Best thrillers and scary films
Blood, gore and zombie apocalypses? We thought not. But good old ghost stories, serial killers and psychological thrillers? Yes, yes, yes. "With Halloween now looming, all the classic scary movies are out, so get your popcorn ready and be sure to turn the lights off if you dare!" Here are 10 of your favourite hair-raising, hide-behind-your-cushion scary thrillers and horror films that you've watched and survived...
"I hid my eyes for 40 minutes with my husband saying, 'Don't look yet. Wait until I tell you you can look. Definitely, don't look NOW!' "
1. Psycho
Generally ranked as one of the greatest films of all time and a work of cinematic art, Hitchcock's Psycho is a must-see for all film lovers. A woman decides to spend the night in a remote motel run by the disturbed Norman Bates. "We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?"
Gransnetters say:
"All time favourite is Psycho! It's good to raise your blood pressure occasionally."
"I love Psycho. Seen it gazillions of times."
2. The Exorcist
Roughly based on real events, a mother suspects her daughter is possessed by a demon and attempts to get her back through exorcism. A chilling and sinister psychological thriller.
Gransnetters say:
"Scarily creepy, but still quite...intelligent?"
"I remember going to the cinema with my boyfriend to see this in the 70s. It was really scary I can tell you, and scary films at that time never phased me at all. When everyone left the cinema at the end, we were greeted by a group of church people handing out leaflets for people who felt affected by the film, offering spiritual help."
3. The Woman in Black
Who doesn't love a good old ghost story? Swamps, fog and a haunted old house for sale; Daniel Radcliffe's character is trapped in a village where a ghostly woman in black claims the souls of children - and the minds of adults.
Gransnetters say:
"Very creepy."
"It was really scary - the whole audience jumped at one point!"
"I do love a good ghost story."
4. Cape Fear
A rapist stalks and terrorises the man he holds responsible for his imprisonment - and his family. Robert Mitcham's obsessive Max Cady is considered one of the greatest on-screen villans of all time. "I got somethin' planned for your wife and kid that they ain't nevah gonna forget."
Gransnetters say:
"Definitely scary!"
"Cape Fear with Robert Mitcham was much better than the remake. Very creepy."
5. Don't Look Now
Based on Daphne du Maurier's short story, this British/Italian adaption is an unusual psychological thriller set apart by its innovative editing style and use of imagery. A modern classic set in Venice.
Gransnetters say:
"I remember shrinking in my chair at the cinema to avoid the knife."
"The horror just creeps up on you right at the end."
6. The Hitcher
Narrowly escaping death after he picks up the wrong hitchhiker, a young man's life is made a living hell by a psychopathic serial killer. A classic cat and mouse thriller. "Do I look like a killer to you?"
Gransnetters say:
"The scariest film I have ever watched."
7. The Others
This widely acclaimed psychological horror film and classic ghost story has won several awards and was nominated for two BAFTAs: original screenplay and best actress. Set in a haunted house in the aftermath of World War II, this film is a great choice for those looking for a little more substance with their popcorn.
Gransnetters say:
"It was so creepy and managed to make me terrified of Eric Sykes - of all people!"
8. The Ring
A remake of the Japanese film by the same name, this film is not for everyone. Harrowingly gloomy and cold, the film is about a cursed videotape (another good reason to finally part with the old VHS player) that seems to mysteriously cause the death of everyone who watches it.
Gransnetters say:
"Very creepy with some shocking moments!"
9. The Wicker Man
A cult classic generally considered one of the greatest British films of all time, this bizarre and chilling horror film will creep up on you right till the very end. "You'll simply never understand the true nature of sacrifice."
Gransnetters say:
"The scariest film Ive watched as an adult was the original Wickerman with Edward Woodward."
10. Alien
Perfect for sci-fi fans, this nerve-wracking film has won several awards, including an award for special effects. Extraterrestrial creatures stalk and kill the crew of a spaceship, but that is only the beginning... It'll have you reaching for a cushion to cover your eyes.
Gransnetters say:
"I screeched my way through it - constant plot twists - and felt wrung out by the end."
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