I discussed my list with some of my co-workers, which turned into a debate of the definition of "horror film." For my purposes, I'm including what may also be called "psychological thriller," since it means essentially the same to me.
10. Black Christmas (1974) Creepiest prank caller ever, and grand-daddy of the slasher film.
9. Cloverfield (2008) So, the hand-held made me queasy, but I loved the realistic premise. Accompanied by a very clever online marketing campaign--scour the internet for clues about this one, and background on the characters.
8. Repulsion (1965) One of Polanski's best. Psychologically terrifying with a couple of genuinely heart-stopping moments.
7. The Ring (2002) This one got to me because I watched it the way you're supposed to watch scary movies: alone, in a strange new apartment, dead of night. Had to go late-night grocery shopping after to shake off the creeps.
6. Cape Fear (1991) Robert DeNiro owned this character. Brutal and violent, with strong statements about the holes in our legal system (which is scary too).
5. The Exorcist (1973) Such a sweet little girl. For a minute.
4. Halloween (1978) Black Christmas may have launched the slasher film, but this one propelled into mainstream. Creepy music, cinematography, violent without being over the top gory. Made it difficult for me to enjoy trick-or-treating for the rest of my adolescence.
3. Audition (1999) No one does horror quite like the Japanese. Will make men think twice about the single life.
2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) Nearly perfect movie with two of the creepiest villains in history. "It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again." Eek.
1. The Shining (1980) Jack Nicholson's portrayal of a man's descent into madness tops my list, and boy, did those little girls give me the willies. I can't believe I watched this movie when I was 10...no wonder I'm a little "off." Bonus: This is a hilarious trailer redux which turns it into the "feel good" family movie of the year.
Honorable mentions go to Rosemary's Baby, The Sixth Sense, Poltergeist and The Omen. I needed a Top 14.