Since it is Monster Fest here on YDKS Movies, I figured it was the perfect time of year to work on a countdown of what I consider the 25 greatest horror movies of all-time. Although you may not agree with my list, it is my opinion based on the large amount of horror films that I have consumed over the years. Unfortunately, there still are some "classics" I have yet to see such as Rosemary's Baby and Jacob's Ladder. Because of that, these titles will not appear on the list. However, all of the horror films on this list are nothing but solid films and, if you haven't seen them already, you should check them all out.
20. The Bride of Frankenstein
The Bride of Frankenstein is the most solid out of all the Universal Classic Horror films. It is the one original Frankenstein film that is able to come closest to Mary Shelley’s original novel (which is awesome if you haven’t read it). In fact, it actually features an actress playing Shelley in some entertaining sequences portraying the writing of the novel at Lord Byron’s retreat that open and bookend the film. Unlike the original Frankenstein, this film has more emotion, stronger characters and a more sympathetic monster. The scene with the blind man and the monster (which is very similar to my favorite section of Shelley’s novel) is still touching and heartbreaking to watch to this day. Plus, the unveiling of the creation of the Bride is a very classic scene. This is one of those horror films that has it all: a great score, monsters, scares, emotion, fun, and the works. If you’re going to go with one of the Universal Classic Horror films, this is the one that I’d recommend.
19. The Fly (1986)
For David Cronenberg, the fear is in the flesh. I’m not sure if it was the same for me… until I started watching his films. Since then, I’ve been terrified of having things happen to my body or just plain falling apart. Cronenberg manages to make films that deeply disturb and scare me in ways that most filmmakers cannot come close to doing. The Fly is one of those films that has that very effect on me but it also has much more. To be plain and simple, The Fly is essentially is a tragic love story on par with classics such as The Phantom of The Opera. Of course, it’s a tragic love story where a man accidentally gets teleported with a fly and begins to fall apart in the most disgusting way possible. To make things worse, that man happens to be played by Jeff Goldblum, who I have already stated is scary by himself. Add all this together and what you get is a really gross yet fascinating movie about a man falling apart in more ways than one. Many people have stated that the film has deeper meanings, dealing with issues such as STDS and AIDS. I can definitely see where that can fit in. Whether you’re into the possible social commentary or not, The Fly is a great movie that manages to be gross, scary, emotional and tragic all at the same time.
18. Friday the 13th
You know what happens in Friday the 13th? Horny teenagers show up at Camp Crystal Lake, drink alcohol, do drugs, have sex and then get murdered by the psychotic mother of Jason Voorhees in the most brutal ways imaginable. Yes, that’s right- Jason’s mom is the killer in Friday the 13th. Anyone who has seen Scream should know that by now. Despite this film having the same forum as all the sequels in this never-ending franchise, for some reason or another, it’s considered by many to be a classic. The reason for this is simple: it really was one of the first horror films to put the gore effects into the slasher film (courtesy of effects legend Tom Savini) and it’s actually pretty scary. I’m not sure why this entry is scarier than the others in the series but it is. And plus, you must admit- Mrs. Voorhees is actually scarier than Jason himself. There’s something a lot worse about an insane mother seeking revenge for her son’s accidental drowning that occurred years back than a machete-wielding zombie that comes coming back from the dead to kill more brainless teens. Plus, she puts a freaking arrow through Kevin Bacon’s neck.
17. The Lost Boys
There are not many 1980’s horror films that you can go with that are better than The Lost Boys. It’s one of my favorite vampire movies of all-time (my favorite is coming up later in the list). Sure, it’s very dated and really cheesy. That just adds to its charm. Corey Feldman’s deep tone of voice is ridiculous, the Greasy Sax Man still blows my mind, and that Rob Lowe poster that Corey Haim has on his door is probably the gayest thing I’ve ever seen. Still, I love this movie. It’s one of the greatest group films you’ll ever come across and, to be honest, it’s just a whole lot of fun to watch. It’s got some great music, nice scares, awesome vampire make-up, and Keifer Sutherland is a complete bad a. I just like to keep the fact that it was directed by Joel Schumacher way in the back of my mind.
16. The Hitcher (1987)
Back when this site was really starting to take off, I wrote a huge defense on The Hitcher after some of my friends didn’t care for it. As far as I’m concerned, The Hitcher is one of the most intelligent, subtle, multilayered and disturbing horror films ever made. The direction is understated but well-crafted, the screenplay by the great Eric Red is beyond solid and the acting job by legend Rutger Hauer is one of the scariest and ambiguous portrayals you’ll see in a horror film. I cannot tell you how much I love this film. It has so much going on under its surface that it’s ridiculous. Is it the story of a young man coming to terms with his own homosexuality? What does John Ryder really stand for? Is he evil itself? If you want more of this speculation, please check out my aforementioned article as I cover the film in ridiculous detail. And if all that stuff doesn’t wet your appetite, this is a film that features a kid finding a finger in his plate of French fries… if you’re into that kind of thing.
Parts 3-5 Coming Soon.
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