We are well into October now which means it is spooky movie season. Movie lovers have already started to revisit classic Halloween films and horror movies that put them in the festive spirit. To go-to genre of this season is usually horror, which happens to be one of my least favorite genres of film. I don’t do well with scary movies and I tend to find many horror films more disturbing than fun and spooky. I have actively avoided the genre for most of my life with only an occasional dabble when a classic film caught my eye. The past few years, however, I have tried to go out of my comfort zone and watch more horror. I discovered that my experience with these types of films ultimately comes down to how the director balances the film. I’ve been truly impressed by some classics of the genre and terrified (in a fun way!) by some recent scary flicks. What appeals to me in horror may vary significantly from others, but I now see the incredible entertainment value and skill involved in this genre. So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite horror films!

Scream

Wes Craven’s meta take on horror pleasantly surprised me. I love the balance of dark comedy, scares, and homages/references to classic horror films. The performances are great and the film is genuinely scary in key moments. Incredibly entertaining and a great introductory film for non-horror fans.

The Conjuring (1 and 2)

James Wan blew me away with these films. I found myself terrified, impressed by the fantastic acting from Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and stunned by Wan’s sheer brilliance behind the camera. The Conjuring 2 was the first horror film I had ever seen in a theater and it was first the time I realized how fun horror can be. Watching the screen in between my fingers (and occasionally behind my girlfriend’s shoulders) I found myself entranced by the incredible way Wan films scares. Nothing in these films feel cheap. Even the jump scares carry some weight and merit. The stories are engaging and the characters are interesting. Under a different director, these films could have been 2 hours of cheap jump scares, but with Wan at the helm they are tense, meticulously crafted, and leave a lasting impact. A true modern horror classic.

Halloween (1978 and 2018)

I do not enjoy the slasher genre. I have trouble watching films where a crazy murderer goes on a killing spree while people run in fear. I just don’t find those types of movies entertaining, but yet, I like Halloween. I believe this is another case of the director establishing the right tone for the film. Unlike other slashers that rely on gore and jump scares, these two Halloween films slowly build up tension, making each kill genuinely scary. John Carpenter’s unique perspective throughout the film establishes Michael Myers as an intimidating monster. The score for both films is also incredible and immediately iconic. I thought David Gordon Green did a nice job of carrying the tone of the first film into the new relaunch of the franchise. Jamie Lee Curtis is also a great protagonist, especially in the 2018 film. Overall two tense and scary horror films that feature a nice Halloween/Fall vibe.

The Shining

I love Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. Leaning more into the psychological horror side, this is simply of the best acted and directed films of the genre. There’s not much to say about this that hasn’t already been said. It is an iconic, perfect descent into madness. I also recommend checking out Mike Flanagan’s extremely underrated Doctor Sleep.

It

An incredible mashup of coming of age film, comedy, surreal horror, and adventure, Andy Muschietti’s retelling of the classic Stephen King novel is a delight. The cast is amazing and their chemistry and sense of humor add some nice levity to a dark story. Besides a few jump scares, the film is genuinely creative with its horror, making full use of Muschietti’s unique visual style and King’s twisted creations. It is also an incredibly rewatchable film that consistently entertains. One of the better blockbuster horror films of recent years.

Hush

Hush is an incredibly tense horror/thriller with a very simple premise. The story follows a crazy killer hunting a woman in her secluded home, pretty basic horror. What makes this film so scary though, is that the woman is deaf, opening the doors to many unique ways to scare the audience. A modern master of horror, Mike Flanagan knows how to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and truly be too scared to look away. One word of advice: do not watch this film while home alone.

Shaun of the Dead

A hilarious horror-comedy with a big heart and perfect chemistry between its two leads. Shaun of the Dead marks the first film in Edgar Wright’s “Cornetto Trilogy.” Here, Wright spoofs the zombie/horror genre while also delivering a scary (and very funny) film that solidifies its place among horror classics. Horror-comedies are a great mashup of two very tricky genres and I applaud any filmmaker who can find the right balance.

What are some of your favorite horror films? What would you recommend to a non-horror fan like myself?

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