What to watch this month!
It’s October 1, 2023 and we are officially into the holiday season. If you are anything like me, you live for the adrenaline rush that comes with a bone-chilling horror movie. With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to cozy up on the couch, dim the lights, and dive into some of the scariest films ever made. In this blog post, I’m going to talk about my top 5 scariest movies that are sure to leave you sleeping with the lights on! Grab your popcorn and brace yourself, because things are about to get spooky!
1. “The Exorcist” (1973)
“The Exorcist” tops my list as the granddaddy of all horror films. It is loosely based on a novel by William Peter Blatty, which in turn was inspired by a real-life case of alleged demonic possession and exorcism. The novel and the film took inspiration from the reported events surrounding the exorcism of a boy known by the pseudonym “Roland Doe” or “Robbie Mannheim.”
In 1949, the events surrounding Robbie Mannheim’s alleged possession and exorcism became widely publicized and were documented by various sources. The case involved a series of disturbing and unexplained events, such as strange sounds, objects moving on their own, and the boy’s violent and erratic behavior. The Catholic Church eventually became involved, and a series of exorcisms were performed on Robbie Mannheim.
Directed by William Friedkin, this iconic masterpiece tells the story of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a malevolent demon. The chilling performances, gruesome makeup effects, and eerie atmosphere make this film an absolute must-watch for any horror fan. It’s a classic that has stood the test of time and will continue to haunt viewers for generations to come.
2. “The Amityville Horror” (1979)
Based on the allegedly true story of the Lutz family’s paranormal experiences in their new home, “The Amityville Horror” is a bone-chilling tale of supernatural terror although the veracity of the events remains a subject of controversy and skepticism. Here is an overview of the alleged true-life events:
Background: In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into a Dutch colonial-style house located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. The house had a sinister history because, in November 1974, a year before the Lutz family moved in, Ronald DeFeo Jr. had murdered six members of his family in the house.
The Lutz Family: The Lutz family consisted of George and Kathy Lutz and Kathy’s three children from a previous marriage. The family reported a series of disturbing and supernatural events that occurred during their 28-day stay in the house.
Alleged Events: Some of the claimed experiences by the Lutz family during their time in the Amityville house included:
- Cold Spots and Unexplained Odors: They reported experiencing sudden and extreme cold spots throughout the house, even in rooms with no windows. They also claimed to have smelled strange odors.
- Paranormal Activity: The family reported seeing mysterious figures and shadowy apparitions, as well as hearing unexplained noises, such as footsteps and voices.
- Swarming Flies: The house was allegedly infested with swarms of flies, even during the winter months, which was considered highly unusual.
- Physical Assaults: George Lutz claimed to have been physically attacked by unseen entities, leaving him with unexplained injuries.
- Levitation: Kathy Lutz claimed to have witnessed her daughter levitating above her bed.
- Demonic Presences: The Lutz family believed that the house was haunted by malevolent spirits or a demonic presence.
Leaving the House: After just 28 days, the Lutz family left the Amityville house, claiming that they could no longer endure the terrifying experiences. They left behind their belongings and fled the property. It has become a horror classic, known for its iconic haunted house and sinister history. This was the first horror film that I ever saw and it still chills me when I watch it!
3. “Hereditary” (2018)
A more recent addition to the horror genre, “Hereditary” directed by Ari Aster is a slow-burning nightmare that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Although not based on any true life events, it does incorporate elements of the supernatural. This film explores the dark and disturbing secrets of a family’s ancestry, leading to a series of horrifying events. Toni Collette’s performance is nothing short of astonishing, and the film’s expertly crafted tension and shocking twists make it a modern classic of the genre.
4. “Get Out” (2017)
Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” combines social commentary with psychological horror to create a truly unique and terrifying experience. The film follows a black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend, only to uncover a disturbing and sinister conspiracy. “Get Out” uses horror as a lens to explore racism and cultural appropriation, making it not only scary but thought-provoking.
5. “The Conjuring” (2013)
“The Conjuring” directed by James Wan is a modern haunted house classic. Based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film follows the Warrens as they help a family terrorized by a malevolent spirit. This film masterfully builds tension and delivers some truly hair-raising moments that will have you jumping out of your seat.
These five movies are sure to give you the heebie-jeebies and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the horror genre. Whether you’re a seasoned horror veteran or just dipping your toes into the world of scares, these films are a perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. So, gather your bravest friends, lock the doors, and get ready for a night of heart-pounding terror.
Happy haunting!
Calm Journey 