It’s that time of the year again and I don’t mean fall. Here are some supremely scary suggestions for films for your Halloween festivities. They range from classics (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Psycho) to more modern films (1408, The Descent), offering a variety of ways to scare all your guests.

Session 9 (2001)

Shot on site at a mental hospital the movie tells the story of an asbestos removal crew who begin to discover that perhaps there is something evil still lingering within the structure, perhaps even beginning to slip into the minds of the workers.

The Texas Chainsaw
Massacre (1974)
Inspired by a visit to the local hardware store, Hooper sought to use the Chainsaw as the centerpiece of this cult classic. Never again would the Chainsaw be viewed the same again in cinema history.

1408 (2007)

This adaptation of a Stephen King short story stars John Cusack as a troubled writer who seemingly gets in over his head when he discovers a room within a upscale hotel that not even a seemingly cooperative Samuel L. Jackson will not enter. The room itself steals the film.

Zombie (1979)

The film was meant as a European only sequel to the Italian financed sequel to Dawn of the Dead, Zombie is the only Italian horror film on the list. With its often graphic violence, the film teeters nearly on cheesy. But its share of memorable, disturbing moments is what earns it keep as a genuine horror movie.

The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson’s performance as a family man who brings his family to care for a hotel in the Colorado Wilderness was simply frightening. His shark like smile becomes something to fear for the audience as the evil seemingly corrupts his mind.

The Descent (2005)

A nearly all female cast lead this tale of thrill seekers who stumble upon cannibalistic creatures who dwell within the cave they just so happen to be exploring in. The ladies eventually discover that the creatures are not the only thing to be worried about.

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film about a lonely hotel clerk and his murderous secret is still beloved over the years. The movie innovated the way thriller movies should be done, inspiring waves of influence among fellow horror directors of the years. The lack of gore and the use of slow build tension makes this more horrifying believe it or not.

The Exorcist (1972)

One of the most controversial horror films of all time, The Exorcist features two priests, full of doubt, trying to force out a powerful evil that exists within the body of an innocent young girl. The story was created by William Peter Blatty, who was inspired by stories of exorcism during his time as a student at Georgetown.

Silence of The Lambs (1992)

An F.B.I trainee is on the hunt for a serial killer named Buffalo Bill. With no where left to turn, she seeks advice from a monster with a human face, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. With his cold stare, sharp tongue and his knowledge of the human psyche, Lecter is a frightening character that steals every scene he is in, even eclipsing Buffalo Bill.

Halloween (1980)

This film introduced us to Michael Myers, a cunning serial killer with a painted Captain Kirk mask. Myers is an escaped mental patient with only one obvious objective in the film, to return home and claim the life of his long lost sister, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Myers agility and stealth effectively keep the audience on their toes as to whose going to get whacked, next.

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

Tim Robbins plays a Vietnam Vet who begins to hallucinate and have nightmares, seeing demons and things he cannot explain. When he comes to find he is not alone, Jacob begins to question his very existence on Earth. This film contains one of the most emotional endings in horror movies.

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

While following the basics of George A. Romero’s films, this film offers a faster pace by offering more intense action scenes and running zombies. The social commentary found in film can still illicit feelings of horror within the audience.

Se7en (1997)

Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman lead an all star cast in which they play detectives hunting down a serial killer with a penchant for punishing citizens by their sins in graphic, memorable ways. The film features one of the most disturbing, shocking endings of all time.