Halloween Movie Marathon: AP's Take on 10 Iconic Horror Films

Halloween Movie Marathon: 10 Iconic Horror Films

As Halloween approaches, it's time to revisit classic horror films. Here's a curated list of 10 iconic horror movies from the last 70 years, highlighted by AP writers’ original reviews.

Rear Window: Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece stars James Stewart as a man confined with a broken leg, who suspects a neighbor of murder. The clever storytelling offers thrilling glimpses into the lives around him.

— Bob Thomas

Halloween: Jamie Lee Curtis stars in this groundbreaking thriller about a babysitter and a deranged killer returning to his hometown. Directed by John Carpenter, it changed the landscape of horror films.

— Bob Thomas

The Silence of the Lambs: Jonathan Demme’s nail-biting thriller features Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, delving deep into suspense and psychological horror.

— Bob Thomas

Scream: David Williamson’s smart and witty film revisits slasher tropes, merging comedy and horror as students are killed in homage to known horror films.

— Ned Kilkelly

The Blair Witch Project: Eduardo Sanchez’s innovative found-footage film brings audiences to the edge of belief as three students mysteriously disappear while filming a documentary.

— Christy Lemire

Saw: A highly scrutinized serial-killer film, criticized for weak plot and direction, revealing the darker side of horror.

— David Germain

Paranormal Activity: This low-budget ghost story utilizes ordinary settings to enhance its terrifying narrative, leaving a haunting impression.

— Glenn Whipp

The Conjuring: A modern classic in haunting-house horror, featuring skilled performances by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, it's inspired by real-life paranormal investigators.

— Jake Coyle

Get Out: Jordan Peele's debut tackles racism in horror, turning genre tropes on their heads in a refreshing way.

— Jake Coyle

Hereditary: Ari Aster's debut is relentlessly unsettling, showcasing a family's dark secrets amid grief, earning both acclaim and unease.

— Jake Coyle

For a comprehensive look at each review, visit the full articles linked above.