What is Halloween without a great scary movie?  The next question is: what is truly scary?   I think the answer is different for everyone.  For me, I like the fright.  It doesn’t have to be all blood and guts but the heart beating, fist clenching, hide your eyes kind of scare.  Only a handful of movies have left me with that feeling.  Without skipping a heartbeat, I, Hilary Weidner, A&E Editor, will countdown the top five scariest movies, in my opinion.

1. The Strangers- This movie will forever frighten me.  The fact that three quarters of the movie consists of just mind games being played on the couple completely unnerves me, but in a good way.  Also, when Liv Tyler asks why they are doing this and the young girl in the mask says “Because you were home” gave me chills.  I love it!
2. The Exorcist- I have to be honest.  I have never made it completely through this movie.  It is on the list because of that very reason.  I like to think of myself as being able to deal with almost any movie.  However, this movie is one I can’t get through.  It may be because it involves religion or it may be because Linda Blair scares the heck out of me.  Either way, it’s on my list!
3. It- Anyone who knows me, knows I have two very real fears in this world.  One of them is clowns.  I have never liked them and probably will never like them.  Hence, my children may never see a circus.  Anyway, this movie is about a clown (a deranged, dead, crazy clown) but a clown.  A very frightening movie and well worth a look.
4. Silence of the Lambs-“It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again.”  Wow.  The first time I saw this movie I was unable to look away.  Hannibal Lector is a real life monster and it is easy to believe when he looks at the screen (rarely blinking) that he is pure evil.
5. Nightmare on Elm Street-Any movie with nightmare in the title I usually don’t watch. However, this remake of the original movie is amazing.  It isn’t overly bloody and has greatly frightening moments.

When it comes to scary movies, it’s all in the scare.

Hilary Weidner can be reached for comment at [email protected]