Tony Martin

Staff Writer

“28 Days Later”

“28 Days Later” was an epic movie for a few reasons, but the best reason was that it made zombie movies artistic. For so long, we watched random idiots fight off slow-moving corpses, but Danny Boyle’s sprinting, blood-spraying “infected” are way better. In short: Statements on human nature + Godspeed You! Black Emperor songs + a few very memorable deaths = the best scary movie ever? Sources say yes.

Herminia Irizarry

Staff Writer

“28 Weeks Later”

The sequel to “28 Days Later” depicts life six months after the rage virus wreaks havoc on the British Isles and U.S. troops attempt to repopulate the country. The special effects are incredibly realistic and burn images of zombies into your mind that haunt you for days. Rather than “jump-out-at-you” scary, the movie’s soundtrack and story development join forces to freak you out from the beginning to the end. “28 Weeks Later” will leave you locking your doors, afraid to sleep for days.

Lindsey Kastning

Staff Writer

“Darkness Falls”

In a town called Darkness Falls, children are told not to look at the tooth fairy unless they want to be her next victim. Kyle Walsh (Chaney Kley) made the tragic mistake of looking at the horrifying spirit and managed to survive her usually fatal attack. The acting is terrific in the film as each character portrays a real sense of fear. The demented tooth fairy is a truly believable character that makes a person think twice about leaving their tooth under the pillow.

Patrick Battle

Staff Writer

“Silence of the Lambs”

Anthony Hopkins’ superb performance as mass murderer/psychologist (irony, anyone?) Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter is triumphant in answering the question: What would Dr. Phil be like if he committed to an all-human diet? With Jodie Foster as one of the most unforgettable heroines in movie history, this sharp film has cooked up quite a legacy. “Silence of the Lambs” is most certainly an appetizing entrée for any horror fan’s diet. (All puns intended.)

Chris Krapek

Staff Writer

“Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan”

With a title like “Jason Takes Manhattan,” one would expect to find Jason unleashing havoc at the Statue of Liberty for the whole film. Ironically, that is not the case. More than two-thirds of the film takes place on a boat en route to New York. The coolest scene in the film takes place when an impromptu boxing match occurs between Jason and a passenger. The few punches the passenger lands aren’t enough to beat the horror icon. “Jason Takes Manhattan” is one of the most thoroughly entertaining horror movies ever made.

Andy Mitchell

Staff Writer

“Jaws”

It may not be the goriest or most psychologically twisted film on this list. Some might not even regard it as a horror movie. Still, Steven Spielberg’s first blockbuster strikes fear into the hearts of swimmers everywhere. Thanks to his Hitchcock-informed direction style that favors restraint and suspense over spectacle, “Jaws” is a true horror movie. Plus, it has that immortal, ominous theme music.