Even if you’re not into the standard gore fest, everyone enjoys a good scare once in a while and Halloween is the perfect time to indulge. The best scary movies are light on the blood and heavy on story and atmosphere. So leave trick or treating to the kids, grab some candy for yourself, turn out the lights and watch some of the scariest movies ever.
The Ring- If you're into subtitles go for the original Japanese version, “Ringu”; or watch the American remake starring Naomi Watts, or if you're really into it, watch both. The Japanese version goes into more depth in terms of story, but the American version offers more explanation, so it is easier to understand what's happening. Either way this story about a reporter tracing the origins of a mysterious videotape after learning that all viewers die seven days after seeing it, turns into a race against time with some truly chilling images. Before you die, see The Ring.
The Sixth Sense- Okay, so most of us have seen it, but if you haven't, please do so right now. If no one's given away the ending, you're even luckier. Even if you've seen this film about a psychiatrist (Bruce Willis) treating a little boy who believes he see ghosts, it's worth a second viewing so that you can truly appreciate the way that director/screenwriter M. Night Shamaylan turns the screws of suspense, tighter and tighter until the story reaches it perfect, shocking conclusion. The brilliance here is all in the screenplay.
The Others- Even before creepy stuff starts happening this movie is creepy. It opens upon a woman (Nicole Kidman) trying to take care of her two children, while waiting for her husband to return from World War II. Oh wait, did I forget to mention that they live in a big, creepy, English mansion, the children are deathly allergic to sunlight, and all the servants have mysteriously left one morning with no notice? And that just the beginning of this good old-fashioned chiller, that makes use of disorienting fog, perpetual darkness, and above all, a heightened sense of anticipation.
Poltergeist- The special effects are somewhat dated, but this movie is just so much fun that you hardly care. It has all the good scary movie staples: a haunted house, a creepy little girl, and lots of supernatural happenings. The Free lings are a relatively normal suburban middle-class family, until odd events start happening around their daughter, Carol Ann. When Carol Ann disappears, and her voice can only be heard through the television set, the Free lings call in a team of ghost hunters to get her back. The movie has some great scenes (my favorite is the long hallway), some great lines (they're heeere), a few jolts, and a sense of humor.
Psycho- The original and still the greatest, no one did it like Hitchcock did. Avoid Gus Van Sant's remake (or copy) at all costs and see this 1960 masterpiece. Sure, everyone knows about the shower scene by now, but there are still numerous other reasons to watch (or re watch) this movie. My personal favorite is our first glimpse of Norman Bates' mother. Also take pleasure from the creepy house on a hill, and the screeching violin music. No matter how many times you've seen it, a return to the Bates' Motel is always fun.
