Creep it Real! A Look at 10 Classic Horror Films Through the Eyes of AP Critics
Revisiting the Classics: A Spooky Look Back at Iconic Horror Movies
Halloween is the time for a good horror marathon! But sometimes you want to dig into the classics – those movies that have stood the test of time, scaring generations. We're diving deep into 10 iconic horror flicks from the past 70 years; and revisiting those original Associated Press reviews. We even checked whether they held up! Prepare yourselves; some might surprise you!
Note that this selection includes various film styles and approaches. Many of these early releases focus on that suspense and thriller genre aspects; and others however showcase those increasingly more intense gruesome violent scenarios seen throughout later generations, creating many very diverse styles that appeal to the very specific requirements surrounding Halloween, while including additional notes from early Associated Press critic reviews when possible. This blend of historical perspectives combined with updated modern viewpoints might give another critical dimension to what many people expect from this Halloween list.
10 Classic Horror Movies and What the Critics Said (Way Back When!)
1. Rear Window (1954): Hitchcock's Masterful Trick
Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window was pure genius! His review from Bob Thomas said this film’s use of perspective: “He breaks his hero’s leg, sets him up at an apartment window where he can observe, among other things, a murder across the court. The panorama of other people’s lives is laid out before you, as seen through the eyes of a Peeping Tom.” This movie isn't simply a thriller; it is the intense story presented by James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Thelma Ritter; resulting in an entertaining story. The brilliance? It still completely rocks.
2. Halloween (1978): Jamie Lee Curtis's Breakout Role
Bob Thomas called Halloween an “exploitation picture aimed at the thrill market,” featuring a teenage Jamie Lee Curtis! It featured an amazingly effective portrayal of a killer. The story, according to Bob Thomas, is about "a madman who kills his sister, escapes from an asylum and returns to his hometown intending to murder his sister’s friends.” This film, and those effective creative uses within the original storyline remain frightening and highly effective even today and remains just as engaging.
3. The Silence of the Lambs (1991): Pure, Brilliant Evil
Bob Thomas warned those squeamish to stay home— The Silence of the Lambs doesn't hold back: “‘The Silence of the Lambs’ moves from one nail-biting sequence to another. Jonathan Demme spares the audience nothing, including closeups of skinned corpses.” That said, he highlights its masterclass performances: “‘Such a tale…requires accomplished actors. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are highly qualified.’” This terrifying movie delivers suspense that’s almost unbearable, proving that its status remains as highly influential and widely loved, now years after.
4. Scream (1996): A Witty Homage to the Genre
Scream? A total genre love letter from Ned Kilkelly’s review: “By turns terrifying and funny…as taut as a thriller, intelligent without being self-congratulatory, and generous in its references to Wes Craven’s competitors in gore.” It playfully skewers other slashers and became a critically successful and widely acclaimed title for that generation which still remains memorable now.
5. The Blair Witch Project (1999): Found Footage Masterpiece
Christy Lemire calls this The Blair Witch Project "imaginative, intense and stunning," emphasizing its brilliant realism and suspense and noting this "ambitious and well-executed concept." Its use of that found-footage style and effective build-up create lasting thrills, and proves its effectiveness remains even after numerous imitations! Its brilliance also came in that ingenious story arc which used such powerful imagery to bring that amazing realism that continues to impact its reception and makes it unforgettable for the time.
6. Saw (2004): A Controversial Classic
David Germain gave Saw a harsh review; He used phrases like “inanely plotted,” “badly written,” “poorly acted,” and “clumsily edited." This harsh criticism failed to prevent Saw's success, demonstrating the limitations of film reviews in predicting a film’s actual critical performance and widespread public appeal, further demonstrating that even poor initial reviews don’t actually mean an ending with poor public success and cultural legacy – this controversial Horror movie shocked and delighted audiences. Its lasting legacy; now with an entire franchise speaks volumes! It truly stands the test of time and deserves mention even after multiple harsh critics initially criticized and dismissed the movie completely.
7. Paranormal Activity (2009): Raw Primal Potency
Glenn Whipp compared this found footage classic, Paranormal Activity, to The Blair Witch Project. He states this “owns a raw, primal potency,” effectively delivering intense thrills that still hold up. He calls that effective “suggestion has as much power as a sledgehammer to the skull” – totally true! Its minimalist approach continues to amaze and generate some serious levels of suspense and intensity which still impacts those viewing this masterpiece!
8. The Conjuring (2013): Old-Fashioned Frights with Heart
Jake Coyle praised The Conjuring's atmospheric presentation; using that classic "haunted-house horror," featuring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson; praising it as being effective yet noting the limitations of its storyline compared to prior entries and those iconic models to which its story attempts to reference and which clearly surpasses that very specific iteration. It's still really creepy today— especially that old-fashioned charm.
9. Get Out (2017): A Socially Relevant Horror
Jake Coyle highlights this brilliant film Get Out: “Jordan Peele has crafted…a confrontation…with combustible results.” Its intelligent and shocking social commentary makes this far more than your average horror movie, showcasing racial prejudice with extreme chilling effect! It retains those extremely intelligent yet creative horror themes that helped build its immense popularity and continues to receive much praise to this very day! It changed what many people think about the possibilities within the horror genre; emphasizing intelligent social commentaries alongside powerful creative plots!
10. Hereditary (2018): Relentlessly Unsettling Horror
Jake Coyle nails it when describing Hereditary: “Relentlessly unsettling and pitilessly gripping…a movie so horrifying…that you have to see it…even if you might never sleep peacefully again.” This chilling and truly impressive modern classic created intense horror scenes with some shocking revelations, leaving many people talking. This psychological horror movie's intense suspense and chilling realism created a film whose greatness became only more apparent after some time.
Beyond the Classics: More Spooky Movie Options For Every Taste
Don’t worry; plenty of movies are there if those 10 weren't enough for you. We have family-friendly options if intense terror's a no-go – Coco, Monsters Inc., and even Goosebumps! Then there's that creative, intense social commentary for adults – with Get Out; there's also pure comedy– Beetlejuice, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil; also that awesome dark humor found throughout titles such as The Cabin in the Woods and many more. From intense fright fests to creative horror and amazing comedic touches; there are numerous options! And this goes to prove there's a genre that everyone could potentially enjoy during Halloween. There is something for everyone out there, no matter your particular style or preferences. Those many varieties presented also demonstrates this rich variety possible from these different genres, ensuring every possible viewership is totally and fully covered!
Conclusion: Happy Halloween, Movie Lovers!
There are so many Halloween choices – that classic approach involving those intensely suspenseful old classics alongside that diverse variety ranging from amazing comedies to thoughtful social commentaries makes those Halloween viewing choices much better than you might otherwise think. Whether you're a seasoned horror buff or new to the game; you can completely enjoy it. These great Horror Films, delivered using those incredibly effective strategies are sure to impress; whether you just want the fright or something thought-provoking for that spooky season.
