Considering the 5, are think there are better choices. I'd prefer all list the six we want. And post any 'why it should be included' with it.
To read why film should be selected, read corresponding # below.
1. Godzilla Vs. The Smog Monster (Gojira tai Hedora) 1971) (want diversity for our list?)
2. The Night Stalker (1972)
3. Magic (1978)
4. King Kong (1976)
5. The Stepford Wives (1976)
6. The Legend of Hell House (1973)
1. Gojira tai Hedora - A fantastic, innovative and scary film. It's psychedelic, they included animated sequences, amazing set and colors, use of jazz and acid rock, where they mix jazz in with the spoken parts, including rather bizarre things, like the eggs of Monster. It's the first film to attack the issue of pollution, at the same time it's a metaphor for the evil/neglect of mankind.
The horror scenes include a coastal giant sludge tadpole menacing a child's father, and then the child slicing it with his knife. In a nightclub, slug from monster pours down the steps, like the blob (the ending of the scene with the slug covered cat meowing is classic!). The Smog Monster flies over a children camp exercising, releases it's smog on them, and they're left as smoking skeletons (child's film?). The "flower children" teens are partying at night when a GIGANTIC Hedora walks up, even towering over Godzilla (genius). A true period piece. One animated sequence:
http://youtu.be/rVLaqFWpm7A
2. The Night Stalker (1972) A classic, always highly rated, thoroughly enjoyable. Best made for TV I've ever seen, any genre. "An abrasive Las Vegas newspaper reporter investigates a series of murders committed by a vampire." Can see full film on Youtube.com for free
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAy8v0FMoAM So impressive, garnered a sequel and TV series.
3. Magic (1978) - fascinating, and unusually scary film about a ventriloquist (Anthony Hopkins) who can't put his dummy down, even for 20 secs... he's insane. Directed by Richard Attenborough. also starring Ann-Margret, and Burgess Meredith.
4. King Kong (1976) - completely different take on King Kong. Dark, moody, superior foreboding music. Many a child shed a tear for Kong at the end.
5. The Stepford Wives (1976) - mega famous cultural landmark classic movie. I haven't met an adult who hasn't heard of it.
6. The Legend of Hell House (1973) - famous cult classic with Roddy McDowall.