As a horror enthusiast who has spent countless hours delving into the darkest corners of the genre, I find myself captivated by Mike Flanagan’s eclectic tastes and admiration for films that push the boundaries of fear. His list of horror favorites paints a vivid picture of his journey through the terrifying landscape of cinema, with each selection offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
Mike Flanagan stands out among contemporary horror directors not only due to his skill in creating genuinely terrifying films, a necessity for the genre, but also because he weaves emotional narratives into his horror themes effectively. His work in film and television feels genuine and significant, transcending simple plot-driven stories.
As a fellow movie enthusiast with a passion for the chilling world of horror, I find myself in awe of Mike Flanagan’s cinematic creations, which are direct reflections of his love for the genre and its rich history. His fascination with horror classics, both educational and entertaining, is evident in his work, and what sets him apart from many other directors is his transparency about these influences. He generously shares them on his Letterboxd account, where he’s compiled an array of lists that would spark the curiosity of any horror aficionado. Here are 20 handpicked titles from Flanagan’s personal list of favorite horror movies to satiate your own thirst for the macabre.
20 Carnival of Souls (1962)
In the film titled “Carnival of Souls“, Mary Henry survives a grisly car crash with no injuries. Later, as she relocates to another city for work, she encounters a mysterious, spectral man who torments her. Strangely enough, she’s beckoned towards an abandoned amusement park where other ghostly beings dwell.
It Remains as Scary as Ever
As a movie enthusiast, there’s no denying the lasting impact that particular film has had. Despite being made over six decades ago, it still sends shivers down my spine with its haunting visuals and undercurrent of impending dread. You can see traces of its influence in Flanagan’s work, especially in his supernatural horror series like “The Haunting of Hill House”.
You can stream Carnival of Souls on Max.
19 The Innocents (1961)
The Innocents” is a tale about Miss Givens, who’s employed to look after two youngsters at Bly Manor. Initially, Givens feels that the mansion might be haunted by some disgruntled spirits, seeking vengeance for a past occurrence, and later she starts to believe that the children are subjected to supernatural possession.
A Beautiful Gothic Horror Movie
Jack Clayton’s film adaptation of “The Turn of the Screw” is a stunning example of Gothic horror cinema. The mood created through its cinematography and music is chilling and greatly enhances the horror atmosphere. Flanagan drew inspiration from this when he remade the tale into his miniseries, “The Haunting of Bly Manor.
The Innocents isn’t available to stream at the moment.
18 A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street” narrates the story of teenagers in Springwood, who mysteriously begin losing their lives during sleep. A sinister entity named Freddy Krueger, equipped with a glove containing razor-sharp blades, is stalking the offspring of those who had set him ablaze decades earlier, as he haunts their dreams.
The Birth of a Horror Icon
Freddy Krueger is one of horror’s most important icons, and his first film is undeniably a horror classic. Like many from his generation, Flanagan is heavily influenced by Craven and his style of filmmaking. Flanagan’s teenage thriller series The Midnight Club is where we can see the influence of Craven’s film, a point confirmed by the casting of Heather Langenkamp (the lead character Nancy in A Nightmare on Elm Street) as Dr. Georgina Stanton.
17 Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The storyline of “Rosemary’s Baby” revolves around a young woman named Rosemary, who relocates with her spouse to an apartment in New York City. As she becomes pregnant, she begins to harbor suspicions about her husband, neighbors, and the unborn child within her.
An Innocent Soul’s Corruption
1968’s film directed by Roman Polanski, titled “Rosemary’s Baby”, brought supernatural terror to a commonplace neighborhood and family life, only to reveal that perfection was a facade concealing the darkest of evils. The eerie nature of Rosemary’s adversaries resembles the devoted congregation in Mike Flanagan’s “Midnight Mass”.
16 Carrie (1976)
The narrative revolves around Carrie White, a young girl who endures constant bullying and lacks tranquility even at home, where her strict, religious mother imposes an oppressive way of life on her. However, when Carrie reaches maturity and her tormentors concoct a malicious prank, they’ll soon discover that Carrie’s retaliation is no joke.
One of Stephen King’s Best Film Adaptations
Brian De Palma’s chilling masterpiece is an outstanding movie adaptation of Stephen King’s debut novel; a strong, vengeful film that solidified King’s literary work as viable for the big screen. Given Flanagan’s close bond with King’s writings, it’s likely that this relationship aided the director in refining his approach to adapting the stories penned by the bestselling author.
15 The Exorcist (1973)
As a dedicated cinephile, I’d say that “The Exorcist” is my account of a harrowing tale centered around the MacNeil family, particularly mother Chris and daughter Regan. When Regan falls mysteriously ill with no clear cause, the medical world can offer no solace. It’s only when doctors propose the intervention of a priest that Chris, out of desperation to save her deteriorating child, finds herself grappling with faith in ways she never thought possible.
Arguably the Most Important Horror Film of All Time
1973’s groundbreaking horror film by William Friedkin, “The Exorcist,” requires no introduction or explanation as one of the most impactful horror movies in history. Its enduring influence is evident, and Mike Flanagan’s affection for it is likely to shine through in his upcoming project: a fresh installment in the “Exorcist” franchise. (Paraphrased)
14 Halloween (1978)
On the spooky night of Halloween, it’s been fifteen years since Michael Myers last set foot in his home, having brutally murdered his sister on this very same night when he was only six years old. After breaking free from the mental institution where he’d been confined ever since, Michael returns to Haddonfield with a chilling purpose: to terrorize the babysitters who ought to be focusing their attention on the children they are watching, rather than entertaining their boyfriends.
The Slasher Genre Becomes Profitable
John Carpenter and Debra Hill’s groundbreaking movie, made on a shoestring budget and reusing leaves between scenes, became a blockbuster upon release, leaving an indelible impact on the film industry. This impact is evident in Mike Flanagan’s affinity for it, as demonstrated in his standalone slasher film, Hush.
13 Jaws (1975)
In the story titled “Jaws“, the tranquil coastal community of Amity Island is gearing up to welcome numerous vacationers during summer. However, a disturbing twist arises when a body with telltale signs of a shark attack washes up on the shore. The town’s police chief, Martin Brody, suspects a shark is responsible for this heinous act. Despite the mayor’s reluctance to close the beaches due to potential economic loss, the brutal killing of a child in broad daylight compels them to embark on an intense search for a formidable great white shark.
Spielberg’s Exercise in Horror
Jaws” stands out as the epitome of suspenseful creature movies, its lasting influence stemming from an unintended mishap: the mechanical shark consistently malfunctioned, forcing director Steven Spielberg to build tension through inventive camera angles and what would become one of cinema’s most memorable soundtracks. This film left a profound impact on all who watched it, with Flanagan undoubtedly among its captivated audience.
12 Fright Night (1985)
Fright Night finds me, a 17-year-old movie enthusiast, noticing some enigmatic neighbors moving in next door. My instincts scream danger, but my curiosity pushes me to investigate further, and I soon find myself convinced they’re no ordinary neighbors – they’re bloodsuckers! Desperate for help, I turn to Peter Vincent, a local TV celebrity known for his midnight horror shows, who seems skeptical about the existence of vampires. However, as events unfold, I start questioning my own beliefs and grapple with the chilling possibility that maybe, just maybe, there’s truth in the legends of the undead.
One of the Best Vampire Movies Ever Made
1985’s timeless vampire movie, “Fright Night,” remains engaging even after four decades since its debut. Despite having no connection to Flanagan’s vampire TV series, “Midnight Mass,” their tones couldn’t be more dissimilar. Yet, “Fright Night” is one of those ’80s vampire flicks that left a lasting impression on the entire industry with its unique blend of horror and humor.
11 Pet Sematary (1989)
1989’s “Pet Sematary” tells the story of the Creed family as they settle in Ludlow, swiftly forming a bond with their neighbor, Jud Crandall. Crandall hints at some mysterious aspects of the woods surrounding their new home, and when misfortune befalls them, Louis, the father, is driven to resurrect his son, leading to disastrous outcomes.
The Scariest Stephen King Adaptation
As a movie enthusiast who thrives on the chilling pulse of horror flicks, I can’t help but be captivated by the unsettling allure of Pet Sematary. This undervalued horror gem, which has left even the great horror maestro himself trembling, delves into the depths of a father’s love and the extremes he might reach. The atmosphere is bleak and the terror palpable, with many critics hailing it as Stephen King’s most terrifying silver screen adaptation. While Flanagan hasn’t quite reached that level of fear in his films, his works like Gerald’s Game and The Haunting of Hill House come very close to achieving that spine-tingling intensity.
10 The Shining (1980)
In a nutshell, “The Shining” story revolves around Jack Torrance, a writer, along with his wife Wendy and son Danny, who shift base to the isolated Overlook Hotel during winter, tasked with maintaining it while it’s shuttered. Not long after their arrival, both Jack and Danny begin encountering intense, realistic dreams, and eerie presences from the hotel start surfacing.
A Very Important Adaptation in the Eyes of Flanagan
The lasting impact of “The Shining” is undeniable, though its author, King, isn’t particularly fond of Kubrick’s interpretation of his novel. Yet, when Flanagan obtained the rights to adapt “Doctor Sleep”, a sequel to King’s book, he chose to honor the original movie with an impressive final act that seamlessly blended King’s initial concept with the chilling 1980 film. This fusion was endorsed by King himself.
9 Poltergeist (1982)
In the movie titled Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper, we follow the journey of the Freeling family as they settle into their new neighborhood, Cuesta Verde. The youngest member, Carol Anne, starts communicating with unseen beings through their television set. During a heavy storm, she mysteriously vanishes into the TV screen. The story then unfolds as her family and a team of ghostbusters strive to rescue Carol Anne from the otherworldly dimension.
A Perfect Execution of Basic Horror
1982’s horror classic, penned and directed by Steven Spielberg, is an iconic film that masterfully blends genre conventions with the unique flair of Spielberg’s storytelling approach. The movie’s impact can be traced in Flanagan’s Ouija: Origin of Evil, a skillful portrayal of the “children-in-peril” trope.
8 The Vanishing (1988)
“The Vanishing” introduces us to Rex and Saskia, a young Dutch couple enjoying their time off in France. Tragically, Saskia is abducted without warning. As years pass, Rex continues his relentless search for her. Eventually, he receives a message from someone claiming to be the culprit behind her disappearance. When Rex chooses to confront this individual, he encounters the epitome of an evil-doer.
Thriller Meets Horror
Initially known as “Spoorloos“, the film “The Vanishing” masterfully embodies feelings of nihilism and fear, making it a chilling experience that can only be described as a full-blown horror production. Flanagan has rarely delved into such profound darkness with his films, but every horror director eventually feels compelled to infuse their work with unsettling elements. In this regard, “The Vanishing” serves as an unparalleled example.
7 The Blair Witch Project (1999)
In the chilling cinematic work known as The Blair Witch Project, three aspiring filmmakers venture into the forest to create a documentary about a local folktale. However, they soon encounter an eerie presence that makes them doubt their own senses. Tragedy strikes when one of them mysteriously disappears and calls out to the others in the dead of night. Consequently, they embark on a desperate search for Josh, with the ensuing events proving to be utterly harrowing.
One of the Most Important Independent Horror Films Ever Made
As a movie enthusiast who appreciates the craft behind horror films, I can’t help but feel that Flanagan must have found “The Blair Witch Project” compelling enough to include in his lists. This 1999 film is an exceptional demonstration of building suspense and creating fear. It was a groundbreaking work in the found footage genre, and its innovative marketing strategy, which presented the best example of realism in movie promotion, played a significant role in making it a timeless classic.
6 Noroi: The Curse (2005)
Noroi: The Curse is a mockumentary depicting the harrowing ordeal of a paranormal investigator as he delves into documenting a local hex. The movie uses a found-footage style, featuring video clips captured by Masafumi Kobayashi’s cameraman prior to his mysterious vanishing.
An Underrated Asian Film That Will Leave You Shaking
Kōji Shiraishi’s movie (known for films like “Cult” and “Occult”) cleverly breaks the boundaries of realism in horror genre by creating a film that isn’t excessively frightening. However, when it does get scary, you might find yourself having trouble sleeping, much like Flanagan probably did after watching it.
You can stream Noroi: The Curse on Hoopla.
5 Imprint (2006)
In “Imprint,” an American journalist named Christopher embarks on a journey years later to keep his pledge and save his girlfriend, whom he once met as a prostitute. Upon reaching the island where he hopes to uncover some truths, the women in charge share with him the harrowing tale of Kokomo’s brutal torment.
A Horror Auteur at His Best
In the “Masters of Horror” series, Takashi Miike leaves no respite as he delves deeper into Komoko’s tale. The visuals were so intense that Showtime found it unsuitable for cable broadcast, thereby earning the film a cult following swiftly. Flanagan has never attempted anything similar, and perhaps never will, but Miike’s cinematic approach undoubtedly serves as an inspiration for directors eager to startle audiences occasionally.
You can stream Imprint on The Roku Channel.
4 The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
The Poughkeepsie Tapes is a documentary-style movie depicting a police investigation into the brutal crimes committed by a serial killer named Edward Carver, as they discover hundreds of tapes detailing his actions. This 2007 film provides an intense portrayal of extreme realism to genuinely terrify its viewers.
The Unrestrained Glimpse Into Evil
This film, despite the reactions when it initially came out, remains a timeless classic within the found footage genre due to its unprecedented shock factor, which continues to stand out even as horror films have evolved significantly in terms of scare tactics. However, Flanagan, who typically avoids such grim themes, acknowledging it among his favorite horror movies, suggests that it left an impact on him too.
3 It Follows (2014)
It Follows tells the tale of Jay, a young woman who finds herself in an extraordinary predicament after she shares an intimate moment with her boyfriend, contracting a mysterious entity. Unlike a typical sexually transmitted disease, this virus takes a unique form – a peculiar and otherworldly figure that relentlessly pursues Jay. The only way for her to escape is by passing the curse on to someone else.
Original Horror That Matters
David Robert Mitchell’s movie, “It Follows“, was highly praised by critics who believed they were working with a horror genius capable of crafting unique tales unlike others in the genre. On the other hand, Flanagan’s films typically follow traditional narrative structures, but it’s intriguing to imagine how he might tackle an unconventional plotline that deviates from the norm yet adheres to the principles of “scary movies.
2 Let the Right One In (2008)
The film “Let Me In” tells a tale about a young Swedish boy named Oskar who forms an immediate bond with his enigmatic neighbor, Eli. As time goes by, Oskar finds himself inexplicably drawn to this peculiar girl, and it isn’t until later that he uncovers her startling secret: she is an ancient vampire accompanied by her trusted companion, or “familiar.”>
The Loss of Innocence
The film from Sweden, set in a chilly environment, exudes such a heartwarming emotional ambiance that it’s easy to be captivated by it. The storyline revolves around Oskar’s innocence being shattered in the pursuit of selfless love, and despite its gruesome horror elements, it manages to keep you engrossed. However, the violence escalates dramatically towards the end, making this 2000s horror masterpiece a chilling experience. The affection for tales centered around children is evident in Flanagan’s productions such as The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Haunting of Hill House, and Midnight Mass.
1 Us (2019)
The narrative unfolds around the Wilson family’s journey to a coastal retreat, where their holiday intersects with an enigmatic occurrence. Simultaneously, throughout America, people are emerging from subterranean passages that mirror our population. Their intention is to eliminate these doubles and assume their identities.
A Modern Horror Classic
Jordan Peele’s second movie, “Get Out,” is an outstanding work in the horror genre, demonstrating that its creator possesses a unique insight into this field seldom seen among contemporary directors. Flanagan includes several modern horror movies in his list of favorites, but “Us” distinguishes itself due to its originality in storytelling.
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2024-09-09 00:32