HMs Top 5 Horror Films for 2005

If you can rate the horror genre (as a whole) for 2005.. do you think it was a good year for horror? Did the genre we love so much make great stride in societies mainstream consciousness or are we still the bastard child of the movie world – where horror films are good for a quick buck and to shock the system? Or, did horror rise above the perceived low expectations and give the horror fans, as well as the general public something to scream about – something to make them cringe, close their eyes and beg for the light?

Personally, looking back at 2005 I believe it’s safe to say that horror was able to do a little of both – we had "Alone in the Dark," "Cursed," "Hide and Seek" and "House of Wax" - better known as "Horror-Lite" that would make just about any horror fan want to gouge their eyes out.. but it’s a good thing we didn’t because horror had a way of redeeming itself with "Land of the Dead", "The Devil’s Rejects," "Saw 2," "High Tension" and "Wolf Creek."

How was Horror for you in 2005?  Did you find yourself satisfied with what the studios were producing or did you find yourself craving more and quite possibly seeking out some indie horror and foreign horror titles? Just to give you an idea at the theatrical releases we had in 2005, here’s a list (and excuse me if it’s not all inclusive) of films that was released in theaters last year: White Noise, Alone in the Dark, Hide and Seek, Boogeyman, Cursed, The Jacket, The Ring 2, The Amityville Horror, House of Wax, Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, High Tension, Land of the Dead, Undead, Dark Water, The Devils Rejects, The Skeleton Key, The Cave, Exorcism of Emily Rose, Cry Wolf, The Fog, Doom, Saw 2 and Wolf Creek.

How did they rate with you? If you was to create a "Top 5" list, would any of these films be on that list? Well the staff at Horror-Movies.ca wanted to share with our readers what we thought was to be the "Best in Horror" for 2005.. and I think you may be surprised on what you’ll see and not see on our lists.

Deadmanwalkin's Top 5 Picks for 2005

  1. High Tension In 2005, with all the recent films I dubbed "horror-lite" being released.. Alexandre Aja’s High Tension was the first film to slap the view in the face and give us a wake up call to what really is horror - suspenseful, visceral and just plain "kick in your teeth" type of horror film.

    Beautifully directed, well acted and scored – High Tension is able to deliver on many levels and should be on every fan "must see list." If you haven’t seen this film yet – do. Alexandre Aja will make you excited about horror and being a horror fan. 
  2. Shutter
  3. The Echo (Sigaw)
  4. Mainstream
  5. Dead Birds

Films I’m looking forward to in 2006: Underworld: Evolution, Dead Daughters, Pulse, The Hills Have Eyes, Silent Hill, Feast, NightWatch, Pan’s Labyrinth and a slew of foreign and independent films.

Moviemaven's Top 5 Picks for 2005

  1. Dead and Breakfast - This jaunty little film danced its way into my heart thanks to the song stylings of Zach Selwyn.  It didn't take itself very seriously but nosed its way ahead of the pack by keeping me laughing and groaning the whole time. 

    Delicious gore and performances by such greats as David Carradine.  They should all be this fun to watch.
  2. Land of the Dead
  3. Skeleton Key
  4. The Exorcism of Emily Rose
  5. Dead Birds
    Honorable Mention: High Tension (Haute Tension)

Goon's Top 5 Picks for 2005

  1. The Devils Rejects - I had a hard time deciding on the order of these films. Avoiding most of the junk was easy but when it comes down to movies I like, its hard for me to decide. I went with The Devils Rejects because I have always been a fan of the Fireflys and to see them back in action was great.  Not to mention one of the best endings in horror this year.
  2. Exorcism of Emily Rose
  3. Land of the Dead
  4. Saw 2
  5. High Tension
    Honorable Mention: Cry Wolf

My honourable mention went to Cry Wolf simply because I think it was overlooked by a majority of people because of the PG-13 rating. Don't let that scare you away from this film. There is a reason it was given that rating but if I tell you why I will be giving away the ending. 

2006 is looking to be a busy year in horror. Sadly though it looks like we might be heading back to the late 90s when horror simply became a cash cow and we were flooded with drivel. But never fear we have some winners coming.   I am mainly looking forward to Eli Roths Hostel which is already in theatres now. I'm also looking forward to Alexandre Ajas take on "The Hills Have Eyes". He did a tremendous job with High Tension and I'm anxious to see what else he has up his sleeve.

MacReady's Top 5 Picks for 2005

  1. High Tension - What Alexandre Aja delivered with "High Tension" (also known as "Haute Tension" and "Switchblade Romance") is horror as it should be. After a lot of crap and unneeded sequels and remakes from bigger American studios it's nice to see, that a movie from Europe does its job to bring back original horror to the genre. Using anything, from Special Make Up to Prosthetics and lots of fake blood, they show that European Productions do not need to be afraid of getting into competition with American movies.

    This French film shows fans what they want to see. Suspense, Terror, Horror, Gore and especially something that's very often missing in horror movies - good acting. Cécile De France brings all her talent into this film. Besides her good looks (she really is a beautiful woman), she also is a very good actress. The movie lives thru and with her.  
  2. Land of the Dead  
  3. One Missed Call 
  4. The Exorcism of Emily Rose 
  5. Undead

Must sees in 2006.   Eli Roth's "Hostel" is my #1 must see movie for 2006. I just loved "Cabin Fever" and everything i saw about Eli's new movie just makes me shiver. Another movie i want to see is, and i'm not a fan of remakes, "The Omen 666". The original was amazing and i hope they make this remake much better than the crappy new "The Fog" movie.

Another movie I want to see is "Underworld: Evolution". More action than horror, at least the first one was, but who doesn't want to see Kate Beckinsale in thight leather? Talking about tight leather, "Ultraviolat", allthough I think Milla's new movie also will be action and its rated PG 13. Coming back to a real horrorchick I definitely want to see Jenna Dewan kick butt as sexy "Tamara". And don't forget that "The Hills have Eyes" again this year.

Meh's Top 2 Picks for 2005

  1. Cry Wolf - With this film, Rogue Pictures once again has delivered with a movie that really delivers. A fresh and truly fun horror movie that keeps you thinking instead of shaking your head or laughing at cheap scare tactics and sloppy gore.  I am thoroughly impressed with the writing in this movie. It is so rare to find a horror movie that is well written and doesnt collapse half way through or at the end.

    It was a great pleasure to finally get to watch a horror movie with some depth and thought put into it and not just your typical stab, insert blood, insert shoddy acting. A definite must watch. 
  2. City of Rott
  3. Dead & Breakfast
  4. Dead Birds
  5. High Tension

There you go.. the above is what the staff at HM thought was to be the best in horror for 2005.. now what does 2006 hold for us horror fans.. Personally, I think an even better year than last. Just take a look at some of the upcoming Horror Films of 2006 (theatrical release) and see if you don’t get excited: BloodRayne, Hostel, Underworld: Evolution, When a Stranger Calls, Tamara, Night Watch, Final Destination 3, Pulse, The Hills Have Eyes, Slither, Silent Hill, The Omen 666, Lady in the Water, The Visiting, Snakes on a Plane, The Messengers, The Grudge 2, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Origin and this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what horror has to offer on the indie and foreign circuit.

All I have to say is that I’m glad to be a fan of horror.. and I’m sure you are too. So here’s to "Horror in 2006." May the blood flow and the scares be many.