Scary movies. Most enjoy watching them while others are terrified by the idea of watching someone being butchered. I, however, have a passion when it comes to what I like to call horrific wonders. In fact, you will always find me watching a scary movie like Michael Jackson did in his Thriller video.
Personally, I can never really find someone who will ever understand why I get so passionate and amazed by watching scary movies. On the contrary, I have been asked why I would even consider watching someone get stalked and killed on the screen. To be quite fair, I believe that horror films teach you a little bit about survival. Not everyone can see the point in the movies because they are either covering their ears and eyes to block out the gory details or because they are watching to pass time. Some scary movies share low-key morals and principles while others prepare you for what can happen if situations could every become dire.
Here are some of the movies I personally would recommend if ever asked.
The Shining (1980)
Never watch a movie without reading the book first. Although Stephen King nailed it when writing the novel, Stanley Kubrick really did a tremendous job directing this. Jack Nicholson did an even better job playing the the main character, Jack Torrance. The Shining tells the story of Jack taking a position as a caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel for an entire winter with his wife Wendy and son Danny. Hoping to spend time writing, Jack ends up suffering from a mental breakdown, causing him to speak with ghosts and go into a murderous rampage. This movie shows that even though it is good to work, you should also consider taking a break once in a while. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy(proverb featured in Kubrick's film and King's Pet Sematary).
The Conjuring (2013/2016)
Real cases that were investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren(portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) back in the 1970's, the Conjuring films were successful in 2013 for the first film as well as 2016 for the second film. The first film shares the case of the Perron family and how their Rhode Island home has been disturbed by paranormal events. The second film takes place in London, where Janet Hodgson becomes the item of a demon nun. The Warrens, who are well-known Catholics, have been known for other cases, such as the Amityville murders, the Annabelle doll, and the Discovery Channel show the Haunting. The films show that if you move into a new home, you should always do background investigation before purchasing and, if you are religious, you should consider blessing your new home.
Halloween (1978-2009)
We all know Michael Myers, the boy who killed his older sister on Halloween night, was sent to an insane asylum, and then escaped to track down his little sister(played by the OG Scream Queen, Jamie Lee Curtis) years later, killing anyone who stood in his way. John Carpenter's Halloween franchise sets a perfect example on how to avoid drug and alcohol use, promiscuity, and wandering off alone when there is a murderous, escaped psychiatric patient on the loose. Myers even kills dogs if encountered *sheds tear*. The even worse part is that the series consists of 8 films and 2 remakes directed by Rob Zombie, and the one or two teen who leave the group on Halloween night to go to the bathroom, do drugs, or have sex always end up in a body bag because they run into Michael Myers. Moral of this series: always stay in groups when a psycho maniac is on the loose.
Scream (1996)
Since teenagers play an important role in horror films, it should be noted that not all killers are old guys in jumpsuits and masks. Wes Craven's Scream series makes it known that everything is not what it seems. Sydney Prescott, a Woodsboro teen, is being tracked down by Ghostface, a killer in a mask(how typical) seeking revenge. The series consists of four films, and the killer is always someone different with their own personal motive. Neve Campbell's portrayal of Sydney has made the series even better with her ability to unmask the killer and beat them in the end. She makes sure to keep her friends close, but her enemies closer.
Get Out (2017)
Even though the year has started, Jordan Peele's Get Out is considered to be one of the best horror movies so far. Chris Washington is on his way to meet his girlfriend, Rose's, parents. However Rose did not mention to her family that Chris is a black man. Everything seems like it is going well after meeting the parents until Chris notices that something strange is going on, especially with the black servants. With the film's success, there has been a new internet sensation conquering social media: typical memes and the Get Out Challenge. The message behind the film is quite simple. Never visit your partner's family without getting to know who your partner really is. It may be all love at first, but only time(and plenty of investigating) itself will tell.
The Purge (2013/2014/2016)
If you have not seen the Purge series, then you are in for a treat! In the future, America is being run by new founding fathers and a government that praises a holiday in which all crime, including murder, is legal for 12 consecutive hours. Of course we have no reason to believe that present day USA is capable of letting such mayhem occur. However, we should never say never, because anything in this day in age is possible. The Purge is a series all about surviving a night without being killed or hurt. If you want to live, you must take matters into your own hands. NO ONE IS SAFE. While the first film talks about making it through the night in what is supposed to be the safety of your own home, the last two show us what it is like to out on the streets on Purge night, and how the government is involved.
Although not all of these films are classics, they are pretty good movies if you are ever into being an avid horror movie watcher. Just turn out the lights, beware, and prepare to get scared.
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