…’I ain’t afraid of no ghosts….’ Remember when “Ghostbusters” came out? I loved that film! Nothing better than a good old fashioned ghost movie, ya dig? Creaking doors, unexplained bumps in the night…Moaning…Sounds like my house on a Saturday night. Except it’s not ghosts. Wish I could tell you it was. Unfortunately it’s just my roommate with designer sheets over his head. But I digress. The reason I’m here, is so that I can share with you my list of the top ten ghost movies of all time Hey, trust me. I’m a total professional.
Coming in at the 10 spot I have 2001’s, “Session 9.” What an uber creepy film! It takes place in an abandoned asylum. Yikes! I’m not going in there! The back story of why the place is haunted is just about as scary as the film itself. The movie does tend to drag a tad, so it gets a middle of the road 2.5 out of 5. But hey, you could do worse.
In at the 9 spot is 1981’s horror film, “Ghost Story.” Chalked full of an all star cast that includes Fred Astaire and John Houseman, this ghostly film was the third highest grossing horror movie of 1981 and the thirty-fourth highest grossing film of that whole year. Awesome movie!. I give it a solid 2.5 out of 5.
Let’s stay with the ’80, yes? !980 to be exact. How about “The Shining.” Now that’s one bad dude of a ghost story. It’s also number 8 on the list. King written, Kubrick directed, Dylan approved. This bad mamma jamma gets a 2.75 out of 5. Hey now! Don’t hate. I got respect for this film, but there are better ghost story films out there. Just read on and all will be explained.
Number 7 on the list is 1983’s “The Entity.” Notice a trend here? Who knew the 80’s were loaded with ghost movies? Off the top of my noggin’, wasn’t “Ghostbusters” an 80’s film as well? Heck yes it was! I’m digressing again. “The Entity” stars Barbara Hershey and Ron Silver. Great film about a single mother who is sexually assaulted by a horny little ghost. Ya gotta see it! I give this movie a solid 3 out of 5. It’s well worth a watch.
Omigod! This next film I will never forget. I waited on line in the blistering Texas heat for hours to see this bad boy. I was so excited to see the number 6 film on this list. This flick set the bar (and in my opinion) started the whole ‘found footage’ horror film. I’m talking about 1999’s ‘The Blair Witch Project.” Man, I can quote verbatim from this thing! I’ve seen it so much. 3.25 out of 5 for this groundbreaking indie film.
Say his name three times and Jack, let me tell ya. Ya ain’t gonna like it. I’m talking “Candyman” fool! This movie is by far one of my faves. And it’s also numero-5 on my list. Tony Todd has got to be one of the eeriest dudes ever! I love him! And who can forget Virginia Madsen? HOTTIE! This gory ghost flick registers a 3.5 out of 5. This is a must watch and a must own for all horror fans.
“They’re heeeeeeeere…” I know ya feel me! I know ya do. Number 4 is…(Fill in the blank) Hell to the yeah! 1983’s “Poltergeist.” All I can say here is iconic. Effin’ iconic man. This film has SO many memorable quotes and SOOO many memorable scenes, I could’ve and perhaps should’ve put this one at the numero-uno spot, but this Tobe Hooper/Spielberg masterpiece gets a 4 out of 5 and lands in the 3.
What’s better than a puking nun, and a black, gelatinous ooze spewing from the loo, and a house where a whole family got shotgunned to death? Not much if we’re talking ghosts. “The Amityville Horror” nails down the number 3 spot. Another iconic film that has spawned sequels and remakes, but the 1979 original film is still the best. 4.25 out of 5 for this ghost story offering.
Let’s throw in a crawling torso, a hot ghostly chick, and Shannon Elizabeth. You know what you got? Ya got 2001’s remake of the 1960 classic, “Thirteen Ghosts.” Man, I really liked this film. It had gore, it had nudity, it had cool-creepy images, freakin’ it had it all. I know some will disagree on my placement, but whatever. It still gets a 4.5 out of 5. This is another must own for horror fans. It never gets old.
And now for the piece de resistance. I was uber skeptical upon viewing this film. I had very low expectations to say the least. But 2009’s “Paranormal Activity” really rocked my socks! I know it’s another ‘found footage’ film, but for some reason, this thing blew my wig. I totally loved it. I think its simplicity was what drew me in. That and nostalgia (Blair Witch Project.) But this is by far my favorite ghost film. As of yet anyway. A perfect 5 out of 5! Loved it!
Ok, there’s my list. I’m sure I missed some, but I think that you could do a whole helluva lot worse than this list. So, I guess that about does it. Until next time, take care, stay a-scared, and I am out!