If there’s one thing almost everyone enjoys doing, it’s watching movies. Like books and other forms of storytelling, movies are made to entertain – although some are more than just the typical popcorn flick. Through the years, several people have been more than willing to spend a few points off their credit cards to buy a movie ticket at the cinema. However, as technology continues to change, so does the movie-watching experience. Nowadays, people can watch several of their favorite flicks within the comforts of their homes, thanks to DVD copies and subscription-based platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Just like music and novels, movies come in several genres. Each person has their own set of preferences. Some like romantic comedies more than action blockbusters; others prefer sci-fi thrillers over slice-of-life dramas. However, if there’s one type of film that people hate but still find enjoyment in, it’s the horror genre.
Horror movies are often fun to watch with friends. However, the experience rises to another degree of terrifying if you watch them alone, especially at night. Well, if you just so happen to be wanting to give yourself a good scare, here are a few good horror films for you.
The Exorcist (1973)
Before we proceed with other hit horror films, we have to give credit to this classic: The Exorcist. Besides being one of the highest-grossing R-rated horror films ever made, it also became quite the craze during its days in theaters – paramedics were called to tend to frightened moviegoers who either fainted or went to a hysterical fit. Although most of the film’s visual effects have begun showing its age, it doesn’t reduce the impact of the horror its story depicts.
The Conjuring (2013)
There was a point in time when the quality of horror movies was slowly declining. Eventually, the genre was only a hollow shell of what it used to be, with most films being all flash and no substance. However, there is one enthusiastic filmmaker who surely deserves credit for revitalizing the genre. Since the release of the first Saw film, James Wan has become quite a name in the world of horror movies. In 2013, he released another feature that was in contrast to his debut slasher-thriller. The Conjuring shows Wan’s skills in telling a horror story that dives more into the paranormal side of things. During its release in theaters, the movie about a family in a haunted house was given an R-rating, though it didn’t have any profanity or mature content – which goes to show it was just that terrifying.
Ringu (1998)
Besides the many investments they made in technology, Japan is also known for releasing many of today’s popular anime and manga. However, if there’s another thing this country is most proud of, it’s their folklore. One of their most iconic entries in the horror genre is 1998’s Ringu, which eventually spawned more sequels and remakes. An urban legend of a haunted videotape killing those who watch its footage mixed with Japan’s signature white-clothed ghost woman, this film showed the world that Japan also has the skills to make a horror film.
Hereditary (2018)
Many of cinema’s hit movies often include a mix of several genres. A few examples include the two hit comic-book-inspired films, the Dark Knight Trilogy and Joker. The former was a crime drama with Batman taking the lead while the latter was a dark psychological character study of the caped crusader’s most iconic villain. With that said, another film of this nature also achieved the same degree of success. Ari Aster’s 2018 film debut Hereditary introduced a new aura to the horror genre – a more disturbing one. A tragic family drama first and a horror story last, Hereditary is a film undoubtedly worth watching – even just once. If you’re new to the genre, these movies can be a good starting point for you. Although it has its fair share of not-so-good films, there are still plenty of great horror flicks out there, just waiting to be seen.
Sinister (2012)
Inspiration is often the reason behind the creation of something, like a song, a book, or a movie. One example is Ringu, which was inspired by various things, including an urban legend, Japan’s classic Kabuki performances, and their belief in the onryo or “vengeful spirit.” The same can be said for 2012’s Sinister. After watching the American remake of the Japanese horror classic, writer C. Robert Cargill had a nightmare. It involved him going to his attic and finding homemade films of people being murdered – some of which had a higher degree of unsettling than the others. However, he didn’t want this to remain just a dream. Eventually, he and director/co-writer Scott Derrickson made Sinister, allowing audiences to take a glimpse of Cargill’s dark and disturbing visions.
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