To fully get in the October mood, here is my personal list of my all time favorite horror movies.
10. Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Dir. by Halina Reijn
Despite only being released a few months ago, this immediately became one of my favorites because of the incredible balance of horror and comedy, with a hilarious twist at the end. I had such a great time watching this in theaters, and if you haven’t seen this yet, don’t let it fly under your radar.
9. The Lighthouse (2019)
Dir. by Robert Eggers
I really need to watch this again, because I feel like I still haven’t fully absorbed everything this has to offer and it could move even further up my favorites list. The best that Eggers has made, and the true work of someone who understands the ins and outs of what horror should feel like.
8. Titane (2021)
Dir. by Julia Ducournau
I am only slightly embarrassed to say that out of this entire list, only three films were not released in the past five years. Maybe I haven’t seen enough horror movies, but I guess you can take this as a recommendation for modern horror list, which I just enjoy more. It is not afraid to get disgusting and show you things you don’t want to even imagine. This film absolutely shocked me and I recommend going in with little to no information on the plot.
7. Possessor (2020)
Dir. by Brandon Cronenberg
Yet ANOTHER 2020s masterpiece of horror. With crazy neon lighting and demented performances and horrifyingly shocking violence, this movie also damaged my soul a little bit. Cronenberg Jr. clearly has some of the family talent.
6. The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)
Dir. by Jim Cummings
I watched this with my dad this summer and enjoyed it so much. I haven’t seen Thunder Road yet, but between this and The Beta Test, Jim Cummings has proven himself as a director to keep an eye on. This film is extraordinarily creative in terms of style and tone. It feels similar to An American Werewolf in London, but diving deeper into mental illness and paranoia. Brilliant film.
5. Black Swan (2010)
Dir. by Darren Aronofsky
This is where the list turns into all-timers. From here on, these films will probably not leave their spots on this list. 6-10 probably will change just because I am not the most horror cultured man. But Natalie Portman’s descent into darkness is captivating to watch and you notice new details every time. The ending is beautifully horrifying.
4. Midsommar (2019)
Dir. by Ari Aster
I have seen this so so many times and it amazes me more every single time. Just noticed recently that basically the entire movie has the trees moving in the background ever so slightly. Another example of putting the viewer in shock and making them vulnerable by allowing you to connect with the characters. One of the most terrifying first scenes ever, as well as one of the most satisfying ending scenes ever.
3. The Shining (1980)
Dir. by Stanley Kubrick
This will always remain my favorite Kubrick film, as well as one of my all time favorite films. Everything is objectively perfect. Best horror performance ever by Jack Nicholson, who manages to bring so much fear and dread into the viewer throughout the film, despite the fact that only one person is killed in the entire thing. The style is bold, the acting is perfect, the music is haunting, and it will go down in history as one of the best films of all time.
2. I Saw the Devil (2010)
Dir. by Kim Jee-woon
The first time I watched this, I had no idea what it was about. I was just trying to expose myself to more South Korean films after watching Parasite. Little did I know that I was getting myself into a spiritual odyssey of brutal violence and revenge. I honestly recommend watching this without even reading the plot description. Just blindly go in and join the ride. The ending is brilliant and has so much nuance that you don’t even know whether you should feel satisfied or guilty for enjoying the madness of this film.
1. Get Out (2017)
Dir. by Jordan Peele
The modern masterpiece of horror. I wish so bad that I saw this in theaters when it was released. Would have blown my mind. Peele makes his directorial debut with a film that will most certainly become a classic in the genre. It has a fairly simple plot (especially in comparison to Peele’s other two films) but it is executed swiftly. Every actor here delivers their best, every scene carries heavy subtext, and every hint has you guessing. My favorite thing about this film is how well it balances comedy and horror. At least for most of the time up until the last half hour, I think this movie is hilarious. But every once in a while it shifts quickly into something deeply sinister and scary. The balance is impeccable and every single moment of this film is perfect.