Sometimes, in life, you need a little collaboration. And that’s what Joe and I are bringing you this week. What, exactly, are we collaborating on? Well, let me tell you…
By Steph Nordstrom & Joseph W. Smith III
We are bringing you a list of our favorite scary movies — just in time for Spooky Season!
Joe is in charge of the portion of the list from way back in the 1900s, and I am providing my favorites from after the turn of the century.
So, grab a blanket to hide under, get cozy, and let’s watch some scary movies!
JOE’S SCARY MOVIE LIST
from before 2000:
The Blair Witch Project (1999) Made for well under a million dollars, the film grossed 250 times that much, kicking off a “found footage” genre that few others have executed this well. It’s just three students and a camera hunting witches in the woods — so there’s very little bloodshed; but it’s my personal candidate for “the scariest movie I ever saw.”
The Haunting (1963) Another bloodless gem, this one from veteran director Robert Wise (The Sound of Music, West Side Story, The Andromeda Strain). Adapted from a novel by Shirley Jackson, it’s a simple haunted-house tale filmed with exquisite subtilty (you won’t soon forget that door-pounding scene).
Night of the Living Dead (1968) While subsequent entries in this franchise went way over the top with violence, this initial thriller has lost none of its ability to shock and horrify. It was cheaply made in dreary black-and-white — and not particularly well acted or written (scripted winner: “Yeah, they’re dead. They’re all messed up”); yet somehow the very low-budget ambiance makes it all the more unnerving.
Psycho (1960) At a distance of 60-plus years, it’s hard to understand how groundbreaking this was — how audacious its twists, its frantic “did I see that?” violence and of course its most famed scene, which left initial audiences reeling. It’s safe to say the world of cinema likewise never recovered after director Alfred Hitchcock — who staked his own money on the project when Universal would not back it — so flagrantly broke the rules. If you’re interested in more, dig up my book The Psycho File — or join me at the Rialto in Canton on 10/24, when I’ll introduce a theatrical screening.
Ringu (1998) Americans are more familiar with the 2002 remake starring Naomi Watts; but this Japanese original is quieter, more logical — and a whole lot creepier. Grounded on the apparently silly premise of a deadly videotape, this gore-free chiller builds to a blood-curdling climax at the bottom of an abandoned well. Don’t watch it alone.
The Sixth Sense (1999) Fans of this masterpiece from M. Night Shyamalan tend to focus on its most famous aspect, about which I will say nothing. After all, there’s so much more to the film than that one thing: it’s a real movie, with characters you care about; intensely believable relationships; deeply moving moments; a real message; and — that rare thing in horror — a happy ending! Beautifully acted and basically flawless.
The Uninvited (1944) Don’t expect jump-in-your-seat scares from an 80-year-old thriller; but both Martin Scorsese and Guillermo del Toro profess admiration for this atmospheric film about a haunted mansion on the Cornish coast. It’s a gentle, sometimes amusing and often eerie ghost-tale with a sensational performance from little-known Gail Russell as a young lady whom the specter seems to target. With a surprisingly sophisticated plot twist and a letter-perfect ending, it also debuted the song “Stella by Starlight.”
STEPH’S SCARY MOVIE LIST
From after 2000:
Disclaimer: Most of my favorite scary movies are true horror movies. Joe refers to my type of movie as “gory and depressing,” and he’s not wrong. So, if you choose something from my list, please be warned.
Midsommar (2018) Stars Florence Pugh and is directed by modern-day horror royalty Ari Aster. A group of college friends travel to Sweden to visit the countryside home of one of the friends for fabled Swedish mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult. The unique storytelling in this film will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This is probably my favorite movie of all time. I often describe it as a Grimm Fairy Tale—think Cinderella’s evil stepsister cutting off her toes to fit in the glass slipper. The cinematography and setting are absolutely beautiful, which is in stark contrast to the events in the movie. The way the story unfolds, and the psychological depth of the characters make it a standout for me.
Hereditary (2018) This is a psychological horror film also directed by Ari Aster. The story follows the Graham family after the death of their grandmother, Ellen. As the family grapples with their grief, disturbing and supernatural occurrences begin to unravel dark secrets about their ancestry. Annie, the mother, discovers that her family’s history is linked to an evil cult, and her children, Peter and Charlie, become entangled in terrifying events. The film delves into inherited trauma, mental illness, and the occult, ending in a disturbing and tragic descent into madness.
Parts of this film are absolutely brutal, both on the ‘gore’ end and the emotional end. Toni Collette’s performance as a grieving mother will rip you to your core. You’ll find yourself deeply empathizing with the characters in this emotionally impactful film.
The Witch (2015), directed by Robert Eggers, is a period horror film set in 1630s New England. It follows a Puritan family who is banished from their settlement and forced to live on the edge of a remote forest. After the mysterious disappearance of their infant child, the family begins to unravel as paranoia, fear, and suspicion take hold. The eldest daughter, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), is accused of witchcraft by her own family. The line between reality and the supernatural blur, leading to dark revelations and a chilling conclusion about the family’s fate. The film’s unsettling nature will leave you feeling unnerved long after the credits roll.
You’ll never look at goats quite the same way again…
The Menu (2022) There was some debate in my house about whether this is a “horror movie.” While it’s not a traditional choice, it can be classified as “scary.” Plus, this is my column, and I can do what I want. Directed by Mark Mylod, “The Menu” is a dark comedy-thriller that centers on fancy-schmancy dining experience hosted by a renowned chef, Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). A group of uber-wealthy patrons, including a young couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult), travel to a remote island to dine at his extravagant and highly curated restaurant. As the evening unfolds, the guests realize that the meal is more than just gourmet cuisine — secrets are revealed, food is consumed, and “yes chef!” becomes a trigger. It explores the world of art, power, obsession, perfectionism, and revenge. The diners face increasingly disturbing and dangerous courses leading to a heated conclusion.
You’ll never look at cheeseburgers and s’mores quite the same way again…
Creep (2014), directed by Patrick Brice, “Creep” is a found-footage psychological horror film. It follows Aaron, a videographer who answers an online ad for a one-day filming job in a remote location. He meets Josef, a seemingly eccentric but friendly man who claims he is dying and wants to record a video diary for his unborn child. Josef’s behavior becomes increasingly weird and well, creepy, as the day progresses, causing Aaron to grow uneasy. What starts as a quirky encounter quickly spirals into a tense and terrifying experience as Aaron realizes Josef may not be who he claims to be. The film builds suspense through uncomfortable interactions, exploring themes of manipulation and trust.
I know Joe already discussed the greatest of the found footage, but this is a great entry into the genre.
Hopefully you now have more than enough choices to get you through another Halloween season! I think that, no matter what kind of scary movie you like, Joe and I have you covered!
