Horror movies may not be everyone’s thing, but no one can deny that they have affected them at some point in their life. Whether it be a childhood memory of a film one was perhaps entirely too young to be watching, or going to see a movie with their friends that gave them nightmares for months, Horror cinema is impossible to avoid. Californian Rock vocalist/guitarist James Durbin is part of the affected who admittedly is not the biggest Horror buff, but can easily recall a bunch of films that made it hard for him to sleep after watching. Spending ample time writing, recording, and performing live, this rocker still finds the time to catch flicks whenever he can. Recently we caught up with Durbin to get his take on his Top 10 Horror movies of all-time.
1. The Conjuring (2013): My wife and I gave this one a shot as a Redbox gamble and we went along for the ride. The film itself is such a classic homage to earlier horror films in that it does not rely on gore, sex, and swearing to be intense or scary. Also that it is based on a true story makes it more exciting to watch. It stays true to its roots.
- New Line Cinema
- 000
2. Paranorman (2012): I am a dad of two, our oldest being our 5 1/2 year old son Hunter. Our favorite holiday is Halloween. So we re-run the course of all Halloween kids shows on Netflix. Amongst some others, we found this gem. It is nice that there is still animators doing the hard work to put out a quality stop motion film that not only our son enjoyed, but we enjoyed it with him. And for that, The Durbin’s thank you.
- Focus Features
- 000
3. Nosferatu (1922): My favorite black and white silent Horror film is definitely Nosferatu. I am a big fan of character/costume/makeup design. For the time 1922 or any time for that matter, he is terrifying. Not only that, he holds so much sadness and mystery in his eyes. The fact that it is a silent movie pulls you in even further.
- Film Arts Guild
- 000
4. The Omen (1976): I used to love watching this movie on AMC after school growing up. What was the deal with the dog? The kid was already demonic. I love thinking about all the parents that checked their sleeping babies heads for three 6’s (laughs). The remake in 2006 was ok too. The birthday party scene in that version was fucked up.
- 20th Century Fox
- 000
5. Thriller Music Video (1982): I do not care who you are, if you remember the first time you saw this as a kid, I dare you to say it did not give you nightmares! Michael is a master craftsman and everyone that had a hand in the character design and development of the costumes in that video deserves a standing ovation.
- Vestron Video
- 000
6. District 9 (2009): Definitely not a “Horror” movie but it is definitely thrilling and suspenseful. Seeing a man slowly turning into an alien is fuckin cinematic. I love that Hollywood refers to it as a low budget movie. Beyond any circumstances you put on it, this is a phenomenal film. Do yourself a favor and watch it.
- Tristar Pictures
- 000
7. I Am Legend (2007): I don’t care what anyone says about Will Smiths film choices now, but this film is phenomenal. What is creepiest to me about this movie is that the likelihood of this happening is high. Not the odds of everyone turning into zombies but that a scientist could come out with a vaccination to “cure” for a major disease that works, at first, but then starts killing everyone instead.
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- 000
8. Fido (2006): If zombies ever do exist, wouldn’t it be nice to have one to help out around the house? Fido is a Dark Comedy/Horror flick. I saw it at a secret film festival when I was younger and thought it was awesome!
- Lions Gate Films
- 000
9. Are You Afraid Of The Dark series: ’90s Nickelodeon throwback! I was so fucking scared of this show when I was little. I still won’t watch it (laughs).
- Nickelodeon
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10. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Guillermo Del Toro is a fucking wizard. Pan’s Labyrinth is not by any means a Horror movie, but there are so many moments in this film that make you breathe heavily while yelling at the TV! Again with the character development, costumes, and makeup. This film is immortal.
- Picturehouse
- 000
James Durbin is currently writing and recording his third record, stay tuned for more information.
Keep up with James Durbin: www.durbinrock.com | facebook | twitter
I love that you have Thriller on here. I agree, it is one of my favorites. I count that as the first horror flick I ever saw. I know my daughter, Trinity, loves Paranorman too. Can’t wait to share this list with her!!!
Nosferatu is a great choice. Good list.
Great List
A couple that scared me was the old “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” from the 70’s, “Funhouse” and “See No Evil”
I used to be big into horror flicks years ago but now I like the really old B & W Classics! I’ll have to check out some on your list!