Reel.com's Top 100 Scary Movies

Don't Look Now

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:30:56 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Enigmatic psychological thriller about British couple in Venice haunted by their child's death. Considered a classic for its eerie atmosphere, once-daring eroticism, shocking climax. Essential viewing for suspense-craving art-house fans.

Rosemary's Baby

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:18:32 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Claustrophobic horror/thriller about pregnant woman who thinks she's being stalked by a Satanic cult. Slash-and-gore fans may be disappointed, but this engrossing, creepy classic still entertains fans of psychological horror.

Suspiria

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:18:46 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Stylish Italian cult classic about dance student uncovering her new school's bloody sinister side. Though skeptics scoffed at the threadbare plot, its dazzling visual style, gripping suspense thrills horror fans.

Halloween

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:19:01 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Low-budget, now-classic slasher film about masked murderer stalking sexually indulgent teenagers. A huge critical and popular smash, it still provides enough chills, suspense, and blood to please today's genre fans.

Alien

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:19:19 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Horrifying, riveting tale of alien invading space ship was enormously popular. Critics agree this slime-fest is one of most effective sci-fi/horror films ever. Compulsory viewing for suspense, horror, terror fans.

The Hills Have Eyes

Fri, 01 May 2009 03:28:52 GMT

Reel Snapshot: A middle-American family is menaced by a clan of cannibalistic rural mutants in this gruesome classic. Fans of unsettlingly funny, subversive horror love this imaginative attack on family values.

The Exorcist

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:20:03 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Landmark film about young girl battling demonic possession. Though not as gory as today's favorites, this wildly popular, often terrifying spine-tingler remains a must for horror buffs.

The Hitcher

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:20:45 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Tense, grisly thriller follows young traveller menaced by obsessed homicidal hitchhiker. Despite an initial critical drubbing, its fast pace, unnerving ambiance, strong Hauer performance have earned it a cult following.

The Evil Dead

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:21:26 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Influential, ultra-gross horror/thriller about young campers battling body-possessing demons. Despite its shoestring budget, this stylish cult classic's ample gore, oddball humor have made it a favorite among "splatstick" horror/comedy fans.

The Tenant

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:21:41 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Offbeat cult thriller about man renting apartment in menacing Parisian building. Polanski fans, those who enjoy tense psychological mysteries will relish this immaculate portrait of one man's descent into madness.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:22:13 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Claustrophobic, ultra-low-budget frightfest about cannibals murdering teenagers. Though somewhat dated, this cult hits' imaginative camerawork, unrelenting suspense make it must-viewing for horror fans who appreciate implied more than explicit violence.

Friday the 13th

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:22:33 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Now-classic splatter flick has summer camp, in which counselors were previously murdered, reopening. Somewhat dated, but its creepy music and gory effects still please horror fans.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:23:05 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Eerie sci-fi remake about extraterrestrial doppelgangers quietly taking over San Francisco. Well-received by audiences and critics, its chilling tension, pervasive paranoia will terrify sci-fi, horror, and suspense buffs.

Night of the Living Dead

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:24:00 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Low-budget classic about flesh-eating zombies overrunning a small Midwestern town. Still required viewing for serious horror buffs, cult film fans seeking creepy -- though not blatantly gory -- scares.

Black Christmas

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:24:22 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Influential slasher flick has psycho killer stalking sorority sisters during Christmas break. Great cast, lots of chills, and truly shocking ending make this essential viewing for fans of nervewracking horror.

Psycho

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:24:39 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Classic Hitchcock mystery thriller about grisly murders at isolated motel. Critics and audiences still rave over creepy lead performance, tension-filled build-up. A must for fans of suspense, psychological terror.

Onibaba

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:24:56 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Two women kill to survive in this feudal era-set Japanese tale. With its mix of harsh poetic realism and mounting supernatural terror, this entertains foreign film buffs, adventurous fantasy/horror fans.

The Blair Witch Project

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:25:09 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Ingenious (and terrifying) "mockumentary" about film students lost in the woods. Appealing to mainstream and art-house audiences, this is a must-see for fans of atmospheric, frighteningly real suspense.

The Serpent and the Rainbow

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:25:40 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Genuinely scary, if slightly ridiculous, tale of voodoo-studying scientist in Haiti becoming target for practitioners attempting to turn him into a zombie. Unsettling, violent fare for suspense and horror fans.

The Shining

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:25:55 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Chilling, cerebral drama about remote hotel caretaker slowly going insane. Though some viewers found its story cold, this remains a cult favorite, ideal for Jack Nicholson fans, eerie suspense lovers.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:26:46 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Terrifying supernatural horror/thriller about demonic child-murderer slaying teens via their dreams. Considered ingeniously frightening when first released. Classic slasher/slumber party movie remains required viewing for horror aficionados, 80s nostalgists.

Hellraiser

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:27:29 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Gut-wrenchingly graphic frightfest about woman's affair with her demonic brother-in-law. Its fantastically gory effects and brooding tension make this compulsory viewing for horror buffs, fans of the occult.

Poltergeist

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:28:12 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Wildly successful horror film about suburban family terrorized by evil spirits. With its nerve-wracking suspense and dazzling effects, this is scary entertainment for older kids, adult fans of mainstream fare.

Dead Ringers

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:28:35 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Twin gynecologists descend into madness in this deliberately paced, stylistically impressive horror-drama. Quietly disturbing film offers perverse pleasures to Cronenberg devotees, and to strong-stomached viewers who enjoy unsettling psychological portraits.

Black Sunday

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:28:57 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Chilling Italian classic about resurrected vampire avenging her murder. Atmospheric, Gothic-style chiller will still thrill cult horror film lovers, but modern audiences may not appreciate its antiquated special effects.

Angel Heart

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:29:32 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Noirish, voodoo-dabbling, steamy detective thriller was controversial for its graphic sex and blood-spattered violence. Gothic/horror fans love it. Also well-suited for fans of nail-biters featuring erotic edginess and abundant suspense.

Videodrome

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:30:09 GMT

Reel Snapshot: TV producer becomes obsessed with hallucinatory channel in this gory, surreal cult classic. With its dynamic lead performance and intriguing storyline, this is a cult favorite with horror fans.

Eyes Without a Face

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:30:25 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Moody French chiller about a plastic surgeon attempting to restore beauty to his disfigured daughter. Appeals to classics buffs with its haunting cinematography and mix of horror and drama.

The Abominable Dr. Phibes

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:31:26 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Campy, offbeat creepfest about disfigured accident victim seeking revenge against physicians responsible for wife's death. Horror fans, cult film buffs enjoy its silly, farcical tone, imaginative Art Deco sets.

Dawn of the Dead

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:34:26 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Two cops, a TV producer, and a helicopter pilot turn a shopping mall into fortress against zombie-overrun world in critically praised, low-budget sleeper. Horror fans appreciate comedic carnage, plentiful gore.

Private Parts

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:35:02 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Perversely offbeat black comedy/murder mystery about hotel teeming with bizarre guests. Its deviant humor, madcap pacing thrill cult film fetishists. Likely to shock less jaded viewers.

Ghost Story

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:35:37 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Slow-moving, star-studded horror tale concerning male friends confronting terrifying past. Unevenly adapted from Straub bestseller, but pleases fright-seekers who prefer moody atmosphere over gripping suspense and gore.

Dressed to Kill

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:36:07 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Taut, stylish thriller about murderer stalking two women in Manhattan. Creepy performances and tight direction highlight this suspenseful, violent spine-tingler, which will thrill genre fans looking for a good scare.

When a Stranger Calls

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:36:42 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Extremely suspenseful "who's stalking the babysitter" flick spawned legions of imitators, but remains the classic in its field. Low on gore, high on tension, suspense fanatics are sure to enjoy.

Angustia

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:37:01 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Extraordinarily violent, well-crafted fright flick about psychotic killer terrorizing theater audience is great for horror buffs. Strongly suspenseful build-up may even please thriller fans with very strong stomachs.

The Entity

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:37:44 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Young mother is repeatedly attacked and molested by a mysterious force. Rape theme will prove distasteful to many, but others may be drawn in by tense suspense, compulsively strange plot.

The Believers

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:38:03 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Genuinely creepy, disturbing horror film about a family that becomes involved with religious cult. Will send all but the most scare-insulated viewers screaming for the exits. Not for children.

Candyman

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:38:18 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Chilling, well-told tale of urban killer with hook to grind and comely PhD student who's framed for murders he commits. Viewers who appreciate thoughtful, gory shockers will be amply rewarded.

The Wicker Man

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:39:25 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Eerie tale of occult unfolds on Scottish island, where police sergeant is examining mysterious disappearance of young girl. Subtle, uneasy horror film is a neglected classic, appeals to genre aficionados.

Repulsion

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:39:39 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Riveting, legendary psychological drama/thriller about the mental deterioration of sexually repressed woman. Non-gory yet deeply disturbing journey into hallucinatory madness is still effective for today's horror fans and genre devotees.

Evil Dead II

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:40:28 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Polished and stylish remake got better reviews than its predecessor due to its infusion of humor, but this ultra-gory tale is for hardened horror/slasher devotees only.

Kiss of the Vampire

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:40:40 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Man's wife becomes vampire after attending masquerade at evil-infested manse. One of Hammer's more involving vampire tales compares favorably with studio's more touted flicks. Recommended for chill-seekers.

Near Dark

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:40:54 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Graphically violent, offbeat cult classic about vampires inducting a reluctant new member. With its effects-heavy, fresh approach, bizarre humor, and intense atmospherics, this is very appealing to horror b

Phantasm

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:41:16 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Low-budget horror hit about brothers investigating bizarre happenings at the local mortuary. Achieved cult status for its creepy villain, deadly flying sphere, nightmarish feel. Great fun for genre fans.

The Gates of Hell

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:41:32 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Gruesome Italian-made horror nasty about priest's suicide unleashing evil in New England town. Incoherent, ridiculous, badly made, but considered a cult classic for its extreme gore. Not for the squeamish!

Horror Hotel

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:00 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Two men discover inn proprietor is a witch actively sacrificing her guests. Atmospheric black-and-white chiller is filled with fog-shrouded vistas. Recommended for genre fans who've tired of blood-soaked, full-color terror.

The Haunting

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:24 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Classic chiller relates the terrifying experiences of a group investigating a possibly haunted house. Fine cast and genuinely spooky atmosphere appeal to fans of eerie, Lewtonesque horror.

Scream

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:40 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Maniac stalks small-town teens in this goofy yet violent tribute to horror genre. Gen-X cult classic is favored by midnight movie crowd and thrills horror connoisseurs with its many in-jokes.

Tombs of the Blind Dead

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:42:59 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Spanish chiller about girlfriends finding themselves pursued by knight zombies when they stumble upon a desolate castle. Satisfying mix of sex, gore, and kitsch will dazzle fans of drive-in-style Euro-thrillers.

The Brood

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:43:17 GMT

Reel Snapshot: Sicko horror/fantasy about a malformed woman and her murderous demon progeny. Loaded with graphic violence, this disturbing film is meant to shock, appeals to those seeking outrageous, offensive film experience.