It’s been a few years since trick-or-treaters have rung our doorbell, partly because we live in a dark and secluded area, partly because we draw the curtains and turn off all the lights. This suits my husband so well because by 31, the miniature Snickers that she loves are gone. Instead of being mocked by SpongeBobs and the Little Mermaids when we hand out canned peas and carrots instead of candy, we usually sit in the dark and watch horror movies. Quietly, with the doors closed. It’s always cold enough to make a fire, because these movies are pretty scary! The following are some of the ones that have scared us the most over the years, and I invite you to leave comments on the movies that have been known to scare you.
the glow (1980) — Individually, Jack Nicholson and Stephen King know how to make your blood run cold. But the two working together can scare you to death, especially with an isolated haunted hotel as your backdrop and over-the-top cabin fever. The Shining gets under your skin, for sure. And it stays there, haunting you forever. You have nowhere to hide. If you’re like me and find the movie terrifying, I dare you to read the book! REDDUM!!!
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) — The best and scariest slasher movie ever. This is where you go for a giant dose of horror, insane murder., carnage, stretchy reality, shock, and cool awesomeness. Just don’t expect anyone to go with you and come back alive.
let the right one in (2004) – The original Swedish version of this film is much more beautiful than the American remake: more horrible and, at the same time, more painfully tender. Yes, it’s a Swedish vampire movie, but it’s a creepy story that’s touching, sweet, and terribly creepy. You will (tremble) love it!
young frankenstein(1974) – Wow, sorry, this isn’t really a scary movie. But it’s so much fun that you could scream with fits of laughter. It’s an affectionate parody of the 1930s Frankenstein genre, the perfect antidote to anyone’s blues, and I think it’s one of the funniest movies ever made. All the names associated with this movie—Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Gene Hackman—should terrify you of missing out.
Others (2001) – Rather ghostly, Nicole Kidman thinks her strange house might be haunted. We think she’s up to something. Smart, surprising and creepy, this movie can make goosebumps break out and old married men cuddle up.
The thing(1982) – Terrifying with a capital letter, this is a remake of the 1950s classic starring Kurt Russell, who finds himself in a remote and frigid Antarctic research station, having to deal with the… thing. The story is harrowing, and the… thing… itself is chilling to the bone. Because of the powerful and shocking conclusion to the film, we are always surprised to discover that a lamp has mysteriously turned on. boo.
Alien(1979)– You’ll find almost everything scary about horror movies in this mix of sci-fi and horror. Not at first, but the threat builds and builds, and then it grabs you, squeezing… even after you wet your pants, cry uncle and beg for mercy. If it doesn’t scare you to death, you’re already dead. Alien It is a great and unforgettable nightmare. If you’ve seen it as many times as I have, it’s no wonder people our age can’t sleep through the night!
Silence of inocents (1991) — Anthony Hopkins is extraordinary as genius cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, locked in an underground prison for the criminally insane. And, if that’s not psycho enough to get your adrenaline pumping, how about that grotesque seamstress? Two monstrous villains for the price of one – this movie is so terrifying that watching it might just make you want to have dinner with an old friend. Bwahaha!
hocus pocus(1993) — Three hundred years after being hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, three accidentally resurrected witches return, with a gruesome revenge and a cauldron of Halloween chills and thrills. But, because the witches are Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, there’s also a lot of fun, music, special effects, and magic mixed into the terrifying plot. Make no mistake, these witches are wicked, wicked, mean and nasty, but sometimes they relate more like the Three Stooges. It’s an oddly satisfying combination, and it’s our go-to scary movie this Halloween!
Having locked up, turned off the lights, and drawn the curtains, we’ll build a fire, make corn, and snuggle under fleece blankets. Why don’t you bring your own scary movies and join us for some fun? There’s plenty of popcorn and blankets, but I’d really appreciate it if you’d bring a few small Snickers to help me keep my husband awake beyond the FBI’s warning. It’s scary to be alone in the dark.
There is not space in this post to include all the worthy creepy movies, so please add them to the list with your comments…