Bumping this for the obvious reasons. I didn't care for some of the comments last time so let's try it again. I edited my list to reflect my tastes now.
I took Dawn of the Dead (04) The Omen and Brides of Dracula off the list.
My top ten of the best horror films ever made.
10.) Dawn of the Dead (1978) - Director George Romero says he never intended to release a zombie film full of social commentary, but he did and we love him for it. One of the rare instances of the sequel surpassing the original, Romero’s masterpiece is more than just splatter guts and undead body parts. Although murky, the plot picks up some weeks after Night of the Living Dead. We meet the survivors as they gather in a shopping mall and become acquainted with their new home. Surrounded by zombies, the survivors take advantage of their surroundings and indulge heavily. The films best line is when one of the survivors asks why the zombies seemed drawn to the mall, "Instinct. Memory. This was an important place in their lives.” Along with plenty of digs out our insatiable and wasteful consumer culture, make-up/FX legend Tom Savini gets to show off his talent by killing zombies in several creative ways; shot-gun to the face, rotor blade to the head, screwdriver to the ear. Even though the blood is a strange orange hue, the gross-outs moments are just as satisfying as the character arcs. Stand-out performance by the great Ken Foree. A re-imagining, Dawn of the Dead pseudo-sequel premiered in 2004, although a fine picture by it’s self and never sullies the original’s work, it lacks the Romero/Savini double-talent threat. Two excellent sequels followed, Day of the Dead and Land of the Dead.
9.) The Howling (1980) Director Joe Dante plants his tongue firmly in cheek as he peppers his werewolf universe with one in-joke after another. Screenplay by John Sayles, Old school horror buffs will recognize several veteran actors and directors. Body Snatchers alumnus, Kevin McCarthy as one of the townsfolk, John Carradine, (Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman) Slim Pickens as the Sheriff, Roger Corman, Famous Monsters editor Forrest J. Ackerman and Dick Miller credited as his A Bucket of Blood (1959) character Walter Paisley (The Miller gag would be repeated several more times in the Dante films that followed)
Packed with jokes, the film has just as many creepy werewolf moments. Future Star Trek Voyager regular Robert Picardo is the movies’ stand out as he transform into the main werewolf and sports some heavy make-up as an acid victim. A wowzer and still impressive, Rob Botin’s air-bladder created a revolutionary kind of monster flick and pushed the camera dissolve techniques into the closet.
Dee Wallace has an impressive set of lungs, among other things and makes for a great leading lady. An evocative and creepy score from Pino Daggio makes this a cool keeper.
8.) Frailty (2002) An unlikely sleeper upon release, first time Director Bill Paxton created a unique and ultimately complicated horror experience that has roots in real life making it all the more uncomfortable. Paxton directs himself as a widowed father of two boys trying to raise them the best he can. One day he sees vision of angels telling him to rid the world of demons disguised as humans. Claiming its God’s Will, father Paxton forces his sons to help him kidnap and kill people he sees as demons. The film quickly becomes a battle against wills as his oldest boy knows his dad is nuts, but can’t convince his little brother or anyone else to believe him. Not your typical horror flick, it never goes for cheap thrills or scares and concentrates on the battle of faith and trust between father and son. The tension becomes almost unbearable. I’m not sure the “twist” ending is needed, but Powers Booth is there to make us love the film even more. An underrated gem that needs to be seen to be believed.
7.) Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Hailed as the first, best sequel, this acclaimed continuation of the tortured monster still tops the best of lists seventy years later.
Director James Whales creates excellent atmosphere and one iconic shot after another thats full of vitality and sadness. All of it topped off with a magnificent and haunting score. A real crime is that Karloff was never recognized by the Academy for his superior work as the tortured monster. This film in particular, he gives a performance full of nuance, humor and compassion.
6.) An American Werewolf in London (1981) A rare gem that works, Director John Landis took two vastly differently genres, horror and comedy and made the perfect marriage. The real star of the film is makeup artist, Rick Baker and his amazing transformation sequences. Working with what are now deemed "old-fashioned" tools, Baker uses prosthetics and bladder kits to give the effects a tangible look. None of this fake, video game bullshit prevalent with CG tricks of today.
5.) Halloween (1978) One of the most successful independent films of all time, is also one of the most influential. With the exception of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Halloween" can take credit (or blame) for invention of a brand new genre of film; the slasher or maniac on the loose. Not many directors can lay claim to inventing a brand new category of film, but John Carpenter's cheap, suspenseful little B-movie is the gold standard to which all have followed. A template still used to this day.
4.) The Thing (1982) Hard to believe, but this Carpenter masterpiece was a box-office flop. Opening one week after "E.T.-The Extra Terrestrial", this gore-infected, machismo-laden shock fest didn't stand a chance against Spielberg's feel good opus. It would later make its' money back on video rentals and become the classic is so deserves. A remake of Howard Hawk's 1951, "The Thing", Carpenter took what worked in the original; the isolated location, the bickering characters and the menacing alien and carved his own frightening images. Kurt Russell, his third of five collaborations with the Director, plays MacCready as a no bullshit kinda guy that sees a problem and deals with it, no reluctant hero angst for this guy. However, the films standout performance is makeup artist Rob Botten and his creative alien transformations. Like Landis's own FX orgy per Baker; Botten challenges the viewer to look away with the various changes and switeroos between human, alien, dog and back again. The dog kennel sequence is still amazing.
3.) Alien (1979) A beautiful example of mood, Director Ridley Scott sets a deliberate pace that eases the viewer in the mire of things. We get to know these people, some we will like, others we will cheer their demise, but we will sympathize with them all once the carnage begins. Jerry Goldsmith delivers another evocative score as it immediately sets the tone.
The production design is equally impressive. The set is not just one photogenic prop, but practical, working gizmos that give off a realistic feel. Even though the film was shot nearly thirty years ago, it never once comes off dated. The costumes avoid anything that may give off a goofy sci-fi feel. Realism is the key as Director Scott wants us to get immersed in this world, so he can slowly and deliberately rip it apart.
Acting by all the leads is outstanding. Sigourney Weaver, in her film debute, has a lasting presence. Although not a glamorous actress, but her toughness and vulnerability make Ellen Ripley into a sci-fi icon. One fantastic and two so-so sequels followed, Alien still stands as the best horror art film ever made.
In an amusing trivial note, the film had a considerable amount of merchandise advertised upon release. Most notably the Alien itself, a ghastly creature that could crush its victims head with a flick of its teeth, all of this was printed on the side of the toy's box. Subsequently, the marketing department and those responsible were fired for selling toys to kids for a movie they were unable to see.
2.) The Exorcist (1973) The first and so far only horror film to get any Academy award nominations, William Peter Blatty's tale of a little girl possessed by the Devil shocked the world in it's terror and frankness. Director William Friedkin takes us on a journey of horror and hope. A journey that seems like it takes us to the depths of hell, returns us, beaten, frightened and sobered, but with a reassurance of hope and faith and those things we can not control. A memorable film for it's lasting impression of a twelve year-old Linda Blair shoving a crucifix in her vagina, the film was not to be taken lightly and many audience members ran out screaming.
Even though the film has been parodied ad naseum, its power is still evident and beyond the horror film theatrics is a work of art.
1.) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) This horror masterpiece directed by Tobe Hooper is a low-budget gritty little number that grabs hold of you like a scared date or frightened child as it slowly builds to an unnerving and unflinching last act that to this day becomes almost unbearable to watch alone. A gritty, greasy, grimy, dirty slimy insane trip into humanities heart of darkness that revolutionized low-budget horror filmmaking as well as giving birth to its own genre; maniac on the loose.
The most influential horror film of the 70’s is for anyone appreciative of quality, smart, gonzo horror. It is not made for everyone, as its no bullshit approach is jarring and something of a bygone era. Inferior sequels and a lame-ass remake have attempted to dilute it’s creditability, but it still remains the granddaddy of them all. A classic in the true sense of the word and my favorite horror film of all time!
What say you?
Honorable Mentions:
Re-Animator
Evil Dead 2
Night of the Living Dead
Return of the Living Dead, ROTLD Part II
Poltergiest
Brides of Dracula
The Blob (1988)
Horror Express
Hound of the Baskerville (Hammer version)
I took Dawn of the Dead (04) The Omen and Brides of Dracula off the list.
My top ten of the best horror films ever made.
10.) Dawn of the Dead (1978) - Director George Romero says he never intended to release a zombie film full of social commentary, but he did and we love him for it. One of the rare instances of the sequel surpassing the original, Romero’s masterpiece is more than just splatter guts and undead body parts. Although murky, the plot picks up some weeks after Night of the Living Dead. We meet the survivors as they gather in a shopping mall and become acquainted with their new home. Surrounded by zombies, the survivors take advantage of their surroundings and indulge heavily. The films best line is when one of the survivors asks why the zombies seemed drawn to the mall, "Instinct. Memory. This was an important place in their lives.” Along with plenty of digs out our insatiable and wasteful consumer culture, make-up/FX legend Tom Savini gets to show off his talent by killing zombies in several creative ways; shot-gun to the face, rotor blade to the head, screwdriver to the ear. Even though the blood is a strange orange hue, the gross-outs moments are just as satisfying as the character arcs. Stand-out performance by the great Ken Foree. A re-imagining, Dawn of the Dead pseudo-sequel premiered in 2004, although a fine picture by it’s self and never sullies the original’s work, it lacks the Romero/Savini double-talent threat. Two excellent sequels followed, Day of the Dead and Land of the Dead.
9.) The Howling (1980) Director Joe Dante plants his tongue firmly in cheek as he peppers his werewolf universe with one in-joke after another. Screenplay by John Sayles, Old school horror buffs will recognize several veteran actors and directors. Body Snatchers alumnus, Kevin McCarthy as one of the townsfolk, John Carradine, (Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman) Slim Pickens as the Sheriff, Roger Corman, Famous Monsters editor Forrest J. Ackerman and Dick Miller credited as his A Bucket of Blood (1959) character Walter Paisley (The Miller gag would be repeated several more times in the Dante films that followed)
Packed with jokes, the film has just as many creepy werewolf moments. Future Star Trek Voyager regular Robert Picardo is the movies’ stand out as he transform into the main werewolf and sports some heavy make-up as an acid victim. A wowzer and still impressive, Rob Botin’s air-bladder created a revolutionary kind of monster flick and pushed the camera dissolve techniques into the closet.
Dee Wallace has an impressive set of lungs, among other things and makes for a great leading lady. An evocative and creepy score from Pino Daggio makes this a cool keeper.
8.) Frailty (2002) An unlikely sleeper upon release, first time Director Bill Paxton created a unique and ultimately complicated horror experience that has roots in real life making it all the more uncomfortable. Paxton directs himself as a widowed father of two boys trying to raise them the best he can. One day he sees vision of angels telling him to rid the world of demons disguised as humans. Claiming its God’s Will, father Paxton forces his sons to help him kidnap and kill people he sees as demons. The film quickly becomes a battle against wills as his oldest boy knows his dad is nuts, but can’t convince his little brother or anyone else to believe him. Not your typical horror flick, it never goes for cheap thrills or scares and concentrates on the battle of faith and trust between father and son. The tension becomes almost unbearable. I’m not sure the “twist” ending is needed, but Powers Booth is there to make us love the film even more. An underrated gem that needs to be seen to be believed.
7.) Bride of Frankenstein (1935) Hailed as the first, best sequel, this acclaimed continuation of the tortured monster still tops the best of lists seventy years later.
Director James Whales creates excellent atmosphere and one iconic shot after another thats full of vitality and sadness. All of it topped off with a magnificent and haunting score. A real crime is that Karloff was never recognized by the Academy for his superior work as the tortured monster. This film in particular, he gives a performance full of nuance, humor and compassion.
6.) An American Werewolf in London (1981) A rare gem that works, Director John Landis took two vastly differently genres, horror and comedy and made the perfect marriage. The real star of the film is makeup artist, Rick Baker and his amazing transformation sequences. Working with what are now deemed "old-fashioned" tools, Baker uses prosthetics and bladder kits to give the effects a tangible look. None of this fake, video game bullshit prevalent with CG tricks of today.
5.) Halloween (1978) One of the most successful independent films of all time, is also one of the most influential. With the exception of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Halloween" can take credit (or blame) for invention of a brand new genre of film; the slasher or maniac on the loose. Not many directors can lay claim to inventing a brand new category of film, but John Carpenter's cheap, suspenseful little B-movie is the gold standard to which all have followed. A template still used to this day.
4.) The Thing (1982) Hard to believe, but this Carpenter masterpiece was a box-office flop. Opening one week after "E.T.-The Extra Terrestrial", this gore-infected, machismo-laden shock fest didn't stand a chance against Spielberg's feel good opus. It would later make its' money back on video rentals and become the classic is so deserves. A remake of Howard Hawk's 1951, "The Thing", Carpenter took what worked in the original; the isolated location, the bickering characters and the menacing alien and carved his own frightening images. Kurt Russell, his third of five collaborations with the Director, plays MacCready as a no bullshit kinda guy that sees a problem and deals with it, no reluctant hero angst for this guy. However, the films standout performance is makeup artist Rob Botten and his creative alien transformations. Like Landis's own FX orgy per Baker; Botten challenges the viewer to look away with the various changes and switeroos between human, alien, dog and back again. The dog kennel sequence is still amazing.
3.) Alien (1979) A beautiful example of mood, Director Ridley Scott sets a deliberate pace that eases the viewer in the mire of things. We get to know these people, some we will like, others we will cheer their demise, but we will sympathize with them all once the carnage begins. Jerry Goldsmith delivers another evocative score as it immediately sets the tone.
The production design is equally impressive. The set is not just one photogenic prop, but practical, working gizmos that give off a realistic feel. Even though the film was shot nearly thirty years ago, it never once comes off dated. The costumes avoid anything that may give off a goofy sci-fi feel. Realism is the key as Director Scott wants us to get immersed in this world, so he can slowly and deliberately rip it apart.
Acting by all the leads is outstanding. Sigourney Weaver, in her film debute, has a lasting presence. Although not a glamorous actress, but her toughness and vulnerability make Ellen Ripley into a sci-fi icon. One fantastic and two so-so sequels followed, Alien still stands as the best horror art film ever made.
In an amusing trivial note, the film had a considerable amount of merchandise advertised upon release. Most notably the Alien itself, a ghastly creature that could crush its victims head with a flick of its teeth, all of this was printed on the side of the toy's box. Subsequently, the marketing department and those responsible were fired for selling toys to kids for a movie they were unable to see.
2.) The Exorcist (1973) The first and so far only horror film to get any Academy award nominations, William Peter Blatty's tale of a little girl possessed by the Devil shocked the world in it's terror and frankness. Director William Friedkin takes us on a journey of horror and hope. A journey that seems like it takes us to the depths of hell, returns us, beaten, frightened and sobered, but with a reassurance of hope and faith and those things we can not control. A memorable film for it's lasting impression of a twelve year-old Linda Blair shoving a crucifix in her vagina, the film was not to be taken lightly and many audience members ran out screaming.
Even though the film has been parodied ad naseum, its power is still evident and beyond the horror film theatrics is a work of art.
1.) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) This horror masterpiece directed by Tobe Hooper is a low-budget gritty little number that grabs hold of you like a scared date or frightened child as it slowly builds to an unnerving and unflinching last act that to this day becomes almost unbearable to watch alone. A gritty, greasy, grimy, dirty slimy insane trip into humanities heart of darkness that revolutionized low-budget horror filmmaking as well as giving birth to its own genre; maniac on the loose.
The most influential horror film of the 70’s is for anyone appreciative of quality, smart, gonzo horror. It is not made for everyone, as its no bullshit approach is jarring and something of a bygone era. Inferior sequels and a lame-ass remake have attempted to dilute it’s creditability, but it still remains the granddaddy of them all. A classic in the true sense of the word and my favorite horror film of all time!
What say you?
Honorable Mentions:
Re-Animator
Evil Dead 2
Night of the Living Dead
Return of the Living Dead, ROTLD Part II
Poltergiest
Brides of Dracula
The Blob (1988)
Horror Express
Hound of the Baskerville (Hammer version)
