14. Cabin In The Woods (2012)

Five college students take a vacation at a remote cabin, but when they unwittingly unleash horrifying dangers they soon start to suspect there is some form of puppet-master pulling the strings. Postmodern horror co-written and produced by Joss Whedon. Puts you behind the scenes of a truly warped creative process, setting up cliches then smashing them with great curveballs. Not quite the game-changer it was made out to be (‘Scream’ did it better and first, with more engaging characters) but it’s an entertaining watch with clever ideas.

13. The Fog (1979)

Gar me hearties! A fishing town, built 100 years ago over an old leper colony, becomes shrouded by a killer fog containing zombie-like ghosts seeking revenge for their betrayal and death. John Carpenter’s most underrated movie, this is overflowing with atmosphere and memorable moments. Jamie Lee Curtis teams with her real life scream-queen mom Janet Leigh (from ‘Psycho’) in an ensemble cast. It’s really the perfect film to watch on Halloween and incredibly still the only one that has done the sea-based ghost story well. That alone sets it apart.

12. Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2010)

Tucker and Dale are best friends on vacation at their dilapidated mountain house, when they are mistaken for murderous backwoods hillbillies by a group of obnoxious, preppy college kids. After one of the students gets separated from her friends, the boys try to lend a hand, but as the misunderstanding grows, so does the body count. This is a gory, good-spirited horror-comedy that cleverly flips the many cliches of the killer redneck movie. Tucker and Dale are both wonderfully played. The college kids overact a bit, but it’s a most enjoyable ride.

11. My Little Eye (2002)

Five young people apply to live in an isolated house together for six months whilst their every move is filmed by numerous cameras. Each has their reason for wanting to be there – fame, money, adventure. The prize – $1 million. The rules – if one person leaves, everyone loses. What dark secret does the house harbour that leaves them feeling as though they’re being watched by more than just a million pairs of eyes? There are plenty who don’t like this movie but if you’re an experienced horror watcher I hope you’ll see what an underrated enterprise this is. It’s innovative, well-made and provides a horror viewing experience unlike any other. Also, Bradley Cooper turns up.

10. Identity (2003)

On a dark and stormy night ten strangers take refuge in an isolated Nevada motel when a rainstorm turns into a monsoon. One by one they begin to be killed off… but by who and for what reason? Director James Mangold (‘3:10 to Yuma’, ‘Cop Land’) imbues proceedings with terrific atmosphere, and the ensemble cast brims with strong acting talent from John Cusack and Ray Liotta to John Hawkes and Amanda Peet. The twist is quite jarring first time round given how unusual it is, but on second viewing it’s clear what a carefully constructed screenplay it is from beginning to end, based on a brilliantly original concept.

9. Carrie (1976)

The first Stephen King novel and the first to be adapted into a feature film, to much critical acclaim. Sissy Spacek plays the socially outcast girl who discovers her telekinetic powers after going through puberty. When the teasing from her peers, including John Travolta, gets too much she snaps and goes on a murderous rampage. Personally if I was the prankster at her prom I wouldn’t have chosen a bucket of blood, it’s low on laughs. A good wedgie would have done it.

8. Audition (Ôdishon) (1999)

Starting with the premise of a widower seeking a wife, Japanese director Takashi Miike slowly cranks up the tension before unleashing Eihi Shiina, his Avenging Angel of Terror, in a coruscating eruption of horror. Demented and devastating.

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