Do You Like Scary Movies? In That Case, Watch These.

As someone who aspires to be a scream queen, I've seen just about every type of horror movie that mankind has to offer. Whether it's slashers, psychological horrors, or creature features, I've seen just about everything. With that being said, I've put together a list of films for those looking for something new. I've selected ten different horror movies that most people would pick as their favorite and then came up with three similar selections for each one. They don't have to have a lot in common with the main film I've paired them up with, but they will be in similar sub-genres and have similar themes and plots. Now that the setup is over, let's be afraid. Let's be very afraid.

If you like Halloween, hide in a closet from these classic slashers.

Black Christmas (1974)- Directed by Bob Clark, the same man who directed A Christmas Story, this holiday horror film from Canada focuses on a group of sorority sisters being harassed and killed by an unknown figure. The film's suspense and use of a seemingly motiveless killer clearly sparked some inspiration into John Carpenter, so why not give this film a watch? After all, the cast includes Margot Kidder, Olivia Hussey, and John Saxton.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)- While most people are familiar with the sequel thanks to the "Garbage Day" scene, the original deserves a viewing. It kind of flew under the radar since its release because it was pulled from theatres due to outcry over its premise, but it has that low-budget look and dark tone that Halloween fans would appreciate. They would also appreciate a bonus cameo from actor and stuntman Don Shanks, who would go on to play Michael Myers in Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers.

House on Sorority Row (1982)- It may not focus on a holiday, but this female-led flick has that familiar uneasy feeling of a killer lurking around. After a prank goes wrong and causes the death of their house mother, a team of sorority sisters get picked off during a graduation party. Full of suspense and uncertainty, this is one cult classic you don't want to miss. And once you're done, be sure to check out its remake Sorority Row with Carrie Fisher. It's hated by critics and loved by audiences for a reason.

If you like Scream, shriek and laugh your ass off with these clever flicks.

Freaky (2020)- I apologize for not including The Cabin In The Woods, but doing so would've been too obvious. Instead, you should check out what I've labeled as the "Gen Z Version of Scream" in a review. Like the Wes Craven classic, this film about a teenage girl who switches bodies with a serial killer is a love letter to the horror genre. There are several references to the classics that came before it, and yet it comes across as completely original. It also perfectly blends horror and comedy, and I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a classic in later years. Plus, it finally made us forgive Vince Vaughn for his involvement in that Psycho remake.

Urban Legend (1998)- Scream served as a slasher renaissance, leading to a bunch of copycats in the late 90s and early 2000s. Some of these copycats were actually good movies that got lost in the shuffle, and the underrated gem that shines the brightest is Urban Legend. This little slasher centers on some college students being targeted by a serial killer whose kills are inspired by urban legends. If the premise and clever kills are not enough to draw you in, then maybe the cast is. Not only does the main cast include the likes of Jared Leto, Tara Reid, Joshua Jackson, and Danielle Harris, but we are also blessed with the appearances of horror icons like Robert Englund and Brad Dourif.

The Slumber Party Massacre (1982)- Before Ghostface asked teens what their favorite scary movie was, this sexy and scary flick was serving the laughs and scares. Originally written as a parody, it was filmed as a straightforward horror movie against the screenwriter's wishes, leading to a lot of intended and unintended humor. If you're going into this expecting a simple horror movie about a group of high school girls being picked off one by one by a power drill-wielding serial killer, then you're sadly mistaken. What you will receive are some rather solid humor, compelling characters, and wonderfully shot death scenes. While the first sequel is rather whacky and the second sequel is rather forgettable, it is worth noting that this horror movie franchise is the first and only one to be written and directed by women. Anyway, who's down for a slumber party?

If you like Psycho, slip into the minds of some rather disturbing killers.

Maniac (1980)- Most people know about this controversial piece thanks to the special effects done by Tom Savini, who was responsible for the exploding head scene and some of the death scenes in the Friday the 13th series. Like Norman Bates, the killer of this story, Frank Zito, has psychological issues thanks to some mommy issues. You almost feel sorry for him (almost) as he battles with the memories of his abusive mother during his rampages. If you sat through Psycho and wished you were even more uncomfortable, this is for you.

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)- Another controversial movie from the 80s, this was inspired by true events just like Psycho. While Norman Bates was very loosely based on serial killer Ed Gein, Henry was loosely based on serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. Like Frank Zito and Norman Bates, Henry has some serious mommy issues that have shaped him into the killer he is. Although most of the scenes are hard to sit through, Michael Rooker's performance as the titular Henry is worth the watch. This movie launched the career of this screen legend, and it's not hard to see why.

The House That Jack Built (2018)- So many movies have delved into the minds of serial killers, but none have done so as uniquely as Lars von Trier's more recent film. The Danish director certainly knows how to get under your skin, and the depiction of Jack's twelve-year period of murders stays under your skin long after the credits roll. Throughout the flashbacks, we hear Jack relay the events to the Roman poet Virgil and attempt to make an argument for his crimes. Diving deeper into the mind of a killer than most other movies, Matt Dillon's remarkable performance and the beautiful-yet-haunting imagery make this a movie to remember whether you like it or not.

If you like Saw, tear into some new flesh.

Hostel (2005)- If you know your torture porn movies, then this shouldn't really come as a surprise. The one that coined the term "torture porn" (which is a sub-genre for horror movies that are all about extreme mutilations, in case you didn't know), this classic focuses on American backpackers who travel to Slovakia and fall into the hands of an organization. What kind of organization? Oh, just a group of rich people who enjoy torturing and killing kidnapped tourists. The gore is a step up from Saw, which came out the previous year, and the fear of being kidnapped while traveling in a foreign land has stuck with viewers for years. And did I mention that this was directed by the legendary Eli Roth, who gave us other disturbing classics like Cabin Fever and The Green Inferno? It explains a lot.

Martyrs (2008)- France has delivered some rather graphic movies during the New French Extremity movement, and this gem is the crown jewel. Without spoiling too much, this movie tells the story of two girls named Lucie and Anna. When they were children, Lucie was tortured by a group of people. As she seeks revenge against them years later, she is haunted by her past. I can't really say any more without giving away too much, but I will say that gorehounds will not be disappointed. Fair warning; you will most likely feel broken by the time the credits roll.

Cube (1997)- Before Saw had people being dismembered in traps, this hidden gem did it first. We see a small group of individuals trapped in what is pretty much a giant Rubik's Cube consisting of multiple rooms. The group has to carefully navigate through the rooms as some of them are set with traps. Like Saw, there is a bit of discussion about humanity, but it's more subtle here and focuses more on the characters trying to escape than the ones behind everything. Despite receiving positive reviews after its initial release, this movie has flown under the radar over the years and deserves more recognition.

If you like Jaws, jump into these strange waters.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)- You honestly can't go wrong with a classic. While not as highly-profiled as Dracula or Frankenstein's Monster, the Gill-man is one of Universal's most iconic monsters from their legendary classic collection of horror movies. This masterpiece follows an expedition in the Amazon gone wrong as the explorers encounter a piscine amphibious humanoid. It may be an old black and white film, but that doesn't make it any less suspenseful. Although a remake had been delayed for decades, Guillermo del Toro took his idea for a remake that was turned down by Universal and turned it into The Shape of Water, which won Best Picture at the 90th Academy Awards. An official remake of the original could be amazing, but nothing can beat the original.

Open Water (2003)- A movie based on true events is bound to grab someone's attention, especially if it's a horror movie. While Jaws is loosely based on the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916, Open Water is loosely based on the true story of Tom and Eileen Lonergan, a married couple who were actually left behind by their group while scuba-diving by the Great Barrier Reef. What makes this movie even scarier is that it was never confirmed what happened to the real-life couple, who have since been presumed dead. This film explores what might've happened to the couple, taking our imaginations to some truly terrifying locations.

Piranha (1978)- While the 2010 remake is probably more well-known to modern movie fans and is also worth a viewing, this classic B movie is the one that makes the cut. It focuses on a school of genetically altered piranhas that swim around in a river and terrorize the locals and tourists in the area. Unsurprisingly, it received mixed reviews during its initial release, but the only review you should really care about is the one made by Steven Spielberg, who called the movie "the best of the Jaws ripoffs". You can certainly take his word for it.

If you like Midsommar, go on the vacation of your nightmares.

The Wicker Man (1973)- No, I'm not referring to the remake where Nicolas Cage screams about bees. Before Ari Aster made terror in broad daylight with Midsommar, this little British film was already showing a cult running around in broad daylight in a secluded area. Instead of depicting people on vacation, we follow a police sergeant in search of a missing girl. A devout Christian, he is immediately disturbed by the pagan practices that he witnesses on the island. While the two films have different plots, the similarities include seduction, a maypole, and something being set on fire at the end. Oh, and Christopher Lee is in this movie. Can't go wrong there.

The Ritual (2017)- Starring Timothy Spall's equally talented son Rafe Spall, this hidden Netflix gem follows four friends as they get lost in the woods while backpacking through Sweden. Spall plays Luke, a man who repeatedly gets flashbacks to a tragedy that he endured at the beginning of the film, just like Dani in Midsommar. Rather than focus heavily on the titular ritual, this movie is more character-driven as the four men evaluate their friendship while desperately searching for a way out of the woods. You will feel just as drained and hopeless as you did while watching Dani's emotions ring out in Midsommar.

The Descent (2005)- This is another movie that shows a protagonist going on vacation after experiencing a tragedy, but it involves neither Sweden nor a cult. Instead, we see a group of British ladies going spelunking in North Carolina and getting lost in a cave. As they search for a way out, they must battle creatures known as "crawlers" as the spaces get tighter and tighter. The claustrophobia is what really sells this film as it mirrors the grief and helplessness that the protagonist is going through. Even when you're in the comfort of your living room, you will feel uncomfortable watching the women crawl through tight spaces.

If you like Carrie, experience some graphic changes with these coming-of-age tales.

Ginger Snaps (2000)- Scream queens Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabella play Brigitte and Ginger Fitzgerald, a pair of sisters who are fascinated by death. When Ginger is bitten by a wolf, it is hard to tell if the changes she experiences are signs of puberty or signs of her turning into a werewolf. Most werewolf movies focus on men going through transformations, so this movie decided to turn things around and give us a gnarly metaphor for a girl transforming into a woman. Female puberty isn't all sunshine and rainbows; it is scary, especially when no one warns you ahead of time.

Teeth (2007)- This is one of those horror movies that nearly everyone has heard of, but not everyone has seen. I'm talking about the infamous movie in which a girl realizes that she has teeth...down there. This kind of premise could've led to a cheesy B movie, but it delivered a perfect execution thanks to Mitchell Lichtenstein's writing and directing and Jess Weixler's star power. With a discussion on virginity and sexual violence, this is more than just a film with a crazy premise.

Raw(2016)- The French are at it again with a film that had moviegoers walking out of theatres. Just like Ginger Snaps did with werewolves, this masterpiece uses cannibalism to depict a girl turning into a woman. We follow Justine, a vegetarian who suddenly craves meat when she goes off to veterinarian school. Initially feasting on animals, she soon develops a craving for human flesh. The transition from girlhood to womanhood is truly terrifying.

If you like The Thing, question the company you keep with these picks.

The Mist (2007)- You're probably already familiar with this film's shocking ending, which isn't in the Stephen King work of the same name. As for the actual plot, it focuses on a bunch of people trapped in a supermarket as they are surrounded by a mist full of monsters. Ultimately, our heroes can't decide what's more dangerous; being out in the mist full of monsters or being trapped with the crazy people in the store. Either way, it's a death trap.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)- You could also watch the original from 1956, but I'm going with one of the greatest remakes ever made. Legendary actor Donald Sutherland plays a San Francisco health inspector who makes the horrifying discovery that humans are replaced by alien duplicates. At first, you can't tell the difference just by looking at them, but it doesn't take long to notice the absence of human emotion. Just like the ensemble in The Thing, our heroes don't really know who to trust. As if the body horror wasn't impressive enough, the amazing cast includes horror and sci-fi icons like Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright, and Jeff Goldblum. Speaking of Goldblum, you should also look at his starring role in the remake of The Fly if you're really into body horror.

The Evil Dead (1981)- Before he gave us the original Spider-Man trilogy, Sam Raimi was making audiences wet themselves with his directorial debut. Starring the legendary Bruce Campbell in his breakout role of Ash Williams, this cult classic tells the unfortunate tale of five college students who plan a getaway to a cabin in the woods. It's all fun and games until they discover the Book of the Dead and an audiotape that unleashes some evil spirits and demons. The group is at the mercy of the woods as they slowly become possessed and become Deadites. These creatures have the tendency to change back into the appearance of the person they've possessed in order to trick their prey, making it impossible for Ash to know who to trust. With complete isolation and the inability to trust anyone, this is a great pick for fans of The Thing. And yes, the 2013 reboot is just as terrifying.

If you like The Blair Witch Project, press play for these found footage films.

Creep (2014) and Creep 2 (2017)- I couldn't pick between the two, so why not both? If it wasn't for the writing and acting talents of Mark Duplass and Patrick Base, the first film would've been too forgettable and awful for a sequel. The film's director and co-writer Patrick Base plays Aaron, a struggling videographer who accepts a job from an eccentric client named Josef, played by co-writer Mark Duplass. Josef has a brain tumor and he wishes to make a video diary for his unborn son before he dies. At first, you feel bad for Josef, but you soon start to worry about Aaron's safety as Josef becomes more and more unhinged. Not only is the sequel rich with a good plot and great leads, but it also has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That rarely happens to horror movie sequels, let alone horror movies. I don't know how Creep 3 is going to top Creep 2.

REC (2007)- Released the same year as Paranormal Activity, this Spanish film follows a reporter as she and her cameraman follow some firefighters responding to an emergency call at an apartment building in Barcelona. Things go from bad to worse when a virus spreads and turns the occupants into flesh-eating creatures. The authenticity of the movie makes it a bit too realistic and even more terrifying. And sure, you could watch the American remake Quarantine to avoid using subtitles, but the shot-for-shot remake isn't as effective as the original and doesn't really do anything new. If you really wish to be scared, stick to the original.

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)- Imagine The Blair Witch Project with the film crew making a documentary about an Alzheimer's patient rather than a witch. Of course, since this is a found footage horror movie, the patient becomes possessed and there's a grim backstory behind the spirit possessing the titular character. It's not entirely original, but the scares are effective, and Jill Larson's underrated portrayal of Deborah is skin-crawlingly horrific. It's not the best, but it's not the worst.

If you like The Exorcist, let these selections take hold of your soul.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)- While The Exorcist was loosely based on the case of Roland Doe, this movie was loosely based on the real-life exorcism of a young German woman named Anneliese Michel. The film follows a priest who is on trial after a woman dies as a result of an exorcism, with the events surrounding the titular character serving as flashbacks. The fact that the film was based on an actual event is enough to draw you in, but it's Jennifer Carpenter's spine-tingling performance as Emily Rose that will keep you wanting more. Oh, and those crazy body positions that she puts herself into? That's not the work of digital or practical effects. That's Jennifer Carpenter putting in 110%.

Antichrist (2009)- Unlike the other two movies listed here, this one isn't based on true events like The Exorcist. While Lars von Trier did come up with this melancholic story while being treated for depression, what you see is fictional. Since this is Lars von Trier we're talking about, this isn't just an ordinary story about a married couple seeking some closure in a secluded cabin after the death of their son. This movie is a needle that deeply penetrates your skin and refuses to let go as the wife (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg) loses herself and terrorizes her husband (played by Willem Dafoe). It's also not for the fate of heart and makes The Exorcist look like a Disney movie, so please view it at your own risk.

The Possession (2012)- I'd like to describe this as a PG-13 rated version of The Exorcist, but don't let the rating turn you away. We follow a young girl who plays around with an old box that she finds at a yard sale and unleashes a spirit known as a dybbuk, which soon possesses her. Clearly inspired by the 1973 classic, the movie was also inspired by the real-life dybbuk box that sold on eBay and was claimed to be possessed. The owner of the box actually offered it to producer Sam Raimi, who refused it despite his interest. While there wasn't an actual dybbuk box on set, all of the props did mysteriously burn in a storage house after filming wrapped, similarly to how the set of The Exorcist burned down during production. But hey, I'm sure it was all just a coincidence. Enjoy the movie!

I hope these selections make you want to start a movie marathon. Grab your friends, stack up on some snacks, and spend several nights sleeping with the lights on.