10. The Thing (1982)
Is The Thing a realistic horror movie, no, but are any horror movies truly realistic? One of the reasons why The Thing gets low ratings is because people find it implausible. Do me a favor and throw that idea out the window when you sit down to watch this film. The suspense, the cult classic background music build up, the characters, and the pure horror are all of the reasons why you should give this movie a chance. As the trailer says, “Man is the warmest place to hide.

9. Carrie (1976)

Coming in at number 9, we have the original Carrie. This movie took the horror cult classics by storm because for one of the first times, “the monster,” is shy, beautiful, but a complicated high school student. With Carrie’s telekinetic powers, she was able to be both the victim and the victor in this film. This horror film will definitely need a bowl of popcorn accompanied with it because it is a slow burn, but it’s worth it! The last thirty minutes will have your jaw on the floor so buckle in for this movie.

8. Gremlins (1984)

“ But the most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs, never feed him after midnight.” The Gremlins movie created the rating PG-13 after two months of being in theaters. It was a little too gory for children, but adults could still enjoy it. Originally, it was supposed to be an intensely gruesome film that was destined to be rated R, but the writers scared themselves and decided to ease up on the horror a little bit. It has the perfect amount of humor, gore, and plotline. Gizmo steals the show as Billy’s sidekick! If anything, watch this movie for the friendship story between Billy and Gizmo because it will melt your heart.

7. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Craven’s best work is on full display with this film and quite honestly Freddy Kreuger made him famous!Kreuger’s features alone will have your skin crawling, but the worst and best part of this film is the suspense. Throughout the whole movie, you are being catapulted between the real world and the dream world. There are times where it is hard to differentiate between the two but that just adds to the terror that Craven mastered in this film. Not to mention, you don’t feel exhausted cheering on Nancy, the main character, because she never gives up and she thinks of every outcome possible. Here’s my only advice, “Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep.”

6. It (1990)

The original IT beats the new version by a milestone! Unlike the new movies, the original drama miniseries had the plot mix between children and adult single film. They tried to fit too much into the new films. Unfortunately, that cinemagraphic choice makes the new movie clunky and mundane compared to the original. In 1990, Tim Curry blew the audience away with his version of Pennywise! Without the original It, there wouldn’t have been the new adaptation that shocked the world.

5. Beetlejuice (1988)

Two words for you… Michael Keaton! He absolutely killed his role with Beetlejuice, adding just enough creepiness and humor to his character. A Tim Burton film had to make this list at some point and here we are. The set for this film is impeccable and the plot was just strange enough to keep the watcher interested. Everytime Keaton’s character comes into screen, you can’t help but let out a sigh knowing that he is going to pull some sort of prank. This is the perfect light hearted, cult classic film to view this upcoming Halloween weekend.

4. The Exorcist (1973)

This cult classic will have your stomach churning, questioning your morals, and leave your brain shocked at the ending. This movie will stick with you, whether it’s through never being able to look at pea soup again or never being able to look out a window the same ever again either. The Exorcist has the perfect mix between the supernatural world and pure horror. The cinematography, the fx makeup, and the actors were some of the best of the 70s. Linda Blair does an excellent job at selling her role, and selling it so well!

3. Scream (1996)

“You’re not scared, are ya?” Wes Craven strikes again for the top ten cult classic list! Craven’s take on Scream is mind blowing. If you haven’t taken time out of your day to watch this film, you better start now. What makes this movie so entertaining is the fact that it picks apart all halloween movie cliches. Instead of movie characters being oblivious to their surroundings, Scream’s characters “know” they are in a horror movie plot. Skeet Ulrich and Neve Campbell’s acting sells the entire cliche plot, but in the best possible way. The ending will have your stomach in knots and hopefully is a big enough shock for you as it was for me the first time I watched it!

2. Halloween (1978)

Halloween is overall an excellent thriller. The beginning scenes set the mood for the rest of the movie. Creepy, suspenseful, and terrifying. Michael Myers lack of speed and calm demeanor would send a chill up anyone’s spine. Jamie Lee Curtis’ character is intelligent and one of the wittiest babysitters I’ve ever seen. The difference between Halloween and the rest of the cult classics is instead of watching a movie, you are experiencing it with the characters as the plot unravels.

1. Friday the 13th (1980)

Last but certainly not least, we have Friday the 13th coming in at number 1 for the cult classics. Have you ever wanted to go to summer camp? If yes, you might change your mind after watching this movie. The movie lacks plot, I won’t deny that, but for an original slasher film it surely takes the cake. The characters are minuscule and all focus is on the horrific villain of the movie. But who is Jason? The ending is a shock and there might even be a jump scare in there as well. I promise the unmasking is worth watching. It’s the perfect gory movie to watch if you don’t want all your attention focused on a screen.

All movie posters and cover photos are taken from IMBd.com