Top 10 Scary Movies

There is nothing better than a good horror film that pushes terror buttons you didn't even know you had. We aren't talking about cheap scare tactics - oh no, we mean the kind of film that stays with you and creeps back into your mind when you least expect. We are looking for the ultimate scary movies.

This quest has been triggered by the claim that new flick Paranormal Activity is possibly the scariest movie ever made. This bold statement got us pondering which movies really scare the bejesus out of us...

1. The Shining - Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel boasts some of the most memorable movie quotes ('Heeerrrrrre's Jonny!') and moments including the iconic blood flooding the hallway scene. Creepy stuff. Watching a man go mad has never looked so arty. It is also one of my Dad's favourite films, I always thought that was pretty cool of him, hmm lets hope it isn't more sinister than that Pops!

2. The Silence Of The Lambs - When this film first came out in the States it was reported a man in the audience had a heart attack. That is how powerful Anthony Hopkins's performance of Dr Hannibal Lecter promised to be. Playing an intelligent, sophisticated and calm killer that chills you to your core, he is sick and twisted but something draws you to him. All kinds of wrong. Lecter put a brand new spin on 'having an old friend for dinner'.

3. Ringu - Okay the 2002 US remake of this Japanese horror movie The Ring is alright, but the original is by far the scariest. Ringu takes video nasty to a whole new level. The spooky atmosphere and strange happenings makes for incredibly gripping viewing. Watch it if you dare and you will find it takes a long time to shake off this disturbing movie.

4. Psycho - For the infamous shower scene alone Psycho has to be in our list. It has also been the inspiration for countless suspense/horror movies. No one does it quite like Alfred Hitchcock. It is almost 50 years since the movie was made, but if this classic has passed you by, we guarantee that the character Norman Bates will get under you skin. The 1998 Gus Van Sant remake stays very close to the original, but can't top the amazing cinematography of the original.

5. Halloween - We have tension, Psycho references, a mad man on the lose and a babysitter left alone in the house - what more do you need in a horror movie?! Also notably it is one of the most profitable indie films of all time — costing a mere $300,000 and pulling in more than $55 million. The sequels get pretty silly but if you are a die hard fan then you probably wont be able to resist.

6. Jacob's Ladder - This is probably one of the most controversial choices in our list. It was met with a very mixed reception - some people were freaked out by it and others found it ridiculous. All we know is that it scares us silly. The disturbing hallucinations make for uncomfortable viewing, while the use of body horror techniques heighten the manic feeling that builds up through out the fillm. It deals with what possibly happens to the body and soul before death; if you want to get deep it delves into wanderings of an unknowing soul through purgatory.

7. Blair Witch Project - After all the parodies and hype it may seem that difficult to get the creeps from this low budget horror. If you are in the right mood, you will be surprised how this simple story can get to you. If you ever find yourself on your own in the woods, it is difficult not to let that eerie felling get to you. It has also shown how effective a low budget movie can be, with Paranormal Activity using the same amateur footage style documentary effect ten years later.

8. Carrie - Stephen King is the author behind the horror again, this time in the form of a teenage girl with telekinetic powers who gets pushed too far. Carrie was actually King's first novel to be published and has been one of the most frequently banned books in US schools, which is a recommendation in itself for anyone looking for something on the dark side. Sissy Spacek is brilliant as Carrie - it's a must-see.

9. The Exorcist - Demonic kids are guaranteed to provide great horror movie fodder, between The Exorcist, The Omen and Rosemary's Baby - this group of creepy kids nearly pushed us over the edge. The Exorcist stood out from the bunch though, not only as a hit with movie goers, the critics loved it too. Worldwide it grossed $402,500,000 and received ten Academy Award nominations back in 1973 - not something you would expect a horror movie to achieve in the 21st Century.

10. An American Werewolf In London - This is horror/comedy at its best and has truly reached cult classic status. Watch it alone for the make-up and effects: the painful transformation into a werewolf is so impressive, a new awards category at the Oscars was created specifically for the film - Outstanding Achievement in Makeup. Despite the fact it was made in 1981 it looks a lot more convincing than the effects we get now.

Having gone through our favourites and seen Paranormal Activity we are not convinced that it is worthy of the title 'scariest horror movie ever'. Find out here exactly what our reviewer thought of Paranormal Activity.