Halloween Movies for us Grownups

 

As always during this year I like to present some of my favorite Halloween movies. The following are scary movies, which may be unsuitable for children.  Some of these movies I have mentioned in my yearly Halloween post, others are new to the list.

The Haunting (1963) - Directed by the great Robert Wise and stars Richard Johnson, Julie Harris, Clair Bloom and Russ Tamblyn. One of the most tension filled movies you will ever see. If you want to see what talent is, compared to mediocrity; watch this movie and then watch the 1999 remake.

Black Sunday AKA The Mask of Satan (1960) – Directed by Mario Bava, staring Berbera Steele, John Richardson.  The open sequence of this movie, where a witch has a mask hammered onto her face, before she is burnt at the state, is one of the most terrifying images in movies.

George Romero’s Living Dead Movies- I am including these into one selection. Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), Land of the Dead (2005) Diary of the Dead (2007) and Survival of the Dead (2009).  Romero is the godfather of the “zombie” “walking dead” craze we see today. Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead are the best movies of this genre.

Count Dracula (1977) – Direct by Philip Saville, stars Louis Jordan as the count and Frank Finlay as Van Helsing. These two actors give an incredible performance. Although, the original with Bela Lugosi is a classic, this version is terrifying and follows Bram Stoker’s novel more accurately.

Rare Exports-A Christmas Tale (2010) – Directed by Jalmari Helander. OK, this is actually a twisted Christmas movie about the secret behind Santa Claus.; come to find out, he does like reindeer, as a snack.

Shockwaves (1977) directed by Ken Wiederhorn starring Brooke Adams and the great Peter Cushing. The first of the zombie Nazi movies. If you want more Nazi zombies, Try “Dead Snow” (2009) directed by Tommy Wirkola.

Suspiria (1977) – Direacted by Dairo Agento. A ballerina academy which is much more than it appears.  A movie with as much style and glamor as it does gore; all that you can stand. See the trilogy of the “Three Mother’s” which includes Inferno (1980) and The Mother of Tears (2007)

The Host (2006)   Directed by Bong Joon-ho. Probably the best “Monster on the loose” movie in the last 30 years.

Freaks (1932) – Diected by Tod Browning (director of Dracula).  A disturbing movie, which makes you realize who the true monsters are in the movie. This movie basically killed the film career of Tod Browning.

The Wicker Man (1973)- Directed by Robin Hardy, Staring Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward.  Remember first seeing this as a teenager, and it terrified me.  Another reason I hate remakes.

Pyscho (1960) - Directing at its best by Alfred Hitchcock.

The Exorcist (1973)- Directed by William Friedkin.  What can I say, the most terrifying movie of all time. This movie still gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Pontypool (2008) – Directed by Bruce McDonald.I have commented much about this film in the past. It is one of my favorites. Words are able to spread the zombie virus. It features an outstanding performance by Stephen McHattle. This is a must see.

Evil Dead II (1987) Directed by Sam Rami.  Bruce Campbell is Ash Williams; a character who becomes a victim of, and then would-be-destroyer of an evil lurking in the woods.  This movie is more fun than scary.

The classics,  I am adding the classic “Universal Studio Monster” from the great monster movie era.  Dracula  (1931) Directed by Tod Browning. Bela Lugosi’s role which made his career.  The Wolf Man (1941) Directed by George Waggner. Lon Chaney Jr. giving a great performance.   Frankenstein (1931) directed by James Whale. Boris Karloff as a frightening and sympathetic monster.

Next time: More events and more movies.

W.A.Rusho is a historian, professional wrestler and author. Visit his website or email him.