Best in Show: Slasher Films (Part II of II)

Here we go- the conclusion of yesterday's list:

(Wikipedia.org)

5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre & Halloween (tie, yeah that's right, a tie) (1974 & 1978)
Invoking fear as the sun sets around his grotesque features, Leatherface's dance with his chainsaw is one of the industry's most cinematic moments. I personally believe this is one of the most off-putting movies of all time (in the best way possible). As a horror fan, it's hard not to respect and appreciate a film that has spawned so many sequels and remakes. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is disgusting, but also beautiful in its creation- a complex and horrifying product that is recognizable even to those who have not seen it (Don't worry, I have), and for that it's a necessary addition to this list.

I originally had Halloween as number six on this list but altered it to fit different movies; after all, every "best slashers" lists online often ends up looking the same with a lot of classics. Both films stand out alone but also work hand-in-hand as emblems of the subgenre. The music of Halloween, like the imagery of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, is iconic and so are the characters within. Laurie and Michael Myers are often recognized as some of cinema's greatest, and I would agree.



(fanpop.com)

4. Saw (series) (2004-2017)

Somewhere in between slasher and torture, the Saw series has become an iconic- sometimes laughable franchise of insane traps and a puppet named Billy. Featuring the serial killer Jigsaw and his secret collection of accomplices, I would most definitely place this movie set in the slasher subgenre (as evident by its existence on this list). Sure, sometimes the movies are shallow and unrealistic, but the creative traps alone are enough to place it on this list. I loved the series throughout high school and continue to force others to enjoy it as well.



(Wikipedia.org)


3. Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

I went back and forth on the validity of Nightmare on Elm Street as a slasher film. Sure it has a killer, but it’s also supernatural and to me, slashers are at least somewhat grounded in reality. For years, Freddy has been considered one of the greatest horror legends of history and rightfully so. But, while Elm Street is often noted as a slasher, I didn't necessarily agree. I did however, end up adding him anyway since this movie is amazing. Despite dated graphics, there is something constantly terrifying about The Nightmare on Elm Street. The inescapable nature of his killings is truly the stuff of nightmares (get it?).



(horrorfilmcentral.com)

2. The Strangers (2008)

I first saw The Strangers while dog-sitting at a country home. To say I was terrified is an understatement. The Strangers is about a dismantling couple who are subtly stalked and then attacked in a secluded house. One of the reason's this movie is effective (other than it's "based on a true story" prologue) is it's deeply grounded imagery and plot. Nothing that happens in this movie is all that unrealistic and this alone should leave viewers sunk into their seats. To this day fire alarms make me feel like someone is behind me.

(Neelsreeldeel)

1. Scream (series) (1996-2011)

The Halloween costume most worn in the history of ever has to be Ghostface. The Scream series is easily the most entertaining and simultaneously the greatest set of slasher movies ever (yes, even the fourth). With a cast of reoccurring characters that you grow to love, a whodunit element of surprise and never ending satire, the self-reflective series is one of the movie industry's greatest accomplishments (sorry Avatar).