Happy Halloween! Since I’ve already gone and given a list of films for you to watch that aren’t specifically in the horror genre, it’s time to move on to some that are; from famous classics to underrated modern gems, here are 5 films to watch this Halloween that this time hopefully will give you nightmares.
The Shining
In 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining was originally panned upon its release; however, it has gradually gained more notice over the years and is now widely regarded as one of the best horror films of all time. Isolated in a huge hotel for the winter, the Torrance family are terrorised by an evil and spiritual presence, which gradually influences the alcoholic Jack to embark on a violent rampage against his wife and son. Kubrick plays with the viewer’s mind all throughout the film, using a slow psychological build up speckled with scary images and ideas that altogether culminate in a terrifying final act. Add in some eerie music along with a creepy-as-hell performance from Jack Nicholson, and you’ve got yourself a horror classic.
[Rec]
Released almost seven years ago, [Rec] is a film that has for some reason received very little attention since, and I’ll never understand why. Presented as “found-footage”, this movie is a roller-coaster of nerve-wrecking tension and never-ending frights that will ensure you’ll be sleeping with the lights on until Christmas. It starts off slowly, building up atmosphere as we follow journalist Ángela doing a report on the local firefighting service. However, when she and her cameraman follow them to an emergency at an apartment building, the film quickly descends into nightmare territory as everyone within the building soon find themselves locked inside with something horrifying. Don’t let the fact it’s in Spanish put you off; this is a claustrophobic masterpiece that you’ll definitely have a hard time trying to forget.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Hailed as a landmark in the genre, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a hellish ordeal that still holds up 40 years later. The documentary-style camera work as well as the nauseatingly gritty colour scheme make the intense violence that takes place even more disturbing, such as the infamous dinner scene or when the psychopathic Leatherface hunts the tormented Sally with a chainsaw in probably the scariest chase sequence I’ve ever seen in a film. Want a good slasher to watch this Halloween that will subsequently make you jump in fright every time you hear a chainsaw? If so, this is the movie for you.
Let the Right One In
Another foreign-language gem that’s criminally underrated. Based on the novel of the same name, Let the Right One In is an interesting and unique take on the vampire genre, though by no means any less chilling. While the plot may echo familiarity of other vampire features – a bullied boy named Oskar finds love, and also revenge, through a young vampire named Eli (with mesmerising performances from both children in these roles) – trust me, this is no Twilight. Haunting, subtle, and undeniably beautiful, Let the Right One In is a remarkable entry in the horror genre, and definitely one worth watching this Halloween.
The Blair Witch Project
The Blair Witch Project is a film disregarded by many, but it’s one I’ll stand by as being an outstanding example of how subtle scares can be just as terrifying as outright ones. Though not the first “found-footage” film to be made, it was undoubtedly what sparked the genre into popularity, and was also a milestone in terms of independent film-making. What makes it so polarizing is the fact that all of its scariness is down to fear of the unknown, as the story follows three film students attempting to make a documentary on the legend of the Blair Witch, but after getting lost in the endless woods begin to find themselves hunted by someone – or something – during the night. If you go into this with an open mind, as well as all the lights turned off, I doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Words by Samantha King