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David-Matthew Barnes' Top Twelve Horror Films

In alphabetical order because I love them all.


Aliens (1986)
Sigourney Weaver is the ultimate alien-fighting heroine is this horror-action classic, featuring one of the best spoken lines in any film: "Get away from her, you bitch!"

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
One of the best sequels ever made (and even better than Frankenstein, in my opinion), owed to Elsa Lanchester's brilliant performance in the title role and James Whale's masterful direction.

Black Christmas (1974)
One of the first slasher films, this creepy tale set in a sorority house influenced many similar movies to follow.


The Changeling (1980)
Truly one of the best ghost stories made for the screen, this film is a horror masterpiece.


Curtains (1983)
This Canadian slasher flick features one the scariest ice skating sequences ever.


The Fury (1978)
This was the first horror film I saw as a child and it's impact on me has been lifelong. Amy Irving's final moment of revenge makes this great movie well worth the watch.


Halloween (1978)
My all-time favorite horror film and not because the first time I saw it I was 13 and babysitting on Halloween. John Carpenter's classic has the perfect ingredients for the making of an iconic film, including the terrifying score.


Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
This edge-of-your-seat horror flick about humans being taken over by alien duplicates is a fun classic, with a super scary final scene.


Poltergeist (1982)
This movie feels like a thrill ride - and what an awesome ride it is. From menacing toy clowns to corpses in the swimming pool to malevolent trees intent on devouring child, this suburban ghost story will make you never want to watch television again.


Psycho (1960)
One of the best film adaptations of a novel, this iconic film (including that unforgettable shower scene) is still terrifying audiences, all thanks to one of the best horror villains ever created, Norman Bates.


The Strangers (2008)
A seemingly simple film until someone knocks at the front door and all hell breaks loose. A truly terrifying movie. 


Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
One of the scariest films ever made, this low-budget indie flick set a new standard for horror films and influenced many great films in later years.

David-Matthew Barnes
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