Top 10 Horror Classics

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece redefined horror with its shocking plot twist and the infamous shower scene. "Psycho" explores themes of voyeurism, identity, and madness, making it a seminal work in the genre.

Fact: Hitchcock bought as many copies of the novel as he could to keep the plot twist a secret. The film was shot with the crew of his TV show "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" to keep costs down.

Description: Often hailed as the scariest movie ever made, "The Exorcist" delves into the demonic possession of a young girl and the subsequent exorcism. Its realistic portrayal of possession and the psychological impact on the characters make it a cornerstone of horror cinema.

Fact: The film was so terrifying that it was reported to have caused some viewers to faint or vomit during screenings. It was also nominated for 10 Academy Awards.

Description: Despite its title, this film is more about atmosphere and tension than graphic violence. It's a raw, gritty portrayal of a group of friends encountering a family of cannibals, including the infamous Leatherface.

Fact: The film was shot in just 31 days, and many of the props were made from real animal bones and parts.

Description: This film explores the Antichrist's arrival through the story of a diplomat's family who adopts a child they believe to be the devil incarnate. Its use of religious themes and shocking imagery made it a horror classic.

Fact: The film's release date was changed to June 6, 1976, to coincide with 6/6/76, a date that plays into the film's numerology.

Description: John Carpenter's "Halloween" introduced the world to Michael Myers and the concept of the slasher film. Its minimalist approach to horror, focusing on suspense and atmosphere, has made it a genre-defining film.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days with a budget of less than $300,000, making it one of the most profitable independent films of all time.

Description: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a study in isolation, madness, and the supernatural. Jack Nicholson's performance as the deteriorating Jack Torrance is both iconic and terrifying.

Fact: Kubrick was notorious for his numerous takes, with Shelley Duvall reportedly doing 127 takes for the scene where she swings the baseball bat.

Description: Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger brought horror into the realm of dreams, where the rules of reality don't apply. This film's blend of horror with dark humor made it stand out.

Fact: The idea for the film came from a series of articles about people dying in their sleep from unexplained causes, which Craven read about in the LA Times.

Description: This found footage film revolutionized horror by presenting a story of three student filmmakers who go missing while investigating a local legend. Its marketing campaign and realistic style made it a cultural phenomenon.

Fact: The actors were given minimal direction, and much of the film's terror comes from their genuine reactions to the unknown.

Description: Based on Stephen King's novel, "It" follows a group of children terrorized by a shape-shifting entity that preys on their fears. Its blend of coming-of-age story with horror elements has made it a modern classic.

Fact: The film set a record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for a horror movie, earning over $123 million in North America.

Description: Roman Polanski's psychological horror about a young woman who suspects her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult planning to use her unborn child. Its slow build-up and unsettling atmosphere are masterfully done.

Fact: The film was shot in the Dakota building in New York, which later became infamous for the murder of John Lennon.