Recommend some genuinely terrifying horror films?

[TomatoAndBasil]

There are a few of the horror films I have seen that have actually left a proper lasting impression. Only a few though. Most that I've actually liked are mainly just 'entertaining'...not necessarily properly scary though.

> The Haunting [1963]
Bloody tense and atmospheric. Genuinely gave me chills for a good proportion. Watch it on your own, in the dark, late at night with headphones on. Only watch out for the old-fashioned screaming the female cast get up to.

> Onibaba [1964]
Similar to the above. '60s. Creepy. Gradual. Delivering last creepiness.

> The Texas Chainsaw Massacre [1974]
Worth a mention. It isn't as 'showing' as some horror, but for the better. You keep a documentary distance from the proceedings, which in the end. It makes it feel all the more real. (Need to watch this again...haven't gotten round to watching a special edition I bought)

> Henry : Portrait of a Serial Killer [1986]
Mainly for the 'camcorder' part. Also the icy cold tone of the entire thing. It's relentlessly bleak. Got that proper '80s grit about it too.

> Picnic at Hanging Rock [1975]
Probably not really a horror film, but it's still a fucking creepy film. Pretty dread atmosphere. Slow builder too (clearly an approach I like).

> Peeping Tom [1960]
Pretty much just a classic. No need to say much.

> Les Yeux Sans Visage / Eyes Without a Face [1959]
French creepiness. Couple sequences in this film are just pure nerves!

> Jacob's Ladder [1990]
People have already mentioned it, but agree big time. Real feeling to this film of a nightmare. Sketchy!

> Invasion of the Body Snatchers [1978]
Mainly for Donald Sutherland's at the end!

Also...

> The Innocents [1961]
> Repulsion [1965]
> Don't Look Now [1973]
> The Thing [1982]
> Possession [1981] (Mainly insane. Still scary though)
> [rec] [2007]

Of course not everyone is gonna agree of this sorta thing. These are just the films that have stuck with me.

[kingldub]

Onibaba is actually one of my favorites, good shout.