If you're looking for a fun way to spend Halloween night- without spending a fortune- head to your local video store. With thousands of titles available, the choices are endless. How do you know what's really scary? Well, check out the Top 10 Halloween Horror Classics. Each title is guaranteed to make your Halloween a screaming success!
Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter's thriller is about Michael Myers, a notorious killer who stalks babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), and kills anyone in his path. The film's success spawned numerous sequels and introduced the world to actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Full of suspense, gruesome kills and a well-known soundtrack, Halloween is still scary after thirty years.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Teenagers are haunted in their sleep by crazed killer Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund). Only one young woman (Heather Langenkamp) has the courage to defeat the "dream stalker" or die trying. Wes Craven's box office smash opened the doors for sequels, merchandise, video games and a short-lived television series, Freddy's Nightmares. The film also features Johnny Depp as Langenkamp's boyfriend, Glen; Depp is also given the film's bloodiest sequence. A Nightmare on Elm Street will have you praying for daylight.
Friday the 13th (1980)
Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake, where you can relax, go for a nature hike, and try to survive the night. A strange killer preys on a group of teens who are trying to rebuild the camp. The body count rises as one by one each counselor is disposed of in horrifying ways. The sequels would introduce American audiences to Jason Voorhees, one of the most iconic horror villains of all time. A fun-filled roller coaster ride from beginning to end, the film co-stars Kevin Bacon as one of the doomed counselors.
Evil Dead (1981)
Director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Drag Me to Hell) delivers shocks and laughs in this low-budget horror film about a group of friends who rent a cabin deep in the woods, only to unleash a vicious demon that is determined to possess their souls. It's up to one man named Ash (Bruce Campbell) to fight for his life and send the demon back to Hell where it belongs. Originally filmed in 1979, and released in 1982, Evil Dead is as funny as it is scary. Bruce Campbell would go on to star in the sequels, Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn, and Army of Darkness.
Poltergeist (1982)
What happens when a house is built on ancient burial ground? For the Freeling family, a series of terrifying events occur as a ghastly spirit brings toys and trees to murderous life before abducting little Carol Anne into its evil world. Produced by Steven Spielberg, this horror gem shows how far one family will go to save their daughter- no matter what. While the film received a PG rating, many will scream as terror unfolds in this spooky tale of life after death.
Child's Play (1988)
Andy Barclay's doll, Chucky, literally has a mind of his own. No, he's not programmed that way. The doll is possessed by the soul of a dead serial killer. Chucky will stop at nothing to pass his soul into Andy's body, and kill anyone that stands in his way. Child's Play combines horror with a splash of dark humor that grabs your throat and doesn't let go until the pulse-pounding finale. Chucky's ready to play...and you'd better hope it's not with you.
Urban Legend (1998)
On a college campus in New England someone is bringing the scariest urban legends to life, as one by one victims are killed in horrible ways. From the axe-wielding killer hiding in the backseat, to pop rocks and soda pop, nobody is safe. With gut-wrenching horror and a hot cast, Urban Legend mixes folklore with reality in this smart horror film from director Jamie Blank.
Cabin Fever (2002)
Writer/Director Eli Roth's independent horror film about a group of college graduates partying deep in the woods before entering the working world. When Karen (Jordan Ladd) get's sick, her skin begins to fester as a strange flesh-eating virus takes over. Friends become enemies as the sickness spreads and only the strong will survive. Filled with sequences of blood, gore and everything in between, Cabin Fever is one film that will turn your stomach; it's best if you pass on the popcorn for this fright-flick.
Scream (1996)
A box office hit, Wes Craven's clever horror/comedy features an all-star cast including Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Rose McGowan and Drew Barrymore. A mysterious killer takes a love for horror movies to an all-new level as victims receive threatening phone calls before a deadly attack. Audiences across the country made Scream so successful it not only spawned two sequels, but breathed new life into the horror genre. Writer Kevin Williamson (Dawson's Creek) serves up a classic dish of tongue-in-cheek horror with flawless comedy.
The Exorcist (1973)
Based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist stars Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, an innocent twelve-year old who becomes possessed by the devil. With the help of two priests, the battle between good and evil has begun. During its theatrical run in 1973, the film caused audiences to run from theatres, vomit, and even faint. The film contains many disturbing scenes and is still regarded as the scariest film of all time. If you're in the mood for real horror at its best, The Exorcist will make your head spin.
On Halloween night, turn off the lights and get ready to let fear take over. As the wind howls outside and eerie shadows creep along the walls, sit back and relax with one of these terror treats. If the fear becomes too great, remember one thing: It's only a movie.
Nicholas Gentry - Nicholas Gentry is a freelance writer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has contributed many articles to Seed.com and Articleinsider.com. ...
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