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The World's Most Controversial 'Top 10 Overrated Horror Films' List!

The Worlds Most Controveral Top 10 Overrated Horror Films List

Oh no, here comes the controversy. I’ll go ahead and get myself prepped for an onslaught of Facebook defacing, Twitter tantrums and hateful emails. But guess what? I don’t mind a bit, and we love to stir up a little controversy around these parts! So, get ready to vehemently defend your favorite film that lands on this list. I can debate for hours, and that’s territory you don’t want to tread!



10. Cannibal Holocaust: I can understand the shock viewers experienced witnesng actual animal murders on screen. I can, that’s an unsettling ght and, well, some of the sounds are just as bad, if not worse. I can also recognize the genius of this early found footage feature: this film did indeed break new ground… that would not be re-travelled for many, many years to come. Hell, I’ll even admit that my sadistic de finds some measure of gratification in this film.

That doesn’t change the fact that Cannibal Holocaust is not the end all be all of horror grotesqueries, and it’s time that the general public accepted this. It’s shocking at times, and worthy of discuson, but it’s garnered such an obnoxious amount of publicity that it’s far exceeded overrated. Bedes, if you really want to see a disturbing picture that will linger with you for years to come, give A Serbian Film a try.

09. Donnie Darko: Look, I love a boggling psychological film as much as the next man, but we’ve got to be real here. Donnie Darko is one damn overrated film. We’ve got some great performances to juggle (including work from the late, great Patrick Swayze, Jake Gyllenhaal and Maggie Gyllenhaal), and an interesting concept, but this flick has always been too avante garde for my taste. Why so many can be stumped by the premise of the film, and still regard it as an absolute clasc will forever be beyond my cognitive abilities. If you’re a diehard Darko, sorry to steamroll your treasure, but, outde of a few performances, this flick just isn’t the winner so many have touted it as. And, let’s not even discuss the follow up.



08. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003): Every time I hear someone comment on the fact that this film is superior to its 1974 predecessor, I become overcome by rage, and feel a strong dere to deliver a violent punch. Is this reboot a stylish rendition of Tobe Hooper’s original? You bet your sweet as it is. Is it anywhere remotely near as memorable or profound as Hooper’s take? Not-even-close.

I’m really not super anti-remakes. Sometimes they win, and sometimes they win big. This one however, missed the mark for me completely. The beautiful grain of the original that created such a realistic sense to the film is long gone here, and we’re not ted “average” actors (IE Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, Teri McMinn), we’re treated actors that could ealy slink onto a model shoot and fit right in, like Jesca Biel, Mike Vogel, Erica Leerhsen and Jonathan Tucker. This is a story that was built around sadistic posbilities, and this stylish remake just didn’t win me over, in the slightest. Yay, it’s stylish; exactly what I don’t want from such an animalistic feature.

07. Paranormal Activity 3: the flames of Hades may rise from the earth’s surface and scorch my ass for this one, but I’m sticking by this pick 200 percent. In the months build up to the third entry into this franchise hype was reached a level rarely rivaled. Knowing that Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman would be helming this film only added to the mystique. Then came advanced reviews, and the cinematic world deemed the feature the franchise star and a future clasc.

I wasn’t particularly moved by the film. I enjoyed seeing the story fleshed out a bit more, with a look into the past, but honestly, I found it to be the least frightening PA film thus far. Not once was I deeply unnerved, not once did I leap from my seat, and not once was I surprised by a ngle story maneuver. I do conder it a quality film, I just cannot fathom how fans and viewers declared this film to be the best of the lot. Now, flame away!

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06. Suspiria: Look, I’m going to keep this one brief. I do indeed enjoy this film quite a bit. In fact, there was a time when I’d label it a top 5 pick for me. Over the years however, as entertaining as this film is, I’ve come to spot the film’s errors and really analyze the concept (dance student arrives at a school fronted by a coven of witches, bacally), which is fun, but not groundbreaking. I dig the score, and there are some nice visuals, but there are some embarrasng shots to take in as well. It’s just not the masterpiece so many wish to declare it; solid film regardless, I must say.

05. The Omen (1976): I’ve got one word for you: boring. Yes, this film is not exciting, and not nearly as creepy as followers have made it out to be. Is the idea of a little antichrist running around offing people terrifying? Well hell yes it is! Is Gregory Peck brilliant? You bet. Are a few of the death scenes iconic? Yep. That doesn’t change the fact that outde a wicked intro, the pacing of this picture is about as dull as it comes.

I too often see this praised as one of the greatest films in genre history, but I completely disagree. This is the kind of movie that is genuinely enjoyable once, and once only. The film drags, and as much as I hate to bag on what many conder a clasc, it’s just too damn dull to earn that moniker from this particular writer. Sorry all you Satanists!



04. The Amityville Horror (1979): I hate including this film in this specific article, because I’m a masve fan of James Brolin and Margot Kidder, but the fact is: this film gained far more attention than it deserved. It’s creepy, and there’s some great atmosphere at times, but the editing is subpar, and the finale, while appeang, leaves a bit to be dered. There are some awesome scenes in the film, but there are just as many questionable exchanges, which does drag the film down at times.

I’ll always be a fan of this flick, but the fact remains, it’s not the greatest haunted house film ever made, as some will certainly have you believe. A fun film for a dark, lonely Saturday night; Amityville Horror just isn’t quite the monumental spectacle many have made it out to be.

03. Hostel: Billed as one of the most graphic and gruesome movies in history, Hostel was a major let down. Cliché’s abound, and an urban myth (which has in the past proven true, to be fair) anchors this film of tortured tourists. While I’m a masve Eli Roth fan, this picture didn’t deliver an iota of the hyperbole affixed. It’s not insanely gory, there aren’t many jaw dropping moments, and the storyline feels a bit…hollow at times.

Hostel is a fine brand that’s generated quite a few bucks (roughly $50 million domestically, and likely boatloads more on DVD), but in my personal opinion it’s always been heavily overrated. If I’m looking into some torture porn (for some reason), give me meat on (or off) my bone; give me something like Imprint or Martyrs. Hostel just didn’t live up to its reputation.

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02. Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2: Well, here we have the abomination of all abominations. I’m not sure what Rob Zombie was thinking when he set to work on this film. Oh wait, maybe I do: “let’s drastically alter the personalities of literally every ngle character in the film (sand Sherriff Brackett), let’s rip half of Michael’s mask off and turn him into a grunting, wandering nomad…because that seems faithful to the storyline!”

This film almost makes me ck to my stomach. Being an unrivaled Halloween fan, it was, a true travesty to see Rob completely deconstruct a beautiful tale with loads of potential. All the same, that’s what he did. Perhaps the most amazing point of the film’s existence is the fact that so many not only bought into this radical shift, they seemed to genuinely love it. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I took my glasses with me when I watched this clunker.



01. The Exorcist: OH NO HE DIDN’T! Yes, I did. The Exorcist boasts one of the most chilling final acts ever caught on film. It is, honestly a frightening piece of cinema. And, it will forever go down in history as the greatest exorcism film made (is that tough… at least by today’s standards?). That however cannot change the fact that 70 percent of the film functions at a turtles pace. There are some shocking visuals to behold (“Let Jesus fuck you!”), but most of the greatness is saved for the waning moments of the film. Sorry, but I’m not all that amused by a 12 year old kid pisng herself in the middle of a party, as repulve as that is.

I will not try to discredit the impact this film had on moviegoers. It’s certainly a stunning piece of work… once you make it 95 minutes into the film. Over the years some unseen footage has surfaced and been included to special editions of the film, and I admit had these shots been incorporated in the initial release, I might not have much to complain about here. As it stands however, The Exorcist is a rather dull film with one amazing finale, and little more.

Matt Molgaard is a staff writer for best-horror-movies.com. Be sure to follow Matt on Twitter
Matt_Molgaard Saturday 4/14/2012 at 04:03 PM | 92454
I agree with all but #1, #4 & #5...You can't even compare a 70's film with the fast-paced CGI, monster makers of today...Most films in that day in age were slow paced films...but equally groundbreaking with deep storylines and they introduced most of us, kids at that time, to some terrifying creatures, images and stories...I'm sorry but Exorcist, Amittyville and the Omen would ealy be three of the best cinema flicks of it's day and still reign strong even 30 years later...I mean if your still taking about the film than I guess THAT speaks for itself...

There is no way anyone born in the 70's or even before that can tell me that the scene in the Omen when the babytter jumped from the balcony quoting "This is for you Damien." Or the scene in Amittyville where the priest is blesng the house and the famous "GET OUT!" is screamed in his face.

Or the crazy scene where Reagan ts on the edge of her bed, spins her head around yelling..."Your cunting daughter!" Didn't chime shivers down their spine.

Todays horror films lack depth in their stories and they replace that depth with bigger, better CGI monsters that in most cases, at least for me, dont make up for it...

One fan quoted on facebook the other day that a 10 year old watched the Exorcist and thought it was boring... well no fucking shit man, the kids 10...I dont think a 10 year old could even begin to comprehend that story especially with the fast-paced slasher films they are exposed to today...I mean was I ten when 'I' seen it, probably, maybe even a little older, however at that day in age I had NEVER seen anything like it...With violence in virtually every corner we look, this day in age, most kids are desentized by most films and creatures of the 70's era...

In my personal experience not two years ago, my Wife and I played the Exorcist for my coun...Now this guy is 6'2" 230LBS easy and when the scene came on with her devilish moaning and groaning...I tell you what, That boy got up out of his chair and came over and sat down on the floor right next to us...it scared him that much...Now that's what makes viewing movies like that fun...LMAO!

Awesome article again Matt ;)...
MOWDEReeL Saturday 4/14/2012 at 05:35 PM | 92456
Well, opinions are opinions and all of that, but this list makes me wonder what your top ten most fairly rated horror movies are? Overrated by whom, exactly? I agree with a few and disagree strongly with even fewer, but when you speak of ratings, what is your bas? Box office take? Cult status? Fan-boy sense of righteousness? what, exactly? It's a problem I have with most list-makers. Watch the move and like it or dislike it, but never assume your opinion translates to any universally-held truth about things.

Taking on the Exorcist was brash, especially nce you actually praise the film a lot in your trashing. If it's that good, how can it be your number 1 overrated horror film? Maybe you are just tired of the frequency with which this film is mentioned in conversations about what constitutes a great horror film and want to see it's standing challenged a bit, but you have to come with more than mple pacing issues. Clearly being a film-savvy guy, you know full well that the film is a progreson and that the long stretches of inactivity only serve to mount the tenon for what is to come. That time is spent in character and plot development, something that is woefully misng in many modern horror offerings. I'm not picking a fight here or anything, I just think that you need to provide more support for an attack on a legendary piece of horror. When you take on the throne, you better have your talking points well in hand is all.

Now, let me add one to the fray. This is a movie I find extremely overrated and I'll explain why. The Shining. The original Kubrick veron. This movie is overrated based solely on it's comparison to the source material. Say what you want about Stephen King, but like him or hate him, his book achieves something special. It is a truly terrifying read. For those tempted to chime in on this discuson having only seen the film, don't bother. The book is my entire baseline for the over rating, and just loving Kubrick is no defense against what happened here. The beautifully and skillfully helmed story is completely abandoned and used more as a reference point for Kubrick and so much of the essence of the story is lost in his poor casting and diverons.

The essential story arch here is Jack Torrance's (Nicholson) descent into madness. That is the meat and potatoes of the story and Jack Nicolson's portrayal reeks of madness from the moment he first appears. There is no arch at all. He seems batshit crazy and ready to kill his family from the getgo. I'm always amazed at the recognition this film gets when it takes as many liberties with the source material as it does. Is the film creepy and atmospheric? Yes. Is the old lady in the tub scary? Yup. The movie is good, just nowhere as good as the book would have allowed it to be in the translation had been a little more faithful. Just seems like a wasted opportunity to me. Again, I think I'm right here, but these are opinions, folks. And love the movie if you want, but read the Shining if you haven't. It really is a scary book. Thanks for reading.
kmdgrfx Saturday 4/14/2012 at 08:13 PM | 92458
Well, opinions are opinions and all of that, but this list makes me wonder what your top ten most fairly rated horror movies are? Overrated by whom, exactly? I agree with a few and disagree strongly with even fewer, but when you speak of ratings, what is your bas? Box office take? Cult status? Fan-boy sense of righteousness? what, exactly? It's a problem I have with most list-makers. Watch the move and like it or dislike it, but never assume your opinion translates to any universally-held truth about things.

Taking on the Exorcist was brash, especially nce you actually praise the film a lot in your trashing. If it's that good, how can it be your number 1 overrated horror film? Maybe you are just tired of the frequency with which this film is mentioned in conversations about what constitutes a great horror film and want to see it's standing challenged a bit, but you have to come with more than mple pacing issues. Clearly being a film-savvy guy, you know full well that the film is a progreson and that the long stretches of inactivity only serve to mount the tenon for what is to come. That time is spent in character and plot development, something that is woefully misng in many modern horror offerings. I'm not picking a fight here or anything, I just think that you need to provide more support for an attack on a legendary piece of horror. When you take on the throne, you better have your talking points well in hand is all.

Now, let me add one to the fray. This is a movie I find extremely overrated and I'll explain why. The Shining. The original Kubrick veron. This movie is overrated based solely on it's comparison to the source material. Say what you want about Stephen King, but like him or hate him, his book achieves something special. It is a truly terrifying read. For those tempted to chime in on this discuson having only seen the film, don't bother. The book is my entire baseline for the over rating, and just loving Kubrick is no defense against what happened here. The beautifully and skillfully helmed story is completely abandoned and used more as a reference point for Kubrick and so much of the essence of the story is lost in his poor casting and diverons.

The essential story arch here is Jack Torrance's (Nicholson) descent into madness. That is the meat and potatoes of the story and Jack Nicolson's portrayal reeks of madness from the moment he first appears. There is no arch at all. He seems batshit crazy and ready to kill his family from the getgo. I'm always amazed at the recognition this film gets when it takes as many liberties with the source material as it does. Is the film creepy and atmospheric? Yes. Is the old lady in the tub scary? Yup. The movie is good, just nowhere as good as the book would have allowed it to be in the translation had been a little more faithful. Just seems like a wasted opportunity to me. Again, I think I'm right here, but these are opinions, folks. And love the movie if you want, but read the Shining if you haven't. It really is a scary book. Thanks for reading.

The beauty of a subjective piece is that there is no requirement for an opinion. I think I explained pretty well what I liked or disliked about each film, and I think... I hope, maybe I should say, that I adequately expressed my reasoning for my selections.

I do think it's important to remember that I enjoy these films, but because I enjoy them doesnt mean I feel that they are necessarily worthy of the overwhelming amount of praise they receive. The Exorcist

is, in my mind the greatest example of a film that is damn fine, but not the flawless masterpiece it's made out to be. You noted my issue with the pacing and stated that that's not a sufficient complaint bacally, but it's the film's lone downfall, and it's a BIG downfall. You note that it's important to flesh characters out, and you're absolutely right, character development is EXTREMELY important, but dragging is dragging, and as impacting as the finale of this picture is, it doesn't change the fact that there's a gnificant difference between character development and elasticity. The film could have been trimmed 20 minutes, lost ZERO character development, and unraveled in gnificantly swifter fashion.

The Exorcist is, IMO a PERFECT example of a stretched story, while say... The Orphanage, or even The Descent is a great example of properly developed character development; I dont think its a mple coincidence that both function at a much smoother rate.

Again, I expect PLENTY of complaints about this one, because I'm saying a whole lot of things that I think will piss of purists, and I think a lot of people will agree with me on plenty of these, but won't necessarily want to be the one to step up and voice that opinion.

One more thing to remember, I've got to reiterate: with only a few exceptions, I really enjoy all of these films. I just dont feel they're the flawless features they're traditionally made out to be. Great? for the most part, definitely. Perfect? No, not in my opinion.

appreciate the thoughts guys.
Matt_Molgaard Saturday 4/14/2012 at 10:00 PM | 92459
Bold topic and nice article, I dig it and agree with most of the list.

I recently watched The Exorcist for the first time (I'm 26) and although there are some great parts, I too believe that it could have been trimmed a bit because I was falling asleep in some parts.

That being said, I did enjoy most of it and it is definitely the best exorcism movie out there but it could have killed some of their babies (cutting scenes).TCM is a touchy subject for me because I really dig the original and the remake.

I think we can all agree that it was a great idea to get rid of the character of Franklin in the remake.

I haven't seen the remake in awhile but I think Leatherface has the best mask in that film out of the whole series, I own two takes on it and even have the undermask as well.

This may piss off some people but I dig Andrews portrayal better than Gunner's in most scenes.

I watched the original the other night after not seeing it for a year or so and although the muc score is creepy, the shots are interesting and the vibe is cool...Franklin was really annoying and it seemed more like a dark comedy this time around.

Sure in the remake you have a few people that could be models but I like the feeling of dread it conveys with the muc score and dark feel of it.

I think if the remake had a milar dinner scene to the original then it would have been better than the original but as it stands right now they are pretty close in my book and it really depends on the vibe of movie you would like to watch.Enough rambling, I just hope the new TCM film finds a way to combine the original with the style of the remake some how because we need a great TCM film.

I thought The Beginning was pretty cool as well but I didn't dig some parts such as the mask.Last but not least I would like to chime in about the Shining because I really dig it and it may be a little too slow in some parts but I thought it was miles better than the made for tv Shining that Stephen King redid.

I haven't read the book but I would like you guys to give me your opinion on how you rate both renditions.
Sephit Saturday 4/14/2012 at 11:48 PM | 92461
I have to be honest here and admit that I have never seen the second, made-for-tv veron, but I hear it is closer to the text and will probably suit me better than the first veron. I'll do my best to bump that one up in my netflix queue if it is available and give you my feedback as soon as I've seen it. Don't get me wrong, I had seen the movie before reading the book and I grew up loving the movie and still do, it just does NOT have a lot to do with the book. I wouldn't mind if it were a reimagining or a reboot or re-whatever, but it was the first movie adaptation of the book and so much of it was just wrong. Shelley Duvall as Wendy? Please. She's described as a hot blond in the book and not someone who is clearly a victim from the opening scene. She is a mouse of a woman to Nicholson's Jack, and it just doesn't work. The characters, with the exception of Scatman Crothers, were way, way off. Crothers was a good fit, I thought. Read the book and I'll watch the tv veron and we'll compare notes. It's one of the only books that I actually reread every year at least once. Probably King's best story IMO. Thanks. Cheers, guys.
kmdgrfx Sunday 4/15/2012 at 01:39 AM | 92464
One more thing to remember, I've got to reiterate: with only a few exceptions, I really enjoy all of these films. I just dont feel they're the flawless features they're traditionally made out to be. Great? for the most part, definitely. Perfect? No, not in my opinion.

Hey Matt, out of curioty, what is your idea of the perfect horror movie? What flick ts unquestioned at the top of your list? I'm genuinely curious to know what others ideas of "perfect horror" are. I'm not sure I have one at the ready, but you got me thinking. Thanks, man.
kmdgrfx Sunday 4/15/2012 at 01:45 AM | 92465
Forgot to mention that I think you're bang on about the Descent. Can't say enough about that flick. That one is pretty near-perfect to me. Thanks.
kmdgrfx Sunday 4/15/2012 at 01:49 AM | 92466
The Exorcist in my opinion is Horror Masterpiece i mean it's really hard to find another horror movie that has had a bigger effect on society then the Exorcist the movie is like 30 years old and it still holds up very well today just because the movie isn't all gore and fake blood doesn't mean it's not disturbing. When the exorcist was released everybody was going to church. This movie also has some of the most famous scenes in a horror movie like the girl's head spinning or coming down those stairs like a spider so in my opinion their is no doubt that The Exorcist is a Horror Masterpiece.

As for most of the others on the list I will agree with you on the fact that many of them are overrated but I can't get passed The Exorcist and some people not liking it. To me it's brilliant!Great read!
indygogo Sunday 4/15/2012 at 05:57 AM | 92478
While there are a few in your list that I haven't seen, I would for the most part agree with it. My one exception is Halloween 2. Personally I liked it, but from what I've read, a good majority of people not only hate it, but essentially ignore it's existence.
kissfreak09 Sunday 4/15/2012 at 06:38 AM | 92479
In regards to #8 I've never heard anybody say that they thought the 2003 veron of Texas Chainsaw Massacre was superior to the original. Though if I did hear somebody say that I would also get a strong dere to punch them in the mouth.
mich13 Sunday 4/15/2012 at 06:43 AM | 92480
agree with pretty much all of them apart from Suspiria. although

id have to also put on the first TCM was a great dissapointment

when i got to watch the totally banned film (in the UK) just a woman screaming through it all most shit. also the original Dawn Of The Dead has really not aged well. But yea Suspiria is great
scarecroww Sunday 4/15/2012 at 07:05 AM | 92481
I gotta agree with kissfreak on this on, I don't think I've heard many people praise HALLOWEEN 2 - let alone "over rate" it. The general consensus is that the movie sucks and most tend to ignore it completely than anything else.

If anything, I'd say RZ's HALLOWEEN 2 is underrated, but that's just me.
chrismac87 Sunday 4/15/2012 at 07:38 AM | 92482
Yep H2 is underrated or off the map in my eyes. People don't give it a chance half the time, I'm just now warming up to it.
BIGKen Sunday 4/15/2012 at 08:36 AM | 92483
I definitely agree with you on Halloween II, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Amityville Horror. I would even go so far as to say Halloween II is the worst horror movie I have ever seen if not purely for absolutely shitting, pisng and menstruating all over the legacy of Michael Myers and Halloween.

Personally I think Donnie Darko shouldn't be on the list as it's definitely not a horror movie by any stretch. Psychological drama for sure but it's just so distant from the genre that I can't even discuss my thoughts of it (although I will say I dug it - but maybe not as much as the world seemed to!).

If I was to add any to the list and risk hordes of people with pitchforks and flaming torches coming at me, I'd put in Child's Play, Friday the 13th and The Descent.
joshk1986 Sunday 4/15/2012 at 10:21 AM | 92485
I definitely agree with you on Halloween II, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Amityville Horror. I would even go so far as to say Halloween II is the worst horror movie I have ever seen if not purely for absolutely shitting, pisng and menstruating all over the legacy of Michael Myers and Halloween.

Personally I think Donnie Darko shouldn't be on the list as it's definitely not a horror movie by any stretch. Psychological drama for sure but it's just so distant from the genre that I can't even discuss my thoughts of it (although I will say I dug it - but maybe not as much as the world seemed to!).

If I was to add any to the list and risk hordes of people with pitchforks and flaming torches coming at me, I'd put in Child's Play, Friday the 13th and The Descent.

The Descent I can see but Childs Play is a clasc to me, I really dig the first one. F13 is definitely old feeling now but honestly it's still a really fun film, even my friend who has cinema ADHD dug the original F13.

I'd like to say RZ's H2 is not as bad as everyone says and I base this off of some of the awesome kills in the film. Sure we have the white horse a horrible acting young Myers but that doesn't take away the fact that Michael was absolutely ruthless in H2 and it has some of the best kills in the whole series...if only he would have had the mask on for them :/
Sephit Sunday 4/15/2012 at 12:00 PM | 92487
I partially agree with the Exorcist, I mean I love it as much as the next horrorhound but it does get a lot of hype. However, hate to differ, but I loved Zombie's H2. Don't mean to boast, but I may be the one to put falsehood on your quote about being an unrivaled fan of the series. lol. But I don't think it'd overrated in the slightest, I think under appreciated. I'm a masve Zombiehead, and he hasn't ever done anything that disappointed me. Don't think I go into everything of his thinking it must be good because it's Rob, I just think everything he has done is great and I look forward to his future work. Don't mean to rekindle a 3 year old fire, but Rob's take on it was different but great in my opinion.
AbominableDrPhibes78 Monday 4/16/2012 at 12:44 AM | 92491
I definitely agree with you on Halloween II, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Amityville Horror. I would even go so far as to say Halloween II is the worst horror movie I have ever seen if not purely for absolutely shitting, pisng and menstruating all over the legacy of Michael Myers and Halloween.

Personally I think Donnie Darko shouldn't be on the list as it's definitely not a horror movie by any stretch. Psychological drama for sure but it's just so distant from the genre that I can't even discuss my thoughts of it (although I will say I dug it - but maybe not as much as the world seemed to!).

If I was to add any to the list and risk hordes of people with pitchforks and flaming torches coming at me, I'd put in Child's Play, Friday the 13th and The Descent.

The Descent I can see but Childs Play is a clasc to me, I really dig the first one. F13 is definitely old feeling now but honestly it's still a really fun film, even my friend who has cinema ADHD dug the original F13.

I'd like to say RZ's H2 is not as bad as everyone says and I base this off of some of the awesome kills in the film. Sure we have the white horse a horrible acting young Myers but that doesn't take away the fact that Michael was absolutely ruthless in H2 and it has some of the best kills in the whole series...if only he would have had the mask on for them :

I used to love Child's Play too, but have you seen it recently? It hasn't aged well at all. Very very cheesey and unfortunately, it doesn't pass off as though it's trying to be a campy film, it takes itself too seriously in large parts and the whole film ends up being an awkward watch.

As for Friday the 13th, I admit that of course it's great fun, campy (no pun intended) and a great milestone in the history of horror cinema, but as a film, it's technically a mess and is far from being the clasc it's so often heralded as.
joshk1986 Monday 4/16/2012 at 12:49 AM | 92492
When I think of overrated horror movies it what makes it so awesome to many others while for its meh. There are some on this list I agree on and disagree on like the Exorcist I agree on because it did suit me as something scary or good IMHO. But there is one movie that I just don't care for as of course fanboys will get pissy if you have a different opinion and the movie is the original Halloween there are many reasons why I don't care for it.
hm4life Monday 4/16/2012 at 04:32 AM | 92495
Great article but I really don't agree with films from the 70s and 80s being bundled in with new films, they may not be as great now but in their time they were the pinnicle of the horror genre and were treated as such which is why they became over rated unlike nowadays when a film is over rated before it hits the cinemas due to marketing
krsdacritter Monday 4/16/2012 at 07:34 AM | 92501
Wow!

I'm truly shocked to see The Exorcist on a top ten list like this.

That movie has caused me so much mental distress that I almost wish I'd never seen it . . . multiple times. I'm literally not right for weeks after each viewing, but I just never seem to learn.

As far as the rest of the movies on the list, I agree with you on several, but I honestly wouldn't conder some of them as being over-rated in the first place.

The consensus among almost everyone I've talked with was that Paranormal Activity 3 and Rob Zombie's Halloween 2 completely sucked.
gummi Monday 4/16/2012 at 08:03 AM | 92504
Wow!

I'm truly shocked to see The Exorcist on a top ten list like this.

That movie has caused me so much mental distress that I almost wish I'd never seen it . . . multiple times. I'm literally not right for weeks after each viewing, but I just never seem to learn.

As far as the rest of the movies on the list, I agree with you on several, but I honestly wouldn't conder some of them as being over-rated in the first place.

The consensus among almost everyone I've talked with was that Paranormal Activity 3 and Rob Zombie's Halloween 2 completely sucked.

Totally, I always hear that Rob's Halloween II and PA 3 for that matter are shit, how are they over-rated? Otherwise big balls Matt most don't speak their minds on these movies and glad to see you back here where you belong
Disturbed_voices Monday 4/16/2012 at 10:10 AM | 92507
Ok, I'm with kissfreak here..Halloween II was not as bad as you write...I've been protecting this movie for a few times now on this te..and really don't see the issue about a travesty or a worst kind of franchise spoiler. So once again...Rob tried to give another take on Myers, and in my opinion he succeeded big time. A lot of people are so pissed about his mask being ripped off, or whatever complaints they have...I thought it was refreshing to have a lot of new takes on the story, characters and continuing the previous one. It has good and realistic things like Myers living as a bum, until it is time to get back to Haddonfield. Also the Laurie character has a very realistic way of being traumatised by recent events. Even Loomis being an arrogant ass, nce he became imfamous as the psychiatric doctor, was well done and daring. Another director probably would play it safe and repeat some Halloween H20 kind of trauma for the characters, wich in my opinion isn't very exciting. Bedes a good acting cast, alot of places we're shown and a nodge to Psycho in the end, makes me proud of Halloween again, and Rob Zombie one of my favorite directors/ writers
UberJason78 Monday 4/16/2012 at 05:23 PM | 92516
rob zombie's H2 isn't over rated

it just plain sucks!!!
Johnny Bisco Monday 4/16/2012 at 07:37 PM | 92518
THANK YOU!!!
BloodyAdored Tuesday 4/17/2012 at 01:47 PM | 92535
Great article but I really don't agree with films from the 70s and 80s being bundled in with new films, they may not be as great now but in their time they were the pinnicle of the horror genre and were treated as such which is why they became over rated unlike nowadays when a film is over rated before it hits the cinemas due to marketing

My thoughts exactly.
aceofspades70 Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 12:21 AM | 92556
You may not LIKE:

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST SUSPIRIA EXORCIST

but it seems comical to refer to these legendary films as "overrated". CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST on so many levels is the king of all cannibal films, animal controversy ade. Its got a ton of quality behind it and it is a legend status film.

SUSPIRIA? overrated???? EXORCIST? again....a subjective opinion is one thing but to make proclamations like this is just looking for reactions. Im surprised there are only 3 pages of it.
ny ghoul Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 03:14 AM | 92566
You may not LIKE:

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST SUSPIRIA EXORCIST

but it seems comical to refer to these legendary films as "overrated". CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST on so many levels is the king of all cannibal films, animal controversy ade. Its got a ton of quality behind it and it is a legend status film. SUSPIRIA? overrated????EXORCIST? again....a subjective opinion is one thing but to make proclamations like this is just looking for reactions. Im surprised there are only 3 pages of it.

First time poster, long time fan. I agree with you on this NY Ghoul but from what I've seen on this te everyone usually doesn't pile on people which finally got me to register here so maybe he knew that people wouldn't get all crazy like most places. Just a thought.
Blades Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 08:17 PM | 92572
You may not LIKE:

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST SUSPIRIA EXORCIST

but it seems comical to refer to these legendary films as "overrated". CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST on so many levels is the king of all cannibal films, animal controversy ade. Its got a ton of quality behind it and it is a legend status film.

SUSPIRIA? overrated???? EXORCIST? again....a subjective opinion is one thing but to make proclamations like this is just looking for reactions. Im surprised there are only 3 pages of it.

First time poster, long time fan. I agree with you on this NY Ghoul but from what I've seen on this te everyone usually doesn't pile on people which finally got me to register here so maybe he knew that people wouldn't get all crazy like most places. Just a thought.

HorrorBid is good like that, has been for years. Matt knows theres nothing personal, I just dont agree with the said films being overrated. Also, I dont know if RZ's Halloween 2 can be condered overrated because most fans and critics hated it.

Anyway, cheers for taking part bro and glad to see you agree.
ny ghoul Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 08:27 PM | 92574
The Exorcist and Suspiria are anything but overrated.
Boisv Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 09:16 PM | 92579
The Exorcist and Suspiria are anything but overrated.

You don't think they're underrated do you?
Blades Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 09:21 PM | 92581
The Exorcist and Suspiria are anything but overrated.

You don't think they're underrated do you?

I would say that they deserve the praise that they get. They've both been treated pretty fairly, so I don't conder them overrated or underrated. They deserve to be regarded as two of the greatest horror movies ever made. The Exorcist in particular is an important piece of Cinematic history. One could argue that Suspiria deserves more recognition in the US, mply because it's generally unknown outde of horror or cinema fans, but I think the reasons for its partial obscurity are obvious. It's a VERY Italian film.

Looking at the rest of the list, I'll give my two cents:

Cannibal Holocaust - I was actually happy to see this on the list, because when I saw it I wasn't shocked one bit. Granted, I saw it in the last decade and not the 70s, but no matter. The original Texas Chainsaw and Salo blew my mind. Cannibal Holocaust bored me. However, that is just my subjective opinion. Cannibal held its own as one of the most gruesome movies ever made for three decades, and that's pretty impresve.

Donnie Darko - Sure. I've always felt that this movie was trying to be way more profound than it really is. I found it to be pretty pretentious. This came out when I was in college and there was a period where every party I went to had a room full of hipsters staring blankly into this movie. Ehh. It's not a terrible movie, but IMO it's not the great one people make it out to be.

TCM (2003) - Huh? I've always found this film to be generally regarded as a really entertaining remake with high production value and slick visuals. And that's what it is. It's a stark contrast to the gritty, documentary feel of the original, and I feel the remake was more valid due to it being tackled with a new approach. It's a good film. I'm reluctant to call it overrated because I never hear anyone calling it more than that, just a good film. Do people think it's really great?

Paranormal Activity 3 - Again, are there people really raving about this movie? I know people like it, but overrated? I was disappointed that five KEY scenes from the trailer didn't make it into the movie, and it's my least favorite of the series. But I still don't see why it's overrated. It's generally ok, and overall people seem to find it... generally ok.

The Omen - I wholeheartedly agree with this one. The Omen is a good movie, but it isn't anywhere near the finely crated Exorcist or Rosemary's Baby. Gregory Peck gave us the worst performance of his career, and some scenes are dreadfully cheesy. Again, I like this movie, but it is generally regarded as one of the best horror movies ever made. It isn't.

The Amityville Horror - ditto

Hostel - Yes, I find this to be overrated. It's such a mple, easy, cheap concept. That alone doesn't ruin a movie, but the execution was just as mple, easy, and cheap. I was never a big fan. Saw isn't anything amazing, but I felt Saw did what Hostel was trying to do, but better.

RZ's Halloween II - How can a movie be overrated when virtually NO ONE likes it? This movie is hated by nearly everyone on the planet.
Boisv Wednesday 4/18/2012 at 09:46 PM | 92589
As for Rob Zombie's Halloween II...

I'll be the first to admit this movie is far from perfect, even for a fan of the movie. I look at this as a different movie than a Halloween movie because, though it is Halloween and Michael Myers, it really is a different movie. Try to imagine it if these were different characters, original, not Halloween. Could it have been a better movie? I dont' know. What sold this movie to me is Brad Dourif's Sheriff Brackett. He's a beautiful acting talent and really did a bang-up job. I mean, when was the last time a victim's death hit a nerve in a slasher movie? And Brad's reaction to finding Annie? nothing short of awesome. So, for me, I guess what makes me defend it is Brad.

Like I said, the movie is nowhere near perfect. The movie is full of holes the ze of Alaska, but I can ignore them for some reason where miliar movies just piss me off. But what do I know? LMFAO!!!
the_vengeful_machete Tuesday 4/24/2012 at 04:43 PM | 92705
Vengeful Machete,

I've always felt that Halloween II is a horrible Halloween movie, but a pretty good Rob Zombie movie.
Boisv Wednesday 4/25/2012 at 04:28 AM | 92730