31 Days of Horror (Pt. II of II)

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October 16th - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Maybe not so much a horror film as it is whimsical, but the hefty tone of the feature-film adaption of Sweeney Todd makes for something perfect for the dark fall months. With cannibals abundant and grisly set pieces, this movie feels like a bit crazy, but is all in good fun - at least for those of us who don't have our throats slit.

October 17th - The Mothman Prophecies

Shrouded in mystery The Mothman Prophecies perfectly captures the lore surrounding the winged beast seen by many in a film perfectly suitably for October. While not the scariest, this twisting movie is an impressive and dimly lit shroud of obscurity. Sure to bolster your belief of the mythical, The Mothman Prophecies brings one of the most well-known folk tales to the mainstream.



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October 18th - Night of the Living Dead
At first glance, this black-and-white zombie film may feel dated, but upon watching, viewers will realize it transcends times. Forging the way for so many undead films that followed, Night of the Living Dead is an iconic masterpiece and required viewing for the month of October. The dread throughout, the scares sprinkled in and the unique acting all wrap up into something efficient and entertaining.

October 19th - The Conjuring

The go-to modern classic, recognizable to nearly anyone and scary to most, is The Conjuring. Deeply embedded in the fall season, The Conjuring uses hyper-stylized visuals to convey a chilling atmosphere. It is bon a fide and deserving of everyone's eyes and there is no better time to watch than right before Halloween.

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October 20th - Creep
With a sequel forthcoming, there's no better time to revisit Peachfuzz the wolf than right before Halloween. With nothing more than a cheap Halloween mask to help take on the killer's identity, this grounded slasher film is uncomfortable and insane. It never goes into outlandish territory and instead focuses on setting up a sympathetic dying man with some odd quirks. This of course unravels into something far more sinister, but oh well. That's life.

October 21st (Weekend Double Feature) - Annabelle: Creation/Ouija: Origin of Evil

In a world of abundant mediocre sequels, these shockingly good prequels make a perfect horror double feature. Released on Video-on-demand on October 20, Annabelle: Creation is one of the most impressive horror films in a year of impressive horror films. Round out the night with the surprisingly efficient Ouija: Origin of Evil and you're sure to have a great time with these retro period pieces.

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October 22nd (Weekend Double Feature) - Hell House LLC/Fear. Inc.
Sometimes when you go looking for something scary, you bite off way more than you can chew. That's essentially what happens in this pair of movies. Like The Houses October Built, both Hell House LLC and Fear. Inc. feature a group of friends who are prepared for horror, but not the real kinds they end up facing. Hell House LLC recounts an incident at a local haunted house attraction gone wrong and in Fear Inc. a man employs a scare company to come strike terror in his friends. Both are perfect for October.

October 23rd - The Fourth Kind
For all the love of ghosts, goblins and witches during the Halloween season, people often forget aliens. With big action flicks abundant and plenty of classics going around, it may be easy to overlook the underrated gem, The Fourth Kind. Easily one of the more terrifying entries in the abduction subgenre, The Fourth Kind pairs "real life footage" with some terrifying "reenactments."

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October 24th - CropseyHorror documentaries are often pretty over-the-top. With too much effort put into dramatizing the accounts of people and reenactments that'd make any viewer cringe, it can be hard to watch them. But some great ones do exist. None more so than Cropsey. Low-key and dark, this brooding documentary follows a pair of filmmakers examining, and never quite solving the stories surrounding a derelict building in New York City. It leaves quite a bit to interpretation, all to the film's benefit.

October 25th - The Nightmare on Elm Street

The Nightmare on Elm Street is the most 80s thing to come out of the 80s. From its soundtrack to its styling, this comical and scary horror movie is perfect for October. It's got everything you could ever want to get you in the mood for Halloween; oddly grotesque props, some gory death scenes and an easily recognizable killer.

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October 26th - The Blair Witch Project
If you've ever been in the woods during the fall, you can pick up on the creepy atmosphere all around you. Playing on that fear is the iconic Blair Witch Project. Whether it’s the bumps in the night or the occult objects the group of friends find in the mornings, this movie gives viewers plenty to be afraid of. Watch and then go into the woods and who knows, maybe those sounds you hear will be all the more scary to you.

October 27 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Leatherface wears a mask of sorts, so what better time to watch this disturbing film than around Halloween. It's a classic slasher with plenty of gore and, despite the hot setting of the south; this movie is best viewed in the coolness of autumn. Don't eat while Halloween candy while you watch though, you'll regret it.

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October 28th (Weekend Double Feature) - Scream/ Scream 2
Kick off Halloweekend with one of the greatest horror films of all time: Scream. Acting as a satirical revival of the inundated subgenre, this slasher franchise is one of the most permeating films in the industry. Everyone loves it and rightfully so. Start with the first and go to the equally as strong second. Without a doubt these movies have spawned the longest-running Halloween costume of all time. With plenty of mask variations available for the spookiest day of the year, your Ghostface options - just like the killers in the franchise - are endless.

October 29th (Weekend Double Feature) - Scream 3/Scream 4 

Is this entire weekend really supposed to be all about the Scream franchise? Yes, 100 percent. Sit down and watch all four in the same night, over the course of a weekend or throughout the month. It doesn't matter so long as you watch them all before the 31st. Even with the ridiculousness of Scream 3 and the glossiness of Scream 4 marring the Wes Craven creations, these movies are undeniably amazing.

October 30th - Trick 'r Treat

Getting the cult status in horror is a difficult task that has zero formula, but no movie has ever captured the heart of so many from unpredictable places like the cult classic, Trick 'r Treat. An anthology horror film connected by a cute, but admittedly disturbing masked child named Sam, Trick 'r Treat goes everywhere; from camp and gore to terrifying ghoulish scares. With the potential for a sequel constantly bubbling under the surface, the mark made by Trick 'r Treat is destined to stick for years to come.



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October 31st - Halloween
Finally reaching Halloween, there's only one movie left to see: Halloween. By namesake alone, this film is the pinnacle film of this spooky holiday. Avoiding Halloween, whether the original, sequels or eventual remakes, is sacrilegious. Halloween is a master class of slasher prestige and Michael is one of the most iconic villains in horror. There simply is no better time to watch this movie. Halloween on Halloween is like brushing your breathing, you have to do it.  

31 Days of Horror (Part I of II)

Halloween comes but once a year, but the month of October should be filled with all things spooky. No matter your plans, sitting down and watching some scary horror films will provide you with everything you need to get in the Halloween mood. This week's compiles 31 horror films (bonus weekend double-features) in honor of the most terrifying month of the year. The movies on this list will scare you, set the tone for fall and give you all the legendary iconography representative of Halloween. So without further ado, the 31 Days of Halloween Movie Masterpiece (16 to 31 tomorrow): 

 



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October 1st - The Houses October Built/The Houses October Built 2

Is it fair to have a double-feature be the first and second in a series? Yup! What better way to kick off the month than a movie with October literally in the name? The answer is there isn't. The Houses October Built will set the tone for some truly great scares even if it’s not an insanely complicated film. Perfect way to begin the month.

 

October 2nd - The Babadook

For all the annoyingness that is the child at the center of The Babadook, this film offers plenty of dark tones and creepy scenes that'll leave viewers with nightmare. It's vintage feel and practical effects will make you yearn for Halloweens past and by the film's end, everyone should be left feeling a little more unsettled.



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October 3rd - An American Werewolf in London

Horror during the Halloween season should be all doom-and-gloom. That's why including movies like An American Werewolf in London are a must. Chilly, scary and, at times, comical, this film has everything from a lycanthropic transformation to decaying bodies and is a must on any October horror list.

 

October 4th - The Witch

Perhaps more Thanksgiving than Halloween, The Witch will provide the perfect witchy feeling to Halloween. However, unlike also must see non-horror films like Hocus Pocus, nothing about this movie is sweet and succulent. It's a disturbing and chaotic rabbit hole that'll leave you clutching your babies and your animals a little closer.

 



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October 5th - Friday the 13th                                    

A summer-set classic, but also one that sparked years and years of Halloween costumes, Friday the 13th is a necessary classic. While the slasher at the core of this franchise first ends up not being Jason at all, Friday the 13th is the movie you have to see if you've ever gone out in a hockey mask to collect candy.

 

October 6th - Evil Dead

Players’ choice on this one. Both the 1981 original and the 2013 remake are worthwhile endeavors to get you in the mood for October. Each features plenty of twisting branches, grotesque kills and a curse that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.



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October 7th (Weekend Double Feature) - The Orphanage and The Awakening

This night is reserved for a pair of films set in secluded schools and orphanages. For one, orphans make for some scary horror content and sure The Orphanage is more summerset, but it's a spooky Spanish horror film featuring hollow hallways and a masked child that make for an adventure not for the faint of heart. Tack on The Awakening and you have two very accomplished horror films to round out your night.

 

October 8th (Weekend Double Feature) - Insidious/Insidious: Chapter 3 

Insidious is sure to go down as a modern day classic and its absence on any list of Halloween films is a gross oversight. With all the ghoulish figures, jump scares and terrifying haunted house scenes a person could ask for, it is by-and-large one of the scariest movies to come out of the modern film era. For the second movie of the night, skip the shaky sequel and go straight for the underrated gem, Insidious: Chapter 3; a film that has tense, spooky atmosphere and enough jump scares to make your heart stop.

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October 9th - Noroi: The Curse

Often dubbed as one of the scariest horror films ever created, the found-footage Japanese hit, Noroi: The Curse takes the creep factor to the max. More investigative than straight-up horror, Noroi pulls no punches and instead features a number of deaths; disturbing characters and a climax that is, well, scary.

 

October 10th - The Taking of Deborah Logan

The obsession with this movie is borderline obsessive. If there is a list or a category or anything in regards to horror, chances are The Taking of Deborah Logan deserves to be on it. Seemingly coming from nowhere and continuously overlooked, this film is an absolutely terrifying found-footage endeavor. Taking place in cooler months, it'll definitely get you ready for Halloween, all through an old woman more likely to give you hard candy rather than chocolate.

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October 11th - The Last Exorcism

While you'd think naming yourself the last of something would make you, well, last, The Last Exorcism spawned a pretty mediocre sequel and did little to stop the subgenre from moving forward. However, perhaps the quality of The Last Exorcism should have warranted it to be the final nail in the exorcism industry. It’s a terrifying found-footage film taking place in a Podunk town with very questionable religious motives - perfect for the Halloween season.

 

October 12th - Behind the Mask: The Rise and Fall of Leslie Vernon

An indie darling and cult gem, Behind the Mask: The Rise and Fall of Leslie Vernon is the type of cheeky slasher film that'll leave you laughing uncomfortably. It’s a divisive little horror film filled with heart and is sure to put you in the Halloween mood as it satirically rips into the subgenre and brutally attacks our protagonists.

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October 13th - Poltergeist

Without even acknowledging the pointless remake of this horror classic, it must be noted that Poltergeist is an October must. What can be said for this ghoulish flick that hasn't already been talked about? Sure, its graphics may have dated terribly and its acting isn't as strong as some of today's standards, but between the clown toy scene and the bodies in the ditch, Poltergeist is worth your time.

 

October 14th (Weekend Double Feature) - Sinister/Lake Mungo

Mystery swirls around these two films' plots and both have terrifying results. In each, we find characters attempting to unspool a murder, or in the case of Sinister, a series of murders. Is something supernatural going on or is there another, more realistic story? Well, as anyone who knows anything about Sinister can attest to, Bagul certainly isn't human. Lake Mungo on the other hand? That one you'll have to watch to find out. With a much smaller release, this slow-burning horror film is quite the bone chiller.



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October 15^th (Weekend Double Feature) - The House of the Devil/The Innkeepers

Ti West is quite the horror icon. With both The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, he's proven himself to be an adept director that can balance absolutely terrifying moments with more lighthearted comedy. The two films that work best together are his retro-flavored movies, The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers. Each are perfectly shot masterpieces that deserve even more credit than they're given and both are some of the scarier choices for a fall night in.  

 

 

Best in Show: Horror Goes to College (Pt. II of II)

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5. Black Christmas Despite its flaws, the yuletide horror film, Black Christmas, is iconic. Even with its clunky remake, the slasher-in-a-sorority-house horror movie provided some much needed terror to a holiday so typically jolly. From terrifying phone calls to the sisters to some intense deaths scenes, Black Christmas may be a dated product, but it’s definitely worth the watch. Forewarning though, any college student that has hung around their off-campus housing during breaks probably should avoid this movie, lest they be afraid to turn the lights off at night.

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4. The Blair Witch Project/The Green Inferno What do The Blair Witch Project and Green inferno have in common? Practically nothing. One has become a legendary success, while the other remains a somewhat indie film on the fringe of popularity. But, both feature a collection of students out in the field doing the work they believe in. In The Blair Witch Project, a group of film students travel into the forest near Burkittsville, Maryland and become entrapped in a psychological prison of endless foliage and chaotic directions. Here, the students, who quickly lose the resolve to complete their project, come face to face with an impending sense of dread. In The Green Inferno, a group of social justice warriors heading to protect the rainforest and its native tribes get more than they bargained for after a plane crash. Both films capitalize on the very real blind courage propelled by youth and the dumb decisions young people make as a result. Was it a good idea to travel deep into woods in the middle of fall, with little reinforcement that'd help you be found? Probably not. Was it an equally bad idea to follow a group into unknown lands to do some dangerously grassroots protesting? Sure the intentions may have been better, but the decision is one I'm sure the characters of The Green Inferno wish they hadn't made.

3. Sorority Row 

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Sorority Row will never receive an A in class if you know what I mean. It's the type of movie that offers little depth, but makes up for it in sloshing deaths, iconic one-liners and great characters. Like Urban Legend, but far superior, Sorority Row  has such a strong ensemble it’s hard not to fall in love with this movie based on the script for the 80s flick, The House on Sorority Row. Featuring an indelible role courtesy of Carrie Fischer, who plays housemother Mrs. Crenshaw, Sorority Row piles the icing on its shallow cake.  It has amazing death sequences, a completely nutty killer and by the films end, those who knew what they were getting into will be entirely satisfied.

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3. Kristy

Like Girl House, Kristy is an easily forgotten film that really shouldn't be missed. By far one of the scarier indie films out there, the filmmakers make the most of their thinly conceptualized story following a girl hunted down on her empty campus. Like an expanded The Strangers, Kristy features incredibly tense and horrifying moments, masks that'll make you deepen into your seat and a lead character who'll win you over. This movie brings you along the entire campus that proves to be quite isolated during a Thanksgiving recess. Kristy should not go unseen. It's an action-packed thriller with plenty of scares and fierce moments to enthrall even the most desensitized viewer.

1. Scream 2 

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While the original Scream made high school students, well, scream, the follow up to the massively successful slasher, Scream 2 followed our survivors to a different locale; this time, a college campus. By far one of the best horror sequels around, Scream 2 builds the mythology of Ghostface as we meet a new killer and some new kills, all while witnessing the growth of a heroin in Sidney Prescott. Scream 2 makes full use of its expansive setting; perfectly capturing the ins-and-outs of the winding corridors, large lecture halls and basement facilities that make universities so unsettling. Scream 2 showcases just how lonely a populated campus can be- how even surrounded by peers and professors, a yell (or scream) for help, is more like a tree falling in the woods.

Best in Show: Modern Horror Franchises (Pt. II of II)

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5. Final Destination With some of horror's most fantastical and reaching death scenes, the Final Destination franchise is splendid to stare at with awe. Despite its follow-ups all being even more ridiculous, audiences craved these films and the who-will-die-next suspense scenes. The Final Destination series is so ridiculous but so good, that its force in the horror industry is undeniable. While the first was a straight up horror film and the second delved deeper down this rabbit hole, each subsequent installments only further exploded in grandeur, With five successful films under their belt, the future is dimming, but still bright for these escaping death thrillers.



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4. Saw

Just when audiences thought the seventh installment of the gory, trap-filled horror franchise would be its last, the announcement of Jigsaw came knocking. By far one of the most legendary and notorious horror franchises in the modern era, the Saw films became bona fide classics that received a lot of flak for their insane premises. Often overlooked as a cohesive unit, the Saw franchise is often said to be purposeless violence, but beneath it all there are stories being told. And, while those stories may be ridiculous, they are put together nonetheless.

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3. Scream Despite a now flailing television series which saw a lackluster season two, the Scream franchise is still a modern day symbol of horror. Scream may be in a bit of a rough patch, but to ignore it would be a great disservice to the accomplished work done by horror icon Wes Craven. Even the over-the-top third installment feels like a fresh satire of slasher films, not to mention that no matter the form, Sidney Prescott one our screens is an important enough reason to watch. The Scream films are timeless and deserving of audiences' time and respect.

2. Alien 

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It's rare for a 1970s film to age so perfectly, and yet, the original Alien has done so perfectly. Through expansion and sequels that are just as impressive, each piece of the Alien franchise has helped cultivate a full blown universe. Even by today's graphic and CGI standards, the work from the first two films stand out for their dated, but near stunning visuals and intense atmosphere. Tack on the successes of Prometheus and Covenant and this ever expanding world feels real. Set in the future, each of the Alien movies, including the weaker but still notable third, deserve to be commended for their ability to win over audiences who may not typically like sci-fi flicks. Constantly featuring strong female characters and complicated questions on life and morality, this is a franchise that everyone should stand behind.

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1. The Conjuring

Is there any current franchise with as much going for it as The Conjuring universe? Thanks to the terrifically terrifying mind of James Wan and a fantastic original and sequel, this world has become quintessential in the horror industry. With two spin-offs in the works for the sequel alone, a third on the way and a follow up to the original spin-off coming out this summer, The Conjuring franchise is one of horror's most well-done and accomplished. Even compared to some classic franchises like Halloween, the work done by The Conjuring movies should be regarded. Say what you will about Annabelle, but the honest truth is that that film is not that bad and given some of the truer duds of our time and some lackluster additions in some other franchises, nothing about Annabelle is that condemnable. The Conjuring world is expected to be around for years to come, and rightfully so.

 

Best in Show: Horror Sequels (Part II of II)

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5. The Descent: Part 2

Most horror fans and critics agree that The Descent is a modern classic. It terrified audiences and thanks to superb acting and crazy effects, the claustrophobic horror film catapulted its way into the hearts of all. But, the lesser talker about, yet still adequate follow up to The Descent deserves viewers' attention. Like the first, it offers up completely terrifying cave creatures and all of the original's claustrophobic atmosphere. The Descent: Part 2 is a direct continuation of the first's story and is nearly as unsettling, which given it being a sequel, is saying a lot. While the group venturing into the deadly cave may not be as compelling, there are still plenty to root for and when a surprise entry comes about, fans of the original will undoubtedly be won over.

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4. The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 got a surprising amount of flak from horror fans attempting to be edgier. By disliking the sequel to the critically acclaimed original, fans attempted to differentiate themselves from casual viewers and critics who applauded the sequel's continuation of stellar camera work and genuine scares. But, not even that coalition could halt the success of the second Conjuring. This movie is impressive and to search for flaws, people had to really stretch. This is one of the few horror sequels that keeps the majority of themes from the original and carries them over well. It's deeply terrifying and worth every second of its longer runtime.



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3. Scream 2

There is something so timeless about Scream. Simple, yet satirical, Scream ages better than most horror classics and this is partially thanks to its nearly as amazing sequels. Scream 2 is perhaps the movie at its best; grander and just as quickly paced, the follow up to Scream, spans over a college campus and features a lovable twist and some fun chase scenes. Scream 2 also hones in on the first's comedy and makes plenty of bold moves to be even funnier and on-the-nose. Scream 2 is definitely comparable to the first and with all of the same actors attached to it; it definitely feels like a trip down nostalgia lane.

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2. Saw II

While the first Saw build viral excitement, it is the film's sequel where the movie really comes into its own. Looking past the shock value of the original, Saw II is arguably more entertaining and more superior. Featuring far more suspense, a host of new characters and a twisting and turning plot, Saw II opened so many doors for the franchise. The traps are creative, the characters are unlovable and as they maneuver through the death house, it's easy to become captivated in their tiny world. Saw II is an underrated gem in the horror universe, often overlooked by the regarded first and the more over-the-top follow ups. But, this sequel, with all of its sickening yellow lighting and choppy rooms, is the real gem of the series.

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1. Aliens

Aliens, the well-known, highly regarded sequel to Alien, is - by some accounts - even better than the first. Utilizing plenty of special effects, a host of new talent, including a pretty great child star, is pretty much an action-packed perfection. In fact, the aptly titled Aliens could have just as easily been named Sigourney Weaver vs Space Monsters Pt. II and I'm pretty sure the audience and today's viewers would still love it. This is the type of movie that, even if the graphics get a little wonky over time, is still a must see and worthy rewatch. Aliens is nonstop suspense and excitement and is a pinnacle sequel to an already great horror-sci-fi film.

 

 

Best in Show: Horror Sequels (Part I of II)

Horror sequels get a bad rap. For horror fans, the audacity of sequels seems unimaginable and wrong. Add on a few more editions and filmmakers basically become criminals of the entertainment industry. But, when a horror sequel works, it can easily become a shining star and rather than being recognized as a standard, is instead listed as an exception to the rule. Fortunately though, for those fans who want to see stories continue on and for those hoping these stories are told equally well to the originals, options do exist and the future of horror sequels isn't dead yet. This week's list covers the best horror sequels (and two, kind of three, prequels that truly deserve acknowledgment) out there. The movies listed are direct sequels, following the original (fair note that many are more recent, given the ability to stand the test of time not typically granted to classics).




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10. Wrong Turn 2: Dead End

It's no secret that the Wrong Turn franchise is pretty trashy. But, unlike movies that get the "camp" label, Wrong Turn is criminally underrated given its exaggerated storylines and over the top acting and death scenes. Not taken seriously, the sequel to the original Wrong Turn is an impressive endeavor with a creative approach. Following a group of reality show contestants who must survive the now well-known cannibals of the West Virginia forest, Dead End is hilariously weird and offers a plethora of jump scares and laughs.

 

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9. Final Destination 2

Like Wrong Turn, the Final Destination franchise has received a lot of flak. But, with an original featuring strong performances and a particularly creative storyline, the first and its later sequels deserve a lot more credit. The sequel - which capitalized on everyone's fears of highway accidents, is particularly good as it left behind some of the more sinister undertones of the first movie in exchange for some slight exaggeration and comedy. Final Destination 2 also deserves additional points for playing with the "final girl" trope and featuring some pretty insane, while not necessarily logistical, death scenes.





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8. Ouija: Origin of Evil

While I did say I was specifically sticking to horror sequels, the prequel to the awful Ouija deserves recognition. Unlike the first's overly polished camera work and plot, Ouija: Origin of Evil is filled with personalized time pieces and amazingly suspenseful moments. Ouija: Origin of Evil is the rare follow up that completely blows the original out of the water. Not only does it ignore the mythology of the first and advantageously grasps its prequel setting, but Ouija: Origin of Evil offers truly terrifying scares. The one question it'll pose viewers to ask is: "what original?"





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7. Paranormal Activity 2

There's something about the second Paranormal Activity film that is especially starling. Like the viral success of the first, Paranormal Activity 2 utilizes the relativized home security cameras. Unlike the first though, the action and dialogue of this sequel is packed with far more action. From spooky childhood stories to actual movement on camera, the somewhat predictable sequel is truly terrifying; it's larger budget and gathered collection of faith propelling it to success. Paranormal Activity 2 deserves more given that it literally surrounds the events around the first and builds on the mythology, providing everything the filmmakers needed to make a larger franchise,



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6. Insidious: Chapter 3

Okay, so the first part of this list actually has quite a few prequels on it. I assure that this is the final one and while there are a lot of prequels that deserve to be seen and received, this list is definitely about sequels. But, unlike the direct follow ups of Ouija and Paranormal Activity, it is the third film in the Insidious franchise that deserves some attention. Insidious: Chapter 3 is a truly terrifying adventure, following a rather tepid sequel and building on the first's concrete mythology. And, while each follow up to the original has been less well-received, Chapter 3 was a refreshing return to the basics, featuring all of the horrifying shadowy figures and panned scares that drew in viewers in the first place.

Best in Show: Final Girls (Part II of II)



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5. Elizabeth Shaw (Prometheus)

When I see or hear things about people's dislike for Prometheus I am stunned. From its visuals to its superb acting, there is really not much to complain about. What makes this matter even more questionable is the fact that the majority of the criticism comes from fans of the Alien franchise universe. Prometheus isn't some cheap, rehashed endeavor and it's certainly not bad, those that feel it is should feel equally ashamed that they feel that way. One of the strongest cases for Prometheus is its amazing final girl. Building on Ellen Ripley's archetype, Noomi Raplace's Elizabeth Shaw is stunning. Her nuanced prowess and ability to command every scene is nearly unparalleled. She's intelligent, driven and complicated. Her character is a multidimensional powerhouse that horror cinema should be thankful for. From the opening scenes to her attempts at escaping the mission that's gone awry, Shaw never falters.



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4. Erin Hardesty (Texas Chainsaw  Massacre)

How dare I put a remake so high on this list! And to not include the original? Condemnable, but ultimately true to my opinions. I'm here to declare that Jessica Biel's Erin is not only superior to the original Sally, but also far more believable in the role. Remakes get the worst rap, yet the 2003 remake of the classic slasher, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a rare and shining accomplishment, holding a candle to the 1974 version. Maybe not as revolutionary or stylistically strong, but the 2003 version is an incredibly scary adventure only propelled farther by Jessica Biel's best performance of her career. Jessica Biel's Erin is stronger and more unrelenting than Sally and every moment she's on screen viewers should be gripping their seats. Sorry, not sorry.




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3. Sarah (The Descent)

The Descent is horrifying. By far one of the scariest movies in decades, The Descent has forever been engrained into my brain. And, while I would argue that each of the women featured in this movie are great additions to the stock of strong female characters in horror, the truest star is final girl, Sarah. Her struggles to cope with the loss of family paired with a crazed survival instinct make her beyond entertaining. Her willingness to do literally anything to escape the cave is pretty outstanding (and gory). Sarah is often overlooked on best lists of final girls but I would argue that she is by far one of the best.




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2. Ellen Ripley  (Alien)

One of the original, and most prolific final girls of all time is Sigourney Weaver's Ellen Ripley, This of course is for good reason. Where others may be reactionary in space situations, every move made by Ripley is proactive. She's determined and vicious; an unrelenting character with little flaw. If I was ever trapped in space, I would 100% want her on my side. In fact, I wish I had her by my side at all times. Imagine the security you would feel. Ripley is physically and mentally one of the strongest final girls ever and she is definitely the feminist icon we all need every day.





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1. Sidney Prescott (Scream)

I think if one character beats out Ellen Ripley for the title of final girl, it has to be Sidney Prescott from Scream. I'm sorry to everyone who feels hurt by this statement, but Sidney is not only the first name that came to my head when I thought of good final girls, but is also the only one who knows pretty much the whole time that she is, in fact, the final girl. Her self-awareness and planning skills, one liners and ability to protect or attempt to protect those closest to her is undeniable. Sidney Prescott is the final girl to end final girls and she will never be matched. She is essential to the trope and in every iteration of the trope; she is the one to look to for iconography because Sid is the icon.