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Health & Fitness

10 Classic Horror Movies to see this October

Recommendations from an avid horror fan to get in the mood for Halloween 2011.

As an avid horror film fan (Halloween is my favorite holiday), and someone whose spent a lot of their time growing up watching scary movies, I figure I've got the genre pretty well down. Problem is, with all these new horror movies coming out, it is incredibly easy to lose sight of some of the classic horror movies -- the ones that made us double-check our locked bedroom doors before pulling the covers tightly over our heads.

Most of these movies rated R for a reason. Please use discretion if watching these films around smaller children. Some movies may feature too much violence, profanity, or nudity; those are the staples of the horror genre. Unfortunately, in modern movies, those tropes are often taken to the extreme. Gore-based movies like Hostel and Saw are plentiful while old classics like Fright Night are simply being remade to appeal to a more "modern" audience.

Now, I appreciate the original black-and-white Universal Pictures monster movies, but I don't think they're scary enough. They've never kept me up at night and I simply watch them to appreciate their atmosphere or reflect on their influence on later horror films. And those later horror films are the ones that are utterly terrifying. So, without further ado, I present the ten horror films you'll want to see this month.

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10.) Child's Play (1988)

Maniacal, foul-mouthed doll terrorizes little boy and his mom. 'nuff said.

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9.) Halloween (1978)

What some incorrectly call the first slasher flick (that distinction goes to the earlier film Black Christmas), this film nonetheless set the bar for later horror movies and can ostensibly said to have inspired some of the biggest franchises in horror history including Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. This film not only establishes tropes that continue into the current era of horror, but also borrows from urban legends (such as the patient escaping from the mental health institution) to create an atmosphere of pure terror. 

8.) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Forget the 2010 remake, go with the original. This film corrupted the one safe place a terrified movie-goer could escape from the thrills and chills of the "sliver" screen: sleep. Sharp viewers will notice a very famous star getting his first major role in this movie.

7.) The Lost Boys (1987)

One of the best vampire movies. This film, along with Fright Night, is responsible for putting vampires back on the map in the mid-1980s. With an all-star cast and hair being the only thing bigger than the budget, this film is not only a classic horror film but also a classic 80's flick. Plus, you'll notice a lot of the common themes in vampire films being modernized, such as the "vampires needing an invitation" rule. Later vampire films and TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer are clearly influenced by this cult classic.

6.) The Evil Dead (1981)

Speaking of cult classics, this film has a huge following on the internet and turned Bruce Campbell into the revered nerd icon that he is. A quick google search of this title will illustrate just how much the fans love it. Regardless, you'll want to see this movie for yourself; it's like the Citizen Kane of horror -- you might not want to see it, but you have to. (Note: I watched Citizen Kane this summer -- it was "all right.")

5.) Shaun of the Dead (2004)

While not strictly a horror film, this film deserves a spot on this list. I recommend you see this quirky, enjoyable British horror film immediately. Drive to Neshaminy Mall or put in a request through the library if they have it, but either way, you need to experience this movie. It's probably one of the only horror movies that is lighthearted and scary at the same time.

4.) Let the Right One In (2008)

I'll be the first one to admit that this movie isn't for everyone. It is, however, recognized as a modern classic. Recently adapted into the American Let Me In, this Swedish-language film details the encounters between a young boy and a vampire. The stark, realistic violence and dark material in this film contrast it with other contemporary films and its slow pace might put some viewers off, but seeing this movie is a must for any vampire fans or horror fanatics that want to expand their horizons.

3.) The Exorcist (1973)

The scariest movie I have ever seen. Hands down. A young girl becomes possessed by a (the?) devil and two priests must exorcise the demon from her body. This Academy Award-winning movie features a number of terrifying scenes that will stick with the viewer, including several unnerving contortion acts. This film caused quite a stir in the theaters when it was being released and there are still rumors to this day that the actual production set was haunted. Due to the hours I've been kept up because of this flick, I would put this at number one, but I have a very special place in my heart for the next two films.


2.) Interview with the Vampire (1994)

I love this movie. The thing with this film, aside from the all-star cast, that really made fall in love with it was its atmosphere. The viewer almost feels as if they, too, are on a colonial plantation, drinking in a seedy New Orleans tavern, or walking on cobblestones in Paris. The costumes are superb and, while the effects are subtle, they are no less compelling. Not too scary, this film is one to be "experienced" rather than watched. Again, much like Let the Right One In, this film isn't for everyone, but it helped bring Brad Pitt, Kirsten Dunst, and a slew of others into the spotlight so we at least owe it that much.

1.) An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Without a doubt, this movie is one of my favorite, if not my favorite, films of all time. With subtle dark comedy and a terrifying transformation sequence, this one deserves the number one spot on here. Director John Landis (Animal House) brought his distinctive form of humor to the werewolf genre and forever changed the way we view these beasts of the full moon. Check it out. Today.

Since I love Halloween, I'll probably have more Halloween-related blog posts coming up soon, so be sure to tune in for tips and tricks to treat your tastes for terror!

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