is also decent, while not on this level, but did find the Barbara character better in the remake as she's given more to do, instead of being tramatized.

'Shaun Of The Dead', Another firm favourite of mine, one of the best horror comedies of all time and very funny as well.

'Scream', Yes this is probably my alltime fave slasher movie, along with 'Friday The 13th', 'Halloween' & 'Cold Prey'. This really breathed new life into the genre that was thought to be dead by the 90's. Always remember wanting to see this as a child, and when I did, I watched it again straight after, which is something I've done with each Scream movie. Out of the lot, this is the best one that really set the bar, after that chilling opening with Drew Barrymore, who honestly I thought she was gonna be the main character, but takes a total U-turn and doing a Psycho on us (killing off the famous lead within' the first 15 minutes). The cast were fantastic in this, especially Courteney Cox who was awesome and loved the killer reveal, which did take me by surprise as I did figure out one of them and that garage scene, which was pretty slick and inventive at the time. Yes I'd say Scream is one of my all time favourite horror movies, just loved it.

Posted by: notfurlong 1st April 2016, 07:17 PM

Superb choices since I last commented Scream in particular has grown into a real personal fave over the past ten years of my obsessive filmwatching, it's both so clever and witty AND genuinely scary, and the characters are so well drawn. Drew Barrymore's opening scene is one of the single best sequences in cinema for my book.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 1st April 2016, 08:59 PM

I will be following this closely as I trust you to have great taste in horror! Shaun of the Dead is one of my real favourites, one of the rare examples of horror parodies that really works as a film in it's own right as well as a parody, I love the clear British feel of it particularly, seems refreshing in a horror. Scream as well, works really well as a self aware horror, even if it did inspire that rubbish Scary Movie stuff.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 2nd April 2016, 01:04 PM

Thanks for the replies guys! Good to see a lot of love here for 'Scream'!

I have seen the [REC] films but not 'Martyrs' so i'll put that on my to-watch list! [REC] may or may not be still to come

Posted by: HausofKubrick 2nd April 2016, 01:13 PM

26. No Country For Old Men (2007)

Now from one of the most quintessentially HORROR horror films to one that isn't even considered to be in the horror genre (it fits more into thriller/western) but a film that terrifies me profusely. It has dropped a few places because there's only one aspect to the films horror but it had to make the list for that one reason alone. Javier Bardem's portrayal of Anton Chigurh is one of the most terrifying in cinema history. An all-encompassing villain, taking the most terrifying aspects of all the villains we love to hate and amalgamating them into a simple, yet menacing hitman. As he follows his victims across the (stunning) set, he commands attention and terror with every second he's on screen (and even most when he's not on screen). A truly phenomenal performance from a phenomenal film and included here for his performance as one of the most scary ever.

Best scene: The hotel scene and eventual showdown A masterclass in building tension and paranoia and fear (google that one scene if nothing else).

Posted by: johnjo07 2nd April 2016, 10:10 PM

'No Country For Old Men' is one I really need to see. Heard so many amazing things about it!

Posted by: HausofKubrick 4th April 2016, 08:57 PM

25. Let the Right One In (2008)

On to Sweden for the next one. From 2008 Let The Right One In is a beautifully terrifying flick. The lead roles, for such young actors especially, are sensational and really add to the grittiness of the film. It's a superb tale of wonder and intrigue. Makes me really want to read the book, because if the film does it even half the justice, it'd be a real page turner. The sets are glorious and haunting and the mood is intense throughout. The American version was actually a decent remake (as far as remakes go) but it wasn't as legitimately scary or as touching as this one.

Best scene: The final scene in the train. Beautiful ending to a beautiful film.

Posted by: Jack 4th April 2016, 09:38 PM

I prefer the remake. Sorry bout it.

Posted by: Joe. 4th April 2016, 09:39 PM

The remake is great but only because it's like scene for scene of the original, isn't it?

Posted by: Froot. 4th April 2016, 09:48 PM

I've seen the remake but I can't remember if I found it boring or good.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 4th April 2016, 09:48 PM

The remake is good (I have a real thing about remakes and never liking them as much as the originals - but this is an example of remakes done WELL). It's just the Swedish original, with the language and all just feels more foreign and sparse and thus chilling for me. Not much between them I agree, but if I had to choose one, it'd be the original for sure.

Posted by: Jack 4th April 2016, 10:07 PM

I think it's probably because I saw the remake first and I adore Chloe Moretz probably.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 4th April 2016, 10:16 PM

Definitely wasn't expecting No Country For Old Men to pop up as never even thought of that being a horror! Excellent movie though and superbly acted

Not seen Let The Right One In but I watched the English remake- which was one of the first few horrors I'd ever watched- and therefore I absolutely hated it as the gore and that really freaked me out, maybe one I need to re-watch though due to me improving with gore and my love for Moretz!

Posted by: Harve 5th April 2016, 12:11 AM

See [REC] and Martyrs would be in my top 5 horror fims list. I definitely second their recommendation! (although Martyrs is one of the most harrowing things I've ever watched in my life and it's probably important to be aware of that)

Posted by: HausofKubrick 5th April 2016, 08:38 PM

24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Overrated or not Pan's Labyrinth is still one of the most sensational films of recent times for me. The horror of the film comes from the juxtaposition of childhood innocence with the brutality of war and the true terror that humans can instill. It's beautifully shot and acted and directed, with wondrous caverns filled with mystery and intrigue alongside the harsh backdrops of the Spanish civil war. It's a film about imagination but more specifically the danger of losing this imagination. Not necessarily scary, like some of the other films here, but it carries such a heavy gravitas that I can't help but leave the film feeling panic-stricken and full of grief and sadness - two terrifying states of being.

Best scene: Pale man. Yes it's a predictable choice but it's utterly terrifying and dangerous.

Posted by: princess_lotti 5th April 2016, 08:45 PM

we watched Pan's Labyrinth in Spanish last year and I was completely blown away. Absolutely FANTASTIC film, one of the only films I've cried in public over Okay this one we HAVE to watch on rabb.it!!!!

The torture scene was the absolute worse for me

Posted by: HausofKubrick 5th April 2016, 08:49 PM

23. The Birds (1963)

The first of two Hitchcock films to make it (his two defining horror films, I couldn't NOT include them). Yes. It's The Birds. Not technically a perfect film like some of his main masterpieces but it's one of his most fun movies. Du Maurier's novel (she has another novel to come in the countdown as it happens) was the perfect choice for film adaptation. The film's horror comes in its gradual build up... trips to bird shops, slow momentary attacks, gradually increasing to legions and legions of menacing birds, culminating in the horrifying final few scenes. What do they actually stand for and represent? It's pretty lacklustre in terms of today's special effects but it doesn't matter because for Hitchcock the effects come from his masterful direction, his attention to every single bit of detail and his wondrous way of making his films leap out of the screen.

Best scene: School yard scene and build up of the menacing dark birds I actually saw this scene in isolation away from the film initially, and was pretty wowed by it, but it makes even more sense in relation to the film around it. A brilliant, masterful piece of cinema.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 5th April 2016, 08:52 PM

Both two films I've heard lots about and I really want to see, both look and sound great!

Yes we do! We'll do that sometime over the next couple of weeks (I start half term end of next week and planning quite a few rabb.it movie sessions so hopefully we can do a few horrors then!)

Posted by: princess_lotti 5th April 2016, 08:54 PM

The Birds is another one on my "must watch" list! Have heard incredible things so really need to get round to it.

Posted by: Jonjo 6th April 2016, 12:26 AM

'Pan's Labyrinth', despite finding it overrated myself, I still really liked it and wouldn't not recommend it to anyone. It's most certainly one of the most unique films this side of the millennium!

'The Birds'! YESSSS! One of my absolute favourites too. My fave by Hitchcock also, but I think that's down to it being the first of his movies I saw (at a really young age) so I have a big connection with it! He is the master of suspense for a reason and this film only further proves it!

Posted by: Joe. 7th April 2016, 11:54 AM

I don't find Pan's overrated in the slightest. I think it's utterly captivating and there's nothing quite like it. The blend of war drama / thriller / horror / family drama / fantasy is just totally unique. The two female leads are also totally believable and I always cry at the end, so powerful.

The Birds is jokes.

Posted by: Severin 7th April 2016, 01:43 PM

Of the recent entries -

Shaun of the Dead is fun and a great film but I wouldn't put it anywhere near a top 50 personally.

Scream is surprisingly good, surprisingly clever and the opening scene is a masterclass. What makes the film really work is that even though it's clearly a parody it's made by people who want to pay homage and truly love the genre rather than trying to mock it (Scary Movie I'm looking at you)

No Country For Old Men - great film and some wonderful acting but I can't bring myself to call this a Horror.

Let The Right One In - If vampire movies come in pairs then the 80s had The Lost Boys' teen vampire fantasies vs Near Dark's more adult take. Recently we had Twilight (urgh!) and this would be the modern Near Dark. Smarter, funnier, darker and just better in every way. The final scene shows just how cold and calculating she is. Chilling stuff. The remake is ok but I'd never watch it again in preference.


Pan's Labyrinth - It has moments of Horror but for me this is pure Fantasy. The real horror comes from man's behavior much like any War film. That said it is among my favourite ever films.

The Birds - Also my favourite Hitchcock movie. Although on another day I might say Psycho. A masterpiece of the genre and the schoolyard scene is utter, utter genius.

Posted by: Oliver 7th April 2016, 02:46 PM

I actually laughed in my film club at school when we watched The Birds. Like properly laughed out loud.

Posted by: Alejandjob 7th April 2016, 04:17 PM

They are f***ing Birds.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 12th April 2016, 07:59 PM

22. The Evil Dead (1981)

Apologies for the delay! We're back now and kicking off with the most iconic gruesome horrors going. The one that really set the bench mark for all others. I mean it is billed as an out-&-out horror but it's so hysterically hilarious and zany that it's a laugh a minute alongside the horror. Incredibly over the top and eccentric, Sam Raimi really mastered this tragically awful, yet oddly brilliant escapism of horror cinema with The Evil Dead and he continued to work on the formula at other times during his career, including much later on in a film still to feature!


Best scene: A fair few that make me scream (in laughter and horror) but Ash being tormented and then being scared as he peers into the basement is probably the one that gets biggest reaction from me

Posted by: HausofKubrick 12th April 2016, 08:04 PM

21. Kill List (2011)

From the zany and eccentric to the gritty and real. Kill List won't have been seen by many here, but it's one of the great British horrors to come from recent years in my opinion. I love films about cults (not to be confused with 'cult films') and this is one of the most intense and frightening of the genre. Filmed in Sheffield it is very British at heart, often difficult to understand the accents of the actors and creepily close to home. Merging thriller action with psychological horror and eventually occult mystery, it's a haunting trip of a movie and well worth a watch. A brilliant trailer too, it's what drew me into the film initially.

Best scene: I'm not sure about best but the hammer scene stuck with me for ages after viewing the film Not for the faint hearted!

Posted by: Severin 12th April 2016, 10:40 PM

Evil Dead and Kill List are both visceral delights.

Kill List is a real slow burner and it nicely hides it's Horror credentials for some time

Posted by: Jade 13th April 2016, 12:11 AM

I'm not really a horror films person but I've been following this anyway. Pan's Labyrinth though!! We watched it twice for Spanish GCSE and it was absolutely excellent.

Posted by: Common Sense 13th April 2016, 07:32 AM

I'm a huge horror fan so glad I've just seen this thread. Never seen Orphanage so must do sometime.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 13th April 2016, 08:18 PM

20. Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Don't get me wrong, this is one of the greatest films of all times but as far as my favourite horror films go, it's "only" scraping into the top 20. Hopkins' undeniable performance is the clear highlight of it and the key reason why the film is so critically appreciated - he doesn't just portray a menacing Hannibal Lecter, he is Lecter. It's a frightening indictment to psychological disorders and the power of the mind to compel others and do evil. It's one of the most highly praised films of all time and it's clear to see why. A true behemoth of horror cinema!

Best scene: As i've said the entire performance is worthy of mention, but the escape scene gives me biggest thrills

Posted by: princess_lotti 13th April 2016, 08:47 PM

YES. This is one of my favourite psychological thrillers ever, and if I ever did a ranking of my favourite films this would probably be within the top 10 This film is entirely gripping and fascinating throughout

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 14th April 2016, 01:22 PM

Silence Of The Lambs is a movie I've always wanted to watch but have never got round to watching it!

Posted by: Joe. 14th April 2016, 01:25 PM

Yes, I agree this is much more of a thriller than horror. Fantastic though.

Posted by: SamJudd 15th April 2016, 05:11 PM

Posted by: HausofKubrick 15th April 2016, 05:17 PM

^ thank you for the comments guys! I'm reading them all and it's good to see you're liking a lot of the picks so far.

Top 20 time ~~

Posted by: HausofKubrick 15th April 2016, 05:17 PM

19. Drag Me To Hell (2009)

Raimi is back, this time with his much more recent delving into the zany horror genre with Drag Me To Hell. It's a brilliantly well built up film, particularly in the loan office when we meet the old gypsy woman and while it plays on weird stereotypes at times, it's a fantastical and fun horror flick filled to the brim with brilliant shocks and twists. The ending loses focus a bit and it becomes a bit TOO supernatural but it's an otherwise brilliant romp of a film and always a joy to watch among the scares.

Best scene: The build up in the loans office, the woman's nails, the handkerchief in the car park.. Just watch it

Posted by: Joe. 15th April 2016, 05:20 PM

I LOVE this film. Perfect blend of real thrills and old school, tongue in cheek camp horror. Due a rewatch!

Posted by: princess_lotti 15th April 2016, 05:32 PM

I rewatched this one recently, and I really do forget how fantastic it really is!

Posted by: notfurlong 15th April 2016, 05:45 PM

Drag Me to Hell is one of my fave movie theatre experiences - it's rare that I like an audience making a load of noise but the communal feeling of terrified hilarity really added to the quality of the film for me.

I saw Lambs again recently and Jodie Foster is so magnificent in it. Some really masterful scenes of tension and Lecter's escape certainly qualifies as horror - proper fingers over eyes moment. Kill List is great too, very disorientating filmmaking.

Posted by: Chez Wombat 15th April 2016, 05:54 PM

LOVE Drag Me To Hell One of the best modern horror films, so twisted in it's scares and humous, but all the better for it, and the ending left me completely

Much love for The Birds as well, probably my favourite Hitchcock film, he does such an incredible job making something we see as so mundane (birds) into a serious threat and making them a hell of a lot more scary, I imagine people must've been a bit freaked out by birds at the time it came out!

Posted by: Severin 16th April 2016, 09:43 AM

Silence Of The Lambs is brilliant and a worthy entry even if I would class it as a Thriller with Horror elements.

Drag Me To Hell I'm not so keen on. It's good but I wouldn't rate it this highly personally. I remember being a bit disappointed with it after all the hype but I should probably watch it again at some point

Posted by: HausofKubrick 18th April 2016, 05:45 PM

18. Alien/Aliens (1979/1986)

Two of the biggest, baddest, boldest horror films crash landing in the top 20 now. I've decided to include both Alien and Aliens as one post because a) I can barely separate them and b) means I can fit an extra one in the countdown, because both are worthy are appearing. The former for its ability to build up horror at an expert pace and then release in gut-wrenching (literally) glory and the second for its all-out all guns blazing cacophony of action and screams. Both films are classics obviously, I have so much time for them.

Best scene: Chest-burster I am trying to include favourite moments from these films that are perhaps more obscure or personal to me, but really here there is only one contender. It is often parodied and so influential as part of body horror and it's just a brilliantly done scene.

Posted by: Severin 18th April 2016, 10:05 PM

How did you manage to get through that write up without pointing out the huge importance of Ripley as a groundbreaking/glass ceiling shattering role for cinema? With all due respect to Leia, she re-wrote the rules on what women could do in movies. Even today, nearly 40 years later, female roles often exist in films only to be saved by the hero.


However, Alien is one of the three films that at any given moment could be called my favourite film (it depends on mood).

It's also really rather impressive that it hasn't dated that badly either.

Aliens is great too (Special Edition of course) but it's less a Horror film and more 'Rambo in space'. After that it all went tits up for the franchise.

Posted by: SamJudd 19th April 2016, 12:30 AM

Drag Me To Hell = Honestly never saw the fuss with this, it's okay and everything and it does has it's good points, but overall it just kinda fell flat for me.


Alien/Aliens = Yes yet another fantastic choices, you have great taste, both of these are instant firm faves of mine and are definitely classics. Although I do prefer the first one, I've always have with it's perfect tension and sense of dread throughout. I remember being blown away when I first saw this and yes I do agree that the chest burster is probably the best scene, I remember watching the documentary where it was stated that the cast had never even seen what the alien looked like and their reactions at all the blood gushing out was actually real, and that Lambert woman did actually faint for real. I personally found all the cast members in that one truly great with Sigourney Weaver being the major standout of course, she was excellent in this and all the other Alien movies as well. Everybody thought that Dallas was gonna be the main character when this first came out and so did I at first (before I knew of the other films) and that just takes you by surprise throughout, and considering this came out in the 1970's, the alien still looks fantastic and the effects have still aged really well. Then there's 'Aliens' which is unfortunately the only other great movie in this franchise (3 & 4 sucked), the totally different turn this takes is very effective, going for a more action route and it's really pulled off well and yet again we get another bunch of great cast members Michael Biehn, Lance Hendrickson & Bill Paxton and my fave scene in this is when Ripley fights the queen alien in that machine thing (I always forget what's that called) and overall a fantastic movie.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 19th April 2016, 06:01 AM

Oops big oversight :/ I thought about it when I realised it was next but feel silly not mentioning her and the performance and the impact now. Oh well, you've done a good job (as has SamJudd) of detailing it, so consider these extended commentaries to add onto mine

Posted by: HausofKubrick 19th April 2016, 07:18 PM

17. Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)

The final (I think) "is it a horror? isn't it a horror? does it really matter when the film is this scary?" flick to appear here before we really get into the true CLASSICS is included here because it does terrify me in a way that few other films can. Another film about cults, and a cult film too, it stars Elizabeth Olsen as a recluse from a controlling abusive cult trying to reconnect with her family. The fear in the film comes from the paranoia it creates and the INTENSE relations and disintegration of Olsen's character. It's one of the finest performances I have ever seen in cinema history and Olsen is totally intoxicating in the role. A chilling film throughout, with ambiguity aplenty and a reserved, melancholic type of horror that is so real and gritty, you forget you're watching a film at times. The script is phenomenal.

Horror doesn't just come in the form of ghouls, goblins and the supernatural. Some of them most terrifying things are in our own minds and this film exemplifies and portrays those intensely.

Best scene: Patrick's "death/love" speech The first time I saw this I rewinded this tiny moment to hear it said again. So powerful a script and film - subtlety at its best.

Posted by: dogs 19th April 2016, 07:25 PM

this is the first one on the list I don't think I've heard of before, but definitely want to check this one out!

Posted by: Cody Ballas 19th April 2016, 08:20 PM

All you fans of Alien really need to check out Alien: Isolation, my RA has that game and I was so terrified the first time I saw him play it

Posted by: popchartfreak 20th April 2016, 12:36 PM

Alien is a masterpiece, the first horror film I genuinely loved for the right reasons. Aliens is a rollercoaster ride deluxe.

The Birds I enjoyed but never took seriously. I can't get over the concept - birds not scary.

Shaun Of The Dead is funny, but I'll go for Cabin In The Woods or Carry On Screaming or Young Frankenstein instead

Posted by: Joe. 20th April 2016, 12:39 PM

I wouldn't call Martha Marcy May Marlene a horror at all personally, but either way it's such a great film and is what introduced me to the incredible Elizabeth Olsen and Sarah Paulson.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 20th April 2016, 12:59 PM

Martha Marcy May Marlene is another one I really want to check out!

Posted by: HausofKubrick 23rd April 2016, 09:36 PM

16. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

The original Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a visceral, visual feast of body horror and it takes the term slasher and vamps it up several notches. The actual characterisation of leatherface is intriguing - his mysterious past and his grotesque, yet simplistic desire to create terror. It's pure horror, a mad man on the lose and unsuspecting victims at his beck and call. Controversial to the point where it was banned in several countries, and playing on the faux-real life events, it's a film that often garners mass hysteria and it's clear to see why through the cannibalistic and unexplainable horror of the antagonists.

Best scene: The final dinner table scene Subversive and terrifying - I still can't pick apart exactly what it all stands for but it's both engrossing and totally unwatchable at the same time.

Posted by: Jonjo 23rd April 2016, 10:21 PM

I prefer the original remake! I found the old one to be boring and quite bleh tbh. This was before I'd even seen the remake (2003?) so it's not like I had that to compare to. Also, in terms of mad men on the loose, 'Wolf Creek' also delivers the horror goods <3

Posted by: Severin 24th April 2016, 09:31 AM

Texas Chainsaw is an utter classic. An exercise is sheer mindless terror. I'd personally place it much higher.

Posted by: Jack 24th April 2016, 11:24 AM

Like Jonjo, I prefer the original remake! Probably because that was a horror film I sort of grew up with in my teens and I still find it terrifying.

Posted by: Joe. 24th April 2016, 11:25 AM

I do disagree and prefer the original, but the remake is a very good remake, and is definitely superior in some aspects.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 24th April 2016, 03:25 PM

15. The Wicker Man (1973)

One of the most brutal endings in cinema history - the scene alone would've been enough to warrant a placing here but the slow build-up and eery atmosphere of the film as a whole makes it shoot well into the top 30. Christopher Lee in one of his greatest cinema roles is the perfect over-zealous religious figure and the film masterfully showcases the horrific nature of religion and the occult to the point where everything that is held as holy and good is turned into unholy and terrifying. I love the setting of the film and the minimalist set design and production value, it all adds to the terror of the unknown that the film presents. May we never, ever mention or even think about the remake.

Best scene: No other contenders. The final scene is a momentous occasion for horror cinema - it erupts and ignites every value we hold dear to us in sheer horrifying ecstasy. Fiery and chilling.

Posted by: princess_lotti 24th April 2016, 03:32 PM

YES

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 24th April 2016, 04:08 PM

Another two classics I need to watch!

Posted by: HausofKubrick 25th April 2016, 07:53 PM

14. Peeping Tom (1960)

Before Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch Project and all other found footage films, there was Peeping Tom. A film that is totally meta - it's about cinema, horror cinema, the male gaze, terror in front of the screen and the power of directors behind it. It's a totally camp and over-the-top film with brilliant direction from British director Michael Powell. It tells the tale of a serial killer who records the expressions of the dying victims just before their final moments and the film follows his obsession with murder and terror and recording what he sees. It's a truly phenomenal film built on the terror of watching films itself and demands discussion, interpretations and critical viewpoints in its closing because as mentioned it is ABOUT cinema and the process of viewing a film.

It was totally disregarded at the time and basically killed the director's career but it's the perfect example of a film that gets better with time and with repeated viewings - pretty sure many have ignored it first time round but when you consider what the film is doing and how it does it, its power and critical appreciation is undeniable. It's now a cult classic and largely regarded as a vitally important film which pays respect and homage to much of cinema that came before (Hitchcock in particular) and a lot that came after (such as the films mentioned earlier).

Best scene: I've watched this multiple times and my favourite scene changes with every viewing but I think the opening scene deserves strongest mention here. It introduces the concept of the film brilliantly and immediately opens up many questions that will left to be pondered on long after the film finishes.

Posted by: Severin 26th April 2016, 10:59 PM

Peeping Tom and The Wicker Man are both incredible and worthy entries. As we get closer to the business end of the countdown I'm agreeing more and more

Posted by: HausofKubrick 28th April 2016, 04:46 PM

13. [REC] (2007)

I really thought this would be higher when I decided to compile this list, but alas it has to settle for a little outside the top 10. But even being near midtable is high praise enough for this now, cult horror thrillride. I'd say this is the film that has given me most frights in a cinema setting - I went to watch it with mates and legit screamed multiple times and it went on to become a must see every year for me and my mates. A truly fun, shocking horror film with wonderful suspense created and expert horror releases. Perhaps the film that makes me jump the most out of all 30 in the list and a real favourite despite it's quite limited and "basic" plot and structure. The best found-footage film ever for me.

Best scene: A lot of scenes that make me jump but the one that got the biggest reaction from me was the attic scene and the rotating camera as it peered into the darkness. I leaped out of my seat in the cinema and it always gets me.

Posted by: Jonjo 28th April 2016, 05:59 PM

YESSS! One of my all time favourites and I think, it was the first non-English film I ever saw! Agreed about the stand out scene too! So terrifying.

I remember having to do a screen check on the film and it was during the night vision bit and I had to walk backwards and peg it towards the door! ��

Posted by: HausofKubrick 28th April 2016, 10:29 PM

^ knew you'd approve of that one! Lol at that story it's really one of the best cinema going experiences I've ever had seeing this with my mates. Full of screamers!

Posted by: Mack 29th April 2016, 05:52 PM

Now [REC] that is terrifying.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 29th April 2016, 05:54 PM

REC is one I'm desperate to see, it looks so good and I've only heard great things about it!

Posted by: HausofKubrick 1st May 2016, 08:19 PM

12. A Clockwork Orange (1971)

This is my favourite film of all time.. but in a ranking of my top horror films A Clockwork Orange drops a fair bit mainly because the film is so multi-layered and faceted that it doesn't really fit into any genre. It is hilarious, shocking, thought-provoking, satirical but most of all it is terrifying - its portrayal of society is more relevant and true to what we have today than it was in the 70s and its a mark of genius that Kubrick was able to translate the film onto the screen and present the most vivid, rich, haunting portrait of the world we live in. It makes the things people hold most dear to them, monstrous and grotesque. Terrifying not because of the supernatural or wondrous, but the real, the gritty and the human.

Best scene: Where to start on my #1 film of all time from my #1 director? So many moments show off his visionary mind, but in terms of horror, I have to go for the break-in/rape scene - truly horrifying and almost unwatchable.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 2nd May 2016, 07:51 PM

11. The Shining (1980)

Another Kubrick one before the top 10 and it's his most well-known horror flick and one of the highest rated of all time. A chilling and rollercoaster ride through the mind of Jack Nicholson who excells as the deranged, maniac on a murderous rampage as he loses it completely. The setting for the film is a grande hotel and it's through this merging of setting and mind, surrounding and being that the horror is revealed. There is a lot more on places of dwelling and the body in the top 10 but here, Kubrick shows off his masterful direction by merging patterned floors, striking imagery and bold colours, the film is part horror masterpiece and part a masterpiece of art. It's been overdone and mimicked ad infinitum (The Simpsons doing it the best as always) but nothing will ever take away the sheer horror and paranoia that the film creates.

Best scene: Jack's rampage as a whole deserves a mention and of course the iconic "here's Johnny", but I think "REDRUM" on the mirror is my favourite scene Also the blood elevator...

Posted by: HausofKubrick 5th May 2016, 06:23 PM

SO FAR~


11. The Shining
12. A Clockwork Orange
13. [REC]
14. Peeping Tom
15. The Wicker Man
16. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
17. Martha Marcy May Marlene
18. Alien/Aliens
19. Drag Me To Hell
20. The Silence of the Lambs
21. Kill List
22. The Evil Dead
23. The Birds
24. Pan’s Labrinth
25. Let the Right One In
26. No Country for Old Men
27. Scream
28. Shaun of the Dead
29. Night of the Living Dead
30. The Orphanage

Posted by: HausofKubrick 5th May 2016, 06:23 PM

10. The Omen (1976)

The Omen is a relentless film of terror, paranoia, gruesome attacks and sheer thrills. It's a film that immediately establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with, and of course that force is pure evil. A film that owes its motifs and vision to a lot of other films in horror cinema history, but one that still manages to evoke an original sense of child horror and still make it totally worth a watch. Some truly ground-breaking deaths, the brilliant acting from the film's Damien and a haunting score, it has everything going for it. I must say, I am a sucker for religious horror - the supernatural merged with the real is here perfectly made apparent and its a feast for eyes. I won't have mentioned it underneath because another scene takes the focus, but as the family journey to the church for the first time in the film, it is a wonderfully manic and terrifying portrait of the effect religion can have on people. Yes he is a demon child and is scared for other reasons, but the actual implications that the film have go far beyond the "horror-film" tropes it fulfills.

Best scene: There are several death scenes I can choose, including the GLASS/neck one (I have a fear of things touching necks, so this just sends me over the edge) But i've decided on "Look at me Damien... This is all for you!.... *BOOM*" because of how unexpected and truly grotesque it is. Sends ripples down my spine even just thinking about it..

Posted by: HausofKubrick 7th May 2016, 11:34 AM

09. Carrie (1976)

One of the most upsetting films in the countdown, Carrie is a beautiful destructive tale of adolescence, religion and insecurities. Sissy Spacek is the vulnerable and neglected girl with special powers and a dark, concealed upbringing. In all of its absurdities, it's incredibly relatable and real - who hasn't felt like an outsider or trapped within the confines of their home/school life? Painfully brutal, the film starts slow but gradually crescendos until that final, now iconic prom night scene when all hell is let loose (and then some!). Incredibly well paced, the film is a heartfelt, daring and intensely scary movie filled to the brim with rich performances, colours, and musical interludes. Released the same year as 'The Omen' too - clearly a good year for horror!

Best scene: I could've gone for any number of the more HUGE scenes, but the shower room, tampon scene is painful to watch and one of the most truly horrifying moments of the film so i've chosen that. But many of the more obvious, bloody or Crucifixion scenes would come very close second.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 7th May 2016, 11:52 AM

Finally one I've seen! Absolutely adore Carrie, such a scary horror and a fantastic movie, all time classic

Posted by: Jonjo 7th May 2016, 11:59 AM

Yesss. One of my all time favourites. One of the first horror films I remember watching as a kid. Fantastic film.

Posted by: princess_lotti 7th May 2016, 05:04 PM

I've never actually seen the original of Carrie I REALLY enjoyed the remake though, I've watched it several times

Posted by: PaulM1983 8th May 2016, 04:32 PM

I absolutely hated the remake of Carrie. The original is impeccable movie making.

Really enjoying this countdown. There's been a couple that I haven't seen, so I'll look them up but I've not disagreed with any that I do know. Some really good choices, with hopefully some old favourites still to come.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 11th May 2016, 06:50 PM

Glad to see some love for 'Carrie'! It got a bit quiet in here but that's always one to bring back the audiences

Lotti you need to watch the original! Also apologies this is taking SO long, real life and all that ~ but I am aiming to get it completed v soon I PROMISE.

Posted by: princess_lotti 11th May 2016, 06:52 PM

I saw it on Netflix when scrolling today!! I promise I will try watch it v soon (and report back of course )

Posted by: HausofKubrick 11th May 2016, 06:58 PM

^ yay! It won't disappoint!

Posted by: HausofKubrick 11th May 2016, 06:58 PM

08. Halloween (1978)

Halloween is the definitive slasher film (to an extent). It's the one that all others are based around and i'd argue it's the most influential of all the big franchises by some distance (though one film that influenced it, i'd put just above it as you're about to see). It's a pure unadulterated scream fest with expert building up of tension and masterful releases. Michael Myers is an enigma you don't really want to learn about. One of the most profitable independent films of all time it's clear to see why - a very simple premise made quite basically, but with the power and strength to entice and stun audiences. A social critique too, with the victims being promiscuous and unruly youth, it's a much deeper film than most of the other slashers and is just wonderfully scary. The score too, shiver-inducing with every piercing note (just listen to the trailer!).

Best scene: The first "stalk" for me is the most chilling. It's enough to make you look over your own shoulder about 16 times. The score, the build-up, really well done horror.

Posted by: Joe. 11th May 2016, 07:00 PM

Carrie is so heartbreaking. One part a supernatural thriller/horror but also a poignant drama about bullying and loneliness.


Halloween is just iconic in every way. I've never managed to watch Halloween II in full though, oops. Just H20 and the one after that.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 11th May 2016, 08:09 PM

07. Psycho (1960)

And now the film that greatly inspired the one above. One of the defining horror films. Whether you've seen it or not, you've definitely seen that moment played over and over again. But why has Psycho managed to get such a hold on the general public and is it more than just the DI DI DI shower slash? In short, it is that scene and so much more. And it's become such a part of horror and film culture because it's cinema at its finest. I am a huge fan of Hitchcock - he's my second favourite movie man (after Kubrick) and he is capable of making films like no other. Effortlessly well paced and structured, bringing out stunning performances from all of his actors and a knack for making intense moments of 'edge of your seat' wonder. 'Psycho' isn't even my favourite from him, but as far as horror goes, it's up there as his best. It's a pretty tragic tale of Norman Bates who is hidden away from society and who acts out against anyone that approaches him because primarily, he cannot cope with human interaction. Norman is fragile and elusive, but also the central part of the film's horror. It's a masterful example of how to provide shocking twists, with totally believable and relatable characters. The script is punchy, the music is intense and the film is just a perfect horror piece of art. I love the story line most of all - so wacky and out there, but really gut-wrenching and pitiful. I never know where I stand with any of the characters - they are all gravely flawed and I think it's part of the film's universal acclaim that it breaks so many conventions and boundaries and leaves the viewer with countless thoughts and points of reflection. But even without all of those layers, it's still a thrilling ride.

Best scene: Yeah, as obvious as it is, the shower scene but an honourable mention to Norman's "we all go a little mad sometimes" speech.

Posted by: JakeWild 11th May 2016, 08:19 PM

predicting a suspiria #1

Posted by: JakeWild 11th May 2016, 08:20 PM

(if so Y A S)

Posted by: HausofKubrick 12th May 2016, 09:11 PM

06. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

A film from Roman Polanski. A film that was born out of the changes to baby control and fears of pregnancy that swept America in the decades that preceeded it. A very important film for womanhood, pro-choice, rape culture and feminsim. But most of all, a wonderful, terrifying and warped fantasy ride into the mind of a paranoid mother at the height of her sexual awakening. Rosemary's Baby is very aptly titled - the actual "baby" doesn't really make any appearance in the film, instead it's the acts leading up to her contraception and the birth of the baby that create the terror of the film. Wonderfully melodramatic in true Polanski fashion and hauntingly gritty and real, the film is a brilliantly fun horror. Not so in your face with its horror, but one that builds on suspense and paranoia - a totally different type of horror to the baby terror we're used to in popular cinema. The quotation I have chosen up there is one which formed the basis of my dissertation during my masters - the horror of apartments and buildings in Polanski's films are the most important features of them... but this isn't even his best horror apartment film..

Best scene: I think the dream rape scene while wonderfully manic is removed from the true horror of the film, so i'll say my favourite scene is when the couple visit the Castevets because this is where paranoia and trust really comes into the fray.

Posted by: Joe. 12th May 2016, 09:23 PM

Rosemary's Baby is a masterpiece. Hands down my favourite horror film and within my top 10 films of all time. I don't know where to start with it. I wrote about it in part as part of my dissertation. Not only is a truly original idea (I mean, it still feels so modern and cutting edge when watched now) but it's also so, so scary and unsettling and has really interesting gender politics.

Posted by: Jonjo 12th May 2016, 09:26 PM

Ahh. That's one I need to see. Never seen it, but heard nothing but good things about it.

Posted by: Severin 12th May 2016, 11:11 PM

Every single one of your top 15 so far is a masterpiece. In fact my list would be similar in many ways.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 13th May 2016, 05:57 AM

Knew you'd be happy to see that one feature


Make sure you do! Although there's another still to come that I feel should be watched before it.


Wow high praise! Really glad you're agreeing and hopefully that continues into the top 5 too

Posted by: HausofKubrick 15th May 2016, 06:03 PM

05. Don't Look Now (1973)

Based on the Daphne Du Maurier short story. The story tells of a grieving couple who journey to Venice after the death of their daughter... where upon arriving, omens seem to suggest that she is still very much with them. The film isn't the scariest of films per se, but it is horrifying and unnerving throughout. The setting is the film's highlight - it's made me desperately want to visit Venice and venture down the haunting, isolated streets along the gloomy canals at night. The film as a whole is a visceral experience - it plays on the viewer's ears with footsteps being heard throughout, and most particularly with their eyes. It's a film all about sight and the illusion of sight and this extends far beyond the plot devices.

As the film moves along, the menace becomes more and more real and it all culminates in that final scene - which surely goes down as one of the greatest horror endings of all time. Did ANYONE see that coming? But even without that scene, or with knowing the ending, the film gets better the more time you devote to it. The subtle allusions throughout add to the overarching feels of dread and paranoia. Overall a terrifying film, expertly directed and with superb cinematography. Rich colours (the motif of the colour red is the central image of the film), piercing soundtracks and beautifully edited and woven together. A film not just for horror fans, but for cinema fans as a whole.

Best scene: The final scene is probably in my top 3 film endings of all time So unexpected, shocking, horrifying. Avoid all spoilers and just watch it.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 20th May 2016, 06:41 PM

04. Suspiria (1977)

One that i'm not sure if many will have seen or heard about, but that's more of a reason to appreciate this underrated and frankly incredible horror masterpiece. Directed by Dario Argento - a master of Italian neorealism - the film is a rollercoaster of bright colours, daft acting, gruesome deaths and scream-worthy shocks. It is the death scenes that are most iconic, as it features some of the most fantastically barbaric moments of horror cinema to kill off its unsuspecting victims and they last with you long after the closing credits. The musical score is beastly, puncturing and pulsating throughout with intense vibes. The colours are lush, blood red and harsh injections of colour constantly penetrate the screen and add to the neorealism of the cinematography.

The film itself is really enjoyable away from these tricks and gimmicks. It's about a girl who is caught up in a dance school run by shady witch like women while at the same time all being haunted by an ambiguous dark terror that preys on the beautiful women of the school and the vulnerable men inside of it. It is totally watchable (and rewatchable) and demands a loss of sanity and grasp of reality to truly enjoy. Very imaginative and dream-like but ultimately shit-the-bed scary and a hell of a ride down some of the most tantalisingly horrific scenes in horror history. How is this not top 3 though? :/

Best scene: Which death scene do I choose? I have to go for the early/opening rope/glass window one. That's all I'll say for fear of spoiler-ing~

Posted by: HausofKubrick 22nd May 2016, 05:28 PM

03. Repulsion (1965)

The second Polanski film in the top 10 and this for me is (controversially) the much scarier of the two. It's a film that is so devishly simple and basic that its horror is borne out of the claustrophobic setting, the brilliantly acted performance from Deneuve and the unnerving landscape of the apartment block she inhabits. The film tells of a lonely, slightly odd, sexually depraved woman who is made even more lonesome when her sister decides to leave the apartment for a few days. In this time, the lead character becomes gradually more and more insane as her paranoia of dangerous men attempting to enter the apartment block consume her being.

It's a masterclass of cinema - building at a snail's pace at times with random moments of release be it from a shriek, a man attacking Carol or the walls of her apartment extending out to grope her. The apartment setting of the film is crucial, it's all about how modern living can consume an individual and eventually overwhelm their existence. Polanski was a horrible director throughout the film, as he demanded that Catherine not have sex outside of filming in order to build her sexual frustrutration on screen and by forcefully pointing the camera at her face for practically the entirety of the film (she rarely leaves the screen!). Not much actually happens in the film, but it leaves you exhausted at the end of it. Speaking of - the final shot is the most chilling moment of the entire countdown easily.

Best scene: The final 30 seconds Very chilling and makes you immediately want to replay the film as it opens up a mountain of questions.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 22nd May 2016, 09:24 PM

02. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

The greatest horror slasher movie for me goes to Nightmare on Elm Street for a whole host of reasons that i'll try to touch on here. The primary reason is that this is a film I grew up watching. I used to watch it when I was as young as 5 years old (and subsequently be terrified to go to the toilet alone or sleep alone!) and it's stuck with me ever since. I actually watched it the other week in preparation for this countdown, and it still terrified me just as much as it did then. The premise is simple, a killer is stalking young victims in their sleep, so as long as they stay awake, the nightmare can't reach them. But Freddy (who in this film (not the later ones)) is a horrifying manifestation of terror, hatred and sexualised predator-ness. As the film goes on, Freddy's appearances are brilliantly done: whether it's the hand crawling up in the bathtub, the absolutely spectacular school scene, the extending arms in the alley-way - every moment he is on screen or the moments before he arrives are truly terrifying. The film doesn't have as good a musical score as some of the others in the top 10 but it more than makes up for that through the screaming terror created by the villain. The issues of childhood throughout the film, from the nursery rhymes about Freddy to the villain's history of murdering and potentially raping babies makes the horror more real than a lot of other films and it's easy to ignore the true weight of what the film is conveying.

The film is an important moment of horror cinema too - it gave rejuvination to the slasher genre and also harked back to a lot of what came before it. Today the franchise is blasted for where it went post the debut film, but having largely avoided those, the original first film still holds so much power and gravitas as a film. It's totally terrifying and utterly sublime in some of the ways in which Freddy evokes his horror.

Best scene: There are many moments I could choose here, with the bathtub being one of them, but I think it's the school scene that is scariest for me The dead returned in spectacular fashion and such a safe, familiar haven being transformed into a nightmarish world of disgusting horror.

Posted by: PaulM1983 22nd May 2016, 09:32 PM

So pleased Elm Street ended up this high. It's just the absolute pinnacle of slasher horror for me.

For a number of reasons, Freddy (at least in this movie, and Dream Warriors) is the purest and scariest form of evil. He's totally inescapable and absolutely grotesque, in his appearance and his background.

I love all of the Elm Street movies, for very different reasons, and I didn't even mind the remake that much, but the original is hardcore horror perfection.

Posted by: Ultraviolence1989 22nd May 2016, 09:59 PM

Haven't seen any of the top 5! Don't Look Now sounds fantastic though so I'm going to watch that soon at some point

Posted by: princess_lotti 22nd May 2016, 10:01 PM

I also haven't seen any of the top 5 here There's so many I really do mean to get around watching though!!

Posted by: HausofKubrick 22nd May 2016, 10:04 PM

5-3 are quite lesser known, but 'Nightmare on Elm Street' is a classic and must-see by all! hopefully you can make some good discoveries from this then at least

Posted by: Mack 22nd May 2016, 10:47 PM

Nightmare on Elm Street a true horror classic there.

Posted by: Jimmy Jam 22nd May 2016, 11:38 PM

Excited to see number 1! NOES is a complete masterpiece

Posted by: Jonjo 23rd May 2016, 10:11 AM

Ooh can't remember if 'Evil Dead' has been yet! Although I guess 'The Exorcist' is number 1? Excited to see what is, either way!

Posted by: HarryEzra 23rd May 2016, 10:35 AM

I have never seen Nightmare on Elm Street

Posted by: PaulM1983 23rd May 2016, 05:05 PM

Oh people, seriously, watch Elm Street. It's immense.

Posted by: HausofKubrick 24th May 2016, 06:40 PM

Completely agree!

#1 film coming soon ~

Posted by: Chez Wombat 24th May 2016, 07:15 PM

Nightmare on Elm Street is probably my favourite horror film ever, it's something all horror buffs should watch! So scary and gripping all the way through, the only problem I found it terrifying going out of my room after all the lights have been turned out in my house after watching it

Sorry I've not been commenting much, but there's so much classics to love here that I'd be repeating myself! Psycho & Halloween are my personal favourites, I'd pick those two out as two defining films of the genre and they both hold up amazingly well to this day. I watched Suspiria recently and it was...quite an experience lol, but extremely stylishly done.

I have no idea what your number 1 will be interested to see~

Posted by: HausofKubrick 24th May 2016, 08:20 PM

01. The Exorcist (1973)

There was never any other contender. The behemoth of horror cinema. Frequently cited as the greatest by critics, a favourite for many horror fans and the #1 in the Haus. There are many reasons why this reigns supreme for me and i'll try to touch on them here, but above all else the film is shit scary. I used to watch it when I was very young, much like the #2 film, and then and now it still has the power to shock. Regan's face remains etched on my mind long after the film finishes and the Tubular Bells play in my ears when I want silence. It's a film that extends far beyond the cinema screen and become a horrifying part of your life that you can't escape: a possession if you will.

The film tells of Regan a young girl who is gradually possessed by demonic (supposedly) forces. She represents childhood and innocence being overwhelmed and defeated by religion and patriarchal control. For such a young girl to portray such pain, sorrow, angst and fear is astonishing whatever the genre, but for her to be so terrifying and grotesquely transformative is just a phenomenal achievement. From the innocent girl that you can't help but warm to, to the awfully catastrophic monster on the bed her performance is sensational. Her mother represents undying maternal love and the power of a mother's bond to stand by her daughter and protect her no matter who tries to destroy her. The priests represent the fight of good over evil and the ultimately doomed strength of patriarchy in the face of religion. The devil is one of the scariest villains of all time - pure evil with not a shred of decency or remorse. Attacking the weak and not letting go, he leads to an uncensored portrayal of the worst kinds of evil in the world. A baddie of gargantan proportion and one that lasts with you long after the film finishes. He's undefeatable.

I couldn't mention the film without mentioning its impact. From the off it was deemed to be cursed through all its production mishaps and problems but as it was released it was so much more than that - it was cursing. Stories of people's reactions in the cinema are now the stuff of legends and it is truly the most shocking film i've ever seen. It has this effect on me, I scream, I cry, I recoil in fear and then i'm left with a lasting fear of disgust and emptiness when the closing credits roll. With countless iconic moment (the head spin, the spider walk to name a few) it's often parodied but no amount of parodies or homages could deny or take away the impact of this film. I urge all to watch it even if you've previously thought it was "funny" or "a joke" - watch it considering just how serious the subject matter is and say you're not scared. It's truly a benchmark moment of horror cinema and the film that all others are compared to. The soundtrack is electrifying and the performances or totally eccentric and horrifying. Quite slow moving at times, but it does all add to the masterful build up of suspense and tension which is then released with expert precision when the film hots up.

It's a highly important film for many reasons, but most of all, and for this countdown in particular - it's just f***ing scary.

Best scene: Countless to choose from, including the spider walk and head spin but i'm going for a much more subtle moment. Things are starting to get creepy and Regan's mother is walking the streets seeking help. The tubular bells begin playing, the wind starts blowing and it's then that you realise that the film has a grip on you and you're possessed by it's intensity and insanity. But it's hard to isolate scenes in such an all encompassing film - they don't work in isolation. It's an incredible film of monsters, devils and demons that become all too real, and the powers of which compel all.

Posted by: PaulM1983 24th May 2016, 10:34 PM

Absolutely perfect top 2. Elm Street is the best slasher movie but in terms of sheer horror, you got it right with The Exorcist.

It's a stunning piece of movie-making and your choice of "best scene" is so good. I totally get what you mean.

There are so many moments in the quieter parts of the movie that are so chilling and effective. Aside from the scary bits that everyone has seen a million times, it's the performances that keep me coming back to it. Linda is obviously amazing, considering the sheer hell she went through filming those scenes, but Ellen is just incredible, and wrongly gets overlooked sometimes when everyone is so focused on the head spinning and the vomiting.

There's an absolutely epic behind the scenes documentary on the blu-ray that I'd urge everyone to watch immediately. It's almost as good as the actual movie. It's a real miracle the movie ever got made, considering the crazy stuff that went wrong. The director was an absolute tyrant too, to say the very least.

Really it's about as close to a perfect movie as you can get.

Posted by: Jonjo 24th May 2016, 11:11 PM

Rightful winner. It's the only film to have ever convinced me, to not watch again as it was just TOO much. There's "horror" and then there's "The Exorcist" I can't even look at Demon Regan! Absolutely horrific on all levels. Made such a huge impact on me watching it as a kid. I've tried to rewatch it as I'm older and really into horrors, but I whimp out and avoid it.

Fabulous countdown, Bal. Been an absolute joy and pleasure to read! Gonna have to catch those I haven't seen at some point. Specifically those closer to the top!

Posted by: Severin 26th May 2016, 05:56 PM

So glad you put Suspiria in there!!

Didn't expect Repulsion, although it is great I recall. I need to see it again as I can't remember much about it except it felt very clautrophobic.

Don't Look Now and the original Elm Street are both fabulous but The Exorcist is a rightful winner. Alongside Alien and The Godfather it sits atop my list of favourite films ever. (I just can't separate the 3).

Fab list.

Posted by: popchartfreak 26th May 2016, 06:03 PM

haven't seen most of them, but I was around 20 when I saw The Exorcist, it's still the scariest film Ive ever seen. I was seriously disturbed by it afterwards. Don't Look Back, that ending though, didn't see that coming, and that disturbed me too. Never been able to rewatch either of them. I'm a wuss.

Posted by: princess_lotti 26th May 2016, 06:06 PM

I've read the Exorcist but never got round to seeing the film (I know, I know, it applies to WAY too many in here!!! I'm going to aim to watch quite a few of these after my exams finish )

Incredible write ups, I've really enjoyed this countdown! Thanks Bal

Posted by: Chez Wombat 26th May 2016, 06:22 PM

Oh I actually thought The Exorcist had already been somehow I probably should've guessed that seeing as the main song from the soundtrack was your Halloween spin off entry! Anyway, fantastic film and very worthy number 1. I agree that the Regan images stayed with me a long time too and it's such a deep and tragic story, I like that it treats something like a possession story with real care and thought and isn't just played for cheap scares, it truly shows the full horror behind it in many ways.

I must get round to seeing some of these I haven't seen yet as what I have are some of my all time favourites too! Great countdown, absolutely loved reading it.

Posted by: SamJudd 30th May 2016, 10:48 PM

Some great movies here and some amazing classics.

Peeping Tom = Yes, yes, yes a 100 times yes, this would definitely be in my alltime fave horror movies and glad it's remembered, such an eerie and unpleasant movie, that's so beautifully shot and had the injustice of being panned at it's time, probably coming out at the wrong time. One of the first slasher movies and really set the bar for the genre. The POV shot of the victims terrified faces is still unnerving to this day and the performances in this are excellent and you never know what he's gonna do next.

Omen = Another firm fave of mine, I do agree that scene with the nanny hanging herself was so unsettling and twisted, this movie was just so good and even liked the 2 follow ups which concluded the trilogy. The remake was terrible and best avoided.

Halloween = Probably the greatest teen slasher of alltime, the opening scene of a young Michael really set the tone for what's to come. Everything about this was perfect, the tone, the direction and the cast, Donald Pleasure was simply brilliant as the manic Dr Loomis and Jamie Lee Curtis was just amazing. The creepy tension and Michael Myers himself has never been scarier. Shame none of the sequels that followed matched this brilliance and only got worse and worse, although did enjoy Part 2 as it picks up where this one ends and love to watch both this and No2 on Halloween as a double bill.

Posted by: Harve 30th May 2016, 10:59 PM

Eeek, slightly worrying (for me) that I've only seen two of your top 10. I've always been a bit obscure in preferring 21st century horror but I can definitely see why the Exorcist is your fave. <3

Posted by: SamJudd 30th May 2016, 10:59 PM

Psycho = Another amazing classic and definitely ranks as my fave Alfred Hitchcock movie, the opening murder really takes you off guard as you think that the character is gonna be main star, and that amazing twist at the end, which everybody probably already knows was just brilliant and loved it upon first viewing. This never gets boring and the entire plot and events unfolding keeps you hooked to the screen the entire time.

Suspria = Didn't think anyone on here would know this one, but glad we're on the same wavelength here. Italian horror at it's finest, Dario Argento's masterpiece on full display here, the eerie tension, the beautiful colours and manic weirdness that's going on throughout, and plus the gruesome murders are beautifully shot and well crafted. This is just a pure work of art and love Dario Argento's movies, other classics he's had are 'Deep Red', 'The Bird With Crystal Plummage', 'Tenebrae', 'Opera' & 'Phemonena'.

Nightmare On Elm Street = What can I say about this, just brilliant and one of my personal fave horror movies of alltime, just awesome and Robert England is just a legend and the plot was just so inventive and that first murder was just so gruesome and disturbing, just fantastic.

As for your #1 choice 'The Exorcist', well I do like that one, but don't love it and wouldn't class it as one of my alltime faves, but a great choice all the same and thanks for hosting this, it has been a well and truly interesting read.