Stanley Kubrick's classic 1980 movie The Shining has been named the scariest horror film ever, topping a list of 100 scary movies by top film website Totalscifionline.com.
Rosemary's Baby, by controversial director Roman Polanski came in second place, while British cult classic The Wicker Man, famous for Britt Ekland’s naked dancing, was third.
The Shining stars Jack Nicholson and is based on a story by famous horror writer Stephen King. It tells the story of a frustrated writer who tries to murder his family in the isolated hotel where they are snowed in for the winter.
Though it received mixed reviews on its release in 1980 (and picked up nominations at the ‘alternative Oscars’ the Razzies for Worst Director and Worst Actress), its reputation has grown over the years, as subsequent generations in search of Halloween thrills have been terrified by its dark psychological themes and unforgettable imagery.
"Nearly 30 years after its initial release, The Shining remains an unparalled study in isolation, madness and paranoia," says Matt McAllister, editor of Totalscifionline.com. "The expansive sets, surreal visuals, and an intense performance from Jack Nicholson add up to a film guaranteed to give viewers a sleepless night."
Classic imagery and dialogue from The Shining which have entered popular culture include the spooky twin girls in the hotel corridor, the word 'redrum' (murder backwards), the repeated phrase 'All work and no play make Jack a dull boy,' and Jack Nicholson announcing, 'Here’s Johnny!' as he smashes through a door with an axe. In recent years, the film’s classic status has seen it lovingly parodied on shows such as The Simpsons and Family Guy.
Scariest Horror Movies - The Top Ten
1) The Shining (1980)
2) Rosemary's Baby (1968)
3) The Wicker Man (1973)
4) Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
5) Psycho (1960)
6) Alien (1979)
7) Night of the Living Dead (1968)
8) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
9) Halloween (1978)
10) Jaws (1977)
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