Turn Out the Lights: Top 13 Horror Films to Watch with the Lights Off
Joshua Macmillan
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9) The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Starring: Heather Donahue, Michael C Williams, and Joshua Leonard; Directed By: Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez
The Blair Witch Project is one of the most successful horror films ever made. It, much like Paranormal Activity, set the basis for the plethora of found-footage films released under the gimmick that it is real. In my opinion this film is much more effective than the others. It came out before the internet became what it is now, and due to that, it works. If this was coming out now, I honestly believe it would be a flop and probably would have been a direct-to-video/DVD movie that just languished on shelves in your local Best Buy. Luckily for us, though, the film came out at the exact perfect time and struck a nerve with audiences everywhere. If you haven’t seen this film, then you may want to seek it out, especially if you are into the found footage sub-genre.
https://youtu.be/cxtSdzCTGWw
8) The Babadook (2014)
Starring: Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, Barbara West, and Ben Winspear; Directed By: Jennifer Kent
The Babadook is one of the newest films featured in this list, and it earns its place due to being a great look at tension and suspense. The film follows a young mother who is struggling with the loss of her husband and having to carry on as a single mother. Her child is suffering from fears of a monster, and this only raises the stress on his mother. One night they stumble across a storybook that causes problems. The Babadook is tremendous; Kent found a way to deliver a stunningly tense piece of film that you should definitely check out!
7) Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Starring: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans, Ralph Bellamy, Angela Dorian; Directed By: Roman Polanski
This film is definitely one that you can kick back and go along for the ride with the lights out. It is tense, creepy, and a staple in every horror fan’s collection. Throw a rock, and you will be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t know about this film or even the television series. I love Rosemary’s Baby and highly recommend it for everyone; it is a great cult film that will get you through many stormy nights. If you don’t own this one, then you should try to get your hands on the Criterion release.
https://youtu.be/PewtQsgN5uo
6) The Thing (1982)
Starring: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, Keith David, Richard Masur, Donald Moffat, David Clennon, T.K. Carter, Richard A. Dysart; Directed By: John Carpenter
Horror master John Carpenter delivers one of the most beloved films within our favorite genre, but it didn’t start out so loved. The Thing originally bombed when it was released into theaters back in 1982. It is arguably one of the best films ever made and is still just as impactful on the thirtieth viewing as the first. The film follows a group of researchers in the Antarctic who become the targets of a parasitic alien life form. The Thing is proof that a remake can work if it is done by the right guy and has the right script. I will say that the original story is a fun read, and if you haven’t had the chance, you should seek out John W. Campbell Jr’s Who Goes There? It is a fun, quick read that I highly recommend as well.
5) The Conjuring (2013)
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor; Directed By: James Wan
This is a great ghost story that is sure to be even more effective in a darkened room. James Wan crafts a wickedly fun ride of a film and truly delivers on the chills. We follow the Warrens as they become involved in a case involving an old witch who has laid a curse upon her land. It is a great film for those who love paranormal investigative type stories, but if you;re going into this looking for true events, then you need to take what you get with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, The Conjuring is very enjoyable and will please most people in search of a film to watch after dark.
