Suspiria (1977). Italy
This Italian movie starring Jessica Harper still holds up today. It has one of the most gruesome death scenes of all time, yet it relies more on building and maintaining a creepy atmosphere for its horror (which takes much more skill to do).
The Haunting (1963). U.S.
One of, it not the best haunted house movies of all time.
Dog Soldiers (2001). U.K.
My favorite werewolf movie. A combination of action and horror.
Phantasm (1978). U.S.
The creepy mortuary, the flying spheres, and the Tall Man; 'nuff said.
The Evil Dead (1982). U.S.
The original is still the best. I recently watched the 3rd installment, Army of Darkness, but although fun, it hasn't aged or held up as well as Evil Dead.
Infection (2004). Japan
About an infection spreading among doctors in a hospital. A story of morality and phychological horror.
Marebito (2004). Japan
A screen treatment based on the "Shaver Mysteries". Very twisted and disturbing.
Dawn of the Dead (1978). U.S.
IMO the best zombie film with good story and characters.
The Howling (1981). U.S.
Contains perhaps the best werewolf transformation scene in movies.
John Carpenter's The Thing (1982). U.S.
Great atmosphere and a shapeshifting monster.
Aliens (1986). U.S.
Technically sci-fi, not horror, but my favorite in the series (which should have ended with this one).
Halloween (1978). U.S.
Still the best, probably should not have had sequels.
Carrie (1976). U.S.
IMO, the best screen adaptation of a Stephen King novel. In fact, it's far better than the book.
Night of the Demon (1957). U.K.
A movie about a black magician and a skeptical American psychiatrist (or doctor??). It's been a while. The biggest flaw is the American hero comes off as the biggest a-hole, while the evil satanist it way more interesting and likable. Surprisingly atmospheric and ahead of its time in terms of content. The giant demonic entity, although fake-looking, is nonetheless fairly menacing.
Carnival of Souls (1962). U.S.
A low-budget film about a woman followed by the specter of death. It's still spooky today.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992). U.K., U.S. (?)
Probably the best cinematic Dracula of all time.
Ichi the Killer (?). Japan
This might be the most twisted movie I've seen. This one is hard to classify, but is full of gore. The "monster" in this one is a nervous mental case named Ichi who is a martial artist with super-human strength who is a hired Yakuza killer and a sexual deviant. Definitely NOT for children or the squeamish.
Gozu (?). Japan
Billed as a Yakuza horror film, this one is also hard to classify. It has criminal, comedic, and horror elements to it, but mostly very oddball. This one seems like people either really like it or really dislike it.
Re-Animator (1985). U.S.
This one is a lot of fun, and the character of Herbert West is a classic.
The Legend of Hell House (U.K.). 1973
A bit dated now, but still stands out as a great haunted house movie. Based on the novel Hell House by Richard Matheson.
The Descent (?). U.K.
IMO one of the more entertaining newer horror films from the West.
Stacy (?). Japan
A spoof on zombie movies and even directly spoofs Bruce Campbell. About a disease that causes all girls between ages 14-16 to die and become flesh-eating zombies. Actually a better movie than it sounds.
Jim
