One of my coworkers is a horror movie buff. I noticed a reddit thread the other day about horror movies that were actually horrifying, and I thought of that coworker, so I sent him the link. (I didn’t actually read the discussion myself. Not my thing.) He then proceeded to make me a list, a very long list, of good horror movies that I should see (his definition, of course). There are 18(ish) movies on that list. I humored him, of course, and maybe I’ll watch some of them, but for the most part, I think that would be a really stupid move for me. I am easily scared. Easily freaked out. Like, woke-up-from-a-nightmare-the-other-night-and-was-too-afraid-to-go-back-to-sleep easily freaked out (for real – that happened Sunday night). The Sixth Sense gave me nightmares, for crying out loud.
I want to like scary movies, but almost every time I try one, I end up regretting it. It’s not fun. I have mostly learned from those past mistakes. I know it’s not a good idea for me try any of the movies on his list, but I still kind of want to. Maybe during the day. A bright, sunny day. Which is how I watched Cabin in the Woods, suggested by the same coworker (he didn’t suggest the middle of the day part – that was my idea). I really enjoyed that one, but it’s not a typical horror movie, so I’m not sure it counts.
Should I try again? Maybe I’ll become inured to them. I’ll toughen up and be able to just enjoy the movie and let it go after. Or should I give it up? I’m 36 years old – maybe that’s old enough to know I’m not going to get over this.
I don’t feel like giving up.
Here’s his list (not comprehensive, and in no particular order – he was thinking of them off the top of his head):
- Let The Right One In
- High Tension
- Eden Lake
- The Orphanage
- Audition
- Pontypool
- Babadook
- Bad Milo
- Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Verner
- Evil Dead movies
- Dead Alive
- Dog Soldiers
- The Grey (he says it’s not scary, but it’s good)
- The Mist
- Pan’s Labyrinth
- Silent Hill
- Slither
- Sunshine
- The Thing
- Trick ‘r Treat
The Wombat
I’m scared of the titles alone. I’m still freaked out watching clips of The Shining. Plenty scary enuf movie for moi.
Zannah
John hasn’t seen that one yet. I think he wants to read it first. Then we’ll see about the movie (despite how different it is).
Bro
scariest book I ever read. scariest movie i’ve ever seen. i hate scary movies but the shining is worth it because it’s so damn good. good choice to read the book first, though.
Zannah
He doesn’t appear to be in any hurry, so it may be a while.
Momma Betty
The Shining–also the scariest book I ever read. Why on earth would I watch the movie??? Just seeing stills of Jack Nicholson’s face from the movie scares me.
Zannah
The movie is pretty different. Stephen King was apparently not happy about, which is why there’s a miniseries from the late 90s (1997, I think). The movie is SCARIER, I think.
Erik
The Shining shouldn’t be pinned down as horror as much as a classic of cinema. It’s is a great film.
The Evil Dead trilogy is fun film going. The first one tried to be scary and is only mostly successful. The second and third they give up on the horror and just go to have fun. “Sophomoric” is an understatement.
“Let the Right One In” is good. Margaret liked it. Are you going to be intimidated by a movie that Margaret not only sat through but appreciated?
“Dog Soldiers” is over rated. It looks like it was made by my daughter’s preschool class and their budget was less than the downpayment on my car. Why don’t people just let it die out?
The Grey is awesome. Upbeat it is not but very very good.
Pan’s Labyrinth: ask Greg what he thought. He just about fell over the back of his seat at one point. The THING at the dinner table… .
“Silent Hill” reminds me of “The Ring” in a lot of ways. But it had a much higher CG monster budget. Most of its horror comes from art design then storytelling.
Sunshine: I’m still not really sure what we were watching there. It’s about 2/3 of the way through when the movie decides to become a horror of sorts. The visuals were first class but the story jumped around a bit.
I am going to assume he is talking about the ’80’s “The Thing” and not the 50’s version. Both have their charm. Charm is not the proper terminology for the newer version. There are things that cannot be unseen in that film. I suggest very bright sunlight when you watch it. But I don’t think you will want any puppies, kitties, or any other adorable animals around. They may make you a bit paranoid after watching “The Thing.”
How have we known each other this long and you have not seen Evil Dead 2 or Army of Darkness? I feel I have failed you in some way.
Zannah
This is great. Love the feedback. And YES, you have failed me! I should have seen those movies years ago! It’ll happen soon.