Have you ever watched a movie so horrifying you grab someone’s hand, clammy and shaking, fearfully observing your screen for the next scare? I decided to take up a brave undertaking and pick out the top five horror movies for this Halloween season in an attempt to chase this horrifying feeling. 

“Poltergeist” (1982) Classic Horror

This movie is a classic in the horror genre and a must-watch if you are into paranormal movies. The most interesting thing I found about this movie was that it was inspired by the true story of the Herrmann house; however, the portals and capture of the lovable daughter Carol-Anne Freeling were all fiction. This movie came out in 1982, so some of the gore scenes can be a little cheesy, but overall, this movie is definitely a nail-biter with shock value. My favorite character was Tangina, the paranormal investigator who came to the Freeling house to investigate the ghostly happenings. My favorite line from Tangina was, “Would y’all mind hanging back? It’s jamming my frequencies,” and if this peaks your interest, then you should give this two-hour movie a watch. 

“Smile” (2022) Psychological supernatural

While the unnerving smiles peered at me through my screen, I watched in a suspenseful haze of not knowing who or what was possessing the mind of psychologist Holly Rose. To preface, I must give a trigger warning to self harm– knowing the victims of the force entity taking over each person’s mind are lured into committing suicide in front of someone. While Rose is haunted by “The Monstrosity,” the movie highlights the mundane life of her peers to emphasize the colossal terror in her life. Because of this parallelism, my favorite quote is, “and he just started taking Spanish. My weekdays are literally impossible,” Holly Rose’s sister said. Learning the victims of the Monstrosity doesn’t make it past a week (reminisce of “The Ring”). During the duration of the two-hour movie, I was in a wide-eyed fright. Attempt to keep your calm, but the next time someone smiles at you I am sure a brief moment of panic will flash through your mind. 

“Us” (2019) Mystery Horror 

After Jordan Peele’s hit horror movie “Get Out,” many horror fans were anticipating his next terrifying thriller with his usual comedic flair and deep themes. Essentially, it comes down to be or be killed when the Wilson family takes a trip to their summer house— living the American dream, boat and all. However, this beach vacation goes entirely wrong when soulless experimental cloned doppelgangers emerge from underground tunnels to reach mass havoc among the nation. The tethered people lurk in the shadows, hopelessly bound to another person able to walk freely. When asked who they really are, one of the deepest lines said by the murderous clones was “We’re Americans” in a guttural tone that leaves your mind in unrest. Running two hours long, this movie is a combination of deep themes on racial inequality, materialism, and the lack of tranquility in modern-day society, with a twist at the end that will result in rethinking the whole movie. 

“Midsommar” (2019) Psychological Thriller

If the first three movies were too scary for you, then you simply shouldn’t watch “Midsommar.” The whole time I was watching this movie, an uneasy feeling filled me with immense dread. I was sitting on the edge of my seat, constantly waiting for the next horrifyingly realistic gore scene performed by the cult in the middle of nowhere Switzerland. I felt great sympathy for the main character, Dani, who was manipulated by her friend Pelle, a member of a cult, into a god-awful summer hiatus from her already tormenting life. I had a love-hate relationship with her boyfriend, Christian; however, my favorite quote from him was, “That was really shocking!” At least he tried to calm Dani down. But for two hours and thirty minutes, I was filled with unwavering anxiety, making this the scariest movie on the list. Keep in mind it is rated R for a reason. 

“Silence Of The Lambs” (1991) Investigative Thriller

This has to be my all-time favorite horror movie growing up. Running two hours long, Clarice Starling, a new FBI detective, teams up with psychopathic cannibal Hannibal Lecter to hunt down Buffalo Bill. Suspensefully watching the hunt for the slaughtering murderer, I was consumed with an alarming trepidation and dwindling hope for the tortured Catherine Martin while she was held captive by Buffalo Bill. The best character who showed an unexpected amount of love for the new detective, Hannibal Lector, said my favorite quote, “Well Clarice, have the lambs stopped screaming,” but why is Clarice haunted by the lambs? You will have to watch this investigation play out full circle to know the answer. 

Of course, these are only five movies, meaning it is necessary to give honorable mentions to classics like “It Follows,” “Scream,” “The Ring,” “Alien,” and “Hereditary”. And if you find yourself interested in a slasher film, the “Terrifier” trilogy is perfect, but be warned, it’s merciless. Lastly, if you find yourself interested in live theater, check out “Night Of The Living Dead” at the Children’s Theater of Western Springs. Performances are Oct. 31- Nov. 3.