Saturday, February 11, 2012

The Top 30 - Part 2/3: No. 20-11

A list counting down the top 30 movies belonging to the slasher, splatter, or giallo genres. Most of these films are essential viewings for anyone who calls themselves a fan of the genres, and each of these movies brings something unique to the table - whether it is through its plot, style, execution, or nostalgic interest. Sequels, prequels, remakes, reboots, re-imaginings, and spin-offs are not on the list - only the original vehicle material... except for The Devil's Rejects, which I consider to be so vastly different from the original film - HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES - that it works as a canon film in its own right).





20. THE PROWLER (1981)
Director: Joseph Zito
Hell-bent on re-living a 35-year old murder, a killer dressed in World War II Army fatigues stalks and kills a group of college students trying to bring back the long lost tradition of the town Spring Dance.

19. SLEEPAWAY CAMP (1983)
Director: Robert Hiltzik
Painfully shy orphan Angela Baker and her cousin Ricky are sent away to a summer camp by their bizarre Aunt, and soon after their arrival some of the camp's nastier tenants start having grueling "accidents."

18. I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (1997)
Director: Jim Gillespie
One year after covering up a hit-and-run, four teenagers find themselves being terrorized by a mysterious figure who knows the crime they committed... and wants justice served with the tip of a hook.

17. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLONGE? (1972)
Director: Massimo Dallamano
A teacher having an affair with one of his students witnesses a murder, and as more bodies pile up the teacher begins his own investigation, leading him to believe that he may be the reason behind the killings.

16. MANIAC (1980)
Director: William Lustig
Troubled by childhood abuse from his sadistic mother, a psychotic goes on a killing spree across New York, all while starting up a relationship with a beautiful young photographer.

15. THE DEVIL'S REJECTS (2005)
Director: Rob Zombie
The villainous Firefly clan, responsible for dozens of murders at their Texas farmhouse, outrun the law - in particular the crazed Sheriff Wydell, who is hell-bent on revenge for his brother's death.

14. THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (1971)
Director: Dario Argento
After witnessing a murder attempt, an American writer staying in Rome is stalked by a serial killer and must solve the mystery behind the crimes before he becomes the next victim.

13. PEEPING TOM (1960)
Director: Michael Powell
Set in London, a young man murders women throughout the city, capturing their dying moments on film with his camera.

12. CHILD'S PLAY (1988)
Director: Tom Holland
A vicious murder is blamed on a young boy claiming his doll committed the crime, and his mother and a determined cop team up and realize the boy may be telling the truth.

11. DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING (1974)
Director: Lucio Fulci
A reporter and a troubled heiress attempt to solve a series of grisly child killings that have spread panic across a small Italian village.



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