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The Must-Watch Scary Movies for Every Fear Factor

Baylor film historian lists the perfect films for thrill seekers and scaredy cats

Oct 1, 2024

3 min

James Kendrick, Ph.D.

Spooky season has arrived, and there's no better way to get into the spirit than by enjoying some classic horror films. Whether you thrive on the thrill of a good scare or you’re more of a “hide your eyes” type, James Kendrick, Ph.D., a film historian and professor of film and digital media at Baylor University, has got you covered. From spine-tingling classics to not-so-scary flicks, Kendrick is here to help you navigate the perfect lineup of Halloween movies – no matter your fear tolerance.


What makes horror movies scary?


According to Kendrick, great horror films resonate with audiences by reflecting societal fears.

"We are the monster," Kendrick said. Whether it's current social anxieties, cultural challenges or deep psychological fears, horror films have evolved to capture the essence of what we fear most, he said.


The genre's core remains rooted in three essential elements: character and story, atmosphere and the monster. Without these, Kendrick said, the fear factor simply doesn’t work.


Top 10 Horror Films Everyone Should See


For those seeking true horror classics, Kendrick has developed a list of 10 must-watch films that exemplify the genre at its best. From early black-and-white masterpieces to modern independent hits, here are his recommendations:


1. Nosferatu (1922)

2. The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

3. Cat People (1942)

4. Psycho (1960)

5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

6. The Exorcist (1973)

7. Suspiria (1977)

8. Halloween (1978)

9. The Shining (1980)

10. The Babadook (2014)

These films not only shaped the horror genre but also continue to be influential today, delving into psychological terror, societal anxieties and primal fears, Kendrick said.


For the Faint of Heart: Scary Movies Without the Gore


For those who want to enjoy the Halloween season without being overwhelmed by gore and violence, Kendrick offers his top 10 list of "terror" films that rely more on atmosphere and suspense than graphic horror.


According to Kendrick, these terror films engage the audience emotionally and psychologically, drawing them into the fear without overwhelming them. The Innocents (1961) and A Quiet Place (2018) create tension and fear through the effective use of atmosphere, silence and emotional depth, he said.


Kendrick’s top picks for lighter horror films include:


1. Vampyr (1932)

2. The Innocents (1961)

3. Kwaidan (1964)

4. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

5. The Vanishing (1988)

6. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

7. The Others (2001)

8. Take Shelter (2011)

9. Warm Bodies (2013)

10. A Quiet Place (2018)

So, whether you’re a horror aficionado looking for spine-chilling classics, or just want to dip your toes into something a little spooky without the nightmares, Kendrick’s expert recommendations offer a Halloween movie night that’s perfect for everyone, thrill-seekers or scaredy-cats alike. Get your popcorn ready, turn off the lights (if you dare) and settle in for a frightfully good time this spooky season!


ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY


Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.


ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY


The College of Arts & Sciences is Baylor University’s largest academic division, consisting of 25 academic departments in the sciences, humanities, fine arts and social sciences, as well as 11 academic centers and institutes. The more than 5,000 courses taught in the College span topics from art and theatre to religion, philosophy, sociology and the natural sciences. The College’s undergraduate Unified Core Curriculum, which routinely receives top grades in national assessments, emphasizes a liberal education characterized by critical thinking, communication, civic engagement and Christian commitment. Arts & Sciences faculty conduct research around the world, and research on the undergraduate and graduate level is prevalent throughout all disciplines. Visit the College of Arts & Sciences website.



Connect with:
James Kendrick, Ph.D.

James Kendrick, Ph.D.

Professor, Film & Digital Media, Undergraduate Program Director

Expert on Spielberg films, cult and horror films, post-Classical Hollywood film history, and new cinema technologies.

Horror filmCult filmSteven SpielbergViolence in FilmFilm Criticism

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