For Halloween, we in the Beacon newsroom have compiled a list of some of our favorite scary movies. So if you decide to grab a flick instead of trick or treat this weekend, here’s some suggestions.
The Shining (1980) – “Here’s Johnny!” Indeed, there he his and he’s scary as hell. Who needs bloodthirsty zombies when you have Jack Nicholson? – Myers Reece
28 Days Later (2002) – I don’t watch scary movies, but I was duped into seeing this a while back. It’s about an unstoppable virus, and probably has a deeper social subtext, but I was terrified for one reason: super-athletic zombies. They don’t shuffle along, they sprint. – Molly Priddy
Event Horizon (1997) – A team of space explorers travel through a parallel universe, not knowing Hell is also located there. You will never look at Sam Neill – yes, the guy from “Jurassic Park” – the same way. – Kellyn Brown
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) – Subtlety is most certainly not the basis of fear in this, the original slasher film. But it’s so twisted, bleak and downright horrifying, few films have left me as disturbed, in a good way…sort of. – Dan Testa
The Omen (1976) – Not only a perfectly built scary movie directed by Richard Donner (also Superman, The Goonies and Scrooged) but the scariest soundtrack of all time. Are those murderous Rottweilers panting? Nope. That’s a choir chanting. – Lido Vizzutti
Ghost Busters (1984) – It’s been one of my All Hallows Eve traditions since I can remember. You’ve got ghosts, an unbelievable cast, slime, nuclear accelerators and the opening library scene is classic. So heat em’ up, but don’t cross the streams. – Lido Vizzutti
The Exorcist (1973) – I remember people fleeing the theater during this fight between good and evil. A girl’s demonic possession presented with startling special effects, “The Exorcist” became the most profitable horror film of all time – a cultural earthquake. – Stephen Templeton