With Halloween fast approaching, we asked County Durham's award-winning horror film director, Dean Midas, for his own personal favourite Halloween films. Here is his choice of top movies to watch during the spooky season.
There are so many modern-day horror films to choose from, so, I have decided to concentrate on the old classics, good old school horror from back in the day before we had the pleasure of CGI.
Halloween
Top of my list has to be Halloween (1978) the film that launched horror icon Michael Myers.
The opening scene is so brutal and shocking while the rest of the film is, at times, genuinely terrifying and sticks with you long after the credits have rolled.
Dean's Spooky Rating. 5/5
Scream
Next up is Scream (1997) a film that has heavily influenced my own film career.
I still vividly remember going to watch Scream at the cinema. It blew my mind.
I also remember with amusement, the man who sat in front of me. Before the film started he was all loud and cocky but once the film's terrifying opening with Drew Barrymore got going, he quickly sank down in his seat. I was so tempted to pounce on him halfway through the film!
At the time Scream gave the dying (no pun intended) horror genre a much needed kick start and introduced us to the now legendary Ghostface.
Dean's Spooky Rating. 4/5
The Exorcist
My next choice may be an obvious one but with good reason.
The Exorcist, is genuinely unsettling and at times very disturbing.
This supernatural scare-fest is not for the faint-hearted and still shocks people over 50 years on.
Dean's Spooky Rating. 5/5
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Last up on my own personal horror list is A Nightmare on Elm Street. (the first one!!) This Wes Craven slasher flick has an unnerving and chilling atmosphere throughout.
Freddy Krueger is terrifying and many people at that time were afraid to sleep after watching this film.
Dean's Spooky Rating. 4/5
Recommended reading:
- Pictures of homes decorated for Halloween in Darlington
- Dean Midas returns to Barnard Castle with new horror film
- Dean Midas, from Willington, to review films on BBC Radio Tees
There are so many films that could have been on my list, but time and space don't allow me to indulge any more than I already have.
So please, turn off the lights and give my choices a watch... If you dare.
Happy Halloween.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here