13 classic and indie horror films to watch this Halloweekend

Julia Mogen, Co-Arts and Culture|October 29, 2015

Arguably the best part of Halloween, horror movies should be nothing less than terrifying. With films from the early 1980s to currently in theaters, this ranking gives movie lovers a list of creepy and gory thrillers to keep their weekend busy.

  1. “Fright Night:” One of the many vampire films created during the 1980s, this horror-comedy delivers the highest level of camp. It may not have a lot of fake blood like others during the era, but the the vampire, played by Chris Sarandon, that resides next door to teen, Charlie, delivers a modern dracula with equal parts suave and creepy. Available on OnDemand.   
  2. “Amityville Horror:” While this 2005 remake starring Ryan Reynolds may not have impressed critics, the story of a family in the 1970s plagued by tormented indian souls, is at least unsettling. The supposedly true story is redundant but nevertheless makes you investigate the history of your house.  Available on OnDemand.
  3. “Crimson Peak:” This creep fest from acclaimed director Guillermo Del Toro takes place in the early 1900s without being outdated. As Edith, played by Mia Wasikowska, realizes she’s entered a sinister relationship with the mysterious barionette, Thomas Sharpe, played by a suave Tom Hiddleston, it may be too late. The stylistic ghosts and surprising gore only adds to the twisted almost sickening ending. Available in theaters now.
  4. “Blair Witch Project:” Among the many found footage films, the low budget flick from 1999 that served as the first of it’s kind, is by far the most convincing. Gore and cheesy ghosts aren’t necessary as Heather Donahue runs through the forest at night with tears and snot running down her face. The combination of jump scares, superb acting and shaky camera movements makes the “The Blair Witch Project” an instant classic. Available on Netflix.
  5. “Scream:” The 1996 film that blossomed Courtney Cox’s and David Arquette’s 14 year marriage, was obviously meant to be an unromantic slasher flick. The first killer thriller that sparked a franchise since “The Nightmare on Elm Street,” delivers satire on others within its genre with classic chasing scenes and a bloody, twisted ending. Available on Netflix.
  6. “Evil Dead:” This zombie gore fest from 1981 is surprisingly scary, despite its age. After the group of teens vacationing in a cabin happen upon the Book of the Dead, an onslaught of eerie occurrences startle them and soon enough, all hell breaks loose. If you don’t watch it for the blood and slime, Bruce Campbell’s commando killing style should be enough. Available on Netflix.
  7. “The Babadook:” From the beginning scene, this indie drama from Australia drama feels like a classic haunting story, but the mother son relationship shows how much deeper the terror behind the door truly is. Not only does “The Babadook” deliver touching themes on grief and loss, but there is never a shortage of scares. Available on Netflix.
  8. “Oculus:” For all the intense and nail biting scenes within the 2013 ghost slasher, it’s surprising the duration of the film takes place within a house. The survival story follows a brother sister duo as they try to overcome the violent paranormal attacks within their childhood home. The plot may be disturbingly unfortunate, but the ending is oddly satisfying. Available on Netflix.
  9. “Drag Me to Hell:” Arguably the best horror comedy, “Drag Me to Hell” tells the story of a cursed, but innocent woman awaiting the ultimate punishment. The 2009 film has everything you could want from a Halloween movie; old witches, possessed psychics, and demons with hooves.  Available on OnDemand.
  10. “Rosemary’s Baby:” The dreadful drama from 1968 based on Ira Levin’s novel is the most climactic, but perpetually calm, horror film. The relationship between conniving neighbors and innocent young mother, Rosemary, played by a charming Mia Farrow, builds the sinking feeling inside audiences perfectly before the tension filled end. Available on Netflix
  11. “Pet Sematary:” Among the slew of Stephen King’s novels adapted into films, “Pet Sematary” is not considered a renowned classic. The drama follows a father that becomes increasingly attached to an ancient burial ground behind his new house. While the supernatural forces plague his family, he loses further touch with reality. The eerie film hones in on forces outside of our control and King’s message that love can only go so far. Available on Netflix.
  12. “Insidious:” While most people–horror fans or not–have seen this family mystery, it’s not one to miss. Moving beyond the classic haunting plotline, “Insidious” innovates a whole realm for our fears and demons. One of the instigators for the horror renaissance of the 2010’s, the film’s supernatural ideas will stay with you forever. Available on Netflix.
  13. “As Above So Below:” The claustrophobic psychological thriller that takes place in the catacombs below Paris is best described as a hellish roller coaster ride. The emotional  acting evokes not only fear of demons from hell, but the demons within us. The surreal effects exhibit true imagination and are even more powerful against the simple, cramped backdrop of the catacombs. Available on OnDemand.