A lot of people have asked me what my favorite horror movies of all time are so I have decided to create my Top 10 horror movies:

10. An American Werewolf in London.

This movie is what made me want to become a horror writer. Besides the obvious ahead of it’s time special effects, the movie introduced us to a new age of horror, the crossover. This is the first movie to truly succeed in blending two distinct genres, comedy and horror. I know a lot of you may disagree that this should even make a horror top 10 but the truly terrifying transformation to the werewolf and the ample gore compels me to have it on my list. Which leads me to number 9…

9. Shaun of the Dead

Once again, this movie can not be ranked much higher than this on my horror list but I am not ashamed to say this is my favorite all time movie. I could write pages about this movie and how it works as both a stand alone horror movie, comedy and yes a love story. It blended all three aspects seamlessly and was probably the most fun I have ever had at a movie theater. From the writing, to the directing to how it was lit this movie is cinematic perfection…and it has zombies.

8. Rosemary’s Baby

Holy crap did this movie scare me when I was a child, hell it still creeps me out to this day. Roman Polanski’s masterpiece will send chills up your spine and scare the crap out of you. Senior citizen devil worshipers, that’s creepy.

7. A Tale of two Sisters(Korean)

Another suspenseful masterpiece. A heart wrenching tale of loss intermingled with a ghost story that is truly compelling. I love the reveal at the end and the overall feel and look of this movie makes it worth watching alone. I don’t hold out the same hope for the American remake coming out this year.

6. Exorcist

I know it’s at the top of a lot of lists and believe me I thought about putting it higher but I have to be honest, it didn’t scare me all that much. It was freaky and creepy but a demonic little girl doesn’t scare me…I guess that’s why the Ring and other movies of the ilk don’t rate in my book. The Exorcist makes this list out of respect to how it was ahead of it’s time in regards to the scare factor of a movie…and also because the book is a hundred times scarier.

5. Nightmare on Elm Street

This movie scared the crap out of me when I saw it for the first time at the age of 13. The originality of character and story is what makes this a top 5 movie for me. Freddy Krueger is a horror icon and deservedly so. And for the record he could kick Jason’s ass. This movie still stands the test of time. I watched it recently and it still gave me chills.

4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre

The fact that it looked like a freakin’ documentary was enough to freak me out. I watched this when I was 8 years old, to put things in perspective my daughter is about to turn 8 and I wouldn’t even let her watch the trailer. This movies grim realism and ample gore make it a horror staple. It’s been duplicated many times, and even remade but the bottom line is this… This movie set the bar for horror and gore and very few have come close since.

3. Alien

What can I say about this classic except that it is truly a scary edge of your seat thriller. The first time I saw this movie it was the edited version on TV and it scared me. When I saw the unedited I was shocked at how much scarier it was. I still watch this movie a couple of times a year. The acting was stellar, the monster awesome and it broke the mold by having a female character kicking ass. Gotta love Ripley.

2. All Romero Zombie Movies

The Night of the Living Dead changed horror cinema forever. The social commentary and the brilliant breaking of movie stereotypes alone make these movies all-timers. Romero is a master, a legend, a true visionary and should be held by all horror enthusiasts as such.

1. Halloween

“The evil…he has escaped.” Dr. Loomis’ chilling words as Michael Myers drives off. This movie is ground breaking, brilliant, scary, and fun. From the first person perspectives, to the kills, to the fact we don’t know what Michael Myers is and why he does what he does makes this the best horror movie in my mind. I remember sneaking out of my room when I was 9 years old to watch this movie on Prism. I sat on the floor with wide-eyed wonder as I watched John Carpenter’s masterpiece unfold. The music still makes my hair stand on end to this day when I hear it. I loved this movie for the simple fact that all you knew was Michael Myers was evil…and quite frankly that’s all you needed to know.

So there you have it a top 10 list and a few of the reasons why I chose what I chose. Feel free to trash me…it’s all part of the fun.

1. ScottyT, January 26, 2008:

   I don’t know if it’s such a slam dunk for Freddy in the Freddy vs. Jason battle. I subscribe to the theory that Jason is supernatural, and as such probably never sleeps, severely handicapping Freddy in the battle.

2. Stacey C., January 26, 2008:

   The original Halloween will never be surpassed-but I must say that RZ version of it -directors cut-was ok-he could’ve done more but to me scary is that someone who once seemed normal,innocent and right next door-turning on you-evolving into the psychopath they were born to be-the reality of the situation scares me-but yes the Supernatural spookiness of original MM is horror history

3. The Goregod, January 26, 2008:

   Good list. I remember when Alien first hit the big screen. When the Alien burst out of the stomach. I was like hell yes and started cracking up (. Thats when my Dad realized how demented I really was. And the movie crowd wondered what the hell was wrong with the fat kid… good times.

4. Alexa Brunetti, January 27, 2008:

   Ron, all your movies are great choices however the best one on that list and my all time favorite is ‘Shawn of the Dead’! I can’t believe you chose that! That movie ROCKS! I have never been creeped out and laughed so much all within a matter of minutes. Whenever I get a chance I tell people to watch that movie! Cool List!

5. Keith D., January 27, 2008:

   Ron I know how much you love your Vampiers, so I think you forgot one. In my opinion Salem’s Lot is an alltime great. I mean the kid scratching at the window saying… let me in. That was so creepy, and lets not forget about Barlow .

6. Sabrina, January 27, 2008:

   I love most of those films! Alien and American Werewolf in London are fantastic! And I think The Exorcist and Texas Chansaw Massacre are a given. I never really got into the whole Freddy and Jason thing though. I guess it was too much trauma from seeing them when I was young. LOL.

   I’m also a big fan of the SAW series, Resident Evil (as you know….hey, don’t poke fun! hehe), Vampires, and Night of the Living Dead.

   And anything with Richard Simmons is DEFINITELY a horror flick!

7. Anthony Rodio, January 27, 2008:

   Amittyville Horror definately has to be a top! That was one of the all time scariest movies ever made, and everytime I watch it, it scares the crap out of me!!

8. matt d, January 28, 2008:

   Where’s Gigli?

9. ScottyT, January 29, 2008:

   a movie that makes my top ten has to be
   The Shining. Scary, creepy as hell, and
   Jack Nicholson, what more could you want?

10. Julia Luangrath, January 30, 2008:

    Ever see Dumplings? haha I gotta get you some scray thai movies!

11. bbuck822, January 30, 2008:

    The Shining is a definite. Also, what about Phantasm? I couldn’t watch TV for 3 months after that one!

12. rdiprimio, January 30, 2008:

    Yes I have see Dumplings…but I thought it was the weakest of the 3 extremes…I enjoyed CUT much more…but dumplings is disturbing nonetheless

13. ScottyT, January 30, 2008:

    Ahh, Phantasm! It doesn’t make my top ten, but I will always have a special place in my heart fo that movie.

14. John H, February 7, 2008:

    I have to agree with Scott T., The Shinning is scary as hell. Also, I’m embarrassed to say, but The Blair Witch project scared the crap out of me. I think I bought into the whole thing they did on the history channel. The RZ Holloween did a great job without a ton of special effects.