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Originally Posted by Demdike@Cult Labs  Which 10 Horror Films Would You Recommend to a new viewer or member of the forum? |
If they were completely new to horror and needed a 10 film 'education' in order to quickly pick up the various subgenres and engage with people on this forum, I would recommend the following:
The Exorcist – it is the greatest horror film ever made and just about every supernatural horror made since 1973 has its roots in William Friedkin's masterpiece.
Scream – perhaps a little left field, but the self-referential aspect of Kevin Williamson's script and Wes Craven's direction provides a lot of signposts to other 'must watch' films. I found it extremely helpful when I was relatively new to the genre.
Nosferatu – probably the best adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula and a film which is a great entry point to silent cinema, another treasure trove of classics.
Night of the Living Dead – proof that films can be made cheaply and with inexperienced cast members as long as the script is good, the locations effective, and the payoff rewarding.
The Blair Witch Project – 'found footage' films are often dismissed, but this shows they can be uncomfortably effective and don't have to cost the earth or have cheap jump scares to terrify.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – it may be a slasher film, a commentary on the Vietnam war (Romero arguably was doing the same thing with Night of the Living Dead), but everything you need to know about the importance of framing, scoring, and editing the film is here.
Suspiria – it may not be a giallo, but it is probably the best introduction to Italian horror cinema and can be re-watched and analysed multiple times, whether you are watching for the visuals or the use of music.
Cannibal Holocaust – I know I already covered the 'found footage' films above, but this is the great entry point to the cannibal cycle of films in all their excess and cruelty.
Psycho – perhaps the most perfect serial killer film and something which shows the importance of black humour, the use of colour (the subtle change from white clothing and accessories to black ones) and audience manipulation.
Frankenstein – I was torn between this and the sequel, but this seems a logical extension of Nosferatu and a superb introduction to the Universal Horrors. Bride of Frankenstein may be a better film, but it is almost meaningless if you haven't seen the 1931 adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel.