MANILA, Philippines - It’s that time of the year again when scary costumes are out and kids go trick or treating. And of course, it’s the time when people crave for horror movies.
Yes, there’s a lot to choose from: Paranormals, crazy murderers on the loose, gory stuff and monsters. However, not all horror films deliver that intense scare that viewers expect to have. Be sure to know which ones are the scariest with this list of the most frightening films ever made.
Evil Dead (1981). A group of youngsters is staying in a cabin in the middle of a forest. Not knowing what they’re getting into, they do something that will summon the devil. While the plot of Evil Dead may be predictable, the eerie feeling that the film gives the audience is why it deserves a spot on this list. I can’t forget the chant that they played to awaken the devil — so scary.
The Shining (1980). This is not the type of horror film that features ghosts. The main focus is the way Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) changes from being a normal dad to a crazy/evil-possessed man. There is definitely a reason that the film is always mentioned when discussing horror films.
The Conjuring (2013). A film based on one of the cases tackled by real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring is about a family who moves into an old farmhouse and begins to experience strange happenings. The mysterious entity in the house is very sinister and full of anger, leaving the family helplessly scared.
The Exorcist (1973). A sweet, innocent girl turns evil when she’s possessed by angry spirits. The film may be old, but it has its own uniqueness in giving the chills. Watching the film may give one nightmares over the possessed girl’s face.
The Ring (1998). A seemingly harmless video is actually a curse from a tragic past. The spirit of Sadako is seeking for revenge. The crawling-out-from-the-TV-screen scene is truly creepy. Originally a Japanese film, Hollywood also made a version of it. Which one is scarier? Watch both films to know.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). Freddy Krueger can only haunt and attack you in your dreams but the problem is, once he gets you, he will do everything to let you stay asleep. The sight of Freddy, with his claws and all, can make you lose sleep. Sleep tight or, shall we say, sleep safely.
Paranormal Activity (2007). After The Blair Witch Project, some filmmakers tried to produce movies with a similar plot: A found camera recorder being re-played. With Paranormal Activity and its sequels, the main idea is to capture these unexplained and spooky happenings on camera.
It (1990). Personally, It is the reason that I have a fear of clowns. The film, which tells about a clown that haunts kids until their adulthood, just has a way of getting into its viewers’ minds. It may not sound scary, but try watching it. Sorry, no offense to party clowns but It really got to me.
Halloween (1978). Michael Myers, a psychotic murderer, is on the loose and is out to get a teenage girl and her friends. There are no ghosts or strange creatures in the movie. What’s disturbing is the way the killer is. Add to that are the chasing scenes and the background music. The movie is one of the most recommended every Halloween.
The Hell Raiser (1987). Some puzzles are just better left unsolved. The film is about a puzzle box that creates more problems when it gets solved. The box releases entities that tempt and take human souls. While the story may seem bizarre, it is actually the main antagonist, Pinhead, which makes the movie both spine-chilling and disturbing.
The Amityville Horror (1979). A movie based on a true story, it’s about a family who moves into their new home and slowly realizes that they have made a wrong decision. The house has a dark history that seems to be haunting them. It wants them!
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005). Said to be based on true events, the film is about a young woman’s battle with an evil spirit trying to take her soul and use her body. The effects and make-up in the film may not be as scary as in The Exorcist, but the focus is on the battle between good and evil, which makes it memorable to the viewers.
Night of the Living Dead (1968). The film is the first of all the Night of the Living Dead films. Obviously, its effects and make-up are not as good as those you see in new and similarly-themed movies, but it’s one film that will give viewers an unforgettable scare-time. It is a horror classic that movie fans should not miss.
Ju-On:The Grudge (2003). A malevolent spirit is seeking revenge and is out to get anyone that stays in its territory. The spirit in the movie has a hair-raising way of revealing itself. For one, it crawls under the cover on the bed. Viewers will have a hard time feeling at peace on their beds after watching the movie.
The Sixth Sense (1999). A quiet, young boy has an ability not many people would want to have. He sees and hears things from the other side. If you still don’t quite get what this means, then try to watch the movie and find out what Cole’s special gift is. Be prepared to see unexpected appearances in the movie.