So, for this list I’m only going to include ghosts that used to be living people. No poltergeists, no demons, just ghosts. Oh, and they aren’t in any particular order because I couldn’t bring myself to rank them, they’re all great. There also might be some spoilers! Here we go!
Bathsheba Sherman – The Conjuring
“She ran out to that tree by the dock, climbed up, proclaimed her love to Satan, cursed anyone who tried to take her land, and hung herself. Time of death was pronounced at 3:07 in the morning.”
Played by: Joseph Bishara Born in: 1812 Died in: 1885 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Telekinesis and possession of others Weaknesses: Holy objects, exorcism, love Vanquished in the end?: Yes, she’s exorcised out of Carolyn by Ed and Lorraine.
Samara Morgan – The Ring
“You don’t want to hurt anyone.” “But I do, and I’m sorry. It won’t stop.”
Played by: Daveigh Chase Born in: 1970 Died in: 1978 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Killing people who watch her video tape Weaknesses: None Vanquished in the end?: Kind of, the curse is broken by making a copy of the tape and showing it to someone else, but the tape still exists.
Betelgeuse – Beetlejuice
“I’m a ghost with the most, babe.”
Played by: Michael Keaton Born in: Unclear, but he lived through the Black Death (1346 – 1353) Died in: Unknown Good or evil: Evil…ish Powers: Shapeshifting, reality warping, teleportation, telekinesis, possession, voice mimicry, invulnerability Weaknesses: Can be banished by saying his name 3 times, sandworms Vanquished in the end?: He’s banished from the home and is last seen in the afterlife’s waiting room.
Malcolm Crowe – The Sixth Sense
“What do you think these ghosts want when they talk to you? I want you to think about it, Cole. I want you to think about it really carefully.“ “Just help.” “That’s right. That’s what I think too. They just want help, even the scary ones.“
Played by: Bruce Willis Born in: 1955 Died in: 1998 Good or evil: Good Powers: None Weaknesses: He doesn’t know he’s dead Vanquished in the end?: After helping Cole, he realizes that he’s dead and can finally move on.
Jennet Humfrye – The Woman in Black
“She makes us… She makes us do it. She makes us… They took her boy away, so now she takes us.“
Played by: Liz White Born in: Unclear, but her son was born in 1882 Died in: 1894 Good or evil: Evil Powers: She makes children commit suicide after being seen by someone Weaknesses: None Vanquished in the end?: No, although she is unable to collect Joseph because he didn’t die alone.
Kayako and Toshio Saeki – The Grudge
“It is said in Japan that when a person dies in extreme sorrow or rage, the emotion remains, becoming a stain upon that place. Death becomes a part of that place, killing everything it touches. Once you have become a part of it, it will never let you go.“
Played by: Takako Fuji and Yuya Ozeki Born in: Kayako – 1971, Toshio – 1987 Died in: Kayako – 1994, Toshio – 1994 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Teleportation, hair manipulation (using her long hair to choke people), possession, illusions, technological interference, selective invisibility Weaknesses: She can only infect you with the curse if you go inside her house Vanquished in the end?: No
Johnny Bartlett – The Frighteners
“Johnny Bartlett. I thought guys like you fried in Hell.“ “I got out Frank. I’ve been carrying on the good work. Got me a score of forty.“
Played by: Jake Busey Born in: Unknown Died in: 1963 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Can appear as the Grim Reaper, intangibility, flight, organ/heart squeezing, soul absorption, shapeshifting Weaknesses: Obsession with a body count, over-reliance on Patricia, he can’t cross holy ground, the demonic forces of Hell Vanquished in the end?: Yes, Frank uses an out-of-body experience to defeat Johnny and Patricia, and they are dragged down to Hell.
Sam Wheat – Ghost
“Look, you’re all I’ve got. Now, I’m not leaving until you help me. I don’t care how long it takes, ’cause I could talk forever.“
Played by: Patrick Swayze Born in: Sometime in the 1950’s Died in: 1990 Good or evil: Good Powers: Intangibility, invisibility, telekinesis, possession, spirit interaction Weaknesses: He is unable to interact with most humans and unable, at first, to move anything Vanquished in the end?: Sam uses his telekinesis to impale Carl, and then Carl is dragged to Hell by shadowy figures. He says goodbye to Molly and is able to move on.
The dead wives – Crimson Peak
“There are things that tie them to a place, very much like they do us. Some remain tethered to a patch of land. A time and date. The spilling of blood. A terrible crime. But there are others. Others that hold onto an emotion. A drive. Loss. Revenge. Or love. Those, they never go away.“
Played by: Doug Jones Born in: Unknown Died in: Unknown Good or evil: Good Powers: None Weaknesses: None Vanquished in the end?: No, they remain in Allerdale Hall.
The Bent-Neck Lady – The Haunting of Hill House
“Forgiveness is warm. Like a tear on a cheek. Think of that and of me when you stand in the rain. I loved you completely. And you loved me the same. That’s all. The rest is confetti.“
Played by: Victoria Pedretti Born in: 1986 Died in: 2018 Good or evil: Good Powers: None Weaknesses: Hill House Vanquished in the end?: She’s finally able to find some peace by helping her siblings get out of Hill House, but she’s bound there like all the other spirits.
Headless Horseman – Sleepy Hollow
“The horseman was a Hessian mercenary sent to the shores by German princes to keep Americans under the yoke of England. But unlike his compatriots, who came for money, the horseman came for love of carnage. When battle was joined, there you’d find him. He rode a giant black steed named Daredevil. He was infamous for riding his horse hard into battle, chopping off heads at full gallop. He had filed his teeth down to sharp points to add the the ferocity of his appearance.“
Played by: Christopher Walken Born in: Somewhere around 1736 Died in: 1776 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Invulnerability, master swordsman Weaknesses: He can be controlled by the one who holds his skull, he cannot cross holy ground Vanquished in the end?: Kind of, Ichabod gives him his head back, and he drags Lady van Tassel to Hell with him.
Samantha Kozac – Stir of Echoes
“It doesn’t surprise me that there’s another woman. Of course, the fact that she’s dead gives one pause.“
Played by: Jennifer Morrison Born in: 1982 Died in: 1999 Good or evil: Good Powers: Psychic communication, vision imprinting Weaknesses: Bound to the area she died in Vanquished in the end?: Tom finds her body and she’s set free
Dr Richard Vannacutt – House on Haunted Hill
“Dr Richard Benjamin Vannacutt. He out-butchered Bundy, made Manson look meek.“
Played by: Jeffrey Combs Born in: Unknown Died in: 1931 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Invulnerability, telekinesis, mind manipulation, mimicry Weaknesses: He’s bound to the house Vanquished in the end?: No, after Sara and Eddie manage to escape, we see Vannacutt and other ghosts torturing Evelyn and Steven.
Tate Langdon – American Horror Story
“I prepare for the noble war. I’m calm, I know the secret. I know whats coming and I know no one can stop me not even myself. I kill people I like. Some of them beg for their life. I don’t feel sad. I don’t feel anything.“
Played by: Evan Peters Born in: 1977 Died in: 1994 Good or evil: Evil Powers: None Weaknesses: Bound to the house Vanquished in the end?: No, but he can no longer hurt the family once they’re all together.
Dr Sanford Ellicott – Supernatural
“Apparently he was experimenting on his patients. Some awful stuff, makes lobotomies look like a couple of aspirin.“
Played by: Norman Armour Born in: Unknown Died in: 1964 Good or evil: Evil Powers: Can invoke homicidal rage in anyone he touches Weaknesses: Salt, fire Vanquished in the end?: After over-powering a rage-filled Sam, Dean finds the doctor’s remains and salts and burns them, dissipating the spirit.
And that’s my list! I’m sure I missed some, but these were the best ones I could think of off the top of my head. Which onscreen ghosts are your favourites? Let me know!
M.
ps. Once I was all finished the post, I remembered all those cool ghosts from Thirteen Ghosts. Bah…
I didn’t remember just how many amazing movies were made in the 90’s. I must have made a list of 50 films I loved and then had to pair it down to 30. I was not happy. And then just as I thought I was finished the list, a movie that I forgot came to mind and I had to shift everything. But I finally decided upon 30, so here they are, my 30 favourite films of the 90’s.
Number 30
Title:Scream Year: 1996 Plot: In the small town of Woodsboro, California, a masked killer begins murdering high school students, and a group of friends must use their knowledge of horror movies to unmask the killer. Starring: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Rose McGowan, Matthew Lillard, Jamie Kennedy, Drew Barrymore, Roger Jackson (v.o.) Directed by: Wes Craven Based on: An original screenplay written by Kevin Williamson, although he was heavily inspired by the true story of the “Gainesville Ripper”, Danny Rolling, who murdered several college students in 1990. Notes: So, I know, why is Scream all the way at number 30? Because I sometimes have weird tastes and there’s just 29 movies I love more, that’s why! But yes, of course, this movie is a modern classic. I’m generally not a fan of slashers, but this one is great.
Number 29
Title:The Iron Giant Year: 1999 Plot: A young boy befriends a giant robot from outer space that a paranoid government agent wants to destroy. Starring: Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr, Jennifer Aniston, Vin Diesel, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney, M Emmet Walsh, Cloris Leachman Directed by: Brad Bird Based on: The book The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. Notes: This has to be one of my favourite animations ever. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming. Keep some kleenex close, you’re gonna need it!
Number 28
Title:Practical Magic Year: 1998 Plot: Two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric aunts in a small town, face closed-minded prejudice and a curse which threatens to prevent them ever finding lasting love. Starring: Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, Aidan Quinn, Goran Visnjic, Evan Rachel Wood, Alexandra Artrip Directed by: Griffin Dunne Based on: The book Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Notes: The perfect blend of chick flick and supernatural. And how disgustingly beautiful were Sandra and Nicole?? My goodness..
Number 27
Title:The Matrix Year: 1999 Plot: When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth: the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong, Gloria Foster, Matt Doran, Julian Arahanga, Anthony Ray Parker Directed by: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski Based on: An original script written by the Wachowski’s, but they admitted to being heavily inspired by the philosophical book Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard. Notes: This movie is, in a word, iconic. Never mind the slew of sequels that got progressively worse, this movie was so good. Great ideas paired with top-notch action scenes; it was a must-see of the 90s.
Number 26
Title:The Craft Year: 1996 Plot: After transferring to a Los Angeles high school, Sarah finds that her telekinetic gift appeals to a group of three wannabe witches, who happen to be seeking a fourth member for their rituals. Starring: Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, Skeet Ulrich, Breckin Meyer, Christine Taylor, Assumpta Serna Directed by: Andrew Fleming Based on: An original screenplay written by Peter Filardi and Andrew Fleming. Notes: The other movie that came out in ’96 starring Neve Campbell and Skeet Ulrich, I personally prefer this one. Maybe it’s because I identified more with the outcast goth girls? Probably. But this is just a fun witchcraft movie that I can still enjoy even though I’m no longer a teen.
Number 25
Title:Dragonheart Year: 1996 Plot: The last living dragon and a disillusioned dragon-slaying knight must unite to stop an evil king, who was granted partial immortality. Starring: Dennis Quaid, Sean Connery (v.o.), Dina Meyer, David Thewlis, Pete Postlethwaite, Jason Isaacs, Brian Thompson Directed by: Rob Cohen Based on: An original screenplay written by Charles Edward Pogue and Patrick Read Johnson. Notes: I haven’t watched this since the early 2000s I’d wager, so I can’t be sure if the cgi holds up. But I remember it being pretty great.
Number 24
Title: The Prophecy Year: 1995 Plot: Archangel Gabriel is searching for the soul of a supremely evil human to win a war that’s raging between angels and bring hell on earth. Starring: Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Eric Stoltz, Viggo Mortensen, Amanda Plummer, Adam Goldberg, Moriah Shining Dove Snyder Directed by: Gregory Widen Based on: An original screenplay written by Gregory Widen. Notes: Viggo as Lucifer is one of the most unsettling, even downright scary, things you’ll ever see. Holy crap.
Number 23
Title:To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Year: 1995 Plot: Three drag queens travel cross-country until their car breaks down, leaving them stranded in a small town where they turn the resident’s lives upside down. Starring: Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, Stockard Channing, Jason London, Jennifer Milmore, Blythe Danner, Beth Grant, Alice Drummond, Chris Penn, Arliss Howard Directed by: Beeban Kidron Based on: An original screenplay written by Douglas Carter Beane. Notes: I absolutely love this film and can watch it over and over. It’s so funny and heartwarming at the same time. And how beautiful is John Leguizamo as Chi Chi? My goodness..
Number 22
Title:The Mummy Year: 1999 Plot: At an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, an American serving in the French Foreign Legion accidentally awakens a mummy who begins to wreak havoc as he searches for the reincarnation of his long-lost love. Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Kevin J O’Connor, Oded Fehr, Erick Avari, Jonathan Hyde, Patricia Velasquez, Omid Djalili Directed by: Stephen Sommers Based on: An original screenplay written by Stephen Sommers, although it is a re-imagining of the 1932 Universal film of the same name. Notes: Is this movie really only number 22? Wow, there were great movies in this decade! This film is so fun and of course I eat up anything even remotely about ancient Egypt. And 90’s Brendan Fraser? Yes please!
Number 21
Title: Ever After Year: 1998 Plot: Danielle de Barbarac is a spirited young woman forced into servitude by her wicked stepmother after her father’s death, who falls in love with Prince Henry after a chance meeting. Starring: Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Melanie Lynskey, Megan Dodds, Patrick Godfrey, Lee Ingleby, Kate Lansbury, Walter Sparrow, Matyelok Gibbs, Judy Parfitt, Timothy West, Jeroen Krabbé Directed by: Andy Tennant Based on: An original screenplay written by Susannah Grant, Andy Tennant, and Rick Parks, inspired by the 1697 Cinderella fairy tale written by Charles Perrault. Notes: One of my very favourite chick flicks. Such a beautiful story and stupidly romantic, Danielle is actually a good role model for women and girls to follow.
Number 20
Title:House on Haunted Hill Year: 1999 Plot: An amusement park mogul offers a group of diverse people $1,000,000 to spend the night in a haunted house with a horrifying past. Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Ali Larter, Taye Diggs, Peter Gallagher, Chris Kattan, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Max Perlich, Jeffrey Combs Directed by: William Malone Based on: An original screenplay written by Robb White and Dick Beebe. It is a loose remake of the 1959 movie of the same name starring Vincent Price. Notes: Now, I love Vincent Price, but gods was the original boring! And I have trouble with plastic skeletons on wires, I’ll be honest. This remake is slick and scary, perfectly updated for modern audiences.
Number 19
Title:Stargate Year: 1994 Plot: An Egyptologist and a retired US Army Colonel unlock an ancient ring-shaped device discovered in Giza. They travel through a wormhole to the desert planet Abydos, where they discover a human civilization enslaved by the alien Ra, who poses as a god, and work to overthrow him to return home. Starring: James Spader, Kurt Russell, Jaye Davidson, Alexis Cruz, Mili Avital, Erick Avari, Viveca Lindfors, Leon Rippy, John Diehl, Djimon Hounsou, Gianin Loffler Directed by: Roland Emmerich Based on: An original screenplay written by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich, inspired in part by ancient astronaut theory, notably Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Däniken. Notes: Marrying ancient Egyptian-like culture and space travel? Sign me up! It also doesn’t hurt that James Spader was an absolute fox.
Number 18
Title:Empire Records Year: 1995 Plot: A tight-knit group of record store employees are fighting to save their independent shop from becoming a corporate chain store in a single, chaotic day. Starring: Anthony LaPaglia, Rory Cochrane, Liv Tyler, Johnny Whitworth, Renée Zellweger, Robin Tunney, Ethan Embry, Debi Mazar, Maxwell Caulfield, Brendan Sexton III, Coyote Shivers, James ‘Kimo’ Wills Directed by: Allan Moyle Based on: An original screenplay written by Carol Heikkinen, based on her personal experiences working at a Tower Records in Phoenix, Arizona. Notes: I can’t even explain how much I love this film. I saw it when it first came out (I was 14), and I fell instantly in love with it, and have been ever since. Thankfully, it still holds up well today, and I give it a watch every once in a while, and it never fails to make me smile.
Number 17
Title:Seven Year: 1995 Plot: Two detectives try to track down a serial killer who chooses his victims based on the seven deadly sins. Starring: Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, R Lee Ermey, Richard Roundtree, Reg E Cathey, Peter Crombie, John Cassini, Kevin Spacey Directed by: David Fincher Based on: An original screenplay written by Andrew Kevin Walker. Notes: Such a brilliant piece of film. Well written, well acted, with a gut-punch of an ending that will stick with you long after the movie is done.
Number 16
Title:The Silence of the Lambs Year: 1991 Plot: A young FBI rookie is sent to ask the help of brilliant cannibalistic killer Dr Hannibal Lecter in catching another killer who kidnaps his victims, holds them for many days, then skins them to make a ‘woman suit’. Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Anthony Heald, Frankie Faison, Brooke Smith, Lawrence T Wrentz, Diane Baker Directed by: Jonathan Demme Based on: The book The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. Notes: This is, quite possibly, my favourite serial killer movie of all time. No surprises there, it’s such a classic. Did you know, despite having top billing, Anthony Hopkins only has about 18 minutes of screen time?
Number 15
Title:Stigmata Year: 1999 Plot: When a young woman becomes afflicted by stigmata, a priest is sent to investigate her case, which may have severe ramifications for his faith and for the Catholic church itself. Starring: Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Pryce, Nia Long, Thomas Kopache, Enrico Colantoni, Rade Serbedzija, Dick Latessa Directed by: Rupert Wainwright Based on: An original screenplay written by Tom Lazarus and Rick Ramage. Notes: My lifelong crush on Gabriel Byrne aside, this is just an awesome movie. I must have seen it over 20 times, maybe even more! I love religious horror when it’s done right.
Number 14
Title:It Year: 1990 Plot: In 1960, seven pre-teen outcasts fight an evil demon who poses as a child-killing clown. Thirty years later, they reunite to stop the demon once and for all when it returns to their hometown. Starring: Tim Curry, Richard Thomas, Jonathan Brandis, Annette O’Toole, Emily Perkins, Harry Anderson, Seth Green, Dennis Christopher, John Ritter Directed by: Tommy Lee Wallace Based on: The book It by Stephen King Notes: I watched this when it came out, which meant I was 9 years old. Pennywise traumatized the crap out of me, and I’ve hated clowns ever since. But despite all this, I loved it and still do. Part two is not nearly as good as part one, which is why it’s not higher on the list.
Number 13
Title:Hackers Year: 1995 Plot: Teenage hackers discover a criminal conspiracy with plans to use a computer virus that will capsize five oil tankers unless a ransom is paid. Starring: Jonny Lee Miller, Angelina Jolie, Jesse Bradford, Matthew Lillard, Renoly Santiago, Fisher Stevens, Laurence Mason, Lorraine Bracco, Marc Anthony, Wendell Pierce, Alberta Watson Directed by: Iain Softley Based on: An original screenplay written by Rafael Moreu. Notes: It was one of the first films to really get me interested in computers. And even though I was very disappointed to find out real hacking is nothing like what is shown in this film, I’ve always had my own computer since then. So much fun, so much eye candy, and to top it all off, a totally bitchin’ soundtrack.
Number 12
Title:The Crow Year: 1994 Plot: The night before his wedding, musician Eric Draven and his fiancée are brutally murdered by members of a violent gang. On the anniversary of their death, Eric rises from the grave and assumes the mantle of the Crow, a supernatural avenger. Starring: Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Ernie Hudson, Bai Ling, Anna Thomson, David Patrick Kelly, Angel David, Laurence Mason, Michael Massee, Jon Polito, Tony Todd Directed by: Alex Proyas Based on: The graphic novel The Crow by James O’Barr Notes: I’m generally not a huge fan of action movies, but this was a huge exception. With its gothic esthetic and supernatural elements, this became one of my all-time favourite movies.
Number 11
Title:Event Horizon Year: 1997 Plot: A rescue crew is tasked with investigating the mysterious reappearance of a spaceship that had been lost for seven years. It did not come back alone. Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neill, Joely Richardson, Kathleen Quinlan, Jason Isaacs, Jack Noseworthy, Richard T Jones, Sean Pertwee Directed by: Paul WS Anderson Based on: An original screenplay written by Philip Eisner. Notes: This film scared the snot out of me when I first saw it when it came out (I was 16), and still manages to give me goosebumps today. A sign of a job well done!
Number 10
Title:The Exorcist III Year: 1990 Plot: As a police lieutenant mourns on the anniversary of his friend’s death (Father Karras, from the first film), a serial killer strikes whose MO is eerily similar to a killer’s who’s been dead for 15 years. Starring: George C Scott, Ed Flanders, Brad Dourif, Jason Miller, Nicol Williamson, Scott Wilson, Nancy Fish, and George DiCenzo Directed by: William Peter Blatty Based on: The book Legion by William Peter Blatty. Notes: This is the only sequel that The Exorcist should of had, instead of the abomination that was made (seriously, what the hell was that??) It’s a great story, and has real scares, with none of the camp that 90’s horror was so famous for. A real, under-rated gem. It also has the best jumpscare ever.
Number 9
Title:The Stand Year: 1994 Plot: After a man-made super flu kills 99% of the people on earth, the survivors band together into two groups, one drawn by dreams of a kind old lady, the others by an evil dark man. Starring: Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Jamey Sheridan, Adam Storke, Laura San Giacomo, Ruby Dee, Rob Lowe, Corin Nemec, Matt Frewer, Miguel Ferrer, Ray Walston Directed by: Mick Garris Based on: The book The Stand by Stephen King. Notes: I saw this at 13 when it first aired on tv, and I hadn’t read the book yet, which was probably a good thing, since it allowed me to love the mini-series, and not continuously compare it to the book. When I read the book a few years later, I was amazed at how much extra stuff was in it, but my love of the show was already cemented. It’s hopelessly dated, but it’s still a fun watch.
Number 8
Title:Interview with the Vampire Year: 1994 Plot: A man who has lost his wife and baby in childbirth is offered immortality by a charming but ruthless vampire. We follow him through his centuries of life as he tells his story to a young writer. Starring: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater, Stephen Rea, Domiziana Giordano, Indra Ové, Thandie Newton Directed by: Neil Jordan Based on: The book Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice. Notes: So beautiful and sumptuous. Incredibly acted and written, it follows the book quite closely (which is to be expected when the author writes the screenplay). A lot of the actors don’t look like their book counterparts, but the movie is so well done that I was able to forgive this.
Number 7
Title:Only You Year: 1994 Plot: As a teen, Faith was told that her destiny is with a man named Damon Bradley. Years later, when she’s about to marry someone else, a Damon Bradley calls to wish them well, and Faith blows off her wedding to follow Damon to Italy. Starring: Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr, Bonnie Hunt, Joaquim de Almeida, Fisher Stevens, Billy Zane, Adam LeFevre, Siobhan Fallon Hogan Directed by: Norman Jewison Based on: An original screenplay written by Malia Scotch Marmo. Notes: Films don’t get much more schmoopy than this, folks. This is the very definition of romantic. My heart flutters a little every time I see it.
Number 6
Title:Clueless Year: 1995 Plot: Popular, rich girls Cher and Dionne decide to take a new, frumpy student under their wing and give her a makeover, while their love lives run amok. Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Elisa Donovan, Breckin Meyer, Jeremy Sisto, Justin Walker, Julie Brown, Twink Caplan, Wallace Shawn, Dan Hedaya Directed by: Amy Heckerling Based on: The book Emma by Jane Austen (loosely based). Notes: My favourite teen movie of all time. It’s over the top and ridiculous in so many ways, but the actors are all perfect in their roles, and the film comes off as completely sweet and charming instead of grating and self-indulgent, as rich teens probably actually are.
Number 5
Title:Jurassic Park Year: 1993 Plot: An industrialist invites some experts to visit his theme park of cloned dinosaurs. After a power failure, the creatures run loose, putting everyone’s lives, including his grandchildren’s, in danger. Starring: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Ariana Richards, Joseph Mazzello, Bob Peck, Martin Ferrero, Samuel L Jackson, Wayne Knight, BD Wong Directed by: Steven Spielberg Based on: The book Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Notes: The first, the original, and still the best. The effects more than hold up today.
Number 4
Title:Sleepy Hollow Year: 1999 Plot: A slightly eccentric Constable is sent to the small town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate killings that the locals are sure were committed by a ghostly headless horseman. Starring: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Jeffrey Jones, Casper van Dien, Richard Griffiths, Michael Gough, Marc Pickering, Lisa Marie, Ian McDiarmid, Christopher Walken Directed by: Tim Burton Based on: The book The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. Notes: This is Burton and Depp at their very best, when the creative mojo was still mojoing, and they were still making terrific pictures together. The scenery is dark and brooding, the characters are all captivating, and Johnny Depp is, of course, absolutely gorgeous. Simply wonderful.
Number 3
Title:The Shawshank Redemption Year: 1994 Plot: A wrongfully convicted banker forms a close friendship with a hardened convict over a quarter century while retaining his humanity through simple acts of compassion. Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore, Mark Rolston Directed by: Frank Darabont Based on: The novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King. Notes: With an IMDb score of 9.3/10, I don’t really think I need to explain why this one is so good. The acting, the writing, the filming, everything is amazing. A wonderful story about the resilience of the human spirit.
Number 2
Title:The Sixth Sense Year: 1999 Plot: After being shot by a resentful former patient whom he failed to help, a Philadelphia child psychologist seeks redemption by treating a young boy with a disturbing secret. Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Trevor Morgan, Mischa Barton, Donnie Wahlberg Directed by: M Night Shyamalan Based on: An original screenplay written by M Night Shyamalan Notes: I do love me a good old haunting. I remember when I saw this for the first time, I went to see it at the cinema with my cousin. We were both so blown away by that ending, we went back to see it again right after, just to see if we could spot any mistakes that would have the twist make no sense. We couldn’t. And thankfully, unlike a lot of films with such twists, this film is so good that even knowing what’s going to happen doesn’t take any enjoyment away from the film.
Number 1
Title:Bram Stoker’s Dracula Year: 1992 Plot: After seeing a photograph of a woman who resembles his long-dead wife, a centuries old vampire travels to England to find her. Starring: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Sadie Frost, Cary Elwes, Richard E Grant, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola Based on: The novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. Notes: I won’t deny the effect that the classics have had on modern film. Without the original Universal monsters, we might not have near as many great movies as we do. But it stands that I have trouble with old timey films. So I much prefer this one to the original. So lush, so beautiful, romantic, sometimes creepy. Simply put, perfect. Besides Keanu’s accent, of course! haha
And here are a few of the films that almost made the list, but not quite:
The Truth About Cats & Dogs While You Were Sleeping Stir of Echoes Cruel Intentions The Relic From Dusk Till Dawn The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 10 Things I Hate About You Twister The Good Son The Lion King Get Real The Witches Army of Darkness Romeo + Juliet Little Women Fried Green Tomatoes Benny & Joon The Cutting Edge Dazed and Confused Dark City Total Recall Can’t Hardly Wait Cry-Baby Merlin The Frighteners The Pit and the Pendulum Subspecies Darkman
And there it was, my top 30 films of the 90’s! What are some of your favourites? Let me know!
It’s no secret that I love Stephen King books. I’ve read a good number of them and I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed. The adaptations, however… not always so much. I’ve seen 38 of them so here’s my ranking from worst to best. There won’t be any derivative works, nothing not directly based on the books. So no Pet Sematary 2, no Return to Salem’s Lot, etc. Enjoy!
NUMBER 38
Title: The Lawnmower Man Directed by: Brett Leonard Year: 1992 Starring: Jeff Fahey, Pierce Brosnan, Jenny Wright, Mark Bringelson, Geoffrey Lewis, Jeremy Slate, Austin O’Brien Notes: I can’t express just how bad this film is. Worst part is, there’s actors in this that can actually act, not that you can tell by watching this turd.
NUMBER 37
Title: Salem’s Lot Directed by: Gary Dauberman Year: 2024 Starring: Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Jordan Preston Carter, Alfre Woodard, Bill Camp, John Benjamin Hickey, Nicholas Crovetti, Spencer Treat Clark, Alexander Ward Notes: I was very much looking forward to this film. Then I watched it and… holy crap is this a piece of shit. It insulted my intelligence.
NUMBER 36
Title: Needful Things Directed by: Fraser C Heston Year: 1993 Starring: Max von Sydow, Ed Harris, Bonnie Bedelia, Amanda Plummer, JT Walsh, Ray McKinnon, Duncan Fraser, Valri Bromfield Notes: I honestly don’t remember much about this one because I saw it when it first played on tv in 1993 (I was 12). But what I do remember is that it sucked. Stick to the book. It was great.
NUMBER 35
Title: The Night Flier Directed by: Mark Pavia Year: 1997 Starring: Miguel Ferrer, Julie Entwisle, Dan Monahan, Michael H Moss, John Bennes, Beverly Skinner Notes: Another one that I don’t remember much about except for the fact that I hated it. But I’ve recently heard a few YouTubers saying that it’s worth another viewing. Maybe I will.
NUMBER 34
Title: In the Tall Grass Directed by: Vincenzo Natali Year: 2019 Starring: Laysla De Oliveira, Avery Whitted, Patrick Wilson, Will Buie Jr, Harrison Sloan Gilbertson, Rachel Wilson Notes: I haven’t read the book, which King co-authored with his son, Joe Hill. It has to be better than this drivel. It has to be.
NUMBER 33
Title: The Shining Directed by: Stanley Kubrick Year: 1980 Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson, Philip Stone Notes: I know many, many people are going to disagree with me here, but I absolutely hated this film. The acting is laughable, even by 80’s standards. But I can stand strong in my opinion knowing that King himself hated it.
NUMBER 32
Title: Thinner Directed by: Tom Holland Year: 1996 Starring: Robert John Burke, Joe Mantegna, Lucinda Jenney, Bethany Joy Lenz, Michael Constantine, Terence Kava, Kari Wuhrer Notes: Another one I don’t remember much. What I do remember is feeling really bored.
NUMBER 31
Title: Cujo Directed by: Lewis Teague Year: 1983 Starring: Dee Wallace, Danny Pintauro, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Christopher Stone, Ed Lauter, Moe and Cubby the dogs Notes: The performances in the film are great. But holy boring. The book can tell you what’s going on in Donna’s head, so it’s very good. But the film can’t do that (unless they add cheesy narration), so it just ends up being mostly dull.
NUMBER 30
Title: Salem’s Lot Directed by: Tobe Hooper Year: 1979 Starring: David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr, George Dzundza Notes: I really don’t get all the hype around this movie. It was sooooo boring…
NUMBER 29
Title: Christine Directed by: John Carpenter Year: 1983 Starring: Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Robert Prosky, Harry Dean Stanton, Christine Belford, Roberts Blossom Notes: I just found the acting in this to be terrible, especially the lead. Ho-boy….
NUMBER 28
Title: Dreamcatcher Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan Year: 2003 Starring: Damian Lewis, Jason Lee, Thomas Jane, Timothy Olyphant, Morgan Freeman, Tom Sizemore, Donnie Wahlberg Notes: This was already a silly concept as a book, but to actually see it on screen? Yikes. And it actually has a really stacked cast! How on earth did they convince all these great actors to do a film based around aliens that explode out of your anus??
NUMBER 27
Title: The Langoliers Directed by: Tom Holland Year: 1995 Starring: Patricia Wettig, Tom Holland, Kate Maberly, Mark Lindsay Chapman, Bronson Pinchot, David Morse, Dean Stockwell Notes: Interesting premise, but laughable 90’s cgi really ruins it.
NUMBER 26
Title: The Tommyknockers Directed by: John Power Year: 1993 Starring: Jimmy Smits, Marg Helgenberger, John Ashton, Allyce Beasley, Robert Carradine, Joanna Cassidy, Cliff De Young, Traci Lords Notes: I don’t remember much about this except people pulling their own teeth out. But I remember liking it ok. As a side note, Stephen King has said that The Tommyknockers was the product of a mountain of cocaine. So there’s that.
NUMBER 25
Title: Carrie Directed by: Brian De Palma Year: 1976 Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, John Travolta, Nancy Allen, Betty Buckley, PJ Soles Notes: Good Idea, competently filmed, but it just left me a little cold. It was a little boring for most of the runtime.
NUMBER 24
Title: Storm of the Century Directed by: Craig R Baxley Year: 1999 Starring: Tim Daly, Colm Feore, Casey Siemaszko, Debrah Farentino, Dyllan Christopher, Jeffrey DeMunn, Julianne Nicholson Notes: I only saw this once, when it aired on tv, and I remember nothing about it except that it was alright. Well, I remember the overall concept, and how it ended, so I guess that’s not exactly nothing.
NUMBER 23
Title: The Dead Zone Directed by: David Cronenberg Year: 1983 Starring: Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst, Martin Sheen Notes: I absolutely loved the book, but the movie was pretty meh. Not awful, but definitely not something I’d watch again.
NUMBER 22
Title: Secret Window Directed by: David Koepp Year: 2004 Starring: Johnny Depp, John Turturro, Maria Bello, Timothy Hutton, Charles S Dutton, Len Cariou, John Dunn-Hill Notes: Interesting idea, and most of the film was good, but the ending was a little silly. Gotta love messy-haired Johnny, though!
NUMBER 21
Title: Pet Sematary Directed by: Kevin Kölsch, Dennis Widmyer Year: 2019 Starring: Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz, John Lithgow, Jeté Laurence, Hugo and Lucas Lavoie, Obssa Ahmed, Alyssa Brooke Levine Notes: It wasn’t god-awful, but it wasn’t good either. It just felt very unnecessary.
NUMBER 20
Title: The Dark Tower Directed by: Nikolaj Arcel Year: 2017 Starring: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor, Dennis Haysbert, Claudia Kim, Jackie Earle Haley, Fran Kranz, Katheryn Winnick Notes: *Dreaming about what could have been* *Wakes up* “Oh…” *sigh*
NUMBER 19
Title: The Shining Directed by: Mick Garris Year: 1997 Starring: Steven Weber. Rebecca De Mornay, Courtland Mead, Wil Horneff, Melvin Van Peebles, Stanley Anderson, Elliott Gould Notes: I know a lot of people didn’t really like this one, but it’s much better than the original (imho), and much closer to the real story.
NUMBER 18
Title: Apt Pupil Directed by: Bryan Singer Year: 1998 Starring: Brad Renfro, Ian McKellen, Joshua Jackson, Ann Dowd, Bruce Davison, David Schwimmer, Elias Koteas Notes: Now we’re getting into the ones that I really liked. This film was beyond disturbing, but it was very well done. Plus, 17 year old me had a massive crush on Brad Renfro (rip).
NUMBER 17
Title: Firestarter Directed by: Mark L Lester Year: 1984 Starring: Drew Barrymore, David Keith, George C Scott, Heather Locklear, Martin Sheen, Louise Fletcher, Freddie Jones, Moses Gunn Notes: Not a great movie by any means, but I always have fun with it. George C Scott (rip) is awesome, as always!
NUMBER 16
Title: The Dark Half Directed by: George A Romero Year: 1993 Starring: Timothy Hutton, Beth Grant, Amy Madigan, Patrick Brannan, Larry John Meyers, Robert Joy, Kent Broadhurst Notes: I should re-visit this one. I remember liking it a whole lot, but I haven’t seen it in literal decades, so I don’t remember much.
NUMBER 15
Title: Salem’s Lot Directed by: Mikael Salomon Year: 2004 Starring: Rob Lowe, Andre Braugher, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, Dan Byrd, Rutger Hauer, James Cromwell, Robert Mammone Notes: Finally, a version of Salem’s Lot that I actually liked! With it being a two parter, they really had more time to flesh out the story.
NUMBER 14
Title: It Chapter 2 Directed by: Andy Muschietti Year: 2019 Starring: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Andy Bean, Bill Skarsgård Notes: While not a bad movie, it’s definitely not nearly as good as the first one. The original miniseries had that same trouble. Part 2 was good but kinda lacking. And I could have used less cgi and more practical effects. It almost always looks better.
NUMBER 13
Title: Stand By Me Directed by: Rob Reiner Year: 1986 Starring: Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, Kiefer Sutherland, Casey Siemaszko, Gary Riley Notes: I haven’t seen this film in years, but parts of it still live in my head. And I had such a crush on River Phoenix that started here and lasted til his untimely death (rip). Based on The Body.
NUMBER 12
Title: Misery Directed by: Rob Reiner Year: 1990 Starring: James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Frances Sternhagen, JT Walsh, Misery the Pig Notes: Such a great film. That hobbling scene lives rent-free in my head, ugh. Kathy Bates won a very well-earned Oscar for her role.
NUMBER 11
Title: The Green Mile Directed by: Frank Darabont Year: 1999 Starring: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, Graham Greene, Barry Pepper, Sam Rockwell Notes: An absolutely start-studded cast are amazing in this film. Get out your Kleenex, you’re gonna need it!!
NUMBER 10
Title: 1408 Directed by: Mikael Håfström Year: 2007 Starring: John Cusack, Samuel L Jackson, Mary McCormack, Tony Shalhoub, Len Cariou, Isiah Whitlock Jr, Jasmine Jessica Anthony Notes: I wasn’t sure about this film the first time I saw it, but the more often I watch it, the more I love it.
NUMBER 9
Title: The Boogeyman Directed by: Rob Savage Year: 2023 Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, Vivien Lyra Blair, David Dastmalchian, Marin Ireland, Madison Hu Notes: I’m not sure if I’m in the minority (again), but I really loved this thing. It kinda got to me, maybe cause I’m afraid of the dark, hehe.
NUMBER 8
Title: The Mist Directed by: Frank Darabont Year: 2007 Starring: Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Nathan Gamble, Andre Braugher, Toby Jones, William Sadler, Jeffrey DeMunn Notes: Bad cgi monsters aside, this film is amazing. Everyone gives great performances, and that gut-punch of an ending? Holy shit!
NUMBER 7
Title: Silver Bullet Directed by: Daniel Attias Year: 1985 Starring: Corey Haim, Gary Busey, Everett McGill, Megan Follows, Robin Groves, Terry O’Quinn, Leon Russom, Bill Smitrovich Notes: I had a MASSIVE crush on Corey Haim (rip) growing up, and so I watched absolutely everything with him in it. This was one of the first ones I saw, and I was surprised at how much I liked it. Based on Cycle of the Werewolf.
NUMBER 6
Title: Rose Red Directed by: Craig R Baxley Year: 2002 Starring: Nancy Travis, Matt Keeslar, Kimberly J Brown, Melanie Lynskey, Julian Sands, Matt Ross, David Dukes, Judith Ivey, Julia Campbell, Emily Deschanel Notes: Besides my lifelong crush on Julian Sands (rip), this is just a really good haunted house story. It’s surprisingly creepy for something that was made for tv.
NUMBER 5
Title: Pet Sematary Directed by: Mary Lambert Year: 1989 Starring: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Fred Gwynne, Miko Hughes, Brad Greenquist, Michael Lombard, Blaze Berdahl, Andrew Hubatsek Notes: Denise Crosby’s atrocious acting aside, this movie is amazing. It’s just so unbelievably creepy. And it’s a pretty good adaptation of the book as well. Bonus points!
NUMBER 4
Title: It Directed by: Tommy Lee Wallace Year: 1990 Starring: Jonathan Brandis, Richard Thomas, Emily Perkins, Annette O’Toole, Brandon Crane, John Ritter, Seth Green, Harry Anderson, Adam Faraizl, Dennis Christopher, Marlon Taylor, Tim Reid, Ben Heller, Jarred Blancard, Olivia Hussey, Tim Curry Notes: I saw this when it first aired on tv in 1990. I was 9 years old. Probably too young, but there you have it. Tim Curry is unbelievably creepy as Pennywise, and fueled my lifelong fear of clowns.
NUMBER 3
Title: The Stand Directed by: Mick Garris Year: 1994 Starring: Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Jamey Sheridan, Ruby Dee, Adam Storke, Rob Lowe, Laura San Giacomo, Bill Fagerbakke, Corin Nemec, Miguel Ferrer, Ossie Davis, Matt Frewer, Bridgit Ryan, Shawnee Smith Notes: Clocking in at 6 hours, this is a massive piece of film. And needed all that time because the book is a literal brick! I love this film so much. I give it a re-watch every year or 2 years. I’m actually due, it’s been a while.
NUMBER 2
Title: The Shawshank Redemption Directed by: Frank Darabont Year: 1994 Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, James Whitmore, Mark Rolston Notes: With an IMDb score of 9.3/10, I don’t really think I need to explain why this one is so good. The acting, the writing, the filming, everything is amazing. Based on Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.
NUMBER 1
Title: It Directed by: Andy Muschietti Year: 2017 Starring: Jaeden Martell, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, Wyatt Oleff, Nicholas Hamilton, Jackson Robert Scott, Bill Skarsgård Notes: I never thought I’d end up loving this film as much as I do, more than the 90’s version. I mean, Tim Curry defined the role as Pennywise, but Bill Skarsgård really knocks it out of the park. This is a perfect film. Too bad the sequel didn’t hit the bar that this one set.
And that’s my list! Agree? Disagree? Let me know!
M.
p.s. There are a few notable films that are missing that I just haven’t gotten around to yet. The Monkey, The Long Walk, and Doctor Sleep are all on my to-watch list. I also want to watch Welcome to Derry, but it wouldn’t have been on this list anyways cause it’s derivative from King’s books, not really based on them.
So, I mostly tend to be in the camp of “leave movies alone, stop making unnecessary remakes”. But every so often, they’ll remake something that either I didn’t like the original at all, or was surprised at how much better something turned out. Here are 20 remakes that, to me, are better than the original. I’ve ranked them, but outside of my top 5, a lot of them are pretty interchangable.
NUMBER 20
Title:The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Year: 2005 Remake of:The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1988) Starring: Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, and Liam Neeson (voice) Directed by: Andrew Adamson Why it’s Better: Just for production value alone. This film is beautiful, and a very good adaptation of the book.
NUMBER 19
Title:The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Year: 2003 Remake of:The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Starring: Jessica Biel, Jonathan Tucker, Eric Balfour, Erica Leerhsen, Mike Vogel, and Andrew Bryniarski Directed by: Marcus Nispel Why it’s Better: I absolutely hated the original. Like hated. I was surprised that I liked this one as much as I did. Sure, it’s got that glossy feeling that a lot of horror had in the 2000’s, but it’s still a lot of fun.
NUMBER 18
Title:The Phantom of the Opera Year: 1989 Remake of:The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Starring: Jill Schoelen, Robert Englund, Alex Hyde-White, Bill Nighy, and Stephanie Lawrence Directed by: Dwight H Little Why it’s Better: The original is a classic, of course, but I’m not a huge fan of silent films. This one leans much more into horror, and I’m all about that!
NUMBER 17
Title: Thirteen Ghosts Year: 2001 Remake of:13 Ghosts (1960) Starring: Tony Shalhoub, Matthew Lillard, Shannon Elizabeth, Embeth Davidtz, Rah Digga, and F Murray Abraham Directed by: Steve Beck Why it’s Better: This is by no means a great movie. But I’ll be darned if I don’t love it to pieces! The setting of a glass house is so cool, and the ghosts look incredible!
NUMBER 16
Title:Romeo + Juliet Year: 1996 Remake of:Romeo and Juliet (1968) Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, John Leguizamo, Harold Perrineau, and Pete Postlethwaite Directed by: Baz Luhrmann Why it’s Better: I do like Shakespeare’s stories, but lets be honest, most of the adaptations are stuffy affairs. This one takes the story into modern times, while still holding on the the essence of the story. Absolutely wonderful!
NUMBER 15
Title:Dawn of the Dead Year: 2004 Remake of:Dawn of the Dead (1978) Starring: Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, and Kevin Zegers Directed by: Zack Snyder Why it’s Better: I’m generally not a fan of zombie movies, and I find the originals by Romero uninteresting. But this one is amazing. It also one of the greatest openings in horror movie history!
NUMBER 14
Title:Crime and Punishment in Suburbia Year: 2000 Remake of: Crime and Punishment (there are so many…) Starring: Monica Keena, Vincent Kartheiser, Ellen Barkin, Michael Ironside, Jeffrey Wright, and James DeBello Directed by: Rob Schmidt Why it’s Better: Boy did I love this film when it came out. I was 19, and deeply in love with Vincent Kartheiser. I’m not sure it’s a completely accurate adaptation, besides the move to modern times. But I love it.
NUMBER 13
Title: The Grudge Year: 2004 Remake of:Ju-on: The Grudge (2002) Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr, William Mapother, Clea DuVall, Bill Pullman, and Takako Fuji Directed by: Takashi Shimizu (who better to direct then the director of the original!) Why it’s Better: I’m almost ashamed to say it, but I’m just not a fan of J-horror. I find it so weird and disjointed. So yes, I prefer this American remake. That noise still haunts me…
NUMBER 12
Title:The Amityville Horror Year: 2005 Remake of: The Amityville Horror (1979) Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Jesse James, Jimmy Bennett, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Rachel Nichols Directed by: Andrew Douglas Why it’s Better: I hated the original so very much, that literally anything would have been better. What we got was just a fun haunted house story. And who doesn’t love Ryan Reynolds?
NUMBER 11
Title: The Blob Year: 1988 Remake of: The Blob (1958) Starring: Shawnee Smith, Kevin Dillon, Donovan Leitch, Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark, and Joe Seneca Directed by: Chuck Russell Why it’s Better: I have trouble with most old timey films. They have to be exceptional for me to be on board. And the ’58 version was just kinda slow and silly. This one takes that idea and cranks it up to 11. The practical effects are absolutely amazing. So much fun!
NUMBER 10
Title:Dorian Gray Year: 2009 Remake of: The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) Starring: Ben Barnes, Ben Chaplin, Colin Firth, Maryam d’Abo, and Fiona Shaw Directed by: Oliver Parker Why it’s Better: Two words: Ben Barnes. fans self Oh, we need more? Again, old timey movies aren’t my bag. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is actually one of my favourite books (yes, I can deal with old timey books, just not movies), and I find this version to be the superior film.
NUMBER 9
Title: The Crazies Year: 2010 Remake of: The Crazies (1973) Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, Joe Anderson, Danielle Panabaker, and Christie Lynn Smith Directed by: Breck Eisner Why it’s Better: Another Romero zombie film, I didn’t like it for the same reason I didn’t like his “of the Dead” series. This one ratchets everything up, and is leagues better than the original. I love the fact that it’s not dead coming back to life, but a virus that makes you homicidal. Great film.
NUMBER 8
Title:Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves Year: 1991 Remake of:The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) There have been many other adaptations of this story as well. Starring: Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Christian Slater, Alan Rickman, and Michael Wincott Directed by: Kevin Reynolds Why it’s Better: I find this one to be the best of all the Robin Hood films that I’ve seen (except maybe the Disney cartoon). It’s fun, it’s romantic, it’s a little silly, but oh so good!
NUMBER 7
Title:Dune Year: 2021 Remake of:Dune (1984) Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, and Javier Bardem Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Why it’s Better: Do I really need to explain? Lynch’s Dune (1984) is one of the silliest, most confusing and disjointed movies I’ve ever seen. Dune part 2 is also excellent.
NUMBER 6
Title:The Mummy Year: 1999 Remake of:The Mummy (1932) Starring: Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, Kevin J O’Connor, and Oded Fehr Directed by: Stephen Sommers Why it’s Better: Again the problem with old timey stuff. I only saw part of the original, and that was enough. This version turns it into an action adventure movie, and it’s all the better for it. Plus, 90’s Brendan Fraser? Whew fans self
NUMBER 5
Title:Sleepy Hollow Year: 1999 Remake of:The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) Starring: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Casper Van Dien, and Christopher Walken Directed by: Tim Burton Why it’s Better: I love the original cartoon, it’s very cute, but this version is the ultimate version. All the changes they made fit into the lore perfectly. This is Burton at his finest!
NUMBER 4
Title: The Ring Year: 2002 Remake of:Ringu (1998) Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, and Daveigh Chase Directed by: Gore Verbinski Why it’s Better: I tried watching the original, but I just couldn’t get into it. Not a fan of J-horror. They have good ideas, but I guess it’s a cultural difference, I just don’t get their filming style, I guess. This one was, and remains, one of my favourite films. It’s creepy, atmospheric, and very well done.
NUMBER 3
Title:Nosferatu Year: 2024 Remake of:Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922) Starring: Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Willem Dafoe Directed by: Robert Eggers Why it’s Better: I just did a whole post about this film, so I won’t repeat myself here. But my god, I love this film!
NUMBER 2
Title:It Year: 2017 Remake of:It (1990) Starring: Jaeden Martell, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Chosen Jacobs, Wyatt Oleff, and Bill Skarsgård Directed by: Andy Muschietti Why it’s Better: I have a love for the original since I first saw it when I was 9. Tim Curry rocked the role of Pennywise. But I can’t deny that this is the better film. Both movies, however, had trouble with their part two’s. Not bad, but really not as good.
NUMBER 1
Title:Bram Stoker’s Dracula Year: 1992 Remake of:Dracula (1931) There have been a literal tonne of Dracula movies, some great, others laughable, but this one started it all (I know, I know, Nosferatu came first. But the 1931 version was the first authorized adaptation). Starring: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Sadie Frost, Cary Elwes, and Richard E Grant Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola Why it’s Better: I won’t deny the effect that the classics have had on modern film. Without the original Universal monsters, we might not have near as many great movies as we do. But it stands that I have trouble with old timey films. But this one. So lush, so beautiful, romantic, sometimes creepy. Simply put, perfect. Besides Keanu’s accent, of course! haha
Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I had making it. I’d almost forgotten how much I like blogging (and making lists. I love lists!)
Dune part 2 (2024) Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgård, and Charlotte Rampling Directed by: Denis Villeneuve
There is a ridiculous amount of eye candy in this film, just to get that out of the way. Even Austin Butler, under all that Harkonnen makeup, is still beautiful.
The film looks beautiful. The cinematography is insane. The makeup, the costumes, the visuals, all breathtaking.
The acting is all great, as expected after seeing the first film. Zendaya does a surprisingly good job, and Austin Butler is great as the psychotic Feyd-Rautha.
The fight choreographies are insane. I’m not sure how much the actors did themselves, but it’s impressive nonetheless.
I heard from someone who’s read the books that there are some key things that are different, but as someone who has not read the whole book (I’ve only read about a fifth of it, then I pooped out), the story felt fluid and complete.
The score was, to use an epic word, bombastic. Less so than the first film, but I think that’s a good thing. The score was a little overpowering in part 1 (but that’s literally the only thing that I have to say bad about it).
The film ended a bit abruptly. Things were a bit long in the tooth (not in a bad way) for most of the film, then all of a sudden, it was over. The film is 2 hours and 46 minutes long, already a good chunk of time, but I really could have used a little extra time to flesh it out some more.
Slight spoiler: I think I saw a small mistake near the end of the film. Paul gets stabbed in what I see as his side, but then he pulls the blade from his shoulder. Did I see it wrong, or was that an actual mistake?
I liked Jessica’s character a lot less in this film, but I’m thinking that that’s how you’re supposed to feel.
All in all, I did really love this film. It was a wonderful film. I saw it in a cinema with a screen that wrapped three quarters around the room, and I’d never experienced that before. It was great. Do I reccomend it? If you liked the first one, then definitely. If the first one left you cold, then you probably won’t like this one either.
This film is currently still only in cinemas, but I’m sure it’ll come to streaming soon. Enjoy! I certainly did!
Warriors of God, beings of darkness, guardians, or agents of vengeance, angels come in all shapes and sizes. Represented well, angels make great characters. Here are my 8 favourite. Spoilers ahead.
NUMBER 8
The Crow, The Crow
“People once believed that when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can’t rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes, the crow can bring that soul back to put the wrong things right.”
Played by: A raven, actually. Scary or sexy: Neither, he’s a standard black crow. His Goal: To bring Eric Draven back to life to avenge the brutal deaths of his fiancée and himself. Alive at the end?: Yes If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: N/A
NUMBER 7
Michael, Legion
“This is not your test, Michael. How dare you presume to know His heart?”
“*Putting a hand to his chest* Because He made this one. And it tells me He shouldn’t lose faith now.”
Played by: Paul Bettany Scary or sexy: Sexy His Goal: To save a chosen woman and her unborn baby from God’s temper tantrum. Alive at the end?: Yes If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: N/A
NUMBER 6
Horse, Winter’s Tale
“Don’t know who’s more foolish; The horse who won’t listen to his master or the master who listens to his horse.”
Played by: A horse, duh. (Couldn’t find the horse’s real name) Scary or sexy: Neither, but he’s a gorgeous animal. His Goal: To guard gold-hearted thief Peter Lake. Alive at the end?: Yes If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: N/A
NUMBER 5
Tyrael, Diablo III
“You cannot judge me, I am Justice itself! We were meant for more than this! To protect the innocent! But if our precious laws bind you all to inaction … then I will no longer stand as your brother.”
Played by: Jonathan Adams Scary or sexy: Is strong and beautiful as an angel, and rugged and slightly worn out looking as a mortal. His Goal: To bind Diablo and the other powerful demons to the black soulstone, then destroy them. Alive at the end?: Yes If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: N/A
NUMBER 4
Bartleby & Loki, Dogma
“You know, here’s what I don’t get about you. You know for a fact that there is a God. You’ve been in His presence. He’s spoken to you personally. Yet I just heard you claim to be an atheist.” “I just like to fuck with the clergy, man.”
Played by: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Scary or sexy: One of them is sexy, the other is Ben Affleck :-p His Goal: To get back into Heaven, no matter the cost (which, in this case, is negating all existence). Alive at the end?: No If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: Loki is killed by Bartleby stabbing him after cutting his wings off (making him human), and Bartleby, after having his own wings shot off, is killed by God’s voice.
NUMBER 3
Gabriel, The Prophecy
“I’m an angel. I kill firstborns while their mamas watch. I turn cities into salt. I even, when I feel like it, rip the souls from little girls, and from now till kingdom come, the only thing you can count on in your existence is never understanding why.”
Played by: Christopher Walken Scary or sexy: Scary His Goal: To unleash a second Hell on Earth. Alive at the end?: No If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: Lucifer rips out his heart and eats it.
NUMBER 2
Gabriel, Constantine
“If sweet, sweet God loves you so, then I will make you worthy of His love. I’ve been watching for a long time. It’s only in the face of horror that you truly find your nobler selves. And you can be so noble. So, I’ll bring you pain, I’ll bring you horror, so that you may rise above it. So that those of you who survive this reign of hell on earth will be worthy of God’s love.”
Played by: Tilda Swinton Scary or sexy: Sexy His Goal: To bring forth the son of Lucifer and make Hell on Earth. Alive at the end?: Yes, but is now human. If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: N/A
NUMBER 1
Castiel, Supernatural
“She rises when Lucifer walks the earth. “And she shall come, bearing false prophecy.” This creature has the power to take a human’s form, read minds. Book of Revelation calls her “the Whore of Babylon”.”
“Well, that’s catchy.”
Played by: Misha Collins Scary or sexy: Very, very sexy! His Goal: To help Dean and Sam Winchester in any way he can. It’s way more complicated then that, but I don’t have 3 hours to explain it :-p Alive at the end?: Yes, then no, then yes, then no, then yes…. If not, how did (s)he bite it, and by whom?: He’s been killed by multiple angels, and the Leviathan, but always comes back somehow.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Jeffrey Jones, Casper van Dien, Richard Griffiths, Michael Gough, Marc Pickering, Lisa Marie, Ian McDiarmid and Christopher Walken
I absolutely adore this film. This is Burton and Depp at their very best, when the creative mojo was still mojoing, and they were still making terrific pictures together. The scenery is dark and brooding, the characters are all captivating, and Johnny Depp is, of course, absolutely gorgeous (as is his co-star Christina Ricci). I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this film, but I wouldn’t even be surprised if it was in the three figures. And my enjoyment of it has never faded. If you haven’t seen this and and are looking for an atmospheric horror flick, but don’t like a lot of splatter, then I reccomend this to you very highly. It walks that tightrope line of bringing some dark humour to the film, without making it silly. Harder to do than you might think, judging the number of really effective horror comedies out there (not that this is a comedy, but anyways..). If I could give it an 11, I would, but as it is, it gets 10/10.
