If you’re a fan of spine-chilling flicks, chances are you have a couple of favorites that you simply can’t get enough of. Perhaps they’re movies you watched ages ago and make it a tradition to watch every Halloween. Or maybe they’re nail-biting thrillers that you’ve seen countless times and never tire of.
But what makes these movies so addictive? Well, it’s not just about the scares. These films often brought something fresh and unexpected to the screen. They tapped into our deepest fears in ways you wouldn’t even imagine. They introduced mind-blowing makeup techniques that pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible. And sometimes, they even hid clever little surprises for the super observant viewers to discover. All of these ingredients combined to create an absolutely terrifying and incredibly enjoyable experience for horror enthusiasts.
In fact, these movies were so groundbreaking that their impact continues to shape the horror genre. They’re not only mentioned and spoofed in other films, but they also serve as inspiration for horror comedies that cleverly blend frights and laughter. One shining example is the show Shining Vale on Starz, which brilliantly combines a dysfunctional family with the classic haunted house theme. It expertly plays with these familiar elements and includes hidden gems that make die-hard fans jump for joy.
These films are the stuff of legend in the horror genre, and it’s thrilling to see how Shining Vale will pay tribute to these timeless classics in its highly anticipated second season.
This list was lovingly crafted in collaboration with Starz.
1. Mommie Dearest
Mommie Dearest, based on Christina Crawford’s memoir, takes viewers on a dramatic journey into the mothering style of actress Joan Crawford. The film delves into Christina’s turbulent relationship with her adoptive mother, showcasing a striking contrast between luxury and darkness. Christina’s life is filled with misery, and the mental anguish she endures is truly unsettling, leaving most spectators horrified. Physical abuse, including the infamous wire hanger scene, is also depicted.
Upon its release in 1981, Mommie Dearest received mixed reviews from critics. Roger Ebert, in particular, found the film relentlessly gloomy, devoid of any purpose for drama or entertainment, leaving him with an eerie feeling. On the other hand, Vincent Canby recognized the film’s unique charm, describing it as a peculiarly engaging work that seamlessly transitions between the ridiculous and the sublime within a single scene or even a single speech.
The term “camp” repeatedly appears in both initial and current assessments of the film, contributing to its enduring status as a haunting classic. This very characteristic distinguishes Mommie Dearest and has solidified its place in popular culture.
In a somewhat ironic twist, Ebert would be disheartened to discover that intergenerational trauma plays a significant role in the TV show Shining Vale, featuring another beloved mother figure, Joan (played by Judith Light). Joan, long before Pat, experienced her own time in an asylum, which she attributes to her daughter. Joan’s relentless vanity and criticism contribute to Pat’s supernatural downward spiral, even impacting Joan’s granddaughter, Gaynor.
2. An American Werewolf In London
An American Werewolf in London is a film that manages to tick off a variety of boxes – it’s dramatic, funny, and scary all at once. The story revolves around two main characters, David and Jack, who embark on a backpacking adventure in Britain. However, their journey takes a terrifying turn when they are attacked by a wolf. Unfortunately, only David survives, but he is left with a chilling twist – he becomes a werewolf himself.
One of the aspects that makes this film truly frightening is the idea that traveling can lead to such monstrous consequences. It taps into the genuine fear that Americans abroad may find themselves caught up in unimaginable circumstances.
As David embraces his newfound werewolf status, viewers are treated to the impressive makeup work of Rick Baker. His artistry in depicting David’s transition has been widely acclaimed and is often credited with revolutionizing horror makeup in the 1980s. However, some critics, like Roger Ebert, argue that director John Landis prioritized stunning visual effects over character development and other aspects of the film.
In 2009, Tom Huddleston from Timeout summed it up brilliantly:
Nowadays, horror-comedy has become all too familiar, resulting in diminishing returns. However, this only serves to highlight Landis’s achievement with ‘An American Werewolf in London.’ The film manages to be genuinely terrifying, while also being cleverly funny. It has its flaws, but these are overshadowed by its many incredible strengths – an astounding soundtrack, marvelous characterization, and endlessly memorable one-liners (who can forget ‘a naked American man stole my balloons!’). This film is undeniably a classic.
3. The Ring
In 2002, The Ring became a terrifying movie that had people fearing the consequences of watching a cursed videotape. Despite lacking blood and gore, this film managed to create a sense of realism that made viewers imagine these events happening to them. Disturbing images played a pivotal role, appearing repeatedly throughout the movie. IGN pointed out that The Ring relied on its atmosphere and story to deliver the scares, leaving audiences constantly questioning even the most ordinary actions and events.
The American version of The Ring is actually an adaptation of a Japanese film, which was in turn based on a novel with the same name. Surprisingly, The Ring continues to be unsettling even in 2023, just as it was decades ago.
Shifting gears to the upcoming series Shining Vale, the story revolves around Patricia “Pat” Phelps, portrayed by Courteney Cox. Prior to the start of the show, Pat achieved great success with a bestselling book that combined smut with empowerment. Now, she relocates with her family to the eponymous town in Connecticut, hoping to write a worthy sequel to her previous hit. However, Pat finds herself grappling with either depression or a demonic possession, as she starts seeing visions of a 1950s housewife who may be more than meets the eye. As the season progresses, Pat’s mental state deteriorates to the point where she is committed to a psychiatric institution. The twist is that her demon may have deep-rooted connections to the very hospital she finds herself in.
4. The Others
The Others is a unique scary movie that sets itself apart by avoiding bloodshed, violence, and horrific events. The story revolves around Grace Stewart, played by Nicole Kidman, who starts to believe that her old house is haunted. However, the real twist comes when it is revealed that the supernatural elements she suspects are actually the humans themselves – Stewart, her children, and the servants are the ghosts.
This film constantly surprises the audience, defying their expectations. Unlike the typical horror movie, The Others keeps viewers on their toes with its haunting imagery, eerie music, and an atmosphere of impending doom. It effectively maintains suspense, surpassing even its predecessor, The Sixth Sense, a psychological thriller that also played with audience perception.
In the TV show Shining Vale, Kam, portrayed by Merrin Dungey, had the opportunity to confront Pat years ago, but her no-nonsense editor chose to support her despite her writer’s block. Like Grace Stewart, Kam seems to be committed until the end, and perhaps even beyond. However, her patience may soon run out, as her days of tolerance for Pat’s actions might be numbered.
5. Final Destination
The first Final Destination movie has had a huge impact on the supernatural horror genre, which is evident from the numerous sequels it has spawned.
The movie’s premise is quite simple – if you have a bad feeling about something, it’s best not to do it, as it could lead to your death. The idea for the movie came from a real-life story shared by Jeffrey Riddick. He heard about a woman who changed her flight at the last minute and ended up avoiding a plane crash.
We all have those gut feelings about people, places, events, and challenges. However, we don’t always listen to them. Final Destination teaches us that maybe we should pay more attention to our instincts. It taps into a very uncomfortable aspect of being human, one that we can all relate to.
But Final Destination doesn’t stop there. It also explores the idea that even if we make a decision based on our gut feelings, Death will still find its way to us eventually. No matter how much we try to dodge or escape it, Death is inevitable. This is not only true in the movie, but also in real life. We never know when Death will take us to our final destinations, and that uncertainty is what continues to scare us time and time again.
6. Donnie Darko
Released in 2001, Donnie Darko emerged as a sleeper hit despite its ensemble cast and moderate budget. It quickly transformed from being relatively unnoticed to becoming a cult classic within a few short years. The movie’s plot revolves around Donnie Darko and an unexplained sleepwalking incident, but it also delves into various topics such as mental illness, science fiction, and teenage ennui. Set in the suburbs, it tells the story of Donnie’s time-traveling adventures and encounters with a life-size rabbit named Frank. The overall tone of the film is described as unique, odd, tragic, and even gloomy, with Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Donnie being labeled as “spooky” by The Guardian.
According to Roger Ebert, Donnie’s character is more curious than frightened and more quixotic than eccentric, setting a nice tone for the movie. However, these descriptions may not fully capture the spirit of Donnie Darko. The film’s true allure lies in its ability to captivate and disturb viewers in ways that words cannot express, making it truly great.
Interestingly, there is a parallel between the protagonist of Donnie Darko and a young actor named Jake Phelps, who coincidentally shares both a first name and a tendency to observe from the sidelines. Like Donnie, Jake is a quiet wallflower who often immerses himself in alternate realities through video games or virtual reality experiences.
7. One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
In the film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Randle Patrick McMurphy, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, goes from a prison farm to a mental institution, which may seem like an improvement. However, once he is placed under the care of Nurse Ratched, played brilliantly by Louise Fletcher, McMurphy finds himself subjected to her oppressive rule.
The story of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” delves into the experiences of the mental patients and explores the deterioration of the human mind, or at least how it is perceived. McMurphy rebels against authority, engages in defiant behavior, and attempts to escape, while the other patients continuously harm themselves and others. By the end, McMurphy’s mental faculties have all but disappeared, despite his initial pretense of insanity.
The film adaptation of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” along with the original book by Ken Kesey published in 1962, evokes a range of emotions, including a sense of unease. It is a moving, haunting, and peculiar tale that leaves the audience with an indelible feeling. It serves as a reminder that conformity holds sway, and those who do not conform may find themselves forced into the mold or entirely eliminated.
In the television series “Shining Vale,” Rosemary, portrayed by Mira Sorvino, is intimately familiar with the pressures to conform. Although she initially appears as a figment of the imagination, Rosemary is undeniably frustrated with her rigid, conventional life and seeks liberation through her interactions with Pat. However, as the story progresses, her escapades begin to resemble demonic possession rather than true freedom. Rosemary’s Nurse Ratched-like aura does not bode well for Pat in Season 2.
8. The Exorcist
How did The Exorcist scare audiences? Well, let’s just say it scared them in every possible way.
The Exorcist featured Linda Blair as young Regan, a girl possessed by the devil and in need of an exorcism. Two Catholic priests, Fathers Mankester Merrin and Damien Karras, take on the daunting task of combating this evil force. When the movie hit theaters, it exceeded everyone’s expectations.
In 1973, The Exorcist became a box office sensation. People flocked to see it, and there was a good reason for that. Critics like Stanley Kauffmann from The New Republic called it “the scariest film I’ve seen in years – the only scary film I’ve seen in years.” Variety also praised it, describing it as an expertly crafted supernatural horror story that portrayed the rare phenomenon of diabolic possession in a believable way.
Audiences absolutely loved The Exorcist, immersing themselves in the intriguing world of the occult, demons, and Catholic rituals. They were captivated by Hollywood’s depiction of these elements. The movie’s music, imagery, and occasional ghostly faces only intensified the experience. In fact, one viewer named Rick Monday in 1974 expressed his fascination with the film, saying, “I sort of believe in all that stuff—Satan worship, E.S.P., cosmic traveling.” For those who had some belief or curiosity about such things, watching it play out on the big screen was the perfect exploration.
Now, moving away from The Exorcist, let’s talk about another supernatural story. In Shining Vale, Pat’s teenage daughter, Gaynor Phelps (played by Gus Birney), experiences a different kind of supernatural encounter. Unlike Reagan from The Exorcist, Gaynor isn’t fully aware of these encounters. She may live in a potentially haunted house, but she remains the most composed and rational member of the Phelps family. In fact, she’s the one who, unaware of her mother’s situation, makes the decision to have her committed to a psychiatric hospital. Gaynor’s most supernatural attribute is probably her attitude, which reflects the typical sassy and jaded behavior of a teenager.
9. Cujo
What’s scarier than a dog turning on its own owners? Not much. Cujo, a movie based on a Stephen King book, tells the horrifying story of a rabid dog that goes on a violent rampage against anyone who crosses its path. The film is filled with intense scenes of violence, capturing the dog’s insatiable thirst for blood.
Cujo has been described as “suspenseful and scary” by Janet Maslin from The New York Times. If you get too engrossed in the movie, you might find it difficult to trust your own pet dog.
Although not everyone was impressed when Cujo was released in 1983, it does serve as a reminder that even the most ordinary aspects of life can take a terrifying turn.
Roxy, Pat’s adorable and non-aggressive dog, may have found the move from Brooklyn to Shining Vale unexpected and even frightening. Roxy enjoys typical dog activities like playing with balls and going outside. However, with references to King’s Cujo, there is a suggestion that something more sinister awaits Roxy in Shining Vale.
10. Poltergeist
This chilling proclamation was uttered by Carol Anne Freeling in the movie Poltergeist, as she stood in front of the television. Ever since, it has left a lasting impression on our collective psyche.
The Freeling family, including Carol Anne, her parents, and her siblings, soon find themselves immersed in a series of inexplicable events at their home in California. It is later revealed that they are being haunted by ghosts, turning their suburban haven into a nightmare. These supernatural occurrences tap into the deepest fears shared by both children and adults.
Poltergeist relied heavily on special effects to bring its haunting scenes to life. The film’s music played a crucial role, oscillating between an innocent, childlike tone and a bone-chilling aura. Vincent Canby, in his review, acknowledged the film’s ability to vividly depict the terrifying assaults inflicted upon the Freelings, at times infiltrating not only their house but also their very minds.
