Psycho and Texas Chainsaw Massacre were pivotal films in popularizing the slasher genre, but Halloween really ignited it all. With its dark juxtaposition of religion, superstition, and supernatural elements resulting in one of horror’s most terrifying thrillers ever produced, Halloween proved itself one of the true pillars of cinematic horror.
After exploring psychological despair with Hereditary, Ari Aster took on something lighter with Midsommar. Like its predecessor, this modern horror classic offers something smarter than an average jump scare.
1. The Exorcist
William Friedkin’s classic horror flick from 1973, The Exorcist is revered and timeless. Regan, her demon-infected daughter from The Exorcist is forever embedded into cinema fans’ collective consciousness; William Friedkin’s film legitimized, elevated and continues to influence genre movies even today.
The Exorcist remains relevant and effective even today, decades after its original release and numerous sequels and reboots of it were produced. It remains an intelligent horror movie with something to say; an exploration of faith versus fear; depicting Heaven versus Hell battle that can’t be resolved with bullets or bombs alone.
The Exorcist is a masterwork of nuance and tension, building up suspense minute by minute through brilliant direction, tight editing, hydraulics, creepy sound design and Linda Blair’s makeup. Families can discuss how the film uses fear to explore themes of courage and perseverance – especially within Father Karras’ life where unimaginable suffering ensues yet he remains faithful to God despite everything that has transpired?
2. Carrie
Carrie is an unforgettable high school drama in which Sissy Spacek gives an impressive performance as an outcast with unimaginable powers – her telekinetic abilities allowing her to unleash unthinkable violence upon those she is bullying and their classmates alike. A modern Cinderella story with operatic overtones of both anger and sensual tension.
Now it’s hard to remember the initial shock value of Alfred Hitchcock’s film as groundbreaking when it first premiered in 1960; its lasting legacy, however, speaks volumes of Hitchcock’s skill as director.
Dario Argento remains unsurpassed when it comes to horror cinema. His blood-soaked techno-fantasy was one of the highlight films from Video Nasties era and remains unparalleled for its dark supernatural elements, camera acrobatics and themes of sexual aberration and obsession. Remake by Luca Guadagnino is also worth your while, featuring Thom Yorke soundtrack as well as multi-roling Tilda Swinton as stars!
3. The Omen
Horror lovers cannot beat this flick for sheer terror! Gregory Peck stars as a diplomat who becomes convinced his son is the Antichrist, which must be killed off to stop Satanic destruction of mankind.
Though dated in places, its pacing is effective and acting is outstanding; while its directing excels at creating tension and suspense.
Bela Lugosi made this iconic film memorable through his chilling portrayal of Dracula, while Tod Browning created stunning sets and scenery that is equally unnerving. Although some may find this over the top, Argento excels at creating her own world and atmosphere which are unique to her work.
4. Suspiria
Friedkin’s film may seem mild in comparison with modern horror cinema, but its unnerving atmosphere and overly-realistic special effects create one of the most eerie horror flicks ever made – not to mention an honest plotline!
Scream has since inspired numerous copies and parodies, yet its original slasher film still packs an effective punch thanks to its clever extra-meta screenplay and superb performances from Neve Campbell and Courtney Cox – not forgetting Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger!
John Carpenter is one of the few directors capable of conjuring such unsettling and tension-building scares as effectively. His use of mood and simple yet sinister characters elevates classics such as Halloween, The Fog and An American Werewolf in London to unforgettable status.
5. Hereditary
Hereditary is an incredible film. A journey into family grief, madness and the supernatural that’s both captivating and horrifying in equal measures. Toni Collette delivers a flawless performance as Eve/The mother which manages to convey both pathos and terror without an effort on either end of her performance spectrum.
At a time of constant slasher films where teens are regularly being murdered on screen, this 1960 film stands out as an honest yet shocking study of marriage and family dynamics. Notable scenes include Janet Leigh’s shower murder.
George A. Romero’s classic zombie-thriller Zombie pioneered an entire subgenre and remains unparalleled for its social satire of society under siege. While there’s gore and tension-filled base-under-siege action galore in this film, its characters truly make this masterpiece one of the greatest horror flicks ever.
6. Midsommar
Last year’s Hereditary established Ari Aster as an adept horror director, and his hallucinatory follow-up is just as powerful. Midsommar pays tribute to British folk horror classic The Wicker Man while weaving its tale of outsiders who encounter a strange cult that practices strange rituals.
Florence Pugh, known for her performance as Lady Macbeth in 2017, delivers an unsettling turn as the lead in this haunting Swedish folk horror tale. But don’t expect high-octane kills or elaborate set pieces–this psychological horror tale is unnerving for its slow descent into madness that proves unnervedly unsettling.
Midsommar is another story about family and belief, yet also makes an insightful commentary about life’s violence and death. Every unpleasant event affecting followers of a cult are direct results of its beliefs and culture – an ironic reminder that suspending judgment for other cultures for reasons such as curiosity or relativism is futile.