Top 10 Horror Movies

Any list of the top 10 horror movies must acknowledge the long history of the horror genre. Horror movies have been made almost since the first roll of film was placed in a camera. Although times, technology and expectations have changed, some movies remain as examples of the best that horror has to offer.

The Top 10 Horror Movies Of All Time
There is no better way to start an argument among horror movie fans than to create a top 10 list! So, in no particular order, here are mine:

• The Exorcist (1973) - Shot more like a drama than a horror movie, The Exorcist examines the terrifying transformation of a young girl who undergoes demonic possession. Groundbreaking for its time, The Exorcist laid the foundation for modern horror.
• Night Of The Living Dead (1968) - George A. Romero's zombie classic created an entire movie sub-genre and stretched the boundaries of what a horror movie could be. The black and white, documentary-style film work and lack of explanation of the zombie plague add to the terror of this movie.
• The Thing (1982) - Arguably John Carpenter's best film, The Thing creates a claustrophobic, self contained would where any of the characters could be an alien in disguise. Masterful special effects are used to create creepy and grotesque creature transformations-well before the advent of computer animation.
• 28 Days Later (2002) - Director Danny Boyle creates a near perfect mix of plot, character and zombie terror. When an accidental release of an experimental virus turns most of the population of Great Britain into ravaging homicidal maniacs, a handful of survivors search for a safe haven.
• Alien (1979) -Director Ridley Scott has been quoted as saying that Alien is "basically a haunted house story." The giant, perfectly detailed spaceship featured in the movie is the ultimate playground for an alien horror that stalks the crew without mercy.
• Psycho (1960) - Actor Anthony Perkins portrays the ultimate psychotic killer, Norman Bates, in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. The shower scene is still considered one the most brilliant and intense murder scenes in film history.
• Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922) - This German silent movie was the first film rendition of Bram Stoker's Dracula, but had to have name changes due to copyright issues. Max Schreck's turn as Count Orlok is easily one of the creepiest vampires in movie history.
• Scream (1996) - This Wes Craven film works as both a pitch perfect example of, and an ironic commentary on, classic "slasher" movies. The self-aware dialogue and plotting goes a long way to helping this movie rise above the genre it portrays and mocks.
• M (1931) - In one of his earliest roles, Peter Lorre stars as Hans Beckert, a German serial killer and rapist based on real life murders in German history. The atmosphere and plotting of this film create tension that builds to a suspenseful and thought provoking climax.
• Ringu (1998) - The Japanese horror movie that inspired a flood of US remakes, Hideo Nakata's tale of a cursed videotape benefits from its uniquely Japanese construction and point of view. The spooky atmosphere and quirky film work help the movie build to a memorable twist ending.