100 Horror Movies Duke Wants You To Watch at Least Once

[Dukefrukem]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/Horror2.jpg

So yesterday I posted a list in the horror thread that depicted my top 100 Horror movies (http://www.match-cut.org/showthread.php?p=285014#post28 5014) and MadMan suggested I do some commentary on my choices. So this is what this thread will be. I hope to keep it active, not like my top 52 Comic Book movies thread (http://www.match-cut.org/showthread.php?t=2066).

I'll start at 100 and work backwards. After reviewing the list this morning, I can say that I am going to rearrange and add/drop a few from the list, so the list is not going to stay as it is in the link above.

Couple of facts about the list;


This list represents (at least) the first 100 horror movies that you should watch at least once in your life
Every movie on the list I've seen at least once (with the exception of one which I saw last weekend (don't look in my sig))
There are going to movies not on this list that probably should be, but I haven't seen them yet... or I haven't seen it more than once
This list was created while altering my top 100 movies of all time list
Only 11 movies have a grade of 90 or more
The lowest grade on this list is a 60
A grade of 55+ represents a movie that I would recommend/like.
There may be other movies that I like, not on the list, they just didn't make it into the top 100.


So in the words of Morpheus ... here we go...


List so far;

HM

1. Idle Hands
2. Host
3. C.H.U.D.
4. King Kong
5. Jeepers Creepers


100 Snakes on a Plane
99 House of 1000 Corpses
98 Dark Country
97 the Fog
96 Daybreakers
95 Scream 2
94 Night of the Creeps
93 Diary of the Dead
92 Saw
91 Alien 3
90 Halloween
89 Teeth
88 Dark City
87 Final Destination
86 Underworld
85 Midnight Meat Train
84 Paranormal Activity
83 Hostel
82 Eden Lake
81 The Sixth Sense
80 Dark Water

[Dukefrukem]

100. Snakes on a Plane (2006) [60]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/100_SnakesOnaPLane.jpg

Starting off with a movie that is probably graded way too high but I’m throwing it on here anyway. This movie will remain the most fun I’ve ever had at an opening night viewing; almost as if every opening night showing played out the exact same way across the country. (I remember number8 posting a very similar experience to mine) People yelling out random Samuel L Jackson quotes from his other movies, people providing their own Mystery Science Theater 3000 commentary during the movie and of course EVERYONE in the theater in perfect sync, “I’ve had it with these mother fuckin snakes, on this mother fuckin’ plane”. If you can’t have fun with this movie once, there’s no hope for you in life.

[Dukefrukem]

99. House of 1000 Corpses (2003) [61]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/98_house1000.jpg

Another movie that is probably graded way too high, but I still have a softspot for Ho1kC because of the stellar first half. We are intrigued and spooked by Captain Spaulding and his weird rest stop museum, the ironic flat tire the kids get, the uncomfortable situation at the dinner table, the weird Halloween show... then all hell breaks loose. The second half of the film is where everything falls apart almost as if it were an entirely different, surreal supernatural movie... almost as if Zombie gave up on the script. Below is my favorite scene.

Du9p_txjbsM

[Dukefrukem]

98. Dark Country (2009) [62]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/97_darkcountry.jpg

Thomas Jane’s directorial debut is short and is shot almost entirely on a green screen, but Dark Country has some good ideas working and who can resists Jane and Ron Perlman on the same screen? Dark Country is more of a thriller than a horror movie, but it certainly opens up the side of your mind as you try to unravel what the hell is going on.

[Dukefrukem]

97. The Fog (1980) [62]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/96_fog.jpg

Love the atmosphere here (and hate the modern remake) the Fog has some classic 80s special effects and tension. I wish more horror movies today went less CGI and more props and dry ice. The Fog also has zombie-ghost-pirates....

[Dukefrukem]

96. Daybreakers (2010) [63]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/95_darkbreakers.jpg

A world controlled by vampires; why hasnt this concept been thought of before? Movie starts heavily relying on imagery and those dark shadow Matrix-like shots which puts you in the perspective how the Vampire life at night. Dafoe is a riot; has a ton of one liners and there are a lot of surprising AND scary scenes that caught me off guard. A middle of the pack vampire flick.

[Dukefrukem]

95. Scream 2 (1997) [63]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/94_scream2.jpg

You can probably expect the first movie on my list if 2 is on here, but I like the surviving character a lot. Very rarely do you see characters developed as quickly, interesting and as likable as you do in the first movie, and my interest carries over into sequel. But that’s really the only reason this movie is on the list, I like Sidney, Dewey, Gale and Randy.

[Dukefrukem]

94. Night of the Creeps (1986) [63]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/93_nightcreeps.jpg

YES, Something about it I love, and as I’m writing this I realize I left off the list the biggest 80s CAMP horror movie EVER! Damn it. But anyway, back to NotC; I especially love the 80s dialog; “Corpses that have been dead for twenty-seven years do not get up and go for a walk by themselves!” and “Zombies, exploding heads, creepy-crawlies... and a date for the formal. This is classic, Spank” and “You sonuva bitch. I already killed you.”.

[Dukefrukem]

93. Diary of the Dead (2007) [63]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/92_Diary.jpg

Before Cloverfield, before [Rec] but AFTER the Blair Witch Project, Romero had an idea for a zombie themed hand held movie. It’s probably his weakest work (haven’t seen Survival) but I like the premise and of course I like zombies. For some reason I’m obsessed with movies that take place on the road or movies that require a journey in an apocalyptic environment. The survival horror aspect is where that comes from; derived from my deep obsession with the first Resident Evil games...

[MacGuffin]

Good call on Night of the Creeps. Love that flick.

[Dukefrukem]

92. Saw (2004) [64]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/91_saw.jpg

The franchise has run it’s course, but the first Saw movie is clearly the best in the series. Borrowing imagery from Seven, Saw created some brutal death scenes that are hard to watch without wincing. Jigsaw was born and thrived as the cruelest mass murderer in cinematic history. Sure Jason killed a lot of people but Jigsaw caused people to rip out their own eye, crawl through barbed wire and saw off their own foot...

[Russ]

In looking at your list as published in the other thread, I was curious about the omission (tho I could've overlooked as I only briefly glanced) of classic 30's Universal fare. Were there any on the list? If not, are you just not keen on them, or do you tend to view them separately from more modern horror movies?

[D_Davis]

Good call on Night of the Creeps. Love that flick.

They scream like Banshee!

Heh...yeah, fun flick.

[D_Davis]

The good news is your dates are here.

What's the bad news?

They're dead.

[Skitch]

I'm enjoying this immensly.

[megladon8]

I was not a fan of Dark Country. In fact, it's one of the worst movies I've seen this year.

But it's nice to see some love for House of 1,000 Corpses. Though it'd probably be higher on my list :)

[Dukefrukem]

In looking at your list as published in the other thread, I was curious about the omission (tho I could've overlooked as I only briefly glanced) of classic 30's Universal fare. Were there any on the list? If not, are you just not keen on them, or do you tend to view them separately from more modern horror movies?

Neither, I have not see many of them. :|

[Dukefrukem]

I was not a fan of Dark Country. In fact, it's one of the worst movies I've seen this year.

But it's nice to see some love for House of 1,000 Corpses. Though it'd probably be higher on my list :)

I'm a Jane whore.

Yeh House of 1000 Corpses would be higher on my list if the ending made a tad more sense.

[Dukefrukem]

91. Alien 3 (1992) [65]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/90_alien3.jpg

Even though the third Alien movie is probably the worst in the franchise... it still finds a way to scare the shit out of me. But let’s face it; how many of you were pissed when Ripley hurled herself into the lava pit as the alien bursts through her chest in mid air? Despite it’s flaws, Alien 3 is still scary and it still provides us with probably the most memorable shot (see above) in the whole franchise (AvP) movies included.

[Dukefrukem]

90. Halloween (2007) [66]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/90_halloweenr.jpg

Yup, Zombie’s remake is on my list. 1) Because I think it provided some much needed back story to to how Mike Myers became such a brutal killer and 2) It felt fresh and a remake to keep the franchise going was much needed, instead of adding another number on the end of the title. Lately, Zombie does not do a good job creating real tension and fear in movies but rather relies on imagery and violence to fill the gab. Zombie’s Halloween however, is one of his finer efforts and I’m truly scared of Myers on screen. PS- McDowell = perfect casting as Dr Loomis.

[EyesWideOpen]

So far 4 of the 10 I wish I hadn't watched at least once.

[Dukefrukem]

89. Teeth (2007) [66]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/89_teeth.jpg

Could there be anything guys fear more? No not sticking a penis in a vagina and having it bit off because there’s teeth in the vagina, but just the thought of having a penis bit off by anything..? Well what if there were teeth in that vagina? :sad:

[Dukefrukem]

88. Dark City (1998) [67]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/88_darkcity.jpg

More sci-fi than horror, but Dark City freaked the hell out of me. Those white skinned, dark dressed beings who could put you to sleep by just waving their hands in front of you; waking up to a new memory every night? Never seeing the light of day? Dark City boasts a great cast; William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland and Jennifer Connelly. Love this movie.

[Dukefrukem]

87. Final Destination (2000) [68]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/87_Finaldestin.jpg

Even after walking out of the last installment, I still will see the 5th Final Destination movie in theaters. (as I’m writing this I realize I left off one of my favorites with Devon Sawa... Idle Hands isn’t making this list :( ) This franchise started off the right foot and most of the films success is because of the cast, Sawa, Larter, William Scott make Final Destination fun.

[Scar]

I love Zombie's Halloween flicks.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Wow. I don't think a single one of these would make my list. Although I suspect that Scream 2 and Night of the Creeps would come awfully close.

I demand more old movies!

[Dukefrukem]

I have a feeling I'm going to disappoint many with this list. :( I haven't seen many older horror except a few that were recommended to me in the horror thread. Anyway, the show must go on...

[D_Davis]

Bah! Old-shmold - you like what you like. This is your list.

[Dukefrukem]

86. Underworld (2003) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/86_underworld.jpg

I love the look of the Underworld movies. The vampires live in an ornamented mansion depicting an extravagant lifestyle, but the werewolves live in dark grungy sewers but at the same time Underwrold was shot with a Matrix-like Cyberpunk feel. I like the war between vampires and werewolves raging beneath the streets and the ploys against each race; the love story is OK. Kate Beckinsale is smokin in leather pants on top of kicking some serious ass...

[Dukefrukem]

85. Midnight Meat Train (2008) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/85_midnightmeat.jpg

A lot of you hated this; but I’m intrigued not by the excessive violence but by the purpose in which the acts are carried out... which we don’t find out until the very end (arguably presumed in one particular scene). I wouldn’t mind a sequel digging deeper into the subplot that's occurring. Favorite scene below...

E_O2-6-KwwM

[Dukefrukem]

84. Paranormal Activity (2009) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/84_pa.jpg

First viewing in theaters; VERY effective. Sat in a packed audience and I think everyone in the theater was holding their breath through most scenes. Second viewing, not so effective in fact very dull. But it’s that first viewing (and why you should watch this at least once) to get the FULL effect. Watch it all the lights off and just for kicks, leave a closet door or bedroom door open. Below is a treat.

Xa2ciHIsKLE[/QUOTE]

[Dukefrukem]

83. Hostel (2005) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/83_hostel.jpg

Most over-exaggerated over-promoted horror movie ever? Quite possibly. The gore is not half as bad as the advertising made it out to be, but the story isn’t too bad either. In fact, I believe there was only one scene in this movie that really got a rise out of me... of course I’ve added it below.

NdV-TnppSLU

[Dukefrukem]

82. Eden Lake (2008) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/82_edenlake.jpg

I wasn’t distracted by the little punks in this movie; I did find some of the terror believable regardless of their age. Of course this movie is a giant example of why modern technology ruins all "stranded" and "emergency" situations. Everyone has a cell phone nowadays and the only way to write them out of the story is making it so the characters have no service.

[Dukefrukem]

81. The Sixth Sense (1999) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/81_sixthsense.jpg

This is another movie that suffers from 2nd-viewing-itis. It’s a brilliant story, great casting and has some fantastic scares (even gets a little gory) but after one or two viewings, would anyone want to watch this again? After you know the twist, the movie loses a lot of steam and there’s not much else to watch for. I still give Shyamalan credit and it’s his third best film. Best scene in the movie below.

FLyYYHqVTsE[/QUOTE]

[Dukefrukem]

80. Dark Water (2002) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/81_darkwater.jpg

Probably why I need to give Session 9 another chance, Dark Water is also a pretty simple straightforward slow burn. It terrors with suspense and anticipation. Most of the time the terrors are coming from your own imagination. Crying kids, and kids in any horror movie really, scare the crap outta me. Scene below... freaky.

h7qAoT4qgZI[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

[Dukefrukem]

Intermission 1

As I proceed down the list I find there’s movies I completely forgot about. So instead of being people posting “where is <insert movie>?” at the end of the list, I’ll pause every now and then and list a few movies I liked and should be on the list. ( Don’t be mad at me... :-( I aim to entertain)

Idle Hands

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/HM_Idlehands.jpg

Comedy/Horror, Seth Green and a teenage Jessica Alba..

Host

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/HM_Host.jpg

Not sure how I missed one of the best monster movies ever created but I did. My apologies.

C.H.U.D.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/HM_CHUD.jpg

best, best best best best use of 80s camp ever.

King Kong

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/HM_KK.jpg

another all time great monster movie... I’ve seen this movie only ONCE but it’s definitely better than a few movies on my list.

Jeepers Creepers

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/HM_JC.jpg

Justin Long at his finest in a movie that has some of the best use of scare tactics in recent horror movies; it’s too bad the film quickly gives up about 3/4 of the way in.

[baby doll]

I haven't seen Scream 2 since it was in theatres, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that The Host is definitely a better movie.

[megladon8]

King Kong is such an incredible piece of work.

I found it much, much better than Jackson's remake. Even that image alone, the one Duke posted up there, is more striking to me than anything from the final conflict in the Jackson version.

[Dead & Messed Up]

To be fair, that photo is a composite, not a screen grab, and I quite liked a lot of Jackson's images, especially the bug lair, the V-rexes stuck in the vines, and the frozen pond (daft as it is).

[Chac Mool]

84. Paranormal Activity (2009) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/84_pa.jpg

First viewing in theaters; VERY effective. Sat in a packed audience and I think everyone in the theater was holding their breath through most scenes. Second viewing, not so effective in fact very dull. But it’s that first viewing (and why you should watch this at least once) to get the FULL effect. Watch it all the lights off and just for kicks, leave a closet door or bedroom door open. Below is a treat.

This would have been a great movie -- were it not for the godawful theatrical ending. The alternate is much, much, much (...) much better.


83. Hostel (2005) [69]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/83_hostel.jpg

Most over-exaggerated over-promoted horror movie ever? Quite possibly. The gore is not half as bad as the advertising made it out to be, but the story isn’t too bad either. In fact, I believe there was only one scene in this movie that really got a rise out of me... of course I’ve added it below.

I will never understand positive opinions of Hostel. It's one of the most physically repulsive, morally repugnant, hollow pieces of work I've ever seen. I loathe it with every fibre of my being.

[megladon8]

There's some legitimate depth to be found in Hostel.

Admittedly I'm not a big fan of it either. I think Eli Roth is quite a hack. But there were some ideas there that, had it been helmed by someone more competent, could have provided a really interesting social experiment in the theatre.

[Irish]

There's some legitimate depth to be found in Hostel.
Absolutely agreed.

I'm not a gorehound but I liked Hostel. For one, it had a good through line mystery for the first two acts or so. For another, it was actually a modern horror movie that wasn't running that same damned tired Final Girl trope.

How many times do you see this kind of stuff where men are both the perpetrators and the victims? Not often.

Eli Roth may be a schmuck, but for this one outing he did well.

[Bosco B Thug]

I... won't defend the depth of Hostel. :) I'll admit Roth's intentions are probably largely shallow.

But I still think the guy's got real filmmaking verve. Even watching that stupid 'Eye' clip. His filmmaking is cool, crisp, and not-irritating.


How many times do you see this kind of stuff where men are both the perpetrators and the victims? Not often. Good point. Definitely one of the film's distinguished distinctions.

[megladon8]

Absolutely agreed.

I'm not a gorehound but I liked Hostel. For one, it had a good through line mystery for the first two acts or so. For another, it was actually a modern horror movie that wasn't running that same damned tired Final Girl trope.

How many times do you see this kind of stuff where men are both the perpetrators and the victims? Not often.

Eli Roth may be a schmuck, but for this one outing he did well.


I found the film's look at "people as meat/commodity" to be pretty interesting. And I was surprised by some genuinely interesting shots and camerawork, particularly in the first third of the movie.

I thought it was pretty decent up until he started fighting back, then it went to hell.

[Irish]

I... won't defend the depth of Hostel. :) I'll admit Roth's intentions are probably largely shallow.
Ha! =D

I suspect you're right. Roth never struck me as particularly deep. The depth and good stuff in Hostel was probably the work of a good producer.


I thought it was pretty decent up until he started fighting back, then it went to hell.
Agreed again. The last bit in the third act is what everyone expects out of a horror, really. So there I think Roth lets us down. But then ... I can't imagine another way for that story to play out.

[megladon8]

I also have to say I find it ridiculous when people accuse Hostel being racist against Eastern-Europeans, fear-mongering and dissuading people from going on trips to that part of the world, etc.

This movie came out while I was in radio, and a guy in my class was Ukranian and nearly sabotaged my movie show to get on the air and rant about how horrible this Hostel movie was and how Eli Roth is a hate-mongerer.

[Bosco B Thug]

Ha! =D Haha, I actually find it a rather emotionally layered film, so I'm actually not disagreeing with you guys. :)

[Irish]

Haha, I actually find it a rather emotionally layered film, so I'm actually not disagreeing with you guys. :)
Even better then! =)

[Spinal]

I also have to say I find it ridiculous when people accuse Hostel being racist against Eastern-Europeans, fear-mongering and dissuading people from going on trips to that part of the world, etc.

This movie came out while I was in radio, and a guy in my class was Ukranian and nearly sabotaged my movie show to get on the air and rant about how horrible this Hostel movie was and how Eli Roth is a hate-mongerer.

Hostel came out in the middle of the Bush administration when anti-American sentiment abroad was high, due to the war in Iraq and, well, basically everything else Bush did. I thought that the film's central conceit was not that Eastern Europeans are scary predators, but that Americans, with their arrogance, ignorance and buffoonary had made the world around them more hostile and dangerous than they realized.

But then, this is like me trying to talk to my brother-in-law's Russian wife about the humor in Borat. She can't quite grasp that the butts of the jokes are Americans and not people from Kazakhstan.

Hostel loses me with the gross-out violence ultimately, but I think it's central premise is fairly compelling.

[Irish]

Hostel came out in the middle of the Bush administration when anti-American sentiment abroad was high, due to the war in Iraq and, well, basically everything else Bush did. I thought that the film's central conceit was not that Eastern Europeans are scary predators, but that Americans, with their arrogance, ignorance and buffoonary had made the world around them more hostile and dangerous than they realized.

But then, this is like me trying to talk to my brother-in-law's Russian wife about the humor in Borat. She can't quite grasp that the butts of the jokes are Americans and not people from Kazakhstan.

Hostel loses me with the gross-out violence ultimately, but I think it's central premise is fairly compelling.
Great post. I keep looking for a way to upvote you. :lol:

This problem originated with Hostel because Roth, in all his chuckle headed hubris, named the country and the city in the film after real places (I think it might have been the town where he actually shot the film).

So instead of shooting in Romania and calling it East Brakistan (like anyone else would have done) he shows the supposed residents as immoral bloodthirsty killers.

City leaders tend to get pissy about that kind of thing because they believe it puts people off tourism.

Just as I imagine the councils of Baltimore and Miami weren't too wild about stuff like The Wire and Miami Vice.

[MacGuffin]

Just wanted to mention how awful that dark-haired lead is in Hostel. Completely ruins scenes that attempt to generate suspense/tension simply because he's an actor that's difficult to believe or take seriously.

[megladon8]

Watching "The Wire" kind of made me want to see Baltimore.

[jenniferofthejungle]

Eek! I missed a lot.

I will comment on a few movies.

84. Paranormal Activity.

It absolutely worked for me. I dared to allow myself a few complaints as I was watching the movie, but I soon allowed those thoughts to fade away as I let the freaking terror of the unknown overwhelm me. It still makes me smile when I think of the one guy who ran out of the theater (leaving two friends behind) and didn't come back.

83. Eli Roth can suck it.

82. Eden Lake

This movie makes my soul hurt. Nothing is more terrifying to me than the local yokels who turn on tourists. I don't think I will ever watch this one agin.

81. The Sixth Sense

Just saw this one a few nights ago, and I still love it.

80. Dark Water

Excellent choice, Duke. I love this movie. I was a mess when I first saw it because I went from scared to sad and then back to scared again.

[Dukefrukem]

Eek! I missed a lot.

I will comment on a few movies.

84. Paranormal Activity.

It absolutely worked for me. I dared to allow myself a few complaints as I was watching the movie, but I soon allowed those thoughts to fade away as I let the freaking terror of the unknown overwhelm me. It still makes me smile when I think of the one guy who ran out of the theater (leaving two friends behind) and didn't come back.

83. Eli Roth can suck it.

82. Eden Lake

This movie makes my soul hurt. Nothing is more terrifying to me than the local yokels who turn on tourists. I don't think I will ever watch this one agin.

81. The Sixth Sense

Just saw this one a few nights ago, and I still love it.

80. Dark Water

Excellent choice, Duke. I love this movie. I was a mess when I first saw it because I went from scared to sad and then back to scared again.

Always love your input Jenn. No one hates Eli Roth more than me, but like Spinal said, Hostel is a poor excuse for gratuitous violence, but the premise is compelling.

I hope everyone has a good Labor Day tomorrow. I just got back from a family party and I'm pretty spent. Will continue the list on Monday.

[jenniferofthejungle]

I'll trot back to the opening part of your list and give a comment or ten. ;)

Have fun!

[D_Davis]

To be fair, that photo is a composite, not a screen grab, and I quite liked a lot of Jackson's images, especially the bug lair, the V-rexes stuck in the vines, and the frozen pond (daft as it is).

The bug lair is awesome. Such a fantastic sequence.

[Skitch]

Always love your input Jenn

Indeed!


. No one hates Eli Roth more than me,

Wanna bet? :)

[Chac Mool]

Absolutely agreed.

I'm not a gorehound but I liked Hostel. For one, it had a good through line mystery for the first two acts or so. For another, it was actually a modern horror movie that wasn't running that same damned tired Final Girl trope.

How many times do you see this kind of stuff where men are both the perpetrators and the victims? Not often.

Eli Roth may be a schmuck, but for this one outing he did well.

It's not the central idea I'm railing against -- it has potential. What bothers me is that the film is guilty of exactly what it's pointing out: torture porn. Roth shocks us with the idea of a people as toys for psychopaths, then lets his camera linger over scene after scene of cruelty. And this is one time where I just can't accept the "meta-" argument (that the film is turning its light on the audience): every point could just as clearly been made without extreme on-screen violence.

[Irish]

It's not the central idea I'm railing against -- it has potential. What bothers me is that the film is guilty of exactly what it's pointing out: torture porn. Roth shocks us with the idea of a people as toys for psychopaths, then lets his camera linger over scene after scene of cruelty. And this is one time where I just can't accept the "meta-" argument (that the film is turning its light on the audience): every point could just as clearly been made without extreme on-screen violence.

I think that's pretty insightful & an entire valid criticism of the film.

Based on Cabin Fever, I figured Roth was something of a gorehound with a frat boy sensibility so the stuff in Hostel wasn't too big a surprise.

Question back to you: Do you think it's possible for post-Saw slashers not to be hyper-violent?

[Spinal]

I don't think Hostel aspires to be social commentary so much as it aspires to tap into its (mostly American) audience's fear that there are numerous people in the world who hate them and wish them harm for the basic fact of who they are. It certainly has its problems, but I don't think hypocrisy is one of them.

[Bosco B Thug]

It's not the central idea I'm railing against -- it has potential. What bothers me is that the film is guilty of exactly what it's pointing out: torture porn. Roth shocks us with the idea of a people as toys for psychopaths, then lets his camera linger over scene after scene of cruelty. And this is one time where I just can't accept the "meta-" argument (that the film is turning its light on the audience): every point could just as clearly been made without extreme on-screen violence. Your point is very valid - as I said, Roth's aspirations are likely very low for what is, primarily, a gross-out fest - but I think you exaggerate, at least in terms of gratuitous and protracted torture or gore. It's one of the things I admire about it. There's only one centerpiece torture scene, and (this might not change they way you feel but) it's more about the "pre-torture" since we actually don't see the bulk of the maiming, or the killing. As graphic as the final scene is (and as incredulous one can be about claims of any higher, enlightened purpose), it's not exactly the disreputable exemplar of the "torture porn" label. Only the eye moment and the execution of the train death I find gratuitously handled.

Also, in response to its supposed villainization of Eastern European nations, it's not so much about how uncivilized Eastern European nations are so much as it is about how uncivilized Western economic ideology is. The cause and effect between the two is one of the more astute implications of the film.

[Chac Mool]

I think that's pretty insightful & an entire valid criticism of the film.

Based on Cabin Fever, I figured Roth was something of a gorehound with a frat boy sensibility so the stuff in Hostel wasn't too big a surprise.

Question back to you: Do you think it's possible for post-Saw slashers not to be hyper-violent?

I think it's a question of presentation (and let me know if I'm being hypocritical myself here).

If the violence/gore is played for laughs, or thrills, or if it's used to make an action scene more visceral, I can enjoy it as much as the next red-blooded film-goer (as in Cabin Fever, Final Destination, Kill Bill, Braindead and so many other examples). What makes me genuinely uncomfortable about Hostel is that the movie seems to revel in what it shows us -- in pain and cruelty and misery.

I know that I'm opening myself up to the argument that Hostel is actually showing violence for what it is -- a horrible, horrible thing -- and that may be a fair point, but these are movies we're talking about, movies we're choosing to see, and just like any other aspect of life, filmmakers can use violence to good effect (to enhance story and thrills) or to bad effect, as I argue Hostel does.

In a related question (and without wanting to hijack this terrific thread): has anyone seen A Serbian Film? And, if so, how does it compare (in tone and approach, not in explicitness) to Hostel? That's another movie I'll never watch, and could never enjoy.

[Rowland]

So far...

1. Idle Hands --
2. Host ***
3. C.H.U.D. --
4. King Kong ***½
5. Jeepers Creepers **½


100 Snakes on a Plane --
99 House of 1000 Corpses ** (needs a rewatch)
98 Dark Country --
97 The Fog ***½
96 Daybreakers **
95 Scream 2 **
94 Night of the Creeps **½
93 Diary of the Dead *½ (needs a rewatch)
92 Saw **
91 Alien 3 ***½
90 Halloween (2007) **½ (needs a rewatch, preferrably in DC form)
89 Teeth --
88a Secret Window *½
88b Dark City ***
87 Final Destination --
86 Underworld --
85 Midnight Meat Train **
84 Paranormal Activity ***
83 Hostel **½
82 Eden Lake **
81 The Sixth Sense ***? (haven't seen in close to a decade)
80 Dark Water ***½

[Irish]

If the violence/gore is played for laughs, or thrills, or if it's used to make an action scene more visceral, I can enjoy it as much as the next red-blooded film-goer (as in Cabin Fever, Final Destination, Kill Bill, Braindead and so many other examples). What makes me genuinely uncomfortable about Hostel is that the movie seems to revel in what it shows us -- in pain and cruelty and misery.

I get what you're saying -- at least I think I do: Violence is fine when it serves some kind of purpose, but you take issue when Roth uses it purely for the titillation of his audience. (I don't think Roth has the depth to use violence for some kind of higher thematic purpose as you outlined in your second 'graph).

I agree with that line of thinking, but then the demands of the marketplace might well be different from yours or mine. In a post-Saw kind of environment, the audience expects slashers to be explicit down to agonizing, drawn out detail. If that's not delivered, I think the fear is that audiences will stay away.

[Morris Schæffer]

1. Idle Hands n/a
2. Host **
3. C.H.U.D. n/a
4. King Kong 1933 **½
5. Jeepers Creepers n/a


100 Snakes on a Plane **½
99 House of 1000 Corpses n/a
98 Dark Country n/a
97 The Fog n/a
96 Daybreakers n/a
95 Scream 2 **½
94 Night of the Creeps n/a
93 Diary of the Dead *
92 Saw ***
91 Alien 3 **
90 Halloween (2007) n/a
89 Teeth n/a
88a Secret Window *½
88b Dark City **½
87 Final Destination **
86 Underworld n/a
85 Midnight Meat Train n/a
84 Paranormal Activity n/a
83 Hostel **
82 Eden Lake n/a
81 The Sixth Sense ****
80 Dark Water **½

[Dukefrukem]

Rowland, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Fog. You graded it high.

And I think I put Secret Window in my first list. Thanks for reminding me to change it.

[Dukefrukem]

79. Orphan (2009) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/79_orphan.jpg

As stated before, spooky strange kids creep me out and Orphan continues the trend. Most people on MC complained about the ending, but if you can get past the leaps in logic, the ending is very suspenseful.

[Dukefrukem]

78. Phantoms (1998) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/78_phantoms.jpg

In the late 90s, there were two movies that absolutely scared the piss outta me. One of them was Phantoms, the other is upcoming on my list. What scares me the most is the unexplained phenomenon that is occurring around the empty town. Any time people appear to disappear for no reason gives off an uncomfortable aurora. The climax of fear starts when a police officer completely disappears in the middle of the street leaving behind his gun (spinning), hat, and shoes. The ending falls apart pretty quickly but the opening is quite memorable.

[Dukefrukem]

77. Ju-on (2002) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/77_juon.jpg

ntroduced to Ju-on but none other than the Axis of Very Evil crew; I watched this right after watching Ringu. The Similarities are there, but the shot above is one of the scariest in horror cinema. Both Ringu and Ju-on have some imagery not found in American horror, which is why they are so special.

[Dukefrukem]

76. Last House on the Left (2009) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/76_lasthouse.jpg

I will get shit for this one, but I love the combo of Tony Goldwyn vs Garret Dillahunt. Dillahunt is a great bad guy, I love revenge movies combined with thriller. This is less of a horror movie, but there are some horror elements. I haven't seen the original. Should I?

[Dukefrukem]

75. Creep (2005) [70]

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s36/Dukefrukem/Top%20100%20Horror%20Movies/75_creep.jpg

LOVE this movie. LOVE the idea of being stuck in a subway tunnel with some creep, creepin around. :-D Far fetched that mentally deranged hermits living below our cities today? How about one that eats people and tries to performs abortions on women?

[Dukefrukem]

74. Tales From the Crypt; Demon Knight(2005) [70]

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa306/oscartorrado/demonknight3.gif

I know there a few fans of this one; Billy Zane as the demon, William Sadler as hour hero and some great supporting characters make Demon Knight a wonderful TftC story. Can’t deny the awesome shot above; It was definitely an jaw dropper when I saw this back in 95. Love the use of practical effects with the demons throughout the whole movie. You dont see this enough today. My favorite scene below;

V0Y5ueBfZ1s

[Skitch]

In a related question (and without wanting to hijack this terrific thread): has anyone seen A Serbian Film? And, if so, how does it compare (in tone and approach, not in explicitness) to Hostel? That's another movie I'll never watch, and could never enjoy.

I've read about that film for a while now, I don't think I can bring myself to watch it. Some lines should not be crossed. Some things can't be unseen.

[Russ]

In a related question (and without wanting to hijack this terrific thread): has anyone seen A Serbian Film?
Part of me has a perverse curiosity and wants to see it. From the looks of the trailer, it appears to have decent production values and seems well made. However, I'm quite positive that I'll end up regretting watching it. Call it a hunch.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Demon Knight being on this list makes baby Jesus happy; however, being number 74 makes baby Jesus cry.

[Bosco B Thug]

78. Phantoms (1998) [70] I thought the book was a pinnacle of horror stories when I was a kid. Don't remember the movie much, but I give it automatic freaky points for sticking pretty essentially to the book.

[Skitch]

I'm not gonna say Affleck was the bomb in Phantoms.

because I know, that ya'll know, Affleck was the bomb in Phantoms.

Yo.

[Chac Mool]

[SIZE="5"]As stated before, spooky strange kids creep me out and Orphan continues the trend. Most people on MC complained about the ending, but if you can get past the leaps in logic, the ending is very suspenseful.

I'm curious where "The Children" will fall on this list, if you've seen it.

[Rowland]

I'm curious where "The Children" will fall on this list, if you've seen it.It's a highly flawed work, but certainly superior to Orphan.

[Dukefrukem]

Takin a day off from this; Today is employee appreciation day at work. BBQ time.

Also, I'm very intrigued by A Serbian Film now. Hadn't heard about it until this thread. Wish Bloody-Disgusting wasn't blocked at work. :(

[Chac Mool]

It's a highly flawed work, but certainly superior to Orphan.

I've only seen it once, but I thought it was close to perfect -- beautifully made, heart-stoppingly tense.

[Russ]

Part of me has a perverse curiosity and wants to see it. From the looks of the trailer, it appears to have decent production values and seems well made. However, I'm quite positive that I'll end up regretting watching it. Call it a hunch.
Well, I was...wrong. Thoughts on A Serbian Film in FDT.

[MadMan]

Well I'm glad you made the thread, Duke. I always welcome Top *Insert number here* lists, and commentary.


100 Snakes on a Plane
97 the Fog
95 Scream 2
94 Night of the Creeps
93 Diary of the Dead
91 Alien 3
90 Halloween
81 The Sixth SenseThese are the ones I've seen off the list you posted on the first page. I like SOAP more than most people do-its funny, and quite entertaining. Scream 2 and The Fog are good movies, and Night of the Creeps makes my Top 20 Horror Movies List, as it is awesome. I liked Diary of the Dead and Alien 3 more than most, and Halloween was a solid remake. The Sixth Sense is really a great movie-too bad M. Night is no longer a good director.

[Dukefrukem]

If I had seen Night of the Creeps in the 80s or early 90s, it would probably be lower on my list. But I saw it late and I can't get around the pacing of it. It's a bit slow for me, even with the camp.

[Bosco B Thug]

If I had seen Night of the Creeps in the 80s or early 90s, it would probably be lower on my list. But I saw it late and I can't get around the pacing of it. It's a bit slow for me, even with the camp. Yeah, Night of the Creeps, as likeable as it is, is a bit limp.

[MadMan]

If I had seen Night of the Creeps in the 80s or early 90s, it would probably be lower on my list. But I saw it late and I can't get around the pacing of it. It's a bit slow for me, even with the camp.I wonder if I would have loved it even more had I too viewed it when it first came out. All I have to go off of is that I've seen it twice, first last year and then this year when I bought it on DVD. Its great fun, and more of a funny homage to old school horror movies. Plus the use of great horror directors names for characters is quite amusing. Tom Atkins' performance is tops, of course. "Thrill me!"

[Sycophant]

Orphan is basically the most terrible, hateful movie I've ever seen.

[soitgoes...]

Orphan is basically the most terrible, hateful movie I've ever seen.
And I will continue to give you rep every time you say something like this. That film is trash.

[Sycophant]

And I will continue to give you rep every time you say something like this. That film is trash.

Absolutely. And not fun-and-trashy-good-times trash. Just straight up rotten-urine-soaked-fruit-and-meat-in-your-living-room trash.

[MacGuffin]

Yeah, Night of the Creeps, as likeable as it is, is a bit limp.

Limp in thematic material, of course, but you gotta give the director credit for creating one of the more entertaining and creative genre romps.

[soitgoes...]

Absolutely. And not fun-and-trashy-good-times trash. Just straight up rotten-urine-soaked-fruit-and-meat-in-your-living-room trash.
Don't forget the flies!

[Bosco B Thug]

Limp in thematic material, of course, but you gotta give the director credit for creating one of the more entertaining and creative genre romps. Haha, that's actually not what I meant! I was just plainly agreeing with duke... it's got its dull spots.

It's overall notable, though. It perks up suddenly whenever Tom Atkins is on screen.

[MacGuffin]

Haha, that's actually not what I meant! I was just plainly agreeing with duke... it's got its dull spots.

It's overall notable, though. It perks up suddenly whenever Tom Atkins is on screen.

Yeah, I was going to say. His monologue is incredible and hilarious.

[megladon8]

Limp in thematic material, of course, but you gotta give the director credit for creating one of the more entertaining and creative genre romps.


I was unimpressed.

I found it quite boring, to be honest. And the lead guy was a black hole of charisma.

[Dukefrukem]

Absolutely. And not fun-and-trashy-good-times trash. Just straight up rotten-urine-soaked-fruit-and-meat-in-your-living-room trash.

Alright we get it.... when you make your list I'll be sure to proclaim my hatred for the movies on it...

[MadMan]

I was unimpressed.

I found it quite boring, to be honest. And the lead guy was a black hole of charisma.Really? The lead guy was quite likable. I believe that was his sole purpose. None of the crazy shit that happens in that movie was entertaining? The zombies? Space slugs? Tom Atkins being awesome? Nothing? Oh well...