Ch ch ch ch ah ah ah ah
If that didn't cause chills to run down your spine, clearly you didn't say it in your head right. If you're still having a hard time hearing it, then listen to this. You're welcome as it'll probably be stuck in your head for the rest of forever (and more than likely freak you out while you absentmindedly think about it in the shower). ANYWAYS in honor of it being Friday the 13th, I've gone ahead and put together a list of 13 horror movies you should watch to really get into the mood (even if you're only a little stitious):
As a warning, there are spoilers in this list so don't get upset at me for it.
1. Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (1984)
Arguably one of the best films of the franchise, The Final Chapter manages to find the perfect balance between straight up slasher and fun 80s film. Quintessential 80s child star Corey Feldman serves as the main hero while character actors Crispin Glover and Erich Anderson still find a way to shine.
2. Split (2017)
The Unbreakable sequel no one knew was coming, Split demonstrated that M. Night Shyamalan still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Prior to this, the last good movie he'd done was The Village and even that was kind of a stretch as people HATED it (although it did have one of the best twists). James McAvoy is masterful in his portrayal of the main character.
3. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece, Psycho is ranked as one of the greatest films of all time. By today's standards, it's hardly scary but still leaves you unsettled as to what has gone on. It is considered as one of the earliest films in the slasher genre and completely transformed American cinema.
4. Get Out (2017)
Who knew Jordan Peele had it in him to make something so great that wasn't a comedy? I certainly didn't. Get Out was one of the break out films of 2017 and earned Peele a well deserved Oscar. If you haven't already seen the movie, you're extremely behind and need to hurry up and watch. Luckily it's still streaming on HBO GO.
5. Alien (1979)
Sigourney Weaver is a badass (both in this film and in life). Still terrifying after all these years, Alien cemented itself in cinema history with its visual effects. Much like Psycho, it's considered one of the greatest films of all time. It spawned a media franchise that includes everything from movies to video games to merchandise. Forego its most recent additions Prometheus and Alien: Covenant for the OG sci-fi horror film.
6. The Babadook (2014)
One of the best reviewed films of 2014, The Babadook is still certified fresh. Many critics viewed it as one of the best genre creation creations since Attack the Block. What's really great about The Babadook is that it relies on REAL horror rather than just jump scares.
7. The Omen (1976)
Children almost always make the creepiest villains, at least in the horror genre. Something about their innocent faces and the idea a child could never do anything wrong makes it all the more terrifying. Damien is one of the most well-known of these creepy kiddos but please, refrain from saying "Damien, it's all for you".
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
For a thriller, this movie certainly has a lot of quotable moments. Who can forget "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti"? Beyond this, Hannibal himself is terrifying (terrifying enough to spawn a sequel, prequel, and television show). Buffalo Bill is less terrifying and more unsettling.
9. The Strangers (2008)
The idea of strangers appearing in your home and murdering you is absolutely terrifying. In a post-9/11 world the idea of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is a real fear that many people have. The Strangers capitalized on that fear and explored what would happen if you were subjected to a murder that was random and unrelated to behavior.
10. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
This horror-comedy film from Joss Whedon absolutely turned the genre on its head. Beyond this, it includes Chris Hemsworth and how can you go wrong when HE'S in a movie? They made it their mission to revitalize the slasher genre and well, I'd say they succeeded.
11. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
You can't have a slasher film without everyone being scantily clad (including a young and very hot Johnny Depp). A Nightmare on Elm Street also helped shape the genre and spawned a horror franchise that mirrored Friday the 13th. Therefore, it just makes sense to watch it as well. Plus, there was a reboot in 2010 if you feel like watching something more contemporary.
12. The Shining (1980)
Seeing as Stephen King HATED this film adaptation of his book, it's somewhat odd how beloved it is. Throughout the movie, you can't help but feel on edge and "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" will be stuck in your head (much like the opening sound of Friday the 13th) for days after you finished watching the film.
13. Friday the 13th (1980 & 2009)
The one that spawned one of the best slasher franchises movie-goers have ever seen. Seeing as it's ACTUALLY Friday the 13th, you really can't go wrong with watching the original or the reboot. The original is certainly the SEMINAL slasher film and helped define the horror genre of the 1980s, so enjoy.
You may be wondering why you'd need to watch both the original AND the reboot as... well, reboots are almost NEVER better than the original. Well due to the fact was made during the cheesy slasher films of the 80s, it was well overdue for an upgrade on visual effects and acting. PLUS the remake edges the original in scare factor (but only by a little).
Bonus: Tuesday the 17th (2009)
If you're not a horror fan (which would be odd as you're reading this list), the television show Psych managed to do one of the best spoofs of Friday the 13th I've ever seen. After watching all these scary movies, you'll be more than overdue for a laugh so... check it out. I mean it is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.
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