Suggestions For REALLY SCARY Movies?

Question

I have been on a quest for years to find a movie that really scares me. I have watched just about every horror film that has come out, and been completely unimpressed. It seems like a lot of filmmakers have substituted huge amounts of gore for actual horror. I want to be creeped out, not grossed out. I want something that makes me look over my shoulder and check the locks on the doors one more time before I go to bed. I want something that makes me have to sleep with the closet light on! Can you make some suggestions?

Thanks!

By the way, the last thing I saw that was even slightly scary was "Saw II", and that was more tension than fear. "Hostel" didn't do anything but make me wonder where people get the money to make such bad movies.

Some movies that have scared me have included "The Exorcist", "Event Horizon" and "Ghost Ship".

Answer 1

this may help. go to bravotv.com. awhile back they had a show that listed the 100 best horror movies. search their sight. when you find the list maybe you'll find some that work for you.
the original exorcist and the exorcism of emily rose were creapy.

Answer 2

Since The Ring and The Grudge were based on Japanese films, and even Hollywood couldn't mess them up, then why not actually watch some Japanese horror? Who cares about subtitles, when it's really scary, right? I wouldn't really classify it as a horror film, but have a look at Battle Royale. It's certainly got it's moments. (Japanese film, with subtitles). Also Japanese animated films can be really dark. Have a look at some of them. They're much more creative than anything Hollywood's currently churning out.

Wolf Creek was creepy, but someone already mentioned that one. (By the way, the character that it was loosely based on is a man called Ivan Milat, known as the Backpacker Murderer. Maybe there's a book on him. Sometimes reading a book can be more scary because you create the image in your own mind.)

The Exorcism of Emily Rose was based on real events, and I found it quite creepy. It might be an okay option.

Have you seen the 1st Nightmare on Elm St? That is still creepy to this day. They made some fantastic horror in the 70s and 80s. Maybe search the back catalogues? Dario Andretti is an excellect Italian director who does revenge films. They can be quite compelling.

I think we've been exposed to so much that we're becoming immune, and jaded. Hollywood keeps re-hashing the same old themes though, so it's hard to actually get any new stimulus. The problem with filmmaking today is that there are too many controls. Censorship should be eliminated. I should be able to decide what's right and what's wrong for me based on my selection criteria, not someone else's.

Good luck in your quest.

Answer 3

you are right!
I agree with this person ,I too feel that the general quality of horrow has gone downhill except for one Japanese director.You might consider watching THE GRUDGE and BLAIR WITCH PROJECT with no one at home and yr lights off......quite an experience if you can sit through it!!
Its a myth that horror should have worms creeping out of the pantry or blood seeping out a casket! I think fear in horror sprouts from the fear of the unknown ....of the fear as to what is behind that shaking closet, and this is what Hideo, the japanese king of horror believes in and thats the reson why his movies like THE GRUDGE ,THE RING are show stoppers in horror.

Its about time Hollywood steeps up the genuine HORROR gradient!

Answer 4

Blair Witch Project 1-Rosemary's Baby-Ring 1

Answer 5

maybe the Ring or the Japanese version of the Grudge. I am in total agreement with you about most of the content of so-called Scary movies. They really do manage to go completely overboard with the "gross" stuff and just not enough with the keep you on the edge of your seat, jump and scream at any little sound content. Best of luck with your search.

Answer 6

Try watching the movie "Psycho". Also try "Jaws" and "Backdraft". To me "Backdraft" is one of the scariest movies ever made because the "monster" is real: fire. I agree with you that most modern horror movies are more goriness than scariness, which is too bad. Maybe a filmmaker will come along and change that.

Answer 7

I'm really scared of the stuff where there is something psychological or there are unexplained phenomenons like ghosts or something in it rather than just an ax killer who chases teens.

Still, Texas Chain Massacre was scary to me.

Answer 8

Rosemary's Baby

Answer 9

When you find one, let me know. I've been looking for one forever. And those ones that scared you, didn't scare me. Considering the mean things my older sister did to me when I was younger(leaving me places alone, telling me scary stories) I guess I have a high tolerance.

Answer 10

I've heard "Silence Of The Lambs" is good as well as "Blair Witch". I'm not a horror movie fan but ya.