Halloween (1978)- OMG, this isn't the #1 horror movie of the 70's??? No, but it is perhaps the quintessential movie to watch on Halloween (and not just because of it's name), and the best slasher movie ever made. The themes song to this day gives me the creeps... I once had it as my ring tone, but it made me cry when I'd get calls at night, so... Carpenter gives us his best film here, one with no flaws and maximum horror. Michael is the quintessential bogeyman, and Halloween is the quintessential horror movie.
Hellraiser (1987)- Clive Barker, I love you; if that makes me gay, I don't care! You have given us many great nightmares, both on paper and celluloid, but none greater than Pinhead, his Cenobites and the uber wicked puzzle box. With some of the best writing of any horror film I've ever seen, quotes like "The box. You opened it. We came. ", "No tears, please. It's a waste of good suffering", and "We have such sights to show you!", have stuck with us over the years, and through many sequels. Plain and simple, Hellraiser is a brilliant concept and film.
Se7en (1995)- Ok, I know that some of you are saying, "WTF?!? A Brad Pitt movie at #2?" Make no mistake, this is a horror movie, it's just disguised as a high end work of art. A brilliant movie with brilliant performances, direction and cinematography, not to mention story, Se7en is a hellish ride through a dark city plagued by the murders of a serial killer... Hollywood gets it right now and then, and this is a perfect example.
Saw (2004)- Oh Saw, how I adored you in part one, and could care less about the 20 sequels that followed. The first one was inventive, fresh and effective from start to finish... not to mention creepy. The traps are the best part about the Saw movies; what twisted and wince-inducing ways to die! Unfortunately, we will have to sit through Saw 6, but at least the first one will always be there for us, and be the best.
After long last, tomorrow we get to see what #1 holds for us!
