I have just finished and sent in my list for 2000-2012. I have to say that, as I have said before, I will have to disagree with several people on here. While the period of 2000-2012 has definitely had some really good films; I think that the 1990s actually had a significantly higher number of good films. In fact, my list for the 1990s was much harder to do than my list for 2000-2012. It definitely is not bad as what some people have said. There are a number of great films like Saw, Final Destination, The Ring and the like, but overall, there are actually fewer great films than what I imagined.

The thing is, it depends on what you like - it's easy to forget when debating movies that it IS a matter of taste, and it isn't nescesarily bad taste against good taste. "My kind of horror" was pretty much dead in the 90s, and I hated how traditional special effects were replaced by, at the time, extremely fake looking CGI. But that doesn't mean that you or anyone else are "wrong" for thinking that the 90s were awesome.

Just curious, what is your type of horror? I am just surprised because some of the best horror films of the 90s were ones that did NOT rely on CGI, but instead on story, character development, and even used higher thinking by scaring through psychology. I respect other's views on horror of the 90s, but am surprised by so many that believe it was a bad decade for horror, despite quite a number of really excellent films (at least in my opinion).

Thanks to natedog722 for submitting entries for both the 90s and the 00s, and to metternich1815 for submitting his entry for the 00s.

We are in the process of finalising TWO more films for the 80s. Hopefully we start on the 90s by this weekend.

I was not able to send my list in for the 1980s, but if I am allowed to provide my opinion, then I would back The Fog, The Fly, The Return of the Living Dead, and Christine.

Thank you. We now have our 19th film for the 80s.

http://www.horror.com/forum/showpost...&postcount=424

Just ONE more needs to be finalised.

The 80s list is looking strong. Before I throw in a backing for a different film, I'd like to make a case for Cannibal Holocaust. Hopefully it can garner another backing and make the final list because it's one of the most impactful horror movies I've ever seen. I understand that it's not for everyone, but hopefully it will be judged on its merits and not purely on taste.

First off, I think it would be good to add breadth to the lists. Not many exploitation films have made it (because they've been beaten by better films), but this one transcends exploitation via self-satirization and irony. It also serves as a transition from 70s grindhouse to an era of "proper," and generally respectable, horror that took off in the 80s. If you're put off by the real animal killings, which is totally understandable, hopefully the assurance that all the animals were consumed by the natives, as they regularly did, helps alleviate that.

Regarding the film, its story and its execution, I find it to be truly unique and impeccably executed. I'm amazed that the real-life natives are almost better actors than the actors. I have no idea how Deodato accomplished that. It's one of the reasons the movie feels so real. That, and the intermixing of Animal Kingdom-style footage and mondo real death video (which, as part of the storyline, is a "faked" documentary), causes the line between reality and fiction to blur to the point that the viewer is subconsciously confused, and the acted violence becomes significantly more disturbing that it would have been otherwise. This is a stroke of genius by Deodato.

The story is brilliant, consisting of two excursions -- the second team setting out to solve the mystery of the first team's disappearance, a story which is revealed incrementally via footage that the second team found. The footage revealed that the true horror was just as much due to human nature, of which the exploitative and, eventually evil, Westerners are bound to, as it was to the cannibalistic nature of the natives. It should also be mentioned that the found footage aspect of this film predates the "original" found footage film, The Blair Witch Project, by nearly 20 years, and that it was so well executed that Deodato was actually tried in a criminal court for suspicion of killing his actors.

Cannibal Holocaust outdid all of its subgenre predecessors, both in intelligent storytelling and execution, and effectively killed off the cannibal subgenre. After this one, there will never be a need for another one.

I have to say that I never saw it as a mini-series either because I watched the whole thing on a dvd. I don't know where Rose Red would have been on my list, but it probably would have been on my top 20 for the 1990s. I have to say, despite length, I have always enjoyed this film. I am sure the same is true with It, but I have always considered that film (or whatever) a little overrated.

If I already voted for Cannibal Holocaust in my top 20 of the 80s I can't back it can I?

I will if I can, as I think that, as Giganticface has addressed, it was a transcendent and immersive experience that blurred the lines between reality and fiction, made a very impactful and resonating statement about our lust for violence and exploitation of the same, while at the same time seemingly revel in what it itself makes us question. The duality of it all really strikes a chord with me, and I personally would be disappointed to not see it make the cut.

I think you can. The movies that I backed (Basket Case, Cannibal Holocaust, Videodrome) were already in my top 20.

In short, supernatural horror. Something that can't be destroyed with a machine gun. And sure, they made supernatural horror movies in the 90s, but that specific genre seemed a little dead at the time. When I think of 90s horror, I think of boobs and childish toilet humour (as in "Scream", which I think is the movie that best sums up everything I disliked about 90s horror)

It was also a time where many horror movies were scarred by really horrible acting. Sure, there's ALWAYS been bad acting in horror - but I guess around that time, the talented, classic horror actors were either no longer around or too old, and sadly they were never replaced. But at least at this point in time, I think we are beginning to see better acting in horror again.

I back Cannibal Holocaust. :)

I have to agree that supernatural movies were relatively dead in the 90s, which explains why you probably didn't like that period. Personally, I like virtually every sub-genre of horror with the exception of the torture and exploitation ones. As far as Scream, I am not sure what you are referring to? I think you are meaning Scary Movie. If you had a different intention you may correct me. Personally, I loved Scream because it was one of the most brilliant and witty horror movies up to that time. Additionally, it helped to revive horror movies. I also thought it was a great psychological thriller. I liked the other Scream films, but they are not as great as the original. So, I guess we are on opposite sides on this (not that there is anything wrong with that, I am just making an observation).
As for acting, I am not entirely sure what you are talking about. I don't think the acting was any better or worse than other time periods. There were some really good actors in my opinion for example Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal, Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, and Kevin Spacey in Se7en, Kane Hodder as Jason (even when the movies he was in weren't good, he still delivered a really great performance), Tony Todd as Candyman. These are just a few of many great performances in the 90s. So, I don't think that I agree that acting was bad in the 90s. Ultimately, while supernatural films, with the notable exception of The Blair Witch Project, were dead, I still think that the 1990s was a great period for horror movies because some of the greatest horror movies in horror movie history, at least in my opinion, were made during this period.

Yes, you can.

And that helps us nail the 20th chosen one for the 80s. Thanks, guys.

Entries for the 90s are open for the next 48 hours, before we start compilation work for the decade.

Keep the entries for the 00s coming. I expect plenty more lists by this weekend.

I'm afraid I did mean Scream, although I do tend to mix it up with Scary Movie. I've never watched the Scream sequels though, so I can't comment on those, but I've watched the original twice. I didn't find it scary or spooky at all, and it just wasn't my kind of humour, I guess.

But, just because I didn't personally like it doesn't mean it's crap. I love to debate, if I didn't I would be here - but something that entertains thousands of people all over the world and makes them happy obviously has value, no matter what my personal taste or opinion is.

Well, of course there are exceptions - although I don't really consider Se7en or Silence of the Lambs to be horror, but that's just my opinion. I guess the best way to explain what I mean is to tell you that some of my absolute favourite movies are the famous Poe movies starring Vincent Price - particularly "House of Usher". I think that was a very spooky movie, even though it was just 4 actors in an old house and a lot of well-delivered dialogue.

Or "The Haunted Palace" (yes, I know... Lovecraft, not Poe :p) - there is this particularly frightening scene where Vincent Price's character looks up at the painting of Joseph Curwen, and his face goes from gentle to pure evil in a split second. No special effects, just good acting. I almost peed my pants the first time I saw it :D That's the kind of stuff I miss, and I think that ended around the 90s, where nobody even tried because it just wasn't in fashion.

But yes, sure, there were good movies too. The one that really stands out for me, even though many people dislike that movie, is the remake of "House on Haunted Hill" - and I especially enjoyed it because of the great performance of Geoffrey Rush.

I understand many of your arguments, but, personally I love Scream. In fact, it is my favorite horror film. I primarily enjoy how it satirized the horror genre. I agree that there were no actors of the likes of Vincent Price or Peter Cushing, but that is true of multiple decades. Personally, I think that the acting was better than in the 80s though, even though there were good movies and performances then too. I have always had a broad definition of horror and I think that the horror theme sin Se7en and The SIlence of the Lambs are quite prevalent, thus making them horror movies. Of course, "horror movie" really is an open-concept with no clear definition. I would also include horror comedies like Young Frankenstein into horror. I was never a big fan of the remake and I enjoyed the original far better.

It is! Especially when it comes to the darker crime movies. Just because something is scary doesn't make it horror, though. I'm frightened by war movies, I won't even watch them, but I wouldn't classify them as horror.

Sitting down to compile the 90s tonight. Expect the Master List up in the next 18 hours.

I just sent mine in like five minutes ago. Will it be included (just curious)?

Yes .

Despite being a horror comedy, I am surprised that Dale and Tucker Vs Evil is not on the master list. It might be hilarious, but it has a great deal of horror and violence even if it is not scary.

Never mind. I just realized it was Tucker and Dale, not Dale and Tucker.

I started compiling my list for the 2000s+. Black Swan will will definitely be near the top.

Others that have a shot are:

* Donnie Darko
* Inland Empire
* Requiem for a Dream

If we're giving labels to stuff, these might fall in some category like "surreal psychological horror thrillers" or something, where Requiem and Black Swan also qualify as body horror.

Now that I know that movies don't have to be in the Master List to be submitted, it makes no difference to me whether they're added. I just thought I'd throw them out there.

Giganticface and xX_StarChild_Xx, I just wanted to let you know that I got to watch Grindhouse (movies separate). I thought it was really good. Despite being both great, I will say that I preferred Death Proof. It had a great performance by Kurt Russel, while also being a very thoroughly entertaining movie. Planet Terror was good, but certainly much more humorous and over-the-top compared to Death Proof. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed both films in Grindhouse.

Cool. Glad you liked them. Yeah, Death Proof had to grow on me, but I ended up liking it a lot. Stuntman Mike is a great character. Although I liked Planet Terror better the first time around, if I were to watch one of them again it would be Death Proof.

Awesome man! Yeah, to each their own, my friend. I enjoyed Death Proof, don't get me wrong, but I found Planet Terror to be more in line with my sensibilities in that it was over the top and humorous. I've always enjoyed my horror films with a healthy dash of humour, either intentional or not. ;) Stuntman Mike was awesome though, and I've always enjoyed Tarantino's films. :)

Now that the 80s is settled, I thought I'd post my top 20. I'd be interested in seeing others' to get to know everyone's tastes.

1 The Shining (1980)
2 Evil Dead II (1987)
3 The Evil Dead (1981)
4 Poltergeist (1982)
5 The Thing (1982)
6 Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
7 The Fly (1986)
8 Santa Sangre (1989)
9 The Beyond (1981)
10 Angst (1983)
11 Videodrome (1983)
12 Psycho II (1983)
13 Bad Taste (1987)
14 Demons (1985)
15 Hellraiser (1987)
16 Basket Case (1982)
17 Men Behind the Sun (1988)
18 Possession (1981)
19 An American Werewolf in London (1981)
20 Pin (1988)

And here come the 90s...

Summation:-

Number of lists received = 13.


IN THE CUT

Candyman (1992) - 11

Jacob's Ladder (1990) - 9
Scream (1996) - 9
Se7en (1995) - 9

Army of Darkness (1992) - 8
Dead Alive (1992) - 8
Misery (1990) - 8
The Silence of the Lambs (1991) - 8
The Blair Witch Project (1999) - 8 (-1)

The Sixth Sense (1999) - 7


DEBATABLE

Audition (1999) - 6 (backed by The Villain, seconded by Giganticface)
Leprechaun (1993) - 6 (backed by realdealblues, seconded by natedog722) [The Villain withdrew his backing]

Dracula (1992) - 5 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by Straker, realdealblues)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - 5 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by The Villain, realdealblues)
In the Mouth of Madness (1994) - 5 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by Straker, neverending)
Ringu (1998) - 5 (backed by neverending, seconded by Giganticface)
Wishmaster (1997) - 5 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by The Villain, realdealblues, Kandarian Demon)

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) - 4 (backed by metternich1815)
Funny Games (1997) - 4
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) - 4 (backed by The Villain, seconded by realdealblues)
Night of the Living Dead (1990) - 4 (backed by Kandarian Demon)
The Exorcist III (1990) - 4 (backed by Straker, seconded by Giganticface, realdealblues)


MINORITY

Cemetary Man (1994) - 3 (backed by Straker)
Cronos (1993) - 3 (backed by Straker, seconded by Giganticface, The Villain)
Cube (1997) - 3 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by The Villain, natedog722)
Deep Blue Sea (1999) - 3 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by The Villain, tiberius) (-1)
Event Horizon (1997) - 3 (backed by tiberius, seconded by metternich1815)
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) - 3 (backed by natedog722) (-2)
Natural Born Killers (1994) - 3 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by Giganticface)
Nightbreed (1990) - 3 (backed by Kandarian Demon, seconded by neverending)
Predator 2 (1990) - 3 (backed by metternich1815)
Sleepy Hollow (1999) - 3 (backed by The Villain, seconded by neverending, Giganticface)
Urban Legend (1998) - 3

Anaconda (1997) - 2 (backed by tiberius) (-2)
Blade (1998) - 2
Bride of Chucky (1998) - 2 (backed by metternich1815) (-1)
Child's Play 2 (1990) - 2
Frankenhooker (1990) - 2
Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991) - 2 (-2)
Hardware (1990) - 2
House on Haunted Hill (1999) - 2 (backed by Kandarian Demon)
Interview with the Vampire (1994) - 2
Subspecies (1991) - 2
The Faculty (1998) - 2 (backed by The Villain, seconded by metternich1815)
The People Under the Stairs (1991) - 2
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) - 2 (backed by metternich1815, seconded by Kandarian Demon, tiberius)
Tremors (1990) - 2 (backed by The Villain, seconded by realdealblues)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) - 2
Warlock: The Armageddon (1993) - 2 (backed by Kandarian Demon)
Wolf (1994) - 2


SINGLE VOTES TO

Alien³ (1992)
An American Werewolf in Paris (1997)
Arachnophobia (1990)
Basket Case 2 (1990)
Begotten (1990)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
Castle Freak (1995)
Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995)
Clean, Shaven (1993)
Cure (1997)
End of Days (1999) (backed by natedog722)
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Fallen (1998)
Fear (1996) (backed by neverending)
Flatliners (1990)
Frankenstein Unbound (1990)
Gamera 2: Attack of the Legion (1996)
Gamera 3: Revenge of Iris (1999)
Godzilla vs. Destroyah (1995)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)
Hiruko the Goblin (1991) (backed by The Villain)
Humanoids from the Deep (1996)
Jurassic Park (1993)
Kiss the Girls (1997)
Lake Placid (1999)
Man Bites Dog* (1992) (backed by Straker)
Mirror Mirror (1990)
Necronomicon: Book of Dead (1993)
Needful Things (1993)
Nightmare Concert (A Cat in the Brain) (1990)
Perdita Durango (1997)
Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994 Video)
Ravenous (1999) (backed by Giganticface)
Scream 2 (1997)
Shakma (1990) ([backed by The Villain)
Sphere (1998)
Stigmata (1999)
Stir of Echoes (1999) (backed by neverending, seconded by Straker, Giganticface)
Terror Firmer (1999)
Tesis (1996)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
The Dentist (1996)
The Frighteners (1996)
The Guardian (1991)
The Lawnmower Man (1992)
The Night Flier (1997)
The Ninth Gate (1999)
The Relic (1997)
The Stendhal Syndrome (1996)
The X Files (1998)

(* = not in the original 90s Master List)



TEN films have made it in, by a vote percentage of at/over 50%.

We need to select TEN more, preferably from the DEBATABLE section.

If everyone is in agreement, we can toss in all films which have scored 6 votes and 5 votes (SEVEN in total), and pick 3 films from the 4-votes section, and thus we get our chosen top 20. (although how Leprechaun managed to get the favor of 6 listers is beyond my comprehension)

Or, we can debate over the other films, pick up those which are lower in the vote list with some solid backing, and hammer out the 20 in that way.

So, let's hear your thoughts - backing, seconding and otherwise.

Thanks to tiberius and Straker for submitting their 22 choices for the 00s.

Wow... so I guess I was the only one who voted for Fear and Stir of Echoes. I thought Fear was pretty scary the first time I saw it. Certainly a lot better than much of the crap that's got multiple votes in this list.

Sounds fine to me V, except maybe make last 3 entries from the remaining films, not just those with 4 votes so that everyone can make their arguments.

I'll back the following films:

Bram Stoker's Dracula- One of the most brilliant adaptations of Dracula and actually followed relatively closely to the book (with the major exception of the romance being added). It included some terrific performances by Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins and some really good special effects.

I Know What You Did Last Summer- An interesting mystery, which is also a slasher. It created the villain known as the Fisherman. As was common with the slashers created due to Scream, the killer was mortal, rather than immortal. Definitely a worthy addition to the list.

In the Mouth of Madness- One of the most underrated John Carpenter films. The film is about an individual whose horror books are causing people to commit violent actions, which may ultimately leading to the end of the world. This film was very effective at blurring the lines between real and non-real. Also a pretty excellent performance by Neil.

Wishmaster- This is an interesting film that largely went unnoticed in 1997. I actually greatly enjoy this film. It follows the myth of the Djinn relatively closely. What I like the most is that they throw this myth into a modern world. Although an unlikely villain (he can only grant wishes), it is very effective at using him. The way he grants the wishes is the most interesting part of this film. Plus, it includes cameos by Angus Scrimm (I heard he was in it, although I did not notice what part), Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, and Tony Todd.

From Dusk till Dawn- Another unique vampire film from the 1990s. What is interesting about this film is that it can be both serious and humor. In my opinion, it does to vampires what Zombieland will do to zombies. It also includes some terrific performances and a cameo by Tom Savini. The special effects are pretty good, especially for the time. Definitely an excellent film.

Cube- Cube is an intriguing psychological thriller. This film shares a number of similarities with a later film known as Saw. Both films include a group of people trapped somewhere that must try to survive a series of traps, in order to survive. Despite being similar and having similar set ups, this film more effectively explores humanity. It is interesting to see how the characters slowly descend into paranoia and even sacrifice their morals in order to survive (this is especially true of the supposed hero). Definitely one of the greatest films of the period.

Deep Blue Sea- One of the most interesting and unique shark films since Jaws. There have been literally dozens or more shark films that have been made since Jaws, but this is one of the only, if not only, films that is actually nearly as good as that film. It is very effective at exploring the nature of humanity and the dangers of science. Additionally, it includes some really good performances. Definitely a worthy film to add to the top 20.

Predator 2- A very good continuation of the story established in Predator (1987). Although this film is not essential to a top 20 list for the 1990s, I do believe that it is an excellent film, which is more realistic than its predecessor. The film also includes some really good performances, especially by Danny Glover. The special effects were really well done, as well. I also want to mention that this film, while still remaining serious, adds more humor than its predecessor. My favorite quote from the movie is: "It's alright I'm a cop.- Lieutenant Harrigan I don't think he gives a s***.- apartment tenant". Definitely an excellent film from this period.

Natural Born Killers- Yet another great psychological thriller from the 1990s. This film is very similar to the crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde, although in this film those two killers are eventually caught by the authorities. The primary theme behind this film is that the media glorifies violence and killers. Furthermore, the film includes some excellent performances by Harrelson and Lewis. Definitely a film that should make any top 20 horror list.

Bride of Chucky- Honestly, my favorite film from the Child's Play series. What I love the most about this film is that it makes reference to many other horror movies including, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, Halloween, Hellraiser, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Omen. Additionally, I think it is quite hilarious. Many people have criticized that the series went from being serious to being self-parody. Honestly, how serious can a film with a killer doll be? I don't mean to be harsh, but I think there is a reason the series went in this direction.

Wes Craven's New Nightmare- This film is either my favorite or second favorite film in the Nightmare series. This film is one of the few, if not only, slasher movies that can actually scare me. Additionally, I thought the idea was very unique, especially how the people involved in the movie all played themselves. Additionally, the atmosphere and acting was really top-notch. Definitely an underrated film that is actually quite brilliant.

I'll back:

Leprechaun
Cube
Sleepy Hollow
Audition
Halloween H20
Wishmaster
Deep Blue Sea
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Tremors
The Faculty

Cronos
The Exorcist III
Dracula
In the Mouth of Madness
Cemetary Man
Man Bites Dog
Stir of Echos (just missed out on my list, but I'd rather give a vote to this than see some of the other crap that is circling around the cut make it).

I so want to take a vote off Deep Blue Sea, its such an awful movie, bad acting, weak ass plot, convoluted story, some of the worst editing you will see from a movie with a budget, just all around piss poor production....Same goes for Anaconda.

@neverending: I haven't seen Fear, but I'll take that recommendation.

@V: No doubt, Leprechaun?? Yikes.

I'll back:

Cronos
The Exorcist III
Ravenous

(Edit) Yep, I'll back Stir of Echoes too.

Thanks, guys. We have nailed our 11th chosen one.

Still need NINE more. Keep the debates going!

EDIT - make that 12 chosen ones. EIGHT more to go.

In the Mouth of Madness
Ringu
Fear
Stir of Echoes
Sleepy Hollow


That's all for now.

Well, I guess I'll start backing a few.

Leprechaun (1993) - Leprechaun is a perfect glimpse of what horror became in the early 90's. It's ability to spawn so many sequels and still rake in cash is a testament to that. If someone wanted to know what horror was like in the early 90's I would easily point them at this film.

Dracula (1992) - Definitely one of the best Dracula stories with some great performances from Oldman and Hopkins.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - Again completely represents late 90's Horror, not to mention our new scream queen of the time Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Wishmaster (1997) - Another in the realm of Leprechaun. A fun horror movie with the ability to spawn 3 sequels.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) - An important moment in 90's horror and the franchise. Bringing back Jamie Lee Curtis was such a buzz. While the movie itself may have been a let down to many fans it's importance at the time made it a must see.

The Exorcist III (1990) - After the disaster that was Exorcist II, to bring back the storyline with a far darker tone was a welcomed edition.

Tremors (1990) - Another significant entry for the 90's showing that giant monster movies could still rake in the bucks.

Up to 16 now. Need FOUR more.

I'm not sure if I understand this backing thing correctly, so just ignore me if I did something wrong :D

Wishmaster (1997)
Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Nightbreed (1990)
House on Haunted Hill (1999)
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
Warlock: The Armageddon (1993)