Honorable mentions ... many of these might have made the list if I'd compiled it on a different day. Halloween and Halloween 3 (the latter is very underrated because it should have been a separate movie from the Myers franchise, but it's still a crazy and very original horror flick) Carrie Psycho 2 (in hindsight this would be in my top 15, but I'd forgot it while compiling) Evil Dead 2 (just for the fun of it) Night of the Demon The Wailing (yes, another modern horror) The Brood Cat's Eye Scanners Texas Chainsaw Massacre Devil Rides Out Event Horizon Blair Witch Project Exorcist 2 & 3 (yes I like both of them) Exorcism of Emily Rose (too many court scenes, but the horror stuff is very good) Day of the Dead Ghost Story Babadook The Grudge (Jap version) The Eye
Curse/Night of the Demon is very underrated. If you have not seen Blood on Satan's Claw I recommend it for sure. Somewhat silly title but very good, creepy, interesting satanic folk horror
Jacob's Ladder was a great horror/thriller film. The demonic portrayals were both original and bone chilling plus Tim Robbin's performance was fantastic
If you loved Jacob's Ladder Phil, check out the Silent Hill Video Game Series. Even if you aren't a gamer, there are plenty of cutscenes and footage online, it's practically a spiritual successor!
One film I don't want to disappear into film history is The Hitcher. The entire film is just so surreal, and Rutger Hauer's character has an almost otherworldly presence, as if he just stepped out of the landscape of the American roadways. Superb film IMO.
Love you for this! barely any spoilers but satisfactory reviews for sure! your fans lucked out when you decided to expand the list to 25!!! your work is greatly appreciated Rob!
You hit all of my my top ten (which includes Amytiville 2 🙂) with exception of two flilms that didn't even make your reserve list which was of surprise to me, 'Jacob's Ladder' and 'The Wicker Man'.
*YES - the term 'criminally underrated' is very appropriate - the fine cast provided the perfect ensemble, in my opinion, and the building of the intensity was well paced. One scene that really shook me was the one where the young nurse turned and walked off screen into a corridor, and the shrouded figure with the surgical implement suddenly appeared and rushed after her. Almost Hitchcockian in the subtlety !*
@@Julian-bq9qv I remember watching that scene with my cousins shortly after it was released on video. We didn't really know what to expect from the movie itself and it seemed a bit of a slow burner ...and then that scene! We still talk about it yet.
One of the reasons I like you videos is that you don't just criticise "bad" films (like a lot of critics) but you actually give good pointers about films to watch, and also help explain why certain things work (which helps me as a non-expert viewer). Thanks!
BTW folks, I started out with Carpenter's Halloween on the list and for some reason it dropped off and I forgot about it, which kinda says in itself I don't rate it as high as I thought I did. It's still excellent of course and may have end up somewhere around the 15 to 20 mark if I'd remembered.
Cool, thanks for this. Do you put any stock in sight and sound magazines greatest films of all time decennial list? Can you give us a list of films you consider the greatest? Thanks in advance.
james mason, star of murder by decree, appeared on set of the shining... in costume. you featured this on a kubrick analysis ...both films were being filmed simultaneously
I was moving the cursor over the timer to get that quick preview of each movie title, and the section where Ager talks about The Twilight Zone movie, only the word "Twilight" came up over the timer bar. For the briefest moment, I was admittedly puzzled, thinking there's no possible way Twilight would've made a "best of" list by Ager.
Mr. Ager as a fan of yours and of horror, thank you for solving the mystery of a film whose title has eluded me since childhood. For years I have been describing the plot of "The Legend of Hell House" to every horror fan I know and no one had any recollection of the film or its title. My sincere thanks, sir.
The Thing happens to be a lot of peoples favorite horror films, and I can't really blame them. The Thing is a masterpiece! I also agree that Hereditary is an understated modern masterpiece, but not everyone likes slow-burn arthouse styled films let alone horror films.
Shrinking Man and Hell House are both written by Richard Mathison. Shrinking Man was first a book by him and was amazing but of course, his most famous novel is I Am Legend. He also was responsible for the best Twilight Zone episodes, one of which (yes) was redone with John Lithgow on an airplane.
Cute but Richard Matheson wrote Duel which blows everything else he wrote out of the water. And this is from someone who likes the Incredible Shrinking Man but Duel is horror without any trace of horror. It doesn't play like an extended Twilight Zone episode, there's no moral or lesson learned or even a philosophical contemplative ending. It's 100% primal in how one man... named David Mann... fights a faceless Goliath to the death.
@@tskmaster3837 I'm not sure I understand what you mean by cute but to say Duel blows everything else out of the water is a mite subjective. No disrespect meant. Matheson was very prolific, writing both novels and for the screen for decades. I don't know if Duel was originally a book but I know he wrote the screenplay. It wasn't bad and Spielberg probably couldn't have mastered his craft enough to do Jaws justice without having his run at it but it never did anything for me for the very reasons you believe it to be the best. There's nothing wrong with that, mind you. Like I say, it's subjective. However, I certainly wouldn't call it horror. It's 100% suspense. I'd actually say the same for Jaws, too. I never saw it as a horror movie and am baffled whenever I see it on a list of top horror films. It's more of a "Man vs. Nature" adventure with heavy suspense elements.
+Christopher Moonlight Productions I think many people's definition of horror is based on what personally scares them, regardless of the filmmaker's original intent. I would say that "Duel" and 'Jaws" could both be categorized as horror, as there are horrific elements to both. Though, I would definitely categorize "Duel" as a thriller, which is a broad category, itself.
@@Fluoride_Jones Yes, it's subjective, to a degree but I think it's important to try and define definitions. (Does that sound redundant?) I find that is we all just go around telling people "It is what I feel it is." we're going to all get tired out. While there are moments of horror in Jaws, for example, the focus isn't on horror. Horror movies also rely heavily on suspense yet the aim is to make the audience feel horror. It's all in the focus. Suspense aims to make you feel the intensity of the chaise while horror's focus is to make you feel you are experiencing being eaten. I'm being partially metaphorical but hopefully, that helps to clarify what I'm getting at.
+Christopher Moonlight Productions I definitely understand your perspective, and even somewhat agree with you. It's just that in "Jaws," for instance, people get eaten by a giant shark. It's horrible, if you put yourself in the shoes of the on-screen victims. There are people to this day that claim they won't go in the ocean because of that movie. It was released almost forty-four years ago! Name a horror film that has had that kind of lasting impression with it's viewing audience, with the exception of "The Exorcist."
@@theducksneezes4987 The Thing inspired a lot of "things", like graphic novels, Video games such as Deadspace and Resident evil with its body horror, and inspired a legion of "imitators" (no pun intended), but none of those imitators are as good.
disturbing? even though i love horror and the wicker man is one of my all time favourite movies, i wouldn't even consider it horror. more like a suspense-filled musical with a positive but also nihilistic take on sacrificial rituals.
Seconded It's one of those rare movies with a total package that worked, audio, soundtrack, lighting, acting, script, and (obviously) the best special effects of all time. It's a paranoid's tour de force.
# 20: 'Time After Time' - HG Wells actually builds a time machine, and his friend (who is Jack the Ripper) uses it to evade capture and come to modern (1970's) day San Francisco. HG Wells pursues him there to try and stop him. Malcolm McDowell is HG Wells and David Warner is Jack the Ripper. To make it more meta, the time machine Wells builds is the same one used in the classic George Pal movie version of The Time Machine.
Proud of your number one pick, my boy. It is a masterpiece, and my own favorite horror movie as well. It very well could be my overall favorite movie period.
You nailed it with Alien. My favorite parts of Alien are everything not involving the xenomorph. The interaction between the actors, the portrayal of fear, the look on their faces as they try to reason through the problem...all of it. It's a masterclass of acting. The xenomorph stuff is great, but it's the actors who make this movie. I actually have taken to watching the "Director's Cut" more often (I've seen the theatrical so much) because it has some alternate dialogue in a scene or two.
i've been watching your channel for a few months now and have been blown away by the in-depth analysis of the horror movies i enjoy! i must say for this video i am extra pleased that you have ranked Hereditary so high on the list...and that The Thing is #1 which is my favorite movie as well. Would love to check out the Incredible Shrinking Man (never seen it). Great video!!!
You can tell Eggers was a production designer whatever because its incredibly authentic and the natural lighting keeps you looking for things in the shadows and essentially OFF SCREEN. Its in my Top 5-7
Loved the video. Thanks, almost the same as my lost, but I was surprised that the original The Omen wasn't there though. My list: 1- The Thing (1982) 2- Alien (1979) 3- The Shining (1980) 4 - Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) 5- Poltergeist (1982) 6 - Halloween (1978) 7 - The Omen (1976) 8 - The Exorcist (1973) 9 - Fright Night (1985) 10 - Hellraiser (1987) 11- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) 12 - Rosemary's Baby (1968) 13 - An American Werewolf in London (1981) 14 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) 15 - The Others (2001) 16 - The Conjuring (2013)
DUDE I love Amityville II: The Possession, especially the effects with him changing into that demon and the sounds he makes are just awesome and me and my buds howl along with him, that is a legit great movie. If that were my sister, I just don't know what I'd do either.
Lambert's off camera death is one of the most frightening and incredibly sad deaths I have experienced in a film. It's horrifying and simultaneously heartbreaking. So raw and so real feeling. I first saw it on its opening weekend at 14 and that stood out to me even then. One of the greatest cinematic moments.
I saw that movie when it first came out in the theaters.... didn't really frighten me, though it was a dark and blood soaked story. Whenever the topic of "scary movies" comes up among friends, over the years. It seems that movies like "The Omen", "The Exorcist" and "Rosemarie's Baby" seem to especially effect friends who were raised in strict Christian households (especially Catholic). Anybody else find that to be true?
The Omen is scarier to those of religious backgrounds, but I would not say it's exclusive to that demographic at all. I would disagree that it's a suspense film--it's really a straight horror film. There are a lot of very memorable and scary scenes in the Omen, and the soundtrack's one of the greatest horror achievements of all time. Looking back on it today, there are a few things that would be considered silly by today's standards, but overall the film is an absolute classic and holds up well.
I love that you included Fright Night. For pure enjoyment it is definitely in my top 10, and part of my Halloween movie binge every year. RIP Roddy McDowall.
Evil Ed became a vampire, not a werewolf, why would someone turned by a vampire become a werewolf, he was even killed by a stake through the heart! Vampires have been shown to turn into animals and that’s what happened here
Great job, Rob, but I'm incredulous that you left off movies like "Beaches" "Steel Magnolias" and "The Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood". I can't think of many films where I walked out of the theater in absolute horror. Generally within the first 5 minutes. But, seriously, I would have considered "The Funhouse (1982)" d: Tobe Hooper. Many interesting elements, including a really nice and underrated score by composer John Beal.
Great Movies, great List. "The Thing" is also my favorite Horror-Movie, along with "Alien", "Jacob's Ladder" and "Exorcist III". I really enjoy your smart Documentaries. Keep up the good Work, dear Rob.
My top 10 would be The Shining, The Exorcist, Psycho, Jaws, Alien, The Thing, Halloween, The Bride of Frankenstein, Night of The living Dead, Dracula (Copolla version)
@@Vignalistudio So much potential with Coppola directing, Oldman and Hopkins who are always great. Then there's the decision to cast Keanu and Winona in a serious film requiring British accents. Nothing against either actor I like them both just not in this film.
@@FrankBoothPBR ... maybe it was level of expectation too. The first act of that film seemed to exceed my expectations...and then after that it just kept losing steam. At a certain point I just wanted out of the theater.
Nice list. Invasion of the Bodysnatchers 78 is one of my favourite films generally. The ending is so bleak. It's terrifying! And your top two are the same for me.
2:43 i agree with your assessment of cronenberg's directorial vision. it was a literal interpretation of marshall macluhan's "medium is the message" lecture. he revisited the theme for the gaming/internet generation with existenz.
Have you finally seen Dead Calm yet with Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill? I'd be curious what you'd think of it since it's one of Kidman's best rated films and Billy Zane makes for a charming yet horrific psycho.
Have you seen Night of the Creeps? Similar in style to Return of the Living Dead or Fright Night. Lots of fun. Also I was surprised not to see Don't Look Now or The Wicker Man.
Mr. Ager, i thoroughly enjoyed this video. I learned so much. For me, i would have ranked The Shining slightly higher, but i am biased toward the music in the movie as it has grown on me over the years. Some of the other movies on your list i had not heard of, like Murder by Decree. Others i had heard of, but never taken the time to check out, like The Incredible Shrinking Man, but i really want to watch them now. Thank you for your detailed and insightful critical analysis of cinema. Take care, Sir, and all the best to you in this New Year.
Didn’t even finish the video yet, paused it to give the rest of it my blessing, just because you said “ Fright Night”. I’m new to your channels, but I am throughly enjoying your videos. GOOD SHOW
Thank you for this video (list). I like your choices and appreciate your argumentation to back up your choices. First of all, I selected An American Werewolf in London as a film to watch, because your description of it sounded like the film is worth my time. I had heard of it before, but had somehow chosen to ignore it, probably due to bad reviews. Stupid me; the film is actually great and I love it. Most of the other films on your list are familiar to me already. I watched The Thing for maybe the third time a few days ago. It remains a classic. Up next from this list is probably going to be Murder by Decree, but I also like to watch Hellraiser again. Another list on another 'genre' would be much appreciated. Perhaps science fiction?
love your videos. Always great takes on some of my favourite films. Superb narration and clear asessments of some scenes. Keep this stuff coming. I was about 8 when i saw the later Bodysnatchers film late at night ,around 85 and even then i felt something special about it. The bagpipes playing and the reveal ,classic .
@@aegisgfx The character of Jim is actually intensely interesting to me. Specifically the psychological changes that he goes through throughout the film. I also think it's beautifully shot, especially considering the subject. The soundtrack is fantastic... but thanks for your comment!
I love 28 Days Later so much...It's really grown on me in recent years because the UK has changed so much (mostly for the worse imo) since the times of that movie, 2002. It's the only movie of the 21st century which I feel shows British people in a positively brilliant way. Jim, Selena and Frank are 3 of the most BRILLIANT and inspiring characters ever.
I think 28 Days Later is quite brilliant and I'm surprised it didn't make either of your lists. My new favorite horror film is Midsommar. I think there's a lot to unpack in it about cult indoctrination and feminism. These days I'm not about jump scares, I prefer to explore existential dread, maybe because as I get older I already know what goes bump in the night but I still struggle to understand how my own thoughts can scare me so much.
25 videodrome 24 the incredible shrinking man 23 the legend of hell house 22 audition 21 Salem's lot 20 murder by decree 19 night of the living dead 18 Amityville 2 the possession 17 Rosemary's baby 16 fright night 15 invasion of the body snatchers 1978 14 the fly 1986 13 the twilight zone movie 12 creepshow 11 hellraiser 10 the exorcist 09 psycho 08 an American werewolf in London 07 silence of the lambs 06 hereditary 05 nightmare on elm Street 04 the shinning 03 poltergeist 02 alien 01 the thing 1982
@@Solar_Sounds I watched it in theaters at like 7 years old when it came out in the early 80s and it scared the shit out of me. I saw it years later and it was still good but not near as scary.
kasparov9 Rob said somewhere that he could not finish The Witch. Indicating that he watched some of it. Honestly I don’t blame him. The Witch was very muddled in terms of script writing. Why would Anya Joy’s character join a witch cult that murdered her family?
Bought it recently after watching it on Prime Video. I knew i liked it but i absolutely love it now. Its fantastic. Plus its a quick watch. Id love to see the lost footage but it works anyways
Interesting list and analysis. The Amicus anthology horror movies are are all worth watching: Tales from The Crypt, Asylum, The Vault Of Horror, Dr Terrors House Of Horrors, The House That Dripped Blood, From Beyond The Grave, and Monster Club.
Just also want to say, great job on this video, Rob! Not like your other videos, but glad to see a top video countdown from you for once just to see what all other films you like (other than The Thing lol). There were definitely some on here I haven't yet seen, and I have definitely been wanting to see Hereditary myself, and seeing that you actually put it on your top 25 of all time video here, well, that just exponentifies my desire to go see it now! I was honestly really shocked that one of my other favorites didn't make the cut on this list of yours here, and that would be the 1973 The Wicker Man. I do understand that some may not consider it a typical horror film, but even so, I do believe it still falls under the genre. I personally think it was such an underrated movie, and was kind of shadowed by it's 2006 remake, even though that one gained more notoriety for being one of the Golden Raspberry Awards movies (both known, but each for completely opposite-reciprocal reasons). The 1973 original though, was such an underrated film, and in my opinion is a cult-classic for its questioning of people who just blindly follow religion, as well as related topics that it brings up. Again, just wanted to say, great job on this video, always enjoy your work, sir. P.S. - John Carpenter's The Thing is definitely the best of all time, lol 😁
Jobeth Williams is the Mom from Poltergeist. This was a great video! It inspired me to really take a good look back at some of my 2nd favourite genre of film!! (1st- is Sci-Fi).
If you think "Dawn of the Dead" could have been tighter in editing, I'd succest to watch the official italian/european cut made by Dario Argento which has excactly that purpose.
I found the hill billies near to the start the only bit I would of edited out. It could of done with more after the first officer died before the bikers turn up
My dad saw The Exorcist and Alien in the theater upon original release. He was telling me that people ran out of both. There's never an audience reaction nowadays. Desensitized or lack of quality? Both?
Stellar list of very good, entertaining and horrifying films. Nice to see Amitiville II on the list, it's very underrated and rarely talked about. The Thing is practically untouchable in the Horror Genre, and is a genuine contender for greatest Horror movie of all time. Surprising not to see Halloween on the list though. Solid top 25 film list and an entertaining video to watch 👍
I saw Nightmare on Elm St when I was very young and no other film has gave me as many bad dreams. A paedophile with a burned face and a bladed claw for a hand who can kill you in your sleep? It's just sounds terrifying. Also, Texas Chainsaw Massace made me feel very uncomfortable and stayed with me for a long time after watching it. The Fly, Blair Witch Project and Candyman are the rest of my top 5,for very different reasons.
WOW! Great list and the way you present your films and the flow of your speaking is music to my ears. Huge fan of your work. My only gripe in general is that Ken Russell's The Devils don't get any love in any kind of lists and for me it's top 10 film of all time. Would love to see more lists like these. Hope this get enough views and positive feedback so you'll do another list. Hats off! Cheers from Finland, Petri
I was up in the air on many of your other choices, especially for your top 10 ("The Shining," I'm looking right atcha), but agree 100% for your #1 and #2. So glad that "The Thing" has finally gotten the love and respect from so many that it so greatly deserved, yet didn't get when it was originally released.
Very happy to see Fright Night on this list! Like Star Wars (A New Hope), Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Tremors, it used state of the art filmmaking to revisit an old genre. And it did so with both humor and respect. I love all of those movies.
Rob, I’ve been following your channel for years now and I admire your dedication, love for what you do and love for the art of cinema in general. They are contagious and sometimes I catch myself enjoying your analyses of my favorite movies rather than binge rewatching them over and over again with my limited knowledge and yet, your videos boost my fascination for a particular movie when you make your videos so interesting. I have always wondered, what do you think about “The VVitch ? “ ( 2015). I would love to see an in depth analysis of this particular movie provided that you love it in the first place. [ English is obviously not my native language, so accept my apologies if a message feels unclear somehow ]
Interesting and well explained choices. My list would be somewhat similar but with possession(Zulawski) and videodrome near the to, and maybe witch and suspiria featured somewhere near spot 25.
Interview With The Vampire had the best makeup - they painted realistic veins by having the actors hang upside down first - I am quite good at horror makeup (plug plug).
Amytiville 2 - absolutely! I was scared shitless when I watched that at the age of 12! The scene where he’s chasing his sister in the house and it’s dark...she’s stumbling around trying to get her bearings and then...lightning lights up the room revealing his contorted horror smile is revealed as he’s right in front of her... And the scene where he is becoming the possessed monster...jeez Louise... I thought the make up effects where great on this film.
Been subbed for years. I used to make fun of your name. You kinda woke me in a way to see some esoteric stuff and symbolism. I was never taught to see that way (it's to freemasonic lol) but we should see what we are seeing is real and symbolic and not just... Anything. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say lol. Thank you. Great choices btw. The Thing (1982 film) is ALWAYS probably going to be my go-to. Perfect mix of gore, thriller and SciFi. Also want to point something out to The Thing is is the music score that DUNDUNDUN....DUNDUNDUN....DUN..DUN...DUNDUNDUN... So awesome. I'm sure it annoyed some people for being this dark depressed and ominous theme song playing the whole film but I always interpreted that myself as the heartbeat of someone freezing to death in the desolate snowbound icy lairs of Antarctica. Or maybe the heartbeat of the still living frozen Thing stuck in the ice. All the music is just damn creepy and ugly organic sounds. Best musical score goes to QBricks own classic "remake" The Shining" best score ever just forget about it lol. Try to make those sounds yourself it sounds hilarious.
I would haave thought thhe Exorcist 3 would have be on Rob list. John Carpenters The Thing is mine and probably a lot of other people's favourite horror. It has such great range from shock moment of the defibilator scene, the terrifying body horror, and the creepy atmosphere throughout. Another Carpenter film I rate is Christine. The car is terrifying when it burst out of the petrol station on fire. The one that had the biggest impactt on my childhood was The Ring (Japanese one). I had to coveer the t.v. in my bedroom eevery night because of it.
Agree about The Exorcist III. Rewatched it recently and it is both beautifully made and very creepy. William Peter Blatty's direction is superb. I get confused by the two versions, though.
Poltergeist would probably be my number 1. Saw it when I was 8 years old and it scared the pants off me, and certain visuals in it have stuck with me ever since. Love it.
“Trilogy of Terror” The Doll segment. To this day, nothing horrified my siblings & I more than that. Body Snatchers: great call! 👍 First time I experienced TONE as a kid and the dog barking w the old man’s coconut on it? My hair turned white.
Thanks for sharing, this gives me a lot of watching material. Another horror film I love is Carnival of Souls. And the scariest film I've ever seen is Inland Empire.
I've watched The Thing pretty much every year since it was on cable back in the mid eighties. Watched it again the other night with my new 4K player and television and realized this movie is just....the best.
Honorable mentions ... many of these might have made the list if I'd compiled it on a different day.
Halloween and Halloween 3 (the latter is very underrated because it should have been a separate movie from the Myers franchise, but it's still a crazy and very original horror flick)
Carrie
Psycho 2 (in hindsight this would be in my top 15, but I'd forgot it while compiling)
Evil Dead 2 (just for the fun of it)
Night of the Demon
The Wailing (yes, another modern horror)
The Brood
Cat's Eye
Scanners
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Devil Rides Out
Event Horizon
Blair Witch Project
Exorcist 2 & 3 (yes I like both of them)
Exorcism of Emily Rose (too many court scenes, but the horror stuff is very good)
Day of the Dead
Ghost Story
Babadook
The Grudge (Jap version)
The Eye
So is it ''Night of the Demon'' or ''Night of the Demons''? I have to be sure :-)
Curse/Night of the Demon is very underrated. If you have not seen Blood on Satan's Claw I recommend it for sure. Somewhat silly title but very good, creepy, interesting satanic folk horror
@@Akimbofrenchfries The old black and white one, whichever that is
@@KevsHardLemonade I couldn't get into Blood on Satan's Claw personally.
Not a fan of Suspiria then?
Don't forget Ghostbusters 2016. Truely horrific.
Idk that live-action Aladdin with the CGI Will Smith genie was pretty scary
Indeed. I was truly traumatised by this movie.
😂😂
i was 3 when i saw it the first time .. i can tell u the Marshmallow Puff Man was terrifying :)
I had a feeling you would mention Halloween 3, great film I must say
Jacob's Ladder was a great horror/thriller film. The demonic portrayals were both original and bone chilling plus Tim Robbin's performance was fantastic
Watch the remake Phil
If you loved Jacob's Ladder Phil, check out the Silent Hill Video Game Series. Even if you aren't a gamer, there are plenty of cutscenes and footage online, it's practically a spiritual successor!
@@rachaelhogan7850 There's a remake?
@@tortuga7160 yes I no Hun not keen
Great film. Remake is trash.
One film I don't want to disappear into film history is The Hitcher. The entire film is just so surreal, and Rutger Hauer's character has an almost otherworldly presence, as if he just stepped out of the landscape of the American roadways. Superb film IMO.
Love you for this! barely any spoilers but satisfactory reviews for sure! your fans lucked out when you decided to expand the list to 25!!! your work is greatly appreciated Rob!
You hit all of my my top ten (which includes Amytiville 2 🙂) with exception of two flilms that didn't even make your reserve list which was of surprise to me, 'Jacob's Ladder' and 'The Wicker Man'.
The Exorcist III is criminally underrated, and one of my favorites.
Danse Macabre I second that opinion
*YES - the term 'criminally underrated' is very appropriate - the fine cast provided the perfect ensemble, in my opinion, and the building of the intensity was well paced. One scene that really shook me was the one where the young nurse turned and walked off screen into a corridor, and the shrouded figure with the surgical implement suddenly appeared and rushed after her. Almost Hitchcockian in the subtlety !*
@@Julian-bq9qv I remember watching that scene with my cousins shortly after it was released on video. We didn't really know what to expect from the movie itself and it seemed a bit of a slow burner ...and then that scene! We still talk about it yet.
"We're fine!"
Which version?
One of the reasons I like you videos is that you don't just criticise "bad" films (like a lot of critics) but you actually give good pointers about films to watch, and also help explain why certain things work (which helps me as a non-expert viewer). Thanks!
* your
BTW folks, I started out with Carpenter's Halloween on the list and for some reason it dropped off and I forgot about it, which kinda says in itself I don't rate it as high as I thought I did. It's still excellent of course and may have end up somewhere around the 15 to 20 mark if I'd remembered.
Cool, thanks for this. Do you put any stock in sight and sound magazines greatest films of all time decennial list? Can you give us a list of films you consider the greatest? Thanks in advance.
james mason, star of murder by decree, appeared on set of the shining... in costume. you featured this on a kubrick analysis ...both films were being filmed simultaneously
Leaving it out is a mistake on any list but we'll see what youre thinking here
Also I believe Halloween 1 and 2 should be one movie
@@eLiFILMSinc hell no Halloween 2 sucks. Halloween stands alone as a classic.
The Exorcist III is my favorite. The dialogue in this movie is just amazing.
I was moving the cursor over the timer to get that quick preview of each movie title, and the section where Ager talks about The Twilight Zone movie, only the word "Twilight" came up over the timer bar. For the briefest moment, I was admittedly puzzled, thinking there's no possible way Twilight would've made a "best of" list by Ager.
Mr. Ager as a fan of yours and of horror, thank you for solving the mystery of a film whose title has eluded me since childhood. For years I have been describing the plot of "The Legend of Hell House" to every horror fan I know and no one had any recollection of the film or its title. My sincere thanks, sir.
The Thing happens to be a lot of peoples favorite horror films, and I can't really blame them. The Thing is a masterpiece! I also agree that Hereditary is an understated modern masterpiece, but not everyone likes slow-burn arthouse styled films let alone horror films.
Loved Hereditary.
@@lynnritchie231 Real feelgood film!!😅
Shrinking Man and Hell House are both written by Richard Mathison. Shrinking Man was first a book by him and was amazing but of course, his most famous novel is I Am Legend. He also was responsible for the best Twilight Zone episodes, one of which (yes) was redone with John Lithgow on an airplane.
Cute but Richard Matheson wrote Duel which blows everything else he wrote out of the water. And this is from someone who likes the Incredible Shrinking Man but Duel is horror without any trace of horror. It doesn't play like an extended Twilight Zone episode, there's no moral or lesson learned or even a philosophical contemplative ending. It's 100% primal in how one man... named David Mann... fights a faceless Goliath to the death.
@@tskmaster3837 I'm not sure I understand what you mean by cute but to say Duel blows everything else out of the water is a mite subjective. No disrespect meant. Matheson was very prolific, writing both novels and for the screen for decades. I don't know if Duel was originally a book but I know he wrote the screenplay. It wasn't bad and Spielberg probably couldn't have mastered his craft enough to do Jaws justice without having his run at it but it never did anything for me for the very reasons you believe it to be the best. There's nothing wrong with that, mind you. Like I say, it's subjective. However, I certainly wouldn't call it horror. It's 100% suspense. I'd actually say the same for Jaws, too. I never saw it as a horror movie and am baffled whenever I see it on a list of top horror films. It's more of a "Man vs. Nature" adventure with heavy suspense elements.
+Christopher Moonlight Productions
I think many people's definition of horror is based on what personally scares them, regardless of the filmmaker's original intent. I would say that "Duel" and 'Jaws" could both be categorized as horror, as there are horrific elements to both. Though, I would definitely categorize "Duel" as a thriller, which is a broad category, itself.
@@Fluoride_Jones Yes, it's subjective, to a degree but I think it's important to try and define definitions. (Does that sound redundant?) I find that is we all just go around telling people "It is what I feel it is." we're going to all get tired out. While there are moments of horror in Jaws, for example, the focus isn't on horror. Horror movies also rely heavily on suspense yet the aim is to make the audience feel horror. It's all in the focus. Suspense aims to make you feel the intensity of the chaise while horror's focus is to make you feel you are experiencing being eaten. I'm being partially metaphorical but hopefully, that helps to clarify what I'm getting at.
+Christopher Moonlight Productions
I definitely understand your perspective, and even somewhat agree with you. It's just that in "Jaws," for instance, people get eaten by a giant shark. It's horrible, if you put yourself in the shoes of the on-screen victims. There are people to this day that claim they won't go in the ocean because of that movie. It was released almost forty-four years ago! Name a horror film that has had that kind of lasting impression with it's viewing audience, with the exception of "The Exorcist."
The Thing is my fav movie
The Thing is iconic!
Bobby Lee Mine as well.
Watched it one snowed in Saturday morning when I was home alone at the age of 12. Nightmares for weeks!
@@theducksneezes4987 The Thing inspired a lot of "things", like graphic novels, Video games such as Deadspace and Resident evil with its body horror, and inspired a legion of "imitators" (no pun intended), but none of those imitators are as good.
Same here!
The Wicker Man (1973).
Still disturbing.
Good shout that
I’m surprised that didn’t make the list.
Nice profile pic
disturbing? even though i love horror and the wicker man is one of my all time favourite movies, i wouldn't even consider it horror. more like a suspense-filled musical with a positive but also nihilistic take on sacrificial rituals.
yeah, I agree. But it is disturbing in a different way...
Absolutely agree Rob! The Thing is the definitive horror film.
Seconded
It's one of those rare movies with a total package that worked, audio, soundtrack, lighting, acting, script, and (obviously) the best special effects of all time.
It's a paranoid's tour de force.
It ain't scary though
@@MrTommyc7590 horror doesn't mean scary
# 20: 'Time After Time' - HG Wells actually builds a time machine, and his friend (who is Jack the Ripper) uses it to evade capture and come to modern (1970's) day San Francisco. HG Wells pursues him there to try and stop him. Malcolm McDowell is HG Wells and David Warner is Jack the Ripper. To make it more meta, the time machine Wells builds is the same one used in the classic George Pal movie version of The Time Machine.
I love that film.
Been looking for something interesting all night, just going to bed and this is uploaded. That's 70 minutes of tomorrow evening sorted.
Cheers, Rob.
In no way is Poltergeist a better movie than The Shining..
Proud of your number one pick, my boy. It is a masterpiece, and my own favorite horror movie as well. It very well could be my overall favorite movie period.
Kurt Russel should have 12 Oscars. But, one for The Thing would be the right thing to do.
Tell the Oscar's hell's coming, and Kurt's coming with it
You nailed it with Alien. My favorite parts of Alien are everything not involving the xenomorph. The interaction between the actors, the portrayal of fear, the look on their faces as they try to reason through the problem...all of it. It's a masterclass of acting.
The xenomorph stuff is great, but it's the actors who make this movie.
I actually have taken to watching the "Director's Cut" more often (I've seen the theatrical so much) because it has some alternate dialogue in a scene or two.
Excellent list; well thought out, well reasoned and properly balanced. Very good work as always.
One of my favorite horror movies is "Session 9" by Brad Anderson. In some elements it reminded me Hereditary
Great movie.
Marco Pederzoli I rate session 9 way above hereditary, and I would place it in my top 5
@@jackiemclean2776 slow down there, cheif.
One of my favorites.👍
Session 9 is amazing.
Doing a top 25 sci-fi list would be a natural follow-up which I would be really glad to see! (Of course omitting the SF films listed here)
i've been watching your channel for a few months now and have been blown away by the in-depth analysis of the horror movies i enjoy! i must say for this video i am extra pleased that you have ranked Hereditary so high on the list...and that The Thing is #1 which is my favorite movie as well. Would love to check out the Incredible Shrinking Man (never seen it). Great video!!!
Did you see The Witch? That was one of the best horror movies I've seen in the last 10-15 years.
That movie still creeps the shit out of me
You can tell Eggers was a production designer whatever because its incredibly authentic and the natural lighting keeps you looking for things in the shadows and essentially OFF SCREEN. Its in my Top 5-7
Very underrated film in my opinion. It has an eerie, creepy feel. Very unsettling movie.
Have to agree here.
Can't believe it wasn't more successful.
Damn creepy atmosphere, and I love how it kept things so ambiguous.
Movie was a mess.
Loved the video. Thanks, almost the same as my lost, but I was surprised that the original The Omen wasn't there though. My list:
1- The Thing (1982)
2- Alien (1979)
3- The Shining (1980)
4 - Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
5- Poltergeist (1982)
6 - Halloween (1978)
7 - The Omen (1976)
8 - The Exorcist (1973)
9 - Fright Night (1985)
10 - Hellraiser (1987)
11- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
12 - Rosemary's Baby (1968)
13 - An American Werewolf in London (1981)
14 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
15 - The Others (2001)
16 - The Conjuring (2013)
Very good pick! I would add Carrie and Heredity.
@@andresvilhjalmsson2903 Yeah, Carrie is good.
DUDE I love Amityville II: The Possession, especially the effects with him changing into that demon and the sounds he makes are just awesome and me and my buds howl along with him, that is a legit great movie. If that were my sister, I just don't know what I'd do either.
MacCauley Crawford, Right on.
I thought I was the only one.
Haha, a buddy of mine and I said the same thing when we were watching it.
Diane Franklin corrupted my young mind!
When their front door is blown off... something realistically disturbing (vulnerability) about that.
Damiano Damiani is a really good director
"It follows " is a great horror movie it sends shivers down your spine.
That was filmed in my town! It’s a great suspense/horror movie, too.😁
Babadook is also a good scarer.
@@evanabbott2737 Somewhere in Michigan, by chance? I know it's the setting...I live in Windsor, so I'm curious.
@@dannygray4898 I was rather disappointed by that one.
@@wangson I know they filmed parts of it in Berkeley, which is outside Detroit.👍
Lambert's off camera death is one of the most frightening and incredibly sad deaths I have experienced in a film. It's horrifying and simultaneously heartbreaking. So raw and so real feeling. I first saw it on its opening weekend at 14 and that stood out to me even then. One of the greatest cinematic moments.
Very interesting Rob, I'm gonna re-watch a number of these as a result of this video .. thanks !
Poltergeist is DEFINITELY that good.
Great to see your top 25. Even one movie in there I've never seen. Thanks for making this!
You forgot the 1970s “The Omen”.
That movie sucked
I saw that movie when it first came out in the theaters.... didn't really frighten me, though it was a dark and blood soaked story.
Whenever the topic of "scary movies" comes up among friends, over the years. It seems that movies like "The Omen", "The Exorcist" and "Rosemarie's Baby" seem to especially effect friends who were raised in strict Christian households (especially Catholic).
Anybody else find that to be true?
@@rhabdob3895 remake is crap, the original is great
I always considered The Omen more of a suspense movie....
The Omen is scarier to those of religious backgrounds, but I would not say it's exclusive to that demographic at all. I would disagree that it's a suspense film--it's really a straight horror film. There are a lot of very memorable and scary scenes in the Omen, and the soundtrack's one of the greatest horror achievements of all time. Looking back on it today, there are a few things that would be considered silly by today's standards, but overall the film is an absolute classic and holds up well.
The fellow that owns The Incredible Shrinking Man oughta kick some cash your way.
You sold it.
Great video man, love your videos so much. I'd like to see you do a video on what you think are some good directors/extended cuts.
I love that you included Fright Night. For pure enjoyment it is definitely in my top 10, and part of my Halloween movie binge every year. RIP Roddy McDowall.
yes one of my favorites!
I’ve seen it so many times I have much of the dialogue memorized
@@mikemcconville2495 Same here. A few hundred times at least.
Evil Ed became a vampire, not a werewolf, why would someone turned by a vampire become a werewolf, he was even killed by a stake through the heart! Vampires have been shown to turn into animals and that’s what happened here
I really enjoy your take on all the films you take interest in. You put such “a matter of fact” tone and that makes it so interesting. I’m a fan 👍🏾
Great job, Rob, but I'm incredulous that you left off movies like "Beaches" "Steel Magnolias" and "The Divine Secrets of The Ya Ya Sisterhood". I can't think of many films where I walked out of the theater in absolute horror. Generally within the first 5 minutes. But, seriously, I would have considered "The Funhouse (1982)" d: Tobe Hooper. Many interesting elements, including a really nice and underrated score by composer John Beal.
Haha
Funhouse freaked me the fuck out and I never hear about it! That thing laughing at the end was so creepy.
Great Movies, great List. "The Thing" is also my favorite Horror-Movie, along with "Alien", "Jacob's Ladder" and "Exorcist III". I really enjoy your smart Documentaries. Keep up the good Work, dear Rob.
My top 10 would be The Shining, The Exorcist, Psycho, Jaws, Alien, The Thing, Halloween, The Bride of Frankenstein, Night of The living Dead, Dracula (Copolla version)
I was with you all the way up until Copolla’s Dracula.
@@Vignalistudio So much potential with Coppola directing, Oldman and Hopkins who are always great. Then there's the decision to cast Keanu and Winona in a serious film requiring British accents. Nothing against either actor I like them both just not in this film.
@@FrankBoothPBR ... maybe it was level of expectation too. The first act of that film seemed to exceed my expectations...and then after that it just kept losing steam. At a certain point I just wanted out of the theater.
@@Vignalistudio yeah it could have been really great but just didn't pull it all together.
Nice list. Invasion of the Bodysnatchers 78 is one of my favourite films generally. The ending is so bleak. It's terrifying! And your top two are the same for me.
2:43 i agree with your assessment of cronenberg's directorial vision. it was a literal interpretation of marshall macluhan's "medium is the message" lecture. he revisited the theme for the gaming/internet generation with existenz.
Will you Collective Learning do one day an Analyzed video on Wes Craven The People's Under The Stair's
I would watch the HELL out of that, and I would also buy it, of course!
People under the Stairs was a black comedy to me but it was a good movie.
Funny that it had the actors that played Ed and Nadine Hurley from Twin Peaks as the main villains.
..when they finally came out from the walls, they all looked like 1980s Heavy Metal Fans....on a good day!
You mean CollAtive Learning?
Thoroughly enjoyed this video, thank you for sharing!
Have you finally seen Dead Calm yet with Nicole Kidman and Sam Neill? I'd be curious what you'd think of it since it's one of Kidman's best rated films and Billy Zane makes for a charming yet horrific psycho.
Good film that
Very good watch that one
@newclique and Nicole Kidman is powerful in it. There's a lot of content in the film for a full analysis I'd love to hear some day.
Great list, Rob!
Wholeheartedly agree with your number 1 spot. I would have added Suspiria to the list, though :)
Have you seen Night of the Creeps? Similar in style to Return of the Living Dead or Fright Night. Lots of fun.
Also I was surprised not to see Don't Look Now or The Wicker Man.
Night of the Creeps was a fun movie and a must-see! Not good in the genre of horror tho
Mr. Ager, i thoroughly enjoyed this video. I learned so much. For me, i would have ranked The Shining slightly higher, but i am biased toward the music in the movie as it has grown on me over the years. Some of the other movies on your list i had not heard of, like Murder by Decree. Others i had heard of, but never taken the time to check out, like The Incredible Shrinking Man, but i really want to watch them now. Thank you for your detailed and insightful critical analysis of cinema. Take care, Sir, and all the best to you in this New Year.
The Evil Dead '81.
Looooooooooove it!
Agree 100%. Belongs on any top 25 list. I wrote an article that goes into the history of the film for movie-gurus in my review of Evil Dead II
I'm so glad to see Amityville II in your list. It's a very scary but often overlooked movie.
good list but why not add Dario argento's suspiria?
Or Deep Red. Or Tenebre.
Didn’t even finish the video yet, paused it to give the rest of it my blessing, just because you said “ Fright Night”. I’m new to your channels, but I am throughly enjoying your videos.
GOOD SHOW
Videodrome define my childhood of the video rental horror era
Same here! Haven't seen it in years, though. Maybe need to rewatch it.
Thank you for this video (list). I like your choices and appreciate your argumentation to back up your choices. First of all, I selected An American Werewolf in London as a film to watch, because your description of it sounded like the film is worth my time. I had heard of it before, but had somehow chosen to ignore it, probably due to bad reviews. Stupid me; the film is actually great and I love it.
Most of the other films on your list are familiar to me already. I watched The Thing for maybe the third time a few days ago. It remains a classic.
Up next from this list is probably going to be Murder by Decree, but I also like to watch Hellraiser again.
Another list on another 'genre' would be much appreciated. Perhaps science fiction?
Phantasm!
@Daniel Grozier IDK what that means. Yes, vaccinations are good. ??
@Daniel Grozier Thanks for that clarification. I honestly thought it was steroids because of the bicep. I'm all about Evil Dead 2. :-)
Groovy!
I love Phantasm.😁
This is an AMAZING LIST! Only a couple I have never seen...I need to rectify that asap.
Yes! You included Invasion Of The Body Snatchers! My respects!
love your videos. Always great takes on some of my favourite films. Superb narration and clear asessments of some scenes. Keep this stuff coming. I was about 8 when i saw the later Bodysnatchers film late at night ,around 85 and even then i felt something special about it. The bagpipes playing and the reveal ,classic .
Stephen King's The Long Walk would make a great movie if they pick the right director. Its my favorite book. Its simple but brutal.
Apparently there are plans to make it into a film, so let's hope for the best.
Yeah Frank Darabont was the first choice but that wont happen.
Wasn't that a short story?
No its one of the Bachman books.
One of my favourites too, one of Stephen King's best, most overlooked novels
A fine list, Sir! Thank you!
By all means, please continue your Heriditary analysis.
Such a well done film!
Is 28 Days Later on it? That is my favorite horror film of all time. 😊😊😊
nothing new in that movie really
@@aegisgfx The character of Jim is actually intensely interesting to me. Specifically the psychological changes that he goes through throughout the film. I also think it's beautifully shot, especially considering the subject. The soundtrack is fantastic... but thanks for your comment!
Oh and also fast moving running 'zombies' was something new.
I love 28 Days Later so much...It's really grown on me in recent years because the UK has changed so much (mostly for the worse imo) since the times of that movie, 2002. It's the only movie of the 21st century which I feel shows British people in a positively brilliant way. Jim, Selena and Frank are 3 of the most BRILLIANT and inspiring characters ever.
@@timeforbooks566 As was the idea of a virus that turns it's victims into zombies within mere seconds.
Thanks great vid Rob. Though I enjoy you’re analysis vids - I also enjoy these informal vids - keep em both coming I say!
I think 28 Days Later is quite brilliant and I'm surprised it didn't make either of your lists. My new favorite horror film is Midsommar. I think there's a lot to unpack in it about cult indoctrination and feminism. These days I'm not about jump scares, I prefer to explore existential dread, maybe because as I get older I already know what goes bump in the night but I still struggle to understand how my own thoughts can scare me so much.
Watch Pulse(2001).
Great list. Thank Rob. I missed a few of them. Got some movies to check out this weekend.
25 videodrome
24 the incredible shrinking man
23 the legend of hell house
22 audition
21 Salem's lot
20 murder by decree
19 night of the living dead
18 Amityville 2 the possession
17 Rosemary's baby
16 fright night
15 invasion of the body snatchers 1978
14 the fly 1986
13 the twilight zone movie
12 creepshow
11 hellraiser
10 the exorcist
09 psycho
08 an American werewolf in London
07 silence of the lambs
06 hereditary
05 nightmare on elm Street
04 the shinning
03 poltergeist
02 alien
01 the thing 1982
Poltergeist is indeed brilliant! :)
@@michaelcarr8625 Am I literally the only person alive that didn't like poltergeist? I found it over the top, predictable, and not scary.
@@Solar_Sounds what was predictable about it?
@@Solar_Sounds I watched it in theaters at like 7 years old when it came out in the early 80s and it scared the shit out of me. I saw it years later and it was still good but not near as scary.
Amazing work Rob. Thank you for sharing.
Any (horror) love for Event Horizon?
Was considering it. Good movie. Very creepy.
Plenty!
@@collativelearning The Witch?
kasparov9
Rob said somewhere that he could not finish The Witch.
Indicating that he watched some of it. Honestly I don’t blame him. The Witch was very muddled in terms of script writing. Why would Anya Joy’s character join a witch cult that murdered her family?
Bought it recently after watching it on Prime Video. I knew i liked it but i absolutely love it now. Its fantastic. Plus its a quick watch. Id love to see the lost footage but it works anyways
Interesting list and analysis. The Amicus anthology horror movies are are all worth watching: Tales from The Crypt, Asylum, The Vault Of Horror, Dr Terrors House Of Horrors, The House That Dripped Blood, From Beyond The Grave, and Monster Club.
I'm surprised to not see Suspiria on there.
Do you know if Rob has seen that?
not seen that yet.
2018>>>>>>>>>>>1977
Coloured stage lights do not make a horror movie
The original is overrated, i actually think the newer version is better.
Just also want to say, great job on this video, Rob! Not like your other videos, but glad to see a top video countdown from you for once just to see what all other films you like (other than The Thing lol). There were definitely some on here I haven't yet seen, and I have definitely been wanting to see Hereditary myself, and seeing that you actually put it on your top 25 of all time video here, well, that just exponentifies my desire to go see it now!
I was honestly really shocked that one of my other favorites didn't make the cut on this list of yours here, and that would be the 1973 The Wicker Man. I do understand that some may not consider it a typical horror film, but even so, I do believe it still falls under the genre. I personally think it was such an underrated movie, and was kind of shadowed by it's 2006 remake, even though that one gained more notoriety for being one of the Golden Raspberry Awards movies (both known, but each for completely opposite-reciprocal reasons). The 1973 original though, was such an underrated film, and in my opinion is a cult-classic for its questioning of people who just blindly follow religion, as well as related topics that it brings up.
Again, just wanted to say, great job on this video, always enjoy your work, sir.
P.S. - John Carpenter's The Thing is definitely the best of all time, lol 😁
i like the ending of The Wicker Man, but couldn't stand the rest of the film
Rob, I can’t recommend the 1960s French film Eyes Without A Face, it’s incredible and such a creepy film what really gets under the skin.
Jobeth Williams is the Mom from Poltergeist. This was a great video! It inspired me to really take a good look back at some of my 2nd favourite genre of film!! (1st- is Sci-Fi).
If you think "Dawn of the Dead" could have been tighter in editing, I'd succest to watch the official italian/european cut made by Dario Argento which has excactly that purpose.
Plus it has the awesome soundtrack by Goblin.
I'm still looking for that version.
I found the hill billies near to the start the only bit I would of edited out. It could of done with more after the first officer died before the bikers turn up
Great video! wish you could make more of these
My dad saw The Exorcist and Alien in the theater upon original release. He was telling me that people ran out of both. There's never an audience reaction nowadays. Desensitized or lack of quality? Both?
People ran out of Alien in disgust not because they were frightened!
I saw Alien in the theater when it debuted....if people bolted from the theater it was at the same point...when the thing burst from the guy's chest.
People are used to it now.
Stellar list of very good, entertaining and horrifying films.
Nice to see Amitiville II on the list, it's very underrated and rarely talked about.
The Thing is practically untouchable in the Horror Genre, and is a genuine contender for greatest Horror movie of all time.
Surprising not to see Halloween on the list though.
Solid top 25 film list and an entertaining video to watch 👍
I saw Nightmare on Elm St when I was very young and no other film has gave me as many bad dreams. A paedophile with a burned face and a bladed claw for a hand who can kill you in your sleep? It's just sounds terrifying.
Also, Texas Chainsaw Massace made me feel very uncomfortable and stayed with me for a long time after watching it. The Fly, Blair Witch Project and Candyman are the rest of my top 5,for very different reasons.
Kuddos for bringing up Candyman, which is criminally underrated.
WOW! Great list and the way you present your films and the flow of your speaking is music to my ears. Huge fan of your work. My only gripe in general is that Ken Russell's The Devils don't get any love in any kind of lists and for me it's top 10 film of all time. Would love to see more lists like these. Hope this get enough views and positive feedback so you'll do another list. Hats off!
Cheers from Finland, Petri
Where´s the Changelling? :´-(
I was up in the air on many of your other choices, especially for your top 10 ("The Shining," I'm looking right atcha), but agree 100% for your #1 and #2.
So glad that "The Thing" has finally gotten the love and respect from so many that it so greatly deserved, yet didn't get when it was originally released.
The Wicker Man (1973)?
He called it boring when talking about Midsommar recently. I haven't watched it but it looks good to me.
Very happy to see Fright Night on this list! Like Star Wars (A New Hope), Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Tremors, it used state of the art filmmaking to revisit an old genre. And it did so with both humor and respect. I love all of those movies.
Hereditary was fascinating. I need to see it again.
Absolutely amazing movie
Rob, I’ve been following your channel for years now and I admire your dedication, love for what you do and love for the art of cinema in general. They are contagious and sometimes I catch myself enjoying your analyses of my favorite movies rather than binge rewatching them over and over again with my limited knowledge and yet, your videos boost my fascination for a particular movie when you make your videos so interesting.
I have always wondered, what do you think about “The VVitch ? “ ( 2015). I would love to see an in depth analysis of this particular movie provided that you love it in the first place.
[ English is obviously not my native language, so accept my apologies if a message feels unclear somehow ]
You didn't like "The Haunting?" :(
What happened to your video "Subliminal Structure of the PSYCHO shower scene"? I can't find it on either of your channels.
Brilliant list of horror movies.
Interesting and well explained choices. My list would be somewhat similar but with possession(Zulawski) and videodrome near the to, and maybe witch and suspiria featured somewhere near spot 25.
Interview With The Vampire had the best makeup - they painted realistic veins by having the actors hang upside down first - I am quite good at horror makeup (plug plug).
I was considering putting that on the list but only seen it once so can barely remember.
Amytiville 2 - absolutely! I was scared shitless when I watched that at the age of 12! The scene where he’s chasing his sister in the house and it’s dark...she’s stumbling around trying to get her bearings and then...lightning lights up the room revealing his contorted horror smile is revealed as he’s right in front of her...
And the scene where he is becoming the possessed monster...jeez Louise...
I thought the make up effects where great on this film.
How can Halloween and The Omen not even be in your top 25!?
yeah, those 2 definitely belong on the list. Love Omen, the original
Been subbed for years. I used to make fun of your name. You kinda woke me in a way to see some esoteric stuff and symbolism. I was never taught to see that way (it's to freemasonic lol) but we should see what we are seeing is real and symbolic and not just... Anything. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say lol. Thank you.
Great choices btw. The Thing (1982 film) is ALWAYS probably going to be my go-to. Perfect mix of gore, thriller and SciFi. Also want to point something out to The Thing is is the music score that DUNDUNDUN....DUNDUNDUN....DUN..DUN...DUNDUNDUN... So awesome. I'm sure it annoyed some people for being this dark depressed and ominous theme song playing the whole film but I always interpreted that myself as the heartbeat of someone freezing to death in the desolate snowbound icy lairs of Antarctica.
Or maybe the heartbeat of the still living frozen Thing stuck in the ice.
All the music is just damn creepy and ugly organic sounds. Best musical score goes to QBricks own classic "remake" The Shining" best score ever just forget about it lol. Try to make those sounds yourself it sounds hilarious.
I would haave thought thhe Exorcist 3 would have be on Rob list. John Carpenters The Thing is mine and probably a lot of other people's favourite horror. It has such great range from shock moment of the defibilator scene, the terrifying body horror, and the creepy atmosphere throughout. Another Carpenter film I rate is Christine. The car is terrifying when it burst out of the petrol station on fire.
The one that had the biggest impactt on my childhood was The Ring (Japanese one). I had to coveer the t.v. in my bedroom eevery night because of it.
Agree about The Exorcist III. Rewatched it recently and it is both beautifully made and very creepy. William Peter Blatty's direction is superb. I get confused by the two versions, though.
Poltergeist would probably be my number 1. Saw it when I was 8 years old and it scared the pants off me, and certain visuals in it have stuck with me ever since. Love it.
“Trilogy of Terror” The Doll segment. To this day, nothing horrified my siblings & I more than that.
Body Snatchers: great call! 👍 First time I experienced TONE as a kid and the dog barking w the old man’s coconut on it? My hair turned white.
Original Body Snatchers is creepy/disturbing. Re-make with D Sutherland/Nimoy is creepy/disturbing/horror/scary.
Most underrated youtube channel ever. Keep it up, Rob
Thanks for sharing, this gives me a lot of watching material. Another horror film I love is Carnival of Souls. And the scariest film I've ever seen is Inland Empire.
I've watched The Thing pretty much every year since it was on cable back in the mid eighties. Watched it again the other night with my new 4K player and television and realized this movie is just....the best.
love it