Release of Horror Movies, The Best Time of the Year
By Donna Zamora
Do you like horror movies? Cause I do, but do you ever stop and think why? Why are scary movies made? Are scary movies even that good? There have been many horror movies released since the beginning of the cinema universe, but are scary movies made to profit off popular franchises or are they made to create a new thrilling movie they know people would like to see? Personally I think no matter how “bad” a horror movie is there will always be a specific scene that will make you leave the theater mind blown. Now here are my top 5 horror movies that left me in shock and I recommend watching. ***Warning: Summaries contain mild spoilers***
1. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Rating: 9/10
Summary: Paranormal Investigators Ed and Lorriane Warren travel to North London where Peggy Hodgson, single mother of 4, tells the couple that something evil is in her home. Ed and Lorriane start to see her story is true when their youngest daughter Janet shows signs of demonic possession.
Why I like It: I loved this movie because of the insane plot twist towards the end that left me in shock the first time I saw it.
2. Sinister (2012)
Rating: 8/10
Summary: Ellison Oswald is a true crime writer who uncovers old film footage showing the deaths of an innocent family and he wants to solve the mystery. He then moves his own family into the victims home and begins to work. Ellison learns that something more sinister is happening and living in that house can cost his family's lives.
Why I like it: I loved this movie for the unique plot that isn’t very common in horror movies and the antagonist of the movie, Bughuul was a good choice for this movie as he’s very terrifying and actually made me scared to close my eyes the first time I watched this film.
3. The Nun 2 (2023)
Rating: 9/10
Summary: Sister Irene and Sister Debra travel to France to investigate what's causing the church murders all over Europe. They then discover Valak is using Maurice’s body to seek the eyes of St. Lucy and plans to kill him when she finds them. While fighting off the Demon Nun, Sister Irene learns something about herself that may help her send Valak back to hell forever.
Why I like It: I saw this film when it came out and I was in shock with Sister Irene’s storyline. I also loved the jumpscares in this movie and the different ways the people were possessed or have seen Valak.
4. The Black Phone (2021)
Rating: 8.5/10
Summary: Finney Shaw is a shy 13 year old boy who was kidnapped and held hostage in a soundproof basement by a sadistic, masked killer. While trapped, he sees a disconnected phone hanging on the wall that seems to be ringing and soon discovers he can hear the voices of previous victims over the phone.
Why I like It: I loved the unique idea of Finney being able to hear past victims over the phone because it gives a unique spin on the classic horror trope of a kid getting kidnapped by a lunatic and it makes the movie more exciting to watch and rises questions about what could happen next.
5. Carrie (1976)
Rating: 8.5/10
Summary: Sensitive teen Carrie White faces taunting and bullying from her classmates and faces abuse from her very religious mother. As strange occurrences start happening around Carrie, she begins to believe that she might have supernatural powers. Later she is invited to prom but was embarrassed in front of her school as pig’s blood gets poured on her. Carrie then releases her telekinesis power and things take a dark and malicious turn.
Why I like It: I really enjoyed this film because of the realistic relationship between Carrie and her mother and Carrie and school. And giving her supernatural powers made the movie more interesting and suspenseful.