Actually Horrifying

I am a huge fan of the horror genre, but finding a decent film is hit and miss. This is my list of guaranteed fright nights. 

1. The Descent; Neil Marshal  Click here to see trailer

This all female movie gave me the biggest jump frights, stress and false hopes of any horror to date. Six girlfriends go on a cave expedition and become lost, stuck and running out of supplies - but these issues are the least of their worries. 

2. Amityville Horror (2005); Andrew Douglas Click here to see trailer

Based off of the true story,  this remake of the 1979 film will send shivers down your spine. A young family, the Lutz's (Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George) move into a beautiful yet suspiciously cheap home. Quickly, bizarre things begin to happen and George Lutz seems to be possessed and begins terrorising his family. If this doesn't grab you, then perhaps recurring imagery of Ryan Reynolds shirtless will. Enjoy. 

3. V/H/S; Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David Bruckner + many more Click here to see trailer

This film is a little out of the ordinary. Made by a conglomeration of directors, this movie is a series of short films, each one found on a VHS tape by a group of men looking through an abandoned house. What I like most about this movie is that there is something different every 20 minutes or so, and they have some impressive make up and graphics for a seemingly low budget film. The sequel is just as good, too! 

4. The Conjuring; James Wan Click here to see trailer

Based on one of the true stories of the famous paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) as they work to help a family experiencing terror in their large and old farmhouse. Watching this film was the first time I ever screamed aloud in a cinema, the frights are horrendous, with an awesome soundtrack and a cool 1970s setting. 

5. Gothika; Mathieu Kassovitz Click here to see trailer

Miranda Grey (Halle Berry) and her associate Pete Graham (Robert Downey Jr.) are psychiatrists working in a mental health facility. An accident leaves Grey as a patient in this facility, her husband dead, and a mysterious young girl tormenting her with no one believing her stories. This horror is as stressful as it is clever, with a good twist and frights along the way.

6. Paranormal Activity 3; Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman Click here to see trailer

When I say I like the Paranormal Activity movies I am usually met with groans and 'but they were soooo bad', well these people had only seen the first two which I agree - were bad. But Paranormal Activity 3 gave me nightmares for weeks, and I wouldn't say it's necessary to have seen the other ones to understand the plot. Two young sisters, Katie and Kristi are hassled by an invisible friend, Toby. The simplistic style, humour, and cheap thrills of this movie make it the best of the series by a long shot.  

7. The Awakening; Nick Murphy Click here to see trailer

In an attempt to disprove the theory of ghosts, Florence Cathcart (Rebecca Hall) visits a boys boarding school which is being plagued by mysterious happenings which make her question her own beliefs about the unexplainable. Produced by BBC Films it is classy, well written, and a charming yet eery setting in 1921 England. 

8. Oculus; Mike Flanagan Click here to see trailer

Set after Tim (Brenton Thwaites) is released from phychiatric help after him and his sister Kaylie's (Karen Gillan) mother was killed, supposedly by their father. Kaylie believes a supernatural mirror which has powerful effects over time and actions, is actually to blame for their mother's death and sets out to prove it.