Movie Suggestions: Horror

It's quite difficult to give a clear definition of horror, because the genre is so diverse. There the gory slasher, the chilling ghost tale, the disturbing torture story and the gigantic-monster apocalypse: there is so much variety within the genre. I'm always disappointed by the lack of interest of people and movie critics in these kind of films, because "their only goal is to scare someone to death". Okay, scares are a big part of (most) horror flicks, but there are dozens of classy, subtle and emotional scary movies. That's why I decided to dedicate my first movie suggestions to horror films. 

1. The Others (2001) - Alejandro Amenábar
One of my favorite films of all time is this ghost story with Nicole Kidman. There are a handful of characters in it and the whole films takes place in and around a gorgeous old mansion. It is beautifully shot, it's got frightening moment without big cheap scares and most important of all: the ending is to date the most chilling ending I've ever seen. I don't want to say too much about this one. But if you want to watch a horror: please watch this one. (on a side note: all three recommendations are extremely strong. So just watch all four of them if you have the time)

If you liked this you should definitely watch: El Orfanato (2007),It Follows (2015) and The Babadook (2015)

2. The Crazies (2010) - Breck Eisner

For some reason, zombie films (or series) tend to focus on the 'survivors' way more than other monster films. It's about how they handle their situation (In The Walking Dead (2010 - ) men are way more dangerous than 'walkers'). It's probably because the bad guys can't do much more than growl and walk. The Crazies from Breck Eisner is a remake of 1973's horror film, but in my opinion it's much better. It has a stellar cast, a great premise and cool action sequences. 

If you liked this you should definitely watch: 28 Days Later (2002) and Carriers (2009)

3. You're Next (2011) - Adam Wingard
Slasher films don't come more amusing/more exciting than this one. It has enough twist to keep the viewer guessing, but not enough to make the story unbelievable. It's a very creative film with lots of interesting deaths (spoiler: sticking a food processor in someone's head). The lead is the Australian Sharni Vinson who does a marvelous job of kicking ass. I might write something in the near future about women in horror films. Because the amount of female leads in slashers is just insane.

If you liked this you should definitely watch: The Descent (2005) and The Strangers (2008)

4. Eden Lake (2008) - James Watkins

I feel like I should add a gory, sadistic film. Because they are just so popular (The Purge, Saw, Hostel). This one sets itself apart because of its cast. Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly are established actors and there is even a very young Jack O'Connell (Unbroken) as one of the bad guys. The plot is, as most of these so called 'torture porn'- films very thin: couple goes to the woods, get into trouble, are hunted, and killed (or will they?).

If you liked this you should definitely watch: Friday the 13th (2010) and The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

5. Alien (1979) - Ridley Scott

It's amazing how this film is still absolutely brilliant after almost 40 years. You might have noticed that most my suggestions are relatively recent. Many horror films are based on 'classics' of the 70's and 80's. And though these original movies are good, many viewers from today would think they are quite boring. But not Alien. It's one of the best films ever in my humble opinion. Sigourney Weaver is still one of the greatest action heroes and the constant threatening atmosphere is phenomenal.

If you liked this you should definitely watch: Aliens (1986) and The Thing (1982)