Psych 201-The Disturbed Mind Horror Movie List

by Ceralin
(Portland)

Horror films are nothing if they do not get inside the viewers' brain and leave a lasting impression. The movies on my list have stayed with me. Some of them through years and after multiple viewings.

Slasher films have their place. Some even manage to be scary, but the psychological horror film stays with you, gives you nightmares, inspires imagination and leaves the viewer wondering if they'll ever be able to stay alone inside a big empty house again.

Here is my list of movies that, to this day, keep me up at night hiding under the magic covers.

1) The Exorcist
This is truly the most psychologically scary movie ever made. I saw this for the first time when I was 14. I have continued to have nightmares that include the unforgettable 12 year old girl, Regan, sitting upright in her bed with that head twisting backwards and the voice of a 100 year smoker cackling... This one stands the test of time and I still think there's never been a better horror film made in 35 years.

2) Quarantine
I expected this to be a mediocre film in line with Blair Witch and Cloverfield (which was actually OK). Not so, this thing actually managed to put a new twist on the zombie story (one of my favorite genre's). Not only that, but unlike some of the other "realistic" shaky camera movies, it did manage to maintain a sense of realism which to me made this movie incredibly scary. I shook in the car on the way home. I hear the original Spanish version is even creepier...I can't wait to see it!

3) Alien
Perhaps the best movie monsters of all time. I saw this movie in the drive-in when it came out. It was my very first horror film. What a lucky little bugger I was! I had the privilege (and the curse) of being introduced to the horror genre with great monsters, terrifying plot and excellent acting. I've been a horror film snob ever since.

4) The Shinning
My second horror film experience. I also saw this in the theater. I'm not sure what my mother was thinking by taking a 9 year old to see this. But I'm ever so grateful. Though for years after I had to sleep with all the lights on in my room... I'm sure she regretted it. Nicholson simply was the crazy man (or was he crazy???) speaking to ghosts and hunting his family with an axe. I still can't be around British children or twins without getting totally creeped out.

5) Aliens
See Alien (but add Bill Paxton as Chet from Weird Science... Great!)

6)28 weeks later
It is almost impossible to believe that someone made a sequel that, dare I say, actually exceeds the quality of the first film. This one does it. It picks up, you guessed it, 28 weeks after the first one left off. It's a great horror/zombie film on it's own. I have seen enough sequels in my time to know how rare this gem is. It might be the best sequel ever made.

7)28 Days Later
Zombie movies hold a special place in my heart, but to be totally honest, I love most of them for their great campy style and not necessarily the fabulous acting, plot or effects. 28 Days Later took zombies (though not technically zombies... they suffer from "rage" not walking dead syndrome) to a new level. This is a "zombie" movie with everything; story line, effects, great camera work, acting and just enough realism to make one ponder the "what if's".

8) Psycho
Alfred Hitchcock camera angles + Anthony Perkins + Janet Lee + B&W= creepy creepy creepy.

9) An American Werewolf in London
Plenty of good "jump out of your seat" moments and great special effects. I've often thought of David's unsettling dreams when alone in my house. It may not be too impressive to post-CGI folks, but the werewolf transformation effects in this movie are done without the aid of computers. It's all bladders and stop animation. With the seamlessness of the transformation sequence,any true horror film fan would have to admit the talent that went into this film.

10)Halloween
Yes it's totally predictable that this should be on every top ten list, but it's there for a reason. The beginning of a new era of horror film. The boogy man became ingrained in our collective cultural mind after Halloween.I have never missed a viewing of Halloween on my favorite holiday of the year.