Best in Show: Aging Classics (Pt. I of II)

Horror is one of those genres that is so often referred to by its classics. Every list of greatest horror films is inundated by older, near geriatric movies featuring less than sleek visuals, some off-color acting and disjointed flaws. But, their inclusion is nonetheless valid. The foundation set by classics help forged a genre that is still strong today. Even old, often overlooked movies like Nosferatu may not be as effective for a young audience, but the filmmakers methodology and resulting product still helped shape the industry. There are of course - just as there are in any genre - those films that have aged so poorly, they'd be almost hard to watch for the first time today. But for those looking for some classics that feel timeless, there are options available.

This week's list covers the best aging horror movies. Included are films that many of our parents grew up on and those we may have been exposed to as children, but the important thing is that they're still amazing today. Despite some flaws, the movies on this list still hold their flames in a modern context, regardless of their dated release.




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10. The Omen (1976)

Working against this film? Some pretty dated acting style and language. Working in its favor? Plenty of deadly stares, creepily suspenseful moments and a storyline that is still applicable today, The Omen asks the question: what if your child had mysterious things happen around him? From his nanny's death after a cry of devotion to Damien to the unsettling Mrs. Baylock, The Omen has aged well mostly because it didn't need so many special effects. It’s the type of movie that avoids outdating itself by focusing less on glorious effects and more on icy stares and disturbing storytelling.









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9. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Despite the schlocky comedy and campiness of An American Werewolf in London, the fact of the matter is, this movie is terrifying. Featuring some crazy jump scares and an opening werewolf attack that'll have viewers avoiding moonlit walks, this movie is scary from start to finish. Even the grotesque, somewhat dated transformation scene will have you running for the hills (you know, so long as they're well-lit and paved).



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8. The Shining (1980)

I'll be the first to say that there are parts of The Shining that probably won’t appeal to the modern horror audience. The Shining is filled with oddities and deep symbolism, two things that may tune fans of the fast-paced, quick-scare viewer away. But, for those willing to sit and watch, there's plenty of fear packed into this iconic film. Whether it is the blood tidal wave or the lady in the bath tub, The Shining never forgets that its root is in straight up horror. While its plot and storyline may veer, this is a film that can and should be consumed by the masses.



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7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Despite an atrociously dated soundtrack and some truly 80s visuals and camerawork, the original Nightmare on Elm Street film packs full punches of full-on scares. Even with some rough edges, this movie will scare you. Freddy alone is terrifying enough reason to include this movie on the list. No matter his plane of existence, the character requires little to relate to the current time period. He is timeless and equally scary now as he was then. The scenes of him chasing down Nancy and friends are some of the most nightmare-inducing fuel in horror history. 

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6. Alien (1979)

Whether its recency bias thanks to some stellar sequels or the simple fact that this movie makes the most of its late 70s special effects, the undeniable fact is that Alien does not age. Sigourney Weaver is, as she always has been and will continue to be, wonderful. Her acting skills and heroic nature are as timely today as they once were, and with scares abundant, Alien is a standout. For fans of modern horror, there is certainly enough here to maintain attention and warrant a watch. For fans of the genre in general, this is especially true. Alien may feel dated in the grand scheme of modern graphics, but even in this age, there is something so interesting about the space shuttle and crew central to this movie.

The Overlook: Howl

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Where has the werewolf subgenre gone to? Sure, an array of attempts have been made to revitalize audiences' interest in these hairy monstrosities - 2010's The Wolfman gave us a weak offer to buy back into the typically period-based movies, but none have permeated mainstream culture in the ways films like American Werewolves in London had. But for fans looking a little deeper, some modern options do exist. Today, it's time to give credit to one of those films; Howl.

Howl quietly came out to relatively good reviews in 2015 and follows a group of train passengers who encounter a terrible beast after the train is halted deep in the British countryside. The film unravels with the passengers being increasingly at-odds as they attempt to survive the night. It's a pretty conventional horror film, but definitely packs a worthy punch in both scares and entertainment. Howl stars a ton of actors as it feeds into the one-by-one conventions of horror films before it. Some of the actors include Ed Speelers (Downton Abbey) as ticket ripper and train employee (?) Joe, Holly Weston (The Collection) as coworker Ellen, Shauna Macdonald (The Descent) as disgruntled businesswoman Kate and Elliot Cowan (The Golden Compass)as Adrian.


This film boasts a pretty large cast, which for fans of a lot of bloodshed, is a great addition. It never makes you care about the majority of the passengers - most of whom are either awful, angry people or sweet and compelling. Their purposes are definitely different, with an older couple that'll draw tears compositionally at end with a number of rude passengers viewers will love to see go. This movie is pretty basic, but it's not a bad basic. There's heroes and villains amongst the group, but all are simply there as entertainment devices to bolster the thrillingly dark and dreary ride.


As noted, Howl offers a ton of strong scares and for a monster movie, some pretty great visuals. It's definitely the type of film that may not scare audiences in the day time, but with enough investment in the shroud of night, this film can be the type of thoughtless, nightmare-inducing thrill ride viewers clamor for. It's action-packed in the style of films like World War Z and easily one of those movies viewers sink their teeth into.


Howl, like many creature features and werewolf films never really found it's footing with a larger audience. As the haunted house subgenre has seemingly built a stronghold - thanks largely to the work of James Wan, it becomes increasingly clear that films like Howl may not be for everyone but are definitely necessary. It's a fun, romping good time with very slim chances of survival for its characters and with adequate visuals, it definitely is a step up from some of the recent fodder that pads the horror section of iTunes.