The following is an unranked list of my favorite horror movies that were released on VHS.
Alien (1979)
Alien is best-remembered for its nightmarish sets and creature designs by H. R. Giger that defy earthly logic. It’s also regarded as a landmark sci-fi horror movie with a badass female lead with Lt. First Class Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver). Alien can essentially be described as a haunted house movie set in space, likening it to one of its predecessors, Planet of the Vampires (1968). The haunted house in this case is the The Nostromo, a cargo ship that practically becomes another character. Certainly the ship’s computer, Mother, is a character even though she is not physically present.
The believable and tangible atmosphere in the set designs makes the terror so much more intense later on in the film. Maybe I’m a little biased since I think Alien has the best aesthetics to be found in any science fiction movie ever. The characters’ surroundings simply look livable, functional, and purposeful. In addition, the eerily quiet shots of deep space are reminders of the horror of humanity’s insignificance. It’s because of these moments in which the film delves into cosmic horror territory that we can really imagine that we are not alone.
Watch original trailer on YouTube
The Exorcist (1973)
Based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist is regarded as the scariest movie ever made. At the time, some viewers suffered adverse physical reactions to scenes in the film and heart attacks and miscarriages were reported as well. The movie’s production itself suffered setbacks too including a fire that destroyed most of the set, which is why the budget ended up being double what was expected. Despite the cloud of negativity that loomed over the film, it was immensely popular when it was released and continues to be a pinnacle of possession movies even to this day.
The Shining (1980)
I will never forget the first time I watched this movie, and maybe it has that effect on others who have seen it as well. I saw the movie in high school, maybe about 15 years old. I was so mesmerized by the imagery and visuals in general that even though I was thoroughly confused as to the entire meaning of the plot, I knew I had seen something earth-shattering.
I have seen The Shining many times since and always notice new motifs, items in the background, dialogue, and connections that I previously hadn’t noticed. The sheer amount of theories about this movie alone give it a mythical quality but even in its most basic viewing it is very effective as a horror movie.
Deep Red / Profondo Rosso (1975)
There are many excellent Argento horror classics, like Suspiria and Tenebre/Unsane, but Deep Red made the cut due to its strict adherence to the core tenets of Giallo. Giallo films, and the pulpy novels that preceded them, are murder mystery thrillers with violent slasher and erotic elements. They often had a Scooby Doo-esgue (or Hound of the Baskervilles) element that would reveal any supernatural goings-on as simply being the machinations of a human being with ill intent. This gave the horror genre a more postmodern and cynical look at what the monsters in our world are truly capable of. Deep Red is a gory murder mystery of the highest order and has all the requisite twists and shocks.
The Thing (1982)
An alien creature that absorbs our bodies is a terrifying idea and the practical effects in this movie stand the test of time. Special effects artist Rob Bottin, who would go on to work on such films as RoboCop and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, was responsible for creating the truly horrific and grotesque monster effects.
The Burning (1981)
While teenage campers being hunted by a killer is not a novel concept, this movie does everything right and stands out in the camp slasher category. The Burning was released the following year after Friday the 13th (1980) and both were riding the wave of popularity that Giallo films enjoyed in the 70s and were still enjoying well into the mid-80s. The “slasher” sub-genre would continue to thrive well through the 90s with such films as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, which had started to show lots of signs of self-awareness and meta plot tropes by that point.
City of the Living Dead (1980)
A priest hangs himself in a cemetery within the first five minutes of this macabre Italian classic. Satanic and zombie elements combine to create a wonderful amalgamation of cursed seances and revolting gore. Unforgettable practical effects and pulse-pounding scenes of being buried alive lead to abject terror in City of the Living Dead!
The Changeling (1980)
The Changeling is an excellent haunted house movie that focuses on the re-examination of a child’s wrongful death. There are many similarities between this film and Ringu/The Ring.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
This movie was mostly picked for how much of an impact it had on pop culture. Director Wes Craven brilliantly portrayed Freddy’s hostility through a dreamlike atmosphere where anything felt possible. This was also due to the special effects in this movie, which were extremely creative, state of the art practical effects. Without a doubt, A Nightmare on Elm Street contains some of the most chilling and horrific scenes ever filmed.
Runner up:
Sole Survivor (1984)
With themes of dread that would later be explored by the Final Destination series, this is a creepy movie with thoughtful pacing and atmosphere.