Halloween is a day of terror, when we let loose our darkest fears and deepest fantasies. It is a night to watch horror movies, to dream of the undead, and to feed the unidentifiable horror that lies deep within us all. Beyond the fake spider webs, the dry ice fog, and the spooky sound effects, we suspend reality for one day, allowing the dead to live, the fantastic to exist, and the darkness to prevail.
Halloween gets me in the mood for horror flicks. As excited as I am about the most recent releases, I feel the need to pay homage to the films that paved their way. Whether it is because they're outdated or low budget, the following is a countdown of movies many of you have not had the chance to see--or, rather, have not given a chance to make your Halloween.
5. The Stuff (1985)
"Are you eating it, or is it eating you?" Playing upon the genre of films established by The Blob and the The Fog, The Stuff is a low budget '80s horror that needs to be on every horror buff's list. While definitely an outdated b-movie, The Stuff plays upon our deepest fear of becoming a part of the monster terrorizing those around it. Based around a young boy who sees the influence and effects of a "natural" snack found in the Arctic, the story uses basic effects to evoke suspense and horror in its viewers.
Halloween gets me in the mood for horror flicks. As excited as I am about the most recent releases, I feel the need to pay homage to the films that paved their way. Whether it is because they're outdated or low budget, the following is a countdown of movies many of you have not had the chance to see--or, rather, have not given a chance to make your Halloween.
5. The Stuff (1985)
"Are you eating it, or is it eating you?" Playing upon the genre of films established by The Blob and the The Fog, The Stuff is a low budget '80s horror that needs to be on every horror buff's list. While definitely an outdated b-movie, The Stuff plays upon our deepest fear of becoming a part of the monster terrorizing those around it. Based around a young boy who sees the influence and effects of a "natural" snack found in the Arctic, the story uses basic effects to evoke suspense and horror in its viewers.
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4. Nightbreed (1990)
Clive Barker has been, and will be for years to come, one of the handful of true masters of horror. In this film, a young man investigates an area considered off limits to all who fear for their souls and their lives, only to learn the true monster is humanity.
Clive Barker has been, and will be for years to come, one of the handful of true masters of horror. In this film, a young man investigates an area considered off limits to all who fear for their souls and their lives, only to learn the true monster is humanity.
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3. Pumkinhead (1998)While both dated and low-budget, this film is a must-see for horror fans. Some of the acting is sub-par, but lead actor Lance Henriksen steals the show. A story about revenge and consequence, this movie is creepy, well directed, and contains some of the best special effects of the '80s. This film is perfect for Halloween.
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4. Near Dark (1987)
With good acting, a great script, and amazing special effects, it's surprising this film has not stood the test of time. A classic vampire flick, this movie goes beyond the typical story line, using cliche to its advantage and taking it to a whole new level. If you like vampires and horror, this movie needs to be on your list of movies to watch.
With good acting, a great script, and amazing special effects, it's surprising this film has not stood the test of time. A classic vampire flick, this movie goes beyond the typical story line, using cliche to its advantage and taking it to a whole new level. If you like vampires and horror, this movie needs to be on your list of movies to watch.
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1. Cube (1997)
Likely filmed on one or two hot sets, Cube sets the bar for low-budget horror. It is by far my favorite movie, and I'm surprised so few people have had the chance to see it. Filmed in Canada, with a good cast and an exceptional script, this film is absolutely the biggest must-see for fans of psychological horror. It both is cerebral and gory, psychological and horrifying, and that's what makes it the number one horror movie on this list. See it. You'll thank me.
Likely filmed on one or two hot sets, Cube sets the bar for low-budget horror. It is by far my favorite movie, and I'm surprised so few people have had the chance to see it. Filmed in Canada, with a good cast and an exceptional script, this film is absolutely the biggest must-see for fans of psychological horror. It both is cerebral and gory, psychological and horrifying, and that's what makes it the number one horror movie on this list. See it. You'll thank me.
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I might be old-school, a clear product of the '80s, but I know horror. While some of these movies might not live up to the digital standards set by contemporary film, they are true classics. This Halloween, while trick-or-treeters are stopping by for their fill of candy, the jack-o-lanterns are glowing, and the monsters are hiding in the shadows of times past, do yourself a favor and check out one or more of these movies. The effects might not be perfect, and the style might not be contemporary, but the creepiness stands the test of time. Give yourself a treat and watch a timeless horror.
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
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