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



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5. Aliens (1986)
Like Alien, but with even greater crowd appeal, this sequel seems destined to stand the test of time. While packed with more action and intense explosion, Aliens is a horror film with older effects, which seem masterful even in the modern world of CGI. The creatures within are scary, the cast is, once again great, and everything about this film works for a modern audience. Aliens doesn't really recreate its machine, but it definitely builds upon it and takes advantage of every advancing effect it can.





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4. The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist is perhaps the most famous horror movie of all time and for good reason. With insane head spins and horrifying tongues, as well as numerous jump scares, it’s a movie that is still relevant today. Sure the split pea soup vomit and gritty camera work make The Exorcist feel a little dated, but there are enough scares and some terrific acting - courtesy of a particularly fantastic Linda Blair (Born Innocent) and Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream) - that The Exorcist is compelling enough, even in the modern context. The trying struggles of a mother and daughter attempting to overcome the devil is harrowing and timeless.

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3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

There's something about slasher films that allow them to transcend time. While some blood splatter and off acting may not translate well to the modern context, it seems that these movies are capable of appealing to even the most freshman of audiences. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best. Regardless of some grotesquely over-the-top slicing and dicing, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of those scary movies that'll make even the most seasoned horror fan afraid of backcountry fields and the desolate families who live there.  

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2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

While still relatively young in the grand scheme, The Silence of the Lambs is often regarded as a horror classic. Pushing the boundary into modern horror, the early 90s film may border on drama, but the fact is, The Silence of the Lambs is most definitely horror. Whether you're afraid of cannibalism or the dark, this movie brims with scares. The night vision scene where an unsuspecting Clarice attempts to find Buffalo Bill amongst heaping messes and furniture is incredibly tense, regardless of the year this film came out. The Silence of the Lambs is deserving of a spot on this list, regardless of its release because it’s often clumped in with much older films.



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1. Jaws (1975)

Jaws is the movie that scared a generation out of the water. What this quote doesn't account for is just how many generations Jaws would actually inspire fear in. To this day, many of the people - old and young - who have seen Jaws are still afraid of ocean waters. Jaws is, without a doubt, one of the most transcendent horror films ever. It could be watched today or tomorrow and the shark central to it would still feel believably deadly. While plenty have come after it, no shark movie can or will ever be quite as terrifying as Jaws. Even as its iconic soundtrack has gone on to become one of the most joked about, hearing it in the film is still a terrifying experience. Jaws is perfect for any time of the year, any year, for all years.

 

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.