Reader Submitted Scary Movie Reviews
Dawn Shienle had this to say about Jaws:
A very powerful and unsettling film with eerie scenes and alot of foreboding
especially Robert Shaw's Quint and his preoccupation with the large killer shark
that make it a must see for anyone and will really give you the creeps.
Suzi Lorraine had this to say about American Psycho:
Glad to see this modern classic included the mix! My favorite scene was when
Patrick Bateman was chasing the prostitute down the stairs with a chainsaw.
Talk about suspense! With a hefty dose of dark comedy thrown in, indeed...
And for a book/film as grisly as this, it is interesting to note how much character development there was. The blonde prostitute was also a stand out character, very real and vulnerable. You really felt for her. Last but not least, the movie is a fantastic satire about the ridiculousness and preposterousness of the contingent of the vapid and vain 80s yuppies living the "American Dream" at the expense of the heart and soul.
Robert M. Whitney Sr had this to say about Poltergiest:
The only movie that has ever given me nightmares as an adult!
Joshua R. Pipitone had this to say about Scary Movie Reviews:
I Think that Edward X. Young did an excellent job displaying these scary movies.
I have watched most of them and would have to agree. Excellent Choice Edward!
Audre' Myers had this to say about Scary Movie Reviews:
This is a love letter to Edward X. Young. I live in St. Petersburg, Fl
now but lived for several years in Alstead, New Hampshire. This time of year
finds me online at the Keene Sentinel website because I'm charmed by the Pumpkin
Festival and because I get to read Mr. Young's critique of horror movies.
I am a horror movie mavin and even raised my children watching all that stuff.
They are full grown adults today, Boy Scout den leader and a stay at home mom
who are so normal and well adjusted it scares me. But I gave them a love of the
genre that holds true today. What's funny is they tell ME now what I can watch
and what I shouldn't!
But back to my love letter. Mr. Young is the only horror film critic I know who
recommends Carnival of Souls. For more years than I care to mention, I believed
I was the only person to have seen this movie. None of my contemporaries who
enjoy the genre have seen this movie. It was a must see for my kids years (and
years, lol) after it came out.
Mr. Young is exactly correct. There is something insidious and invading about
this movie. It gets inside you somehow and once seen, you never forget it. I
guess some people would call it a 'sleeper'. I call it a 'no sleeper'. There are
no big screams...no 'gotcha's' like in Carrie. But it darkens your mind in a way
that just unsettles you and makes you feel uncomfortable long after you've seen
it.
Mr. Young has had Carnival of Souls on his list of must see horror movies for
probably the last five years and come Pumpkin Festival time, after I go through
the gallery of pictures of the wonderful hometown event, my second big treat is
to read his reviews of the horror movies. He's bright, articulate, and the man
knows his horror movies.
I have emailed every October for probably five or six years and have never
gotten a response from Mr.Young. Maybe this year he'll take pity on a senior
citizen and let me know that he's read my 'love letter'.
Anyone else reading this 'review', I recommend that you view this movie about 2
a.m., when all in the house are asleep. Curl up in the corner of your couch. And
when the movie is over and it's time to turn out the light and walk through
you're dark house to your bedroom...
The Film Panel Notetaker had this to say about Grindhouse:
It's too bad Grindhouse never took off like it should have at the box office. It
was thoroughly entertaining, despite its 3-hour-plus long run. Two films in one
with mock horror trailers in between and other goodies.
William J. Watkins Jr. had this to say about Attack of the 50-ft woman
:
I remember the beginning of this film well. It was about 1961 and I recall
saying this huge , bald, alien pilot of a spherical spacecraft. He was walking
away fron the ship which was emitting vapors of a sort and making different
sounds. Wow I thought ! I wonder if aliens out there are really giants and their
ships must be round like this , because they would offer the least friction for
space travel . I also liked the showdown when the giantess catches up with her
Don Juan husband Harry . I was about 9 then and I really enjoyed it .
Rob Roy had this to say about Lycan Colony:
Wow! I was thrilled Edward X. Young meantioned my film here among all the other
greats on his list. His review was very insightful and I am honored to be
reviewed by him! Mr. Young appears to be an up and comer himself, Sea of Dust
looks awesome, can't wait to see him and Tom Savini!Go get'em Ed-X!
R had this to say about Rocky Horror Picture Show:
I know it's not scary but it's a fun movie to watch in the theater. I remember
when the Colonial used to show it around this time of year. I wish they would
start showing it annually at midnight again. What other movie could you get up
and do the time warp, throw stuff, say stuff back at the screen, and dress up as
your favorite character?
Rosalynd Darling had this to say about Sea of Dust:
You are wonderful in Sea of Dust, Ed! Creepy stuff. I am anxiously waiting for
it to be released on the big screen.
Garen Daly had this to say about Scary Movies:
Nice selection of films. Good work!
R had this to say about Stephen King:
Where's Christine, Carrie, Sleepwalkers, Pet Sematary, and The Shining with Jack Nicholson? Can't have a horror movie list without the King of horror.
Scott had this to say about Scary Movies:
Really enjoyed the reviews and your knowledgeable takes. I'm sure people will quibble with some of your choices; we horror fans are an overly serious bunch! There's only so much room at the top, however, so I was glad to see some of these pictures getting the attention they deserved.
Ruth Weston had this to say about Sea of Dust:
Thank you Ed for your review of "Sea of Dust" The picture of you impaled by a cross made me want to see the film but the review was what tipped the scale! Depraved aristocrats & diabolical dungeons-MUST SEE!! What's not to love about that! Spookily, Ruth Weston
Vanessa Ann Williams had this to say about Thir13en Ghosts:
I believe this one should be included, although most of the movies on the list are not very gorey, this movie has gore and also an extreme jump factor take it from me! i'm a horror freak! i've watched them alone since i was 8 and not much makes me jump, but thir13en ghosts did!
John McCormack had this to say about Scary Movies:
Great reviews ... But where are Karloff's Frankenstein trilogy, "House on Haunted Hill," "The Blair Witch Project," and ANYTHING featuring Sarah Jessica Parker (AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!) just to mention a few??
Leslie Ann Searles had this to say about Sea of Dust:
I can't wait to see this movie, especially with Edward X. Young featured in it! I love the Horror selections that have been highlighted here, "Rosemary's Baby" is a classic I watched again just recently. Happy Halloween!
Linda Konner had this to say:
Love the reviews. Definitely bringing out some classics for this Halloween!!
Sue McAdams had this to say about Night of the Living Dead:
Having grown up on horror films, I am very skeptical of anything new. Recent films tend to highlight the gory while forgetting about build-up and plot, which is what makes or breaks a terrifying story. The ones that really shook me and still give me nightmares are Night of the Living Dead, The Hills Have Eyes, and Alien. HOWEVER, Sea of Dust sounds promising--Ingrid Pitt? Cannibalistic harpies? Zombie assassins? I think I must check this flick out!
Edward W. Ferruggia had this to say about Sea of Dust:
That new Savini movie sounds great! Interesting to see Mr. Young with a cross stuck through his head too. Looks like a cool new movie!
Edward Eff had this to say about The Blob:
It was great to see a review of a classic like The Blob. A very notable film because of Steve McQueen and also a great horror classic.
R had this to say about Movie list:
Nice job updating the website but you forgot to give a new Horror movie review list. Can we please have a new list? Several horror movies have come out since the list was
originally posted about 3 years ago. Like the Devils Rejects, Night of the living dead (2004), Red Eye, Saw 1 & 2, Hostel, High Tension, Destination 3, and Jeepers Creepers 2 just to name a few.
Paige had this to say about Children of the Corn, Maximum Overdrive:
These were two of my fav movies growing up and I have yet to see them on any scary movies
list, just because Maximum Overdrive doesn't have monsters, it's still scary........Anyway I hope people start remembering these two movies for me.....
Emily Terry had this to say about Scary Movie 3:
This movie was so funny and scary at the same time. It is about how a girl lost her mother and father, watch and find out the remainder of the story.
Karen Mader had this to say about The Haunting:
The original 1963 version of The Haunting (starring Claire Bloom and Russ Tamblyn) beats all of these movies for scariest film ever! It's all about the creepy atmosphere and the implied haunting. Creative use of camera angles and lighting (rather than overused special effects) adds to the fright.
Mr. Salasity had this to say about Don't Look in the Basement:
A timeless classic, sadly overlooked by today's critics, including Mr. Young :-(
R had this to say about movies:
Where's Scream, or Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday The 13th series? I think you need to post a new list of horror movies instead of posting last years list.
Audré Myers had this to say about Scary Movie Reviews:
I don't want to use any of your content but couldn't find a "contact me" button! I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your list and the wonderful manner in which you critiqued some of my all time favorite horror movies. I suspect I am a good deal older than you (heck, I'm older than everyone but my husband (ha!), but you brought a freshness to your film descriptions as if you had seen them for the first time. Age considered, you probably have, on some of them. But your enjoyment of the movies comes through in your writing and I thought you might like to know that. I can 'read' your smile as you talk about the plots and qualities of these films.
It may amuse you to know I'm writing from Florida. I lived in New Hampshire many (read 35) years ago. My sisters still live in New Hampshire and I had an email from my younger sister telling me to check out THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL. So I did, and after reading all of the articles from year one of the festival, I was so charmed I decided to check out the rest of the site and found your scary movie list. I hit the end of the rainbow, as far as I'm concerned.
One of the things that impressed me about your critique is that you never sounded 'above' the material about which you were writing. I hate that sense of "well, I'm writing this for the same crowd that watches wrestling" tone that a lot of reviewers use. You were concise but excited about your subject, there were no 'typo's', which I hate, you brought a true understanding to the subject, and you have an enjoyable turn of phrase. I thoroughly enjoyed your reviews.
On the lighter side, I raised two really normal children. Why do I mention that? Well, because my kids have been watching horror movies since they were probably three years old! I'm laughing to myself as I tell you that my children (adults now) cannot be scared! But they sure know a good horror movie when they see one! It is a much maligned genre and they can see 'commercial' a mile away. I'm still laughing when I tell you that they say 'grace' at dinner, cover their mouths when they cough, and can tell you a ghost story that will raise the hair on your neck! In certain company, I'm a little embarrassed by my penchant for horror movies. Until I read a review like yours, and then I feel justified. What a hobby for a "grammy", huh?
I'm off (October is the best month for horror movies on TV.), but wanted to say thanks and let you know someone out there is paying attention.
Thanks.
Audré Myers (no relation to Michael Myers!)
Mia had this to say about Scary Movie Reviews:
After reviewing the choices of "horror" movies, I was a little confused that the Evil Dead trilogy and none of the Sleepaway Camp films made it to the list. Now being a bigger fan of Rosemary's Baby than the next ... is Halloween not about class ... but more wackem' hackem' death ala Camp Crystal Lake? Keep the reviews coming!!
Audré Myers had this to say about Carnival of Souls:
I am someone who does not sleep well. Never have. In my late 20's, early 30's I would flick around the stations in the early morning hours when normal people are asleep and come across scenes from a movie that made me change the channel whenever I came across it. I would say to myself, "If you watch this, you'll never go to sleep". I happened to catch it one day in the afternoon and watched it all the way through. It is not an inherently scary movie but it is so subtle and so amorphous, that it seeps into your brain and you know you never want to have a nightmare about this movie. Understated, maybe poorly acted, but so effective you never forget it. Phew, I get little goose bumps thinking about it.
Dennis Chalifour had this to say about Don't Look Now:
Another great eclectic list from Ed Young. Nice to see a nod to Carnival of Souls (1962), one of the creepiest movies ever. For pure suspense, I'd like to add Nick Roeg's Don't Look Now (1973). A more stylish thriller has never been produced. It certainly could be named in a paternity suit regarding The Sixth Sense. I also want to give a nod to the last scene in Carrie - a nightmare come to life.
Daniel Guzas had this to say about Session 9:
Little known movie but FANTASTIC plot. Asbestos workers are hired to decontaminate the abandoned Danvers Mental Hospital and what happens to them is as creepy and scary as the actual hospital itself. Filmed entirely on location at the actual mental hospital in Danvers MA. You can see this amazing building looming up on its hill while traveling Rt 95 going North. This is absolutely one of my favorite movies of all time. If you are looking for a short attention span Hollywood movie with lots of special effects this is NOT the movie for you. This one is classically subtle and takes the time to freak you out. Absolutely perfect. Give it a try. The more times you see it the more you get out of it. Trust me.
Edward Ferruggia had this to say about The Black Cat:
Wow, I really love this movie and Edward X. Young created one heck of a list of scary movies! I agree with his reviews and I plan to rent a few of them I've never seen.
Taylor Pearson had this to say about Dracula:
There could have been a little bit for action in this movie. I want to be a movie star someday too.
Gary Hamer had this to say about Rocky Horror Picture Show:
This is a film for the ages. No matter how many times you see it you will want to see it again and again.
Juan Andrade had this to say about Eraserhead:
I like Ed's choices. I participated in his survey with the choice Eraserhead. I don't blame Ed for not choosing Eraserhead for this review; but that is ostensibly because it depicts a horrific loss of sanity in a surreal and oppressive reality. Ed may have been held liable for introducing others to the horror that this film truly is. Also, the film is not well known. Thanks Ed, your insight into horror is invaluable.
Alan Carter had this to say about Psycho and Jaws:
I usually agree with most everything Ed Young says. But Ed, this column is lacking, wouldn't you say? No mention of Psycho or Jaws?? Hello! Psycho is on a LOT of people's all-time scariest movies list ... Psycho and Jaws were so scary they changed BEHAVIOR ... Unless The Others had people wearing less lace, or Rosemary's Baby had fewer women wearing tannis, I don't think they had quite the impact. And any scary movie list HAS to contain two movies that kept an entire generation from showering or going to the beach. Long after some of your other titles are forgotten (and they will be) Psycho and Jaws will STILL be remembered for how they unsettled a nation. Looking forward to your CORRECTED column! Ha!
Dorothy Charland had this to say about Rosemary's Baby:
The best horror movie I ever saw.
Jaynee K had this to say about 28 Days Later:
This beats every "scary" movie out there. It left me with my jaw to the floor, while on the edge of my seat, the whole movie. Many, many times, it left me curled up in my seat with my eyes closed! Seriously, it's out now. Go rent it! Make sure u don't get the rage! - jane 14
Sarah Finkenstadt had this to say about What Lies Beneath:
Bone chilling!
Carrie Greenwood had this to say about The Exorcist:
I have to say that this movie, still to this day, gives me the creeps every time I even hear the music! This was definitely the movie I would pick for being one of the scariest movies.
Tom Agger had this to say about The Ring:
I think the best horror movie to come out in years is by far The Ring. It had all the right amounts of things to make you jump, and just when you think everything is over and everyone is safe, it has one last big fright to keep you scared on the way home. Great movie!
Deb Butler had this to say about Wait Until Dark:
A classic! Who didn't scream when the refrigerator light went out?
Monica Driscoll had this to say about The Shining:
The Shining is the best horror movie of all time. This was the first horror movie I ever saw. If you are looking for an awesome scary that will last a lifetime rent this movie. It has it all.
Erin R. had this to say about House of a Thousand Corpses:
This movie was way scarier than any of the other movies listed.
William Watkins Jr. had this to say about The Evil Dead:
I remember going to see this movie with some good friends. The movie theatre was a very large one and the acoustics were good also. I recall people leaving the theatre when the grotesque dead zombies lashed out at the unfortunate living souls. The technique used to film the approaching zombies was very eerie ... it made you feel a sense of foreboding like you were being watched. Bruce Campbell did a fine job of conveying the horror he felt and the desperation of the situation . In spite of the many years it has been since I saw this movie I still remember it well , it still stands out for me as a truly shocking horror film. One that hasn't faded from my memory yet in all those years since it was released....
Raye Hollings had this to say about Movie Classics:
It was great to see some of the old classics hit your list but I am surprised that the whole Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolfman series missed the list. It must be a sign of my age that those are the films that I think of when looking for "horror" - but I did enjoy reading about Rosemary's Baby and The Thing - two frightening films that I had forgotten about.
Margaret Tierney had this to say about The Others:
What I loved best about the film The Others was much different from that of the reviewer....While I agree that Nicole Kidman is a lovely woman, I do not think that that is enough to make the film great. The Others reminded me of the wonderfully suspenseful films of years ago that relied on a solid script and clever story to build fear and suspense instead of gore and violence. It reminded me very much of an old film that was not on your list - The Innocents with Deborah Kerr.
Mary Burke had this to say about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre:
I have to say The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was one of the greatest horror movies of all times. For one, it scared me half to death. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole movie and I kept covering my eyes. It was a movie that scared me after the movie ended ( i.e.. home alone, walking alone @ night)..."
Heidi had this to say about the The Texas Chainsaw Massacre:
sick classic
Joie Cooper had this to say about The Thing:
This is a great addition to your site. Lots of fun! I usually am a hard core fan of the original version of films but in the case of The Thing, I think the remake is every bit, if not better than the original. The final scene is completely unsettling and it is so wonderful to see a film that doesn't cop out with a Hollywood ending that cleans up all the ends and Kurt Russell is great as the dark scientist trapped in the terrifying desolation of the Antarctic!
Judy Ropple had this to say about The Exorcist:
I saw this when I was 14 yrs old. It scared me to death.
Mummingbirds had this to say about The Mothman Prophecies:
A good list, but might I recommend The Mothman Prophecies to your readers. It's a very well-made and well-acted film, and I found it to be very eerie. Any chance for you to draw up a second list, with your second-tier choices, and another list of your readers' favorite horror films? Keep up the good work. - mummingbirds
Rob Goodfellow had this to say about Roman Polanski:
I was surprised to see two Roman Polanski films in the lineup, particularly THE NINTH GATE. Is the rumor true: that Mr. Polanski is the producer of the new flick "Thirteen"?
G. Harris had this to say about Carrie:
This has to be one of the scariest movies ever. If you like scary movies than you may want to see this one. If you read the book its even worse. So for all you scary movie fans go rent this and be prepared.
Sheldon Elliot Rothfarb had this to say about THE OTHERS:
Sadly, Uncle Sweetheart doesn't appreciate great Literature as evidenced by his comments about Nicole Kidman in THE HOURS, and Chance Wayne doesn't appreciate Nicole Kidman's artistry referring to his comments about THE OTHERS.
Don A. Holshuh had this to say about House on Haunted Hill:
It was 1959 and I was 10 years old. There was no movie rating system. I saw this Vincent Price movie and was terrified. By today's standard, the movie is quite tame. But I sure do remember being very scared.
Sheldon Elliot Rothfarb had this to say about FREAKS:
Omitted from this list were four of my very favorite horror films- PSYCHO-featuring the classic shower scene where Anthony Perkins so chillingly stabs Janet Leigh to death, and his final transformation into his mother; THE BIRDS-with those vicious attacks and THE OMEN- which features the shocking decapitation scene and the very vicious attacks by the Doberman Pinschers. But first and foremost is the great Tod Browning's masterpiece FREAKS. This film is especially frightening because the central figures are real-life freaks with no arms or legs in burlap sacks. The film begins as a real exposition of a circus side-show and captures your emotions as the strongman's normal sized girlfriend deceives a midget into believing she is in love with him and receives much monetary rewards. After the deception is discovered and the midget is humiliated, these freaks shockingly take revenge and roll around with knives in their teeth mutilating and murdering the perpetrators. I saw this movie about 30 years ago and the emotions and climax still seem vivid.
Sheldon Elliot Rothfarb had this to say about Felicia's Journey:
Truly one of the finest and most haunting of recent films. Bob Hoskins is superb as the emotionally and socially suppressed serial killer of young ladies who becomes eerily attached to Felicia who he calls his "Special Angel," crooning the old standard.
Sheldon Elliot Rothfarb had this to say about The Shining:
This film has a special place in my memory as an all-time classic of the genre. The atmosphere and surroundings are especially chilling in more ways than one. Three of the most vivid scenes are the stalking by Jack of his timid wife with his ax, his annihilation of Scatman Crothers, and his final pursuit of his wife and son which climaxes with his freezing to death and flashes to his face in an old photo from 1924.
Sheldon Elliot Rothfarb had this to say about The Ninth Gate:
This film was very suspenseful. With people involved with the manuscripts successively found dead, the intense strangling scene perpetrated by Langella, and later the fight to the death between Depp and Langella. I was further captivated by the sex scene involving Depp and Lena Olin and her sudden attack on him. However, the most thrilling aspect of the film involved Emmanuelle Seigneur, one of the sexiest actresses of all-time and her scenes with Depp including her sudden shows of physical strength which later was explained by the final and shocking revelation.
Uncle Sweetheart had this to say about The Others:
Speaking of horror films starring the exquisite Nic Kidman, why wasn't "The Hours" on your list? Being forced to sit through that turgid two hours by the missus ranks with the greatest horrors of my life, like eight weeks of boot camp at Parris Island. In the words of Colonel Walter E. Kurtz: "The horror! The horror!"
Chance Wayne had this to say about The Others:
I think THE OTHERS should be classified as a mystery rather than a horror film. The mystery is where is this so-called great talent in the former Mrs. Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, that the critics started raving about once she freed herself from one of the top box office stars in the world, a man without whom she would have had NO Hollywood career at all, and instead would be lucky to be appearing in soap operas back in her native Oz. With her thin, almost breathless, and poorly accented voice, she reminded me of watching the most-talented sophomore girl in a high school play. I mean, her performance wouldn't have passed muster in a third-rate acting school, let alone a major film, but for the notoriety of her marriage to, and very-public divorce from Mr. Cruise, and her frequent recourse to nudity, both in film and on stage, a development most actresses in this day and age leave behind them after they ascend from starlet status. THE OTHERS was a good film, but it could have been a great one with a first-rate actress in the lead, say Cate Blanchett.
John Reed had this to say about The Texas Chainsaw Massacre & The Ninth Gate:
I am a huge fan of horror movies so I really enjoyed seeing a list of some films I have forgotten about over the years like a favorite (although gruesome choice) Texas Chainsaw Massacre! However, being a big fan of Rosemary's Baby, I was very disappointed in The Ninth Gate and I am surprised to see it given such a good review. In my opinion, it was far below the quality of Rosemary and most of the other films included in your list.
A. Phillips had this to say about The Ninth Gate:
Great movie until the end and then it simply fizzled out into a run-of-the-mill horror movie.
A. Phillips had this to say about Scary Movie Reviews:
Where's Salem's Lot, Cujo, Interview With The Vampire, Deep Blue Sea, Anaconda, Sleepy Hollow, Hardware, Dark City, Jeepers Creepers, From Dusk to Dawn, Lifeforce, Vamp, Hocus Pocus, etc., etc., etc.
Tina Baranski had this to say about American Psycho:
This was one of the most twisted movies I have ever seen! The fact that there were so many sick-funny moments in it, makes it a guilty pleasure for anyone who likes gore films.
N. Levin had this to say about Carnival of Souls:
It was wonderful to see Carnival of Souls included in a scary movie list. It is still one of my favorite films. You can not ask for more atmospheric cinematography in a horror film. For anyone who hasn't already seen it, I highly recommend it. It will stay with you long after the final credits.
H. Rito had this to say about The Others:
The only thing that I found suspenseful about The Others was how much longer it was going to go on before it finally came to an end. Although I did appreciate the twist that this movie provided at the end I honestly had a hard time caring because it took a far too circuitous route getting there.
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