It’s the season once again when we wanted to have our usual horror flick marathon and wanted it more frightening that will surely make us burst to laughter after we see ourselves terrified. And in line with our horror movie viewing night here are some of the all-time favorite films that’s best to consider on our checklist. And don’t forget to turn off the lights and increase the volume to add more with the suspense.
- The Exorcist (1973) – supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin, adapted by William Peter Blatty from his 1971 novel of the same name. It was inspired from the 1949 exorcism case of Roland Doe that deals with the demonic possession of the 12 year old girl and it was done by two priests. The film featured Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb, and (in voice only) Mercedes McCambridge. It was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
- Hellraiser (1987) – it was a British film directed by Clive Barker and it was based upon his own novella The Hellbound Heart. The film follows the character of Frank Cotton who bought a puzzle box from a dealer and after he solves it hooked chains came out to it and start tearing his flesh. It’s like Pandora box, the puzzle box opens a new dimension of creatures that they will need to face.
- The Amityville Horror (1979) – this is the first film of The Amityville franchise. It was directed by Stuart Rosenberg and it was based on Jay Anson’s bestselling 1977 novel of the same name. It followed the alleged real life experiences of the Lutz family who buy a new home on 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, a house where a mass murder had been committed the year before. After the family move into the house, they experience a series of frightening paranormal events. Up to date there are 11 films for The Amityville franchise and the 12th will be on 2015 called Amityville: The Awakening.
- Poltergiest (1982) – another franchise film that has 3 parts that premiered on the big screen in 1982, 1986 and 1988. It followed the story of Carol Anne that was haunted by a group of ancient ghosts. The trilogy showed how the Freeling Family tried to escape the poltergeist that haunts their family especially Carol Anne. The their first home to another and last in the Chicago skyscraper they were followed. The first they escape with the help of the medium Tangina, in the second with the American Indian shaman Taylor and last with Tangina once again and this time she offered herself replacing Carol Anne. And on 2015, 20th Century Fox plans to release a reboot of Poltergeist with new characters.
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) – It’s impossible for someone who will not know the name Freddy Krueger and his burnt image and gloves with razors that haunts everyone on their dream. On the first film it featured Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Amanda Wyss, Jsu Garcia, Robert Englund, and Johnny Depp. The film up to date has 9 versions and the latest was in 2010.
- Night of the Living Dead (1968) – this is the film with 6 series already and all premiered on the big screen. Aside from the usual demonic possession the common on horror films are the zombie stories. Night of the Living Dead followed the zombie concept with groups of people attempting to survive during the outbreak and evolution of a zombie apocalypse. And we all know how terrifying it was including the beautiful sounds and camera angle that add to the intense set up.
These are the old but goodies horror flicks that you will surely enjoy to include on your horror movie marathons along with your Insidious, Annabelle, The Conjuring, and other new films that are great in their graphics and story. But what’s good with these old films are the raw presentation of suspense that will give that intense emotion while watching it.
