Happy Halloween everyone! This halloween, instead of dressing up in a costume and knocking doors at my neighborhood saying "trick or treat" (which I know I'm too old to do), I'll instead immerse myself on watching scary movies. Here some of my picks for the best films to watch on All Hallow's Eve. Some of you may argue on some of the films I placed on this list, but these are my favorites. If you have any violent reactions, let’s take it out to the parking lot (kidding!). Bring out the popcorn and have one hell of a night!
Exhibit A: The Classics
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
“Hello, Clarice…” those are the chilling words that came out of the mouth of infamous cannibal Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) while speaking to FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). Overall the film may not be as scary as you think, but seeing Hannibal’s eyes stare blankly at you just is just plain creepy.
Scariest scene: When Clarice discovers what’s inside the jar.
Halloween (1978)
A deranged 6 year-old-boy kills her older sister. Boy was locked away in a sanitarium. After 15 years, boy gets out, wields a large butcher knife and starts murdering babysitters – all on All Hollow’s Eve. Halloween was one of the best slasher films I’ve seen. John Carpenter’s classic was one of the few horror movies that are really scary.
Scariest scene: When Laurie shouts out for Tommy as Michael is approaching.
Poltergeist (1982)
Imagine you build your dream house on a sacred Indian burial ground. Definitely you’re bound to see spirits in no time. This disturbing tale of the supernatural really was so scary, even the real actors died a couple of months after shooting the film, which makes it even creepier.
Scariest scene: When the little girls stared at the TV and said, “They’re here”
The Exorcist (1978)
The devil really is a scary being. In this film it manages to turn innocent young Regan into a deranged demon from hell. I actually was praying when watching this.
Scariest Scene: The spider-walk stairway descent (Available only on “The Version You’ve Never Seen”)
The Omen (1976)
What if the 6 year old boy you had was actually the spawn of Satan?! The Omen may not offer edge of your seat thrills, but thinking that a little boy is capable of doing nasty deaths is enough is to get you scared.
Scariest Scene: When Damien’s nanny commits suicide on his 6th birthday.
Carrie (1976)
This film taught me not to make fun of overly serious geeks in school. They might turn out to have telekinesis and might just kill you on your prom. Ah, imagine all that blood on my tux!
Scariest Scene: What else?! The prom scene!
Jaws (1975)
A then unknown Steven Spielberg made a splashing debut with his little fish film. Haha! And you thought it was safw to go back to the water.
Scariest Scene: Not much of the scene, but just the theme itself, “dum, dum” is scary.
Evil Dead (1981)
Before Sam Raimi went to direct Spider-Man, he had his own superhero, and his name was Ash. A mix of sublime comedy amidst a horror background, this is one of the cult classics that’s a definite must watch.
Scariest Scene: When they start reading from the Book of the Dead and… well, you know what happens next.
Alien (1979)
Director Ridley Scott’s film was thought to be another sci-fi movie ala Star Wars. But no, enter a large spaceship (with claustrophobic surroundings), a then unknown Sigourney Weaver in the lead, and a face-hugging, chest-bursting alien on the loose, and you’ve got yourself a 2 hour scare ride from start to finish.
Scariest Scene: When the alien bloodily bursts out of Kane’s chest.
Exhibit B: The Remakes
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
This is one of the few remakes I actually liked. The scares were there and all gore that you can possibly imagine. Plus, you get to experience Jessica Biel’s boo-tay. (I can’t believe I just said that)
Scariest Scene: When Erin hides inside a meat processing plant (inside a dead animals carcass) to escape from Leatherface.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Ah, Zack Snyder’s remake of the George Romero classic was truly one of the zombie films I really enjoyed. Trapped in mall with the dead lurking outside, you can’t help but fell safe that your favorite coffee shop is still in tact.
Scariest Scene: When Ana sees the chaos in the streets and realizes what’s going on.
The Ring (2002)
Though many still love the original Japanese movie, I still dug this remake. Naomi Watts really was a good choice for the lead. This movie reminded me not to accommodate calls that says “seven days” in a whispered voice.
Scariest Scene: When dear old Samara comes out of the TV.
Exhibit C: The Modern Thrillers
Se7en (1995)
This story follows a two detective on a route to catch a serial killer that tortures his victims according to the seven deadly sins. And I never imagined Kevin Spacey to be this bad.
Scariest Scene: When Brad Pitt discovers what’s inside the box.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
This mock documentary about three filmmakers who are on a search about a local urban myth caused quite a stir when it was released back in 1999. Although none of it was true, it still sends chills down my spine every time I see this film.
Scariest Scene: The ending… “what was that?”
Exhibit D: All time favorite
The Scream Trilogy (1996, 1997, 2000)
Wes Craven’s horror movie about a bunch of movie crazed teenagers stalked by movie crazed serial killer gained positive reaction and ultimately the horror genre. Writer Kevin Williamson’s edgy script combined thrills and weird tongue-in-cheek situations that spawned 2 more sequels. A definite watch for everyone.
Scariest Scene: When Drew Barrymore died in the opening scene. I mean, who kills a major character in the opening scene?
