Top 10 Horror Flicks for Movie Marathons

Every year, it has been a tradition for my family to gather together and watch a string of horror movies during the Halloween season. After a short visit in the cemetery, we huddle together in my room, prepare some munchies, and watch all sorts of creatures freak us out ’til the wee hours of the morning.

And I’m sure I’m not the only one who has this kind of gimmick. As an avid horror fan, I’m always excited to get a hold of the best and scariest flicks every Halloween. So this 2009, I’ve checked out these movies for the Top 10.

10. Pathology

Having heard this from a friend, this movie made me curious on how the victims were being “killed” in this movie. I initially thought of watching this in the movie house before but based on early reviews, it wasn’t as scary. So why is it on the list? Well, I saw the movie at home and it remotely felt like I was watching Dexter. Or better yet… imagine it as Grey’s Anatomy gone crazy.

For a medical suspense-thriller, it’s pretty good as first-watch in a horror marathon.

Rating: mmmmm

9. Rosemary’s Baby

This 1968 film was introduced to me by my sister who happened to watch this in the 80’s. Long before the existence of  computer generated special effects, there were those technicolor movies that scare the balls out of you simply because of the story and imagery. Why watch it? Though it’s not the jump-out-of-your-seat flick, you’ll be surprised by how the story winds up in the end.

Directed by Roman Polanski, this Satanic movie is a gem in the roster of midnight cult classics.

Rating: mmmmm

8. Dead End (2003)

Though this movie never gained major mainstream promotion, this Lions Gate Production definitely deserves to be seen. I came across this movie after searching for nice holiday horror flicks back in 2005. The movie plot is very simple but it’s terrifying because of the recurring symbols shown in the film. After watching this, you may not want to take a shortcut again…

Because of the Twilight Zone-ish feel to its story, you’ll find this as a great addition to your list.

Rating: mmmmm

7. Death Proof/Planet Terror

Paying homage to 70’s grindhouse horror, this double-feature was presented as two separate movies in other countries. With the team-up of Tarantino (Death Proof) and Rodriguez (Planet Terror), you’ll definitely get a kick-ass visual delight of action, gore, and violence. It’s an excellent movie to watch if you want horror movies that aren’t too serious on scaring the hell out of you.

Just to add, Rose McGowan really looks smashing as Cherry Darlin’. So iconic!

Rating: mmmmm

6. Final Destination 3

I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m putting a second remake of a movie in the list. Well of course, the original flight 180 still rocks my socks but in terms of shock value, this movie did better. The digital camera thing was witty and the way the characters died… Well, imagine rotten.com. Obviously, the story is NOT what we’re after here but the shocking visual effects.

This movie is a good follow-up to Grindhouse so make sure you watch one after the other.

Rating: mmmmm

5. The Omen (2006)

Remember 06.06.2006? It’s the day when everyone was sorta freaked out while thinking if the anti-christ will ever be born on that day. Well, I was one of those kids who loved the hype and thus the remake of The Omen. I was able to watch this on the big screen with my friends, and this for me was totally better than the original. Again, Mia Farrow appears as the nanny of Damien Omen.

Again, it’s another Satanic cult movie worth watching. So better keep those rosaries with you.

Rating: mmmmm

4. Nightmare on Elm Street

The first time I watched this, I couldn’t sleep AT ALL. I was a kid back then and up to now, Wes Craven’s imaginative creation still haunts many horror fans. Among all scary creatures, I consider Freedie Kreuger as the SCARIEST. The nightmare scenarios are totally freaky, especially when you are thought to believe that the characters are not asleep when they already are!

A must-see in every horror marathon. Also wait for Johnny Depp’s  magnificent death! Classic!

Rating: mmmmm

3. Quarantine

With the rise of reality TV, “footage style” has also been carried to the silver screen by letting viewers see thru the camera lens of the character. The Blair Witch Project was first to present this in the mainstream but this movie is waaaaaay freakier. As soon as the movie gets rolling, you’ll definitely be hanging on to your seat. The whole time I was watching this, I was screaming!

This is definitely a nail-biter. Screeeaaamfest!

Rating: mmmmm

2. The Amityville Horror (2005)

What I am to say is contrary to popular opinion but this movie is the BEST remake ever. This was so good and scary that I watched it twice on the big screen. The second time, I accompanied my friend who, on one scene, screamed out of her seat no-holds-barred! Though the story is quite familiar, the direction and the tension between characters make it truly gut-wrenching!

Again, it’s a must-have in your horror movie marathon list!

Rating: mmmmm

1. The Shining

Jack Nicholson. Stanley Kubrick. Typewriter. All of these add up to perhaps the most terrifying movie I’ve seen from THE Stephen King. For a long time, I’ve been looking for a copy of this movie because many many people are saying chilling things about this film. Now we all know the artistry and gore of Stanley Kubrick so it’s not only the gripping plot that makes it terrifying.

For me, this movie remains as  the STANDARD of all horror movies!

Rating: mmmmm

For viewers below 18 years of age, parental supervision is STRONGLY advised.