1. Psycho (1960)
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Psycho pushed the envelope for what a horror movie could do, get away with, and succeed with from an artistic standpoint. Making the bold choice of killing off its starlet, Vera Miles, early on (which started the trend continued by films like Scream.
Star Cast:
- Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates
- Janet Leigh as Marion Crane
- Vera Miles as Lila Crane
- John Gavin as Sam Loomis
2. The Shining (1980)
The Shinning movie is worth a watch just for the pop culture references in other works, but prepare to be shocked by how hard hitting the movie still is. This terrifying psychological thriller is a must watch not just for horror fans, but for any fan of classic films.
Star Cast:
- Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
- Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
- Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance and the voice of Tony.
- Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann
3. The Exorcist (1973)
Exorcist One of the most profitable horror movies ever made, this tale of an exorcism is based loosely on actual events. When young Regan (Linda Blair) starts acting odd -- levitating, speaking in tongues -- her worried mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. A local priest (Jason Miller), however, thinks the girl may be seized by the devil.
Star Cast:
- Ellen Burstyn
- Max von Sydow as Father Lankester Merrin,
- Jason Miller as Father
- Linda Blair as Regan Teresa MacNeil,
4. Rosemary Baby
What begins as an apparent haunted apartment film turns into one of the most twisted stories in 1960’s horror. Rosemary’s Baby is memorable for a very scary plot, but also for a great performance by Mia Farrow. This film may make you worried about your neighbors.
Star Cast:
- Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse
- John Cassavetes as Guy Woodhouse
- Ruth Gordon as Minnie Castevet
- Sidney Blackmer as Roman Castevet / Steven Marcato
- Maurice Evans as Hutch
- Ralph Bellamy as Dr. Abraham Sapirstein
5. Dawn Of The Dead
Romero’s second zombie feature is also considered by some to be his best. Romero’s use of comic book style color and visuals sort of predicted the genre’s return to popularity with The Walking Dead. Dawn of the Dead is a gory horror film, but it is also a subversion of American consumerism, which was entering into a whole new level in the late 70’s and early 80’s. The mall shopper is the true zombie!
Star Cast:
- Sarah Polley as Ana
- Ving Rhames as Kenneth
- Jake Weber as Michael
- Ty Burrell as Steve
- Kevin Zegers as Terry
- Mekhi Phifer as Andre