What makes a good horror movie? Aside from the chills, thrills, hair raising, spine tingling, fact that someone is lurking in the dark or behind a scary corner, disgusting and creepy things oozing from somewhere or maybe is the simple fact that someone is about to die in some horrible way, which is going to leave them scattered around in a thousand pieces. But in most cases, the main "scary" factor in a horror movie is the serial killer or psycho of any kind behind a horrific and petrifying mask, that can haunt you for days. A horror mask usually adds a little bit more of a blood curling effect to the film, specially if the mask is weird looking and right down scary. Here, I've compiled a list of the scariest horror movies masks ever made (not counting the low budget films.. sorry) up to date.
For the second part click on the link here!!
**** CONTAINS SPOILERS*****
1.- The Phantom of the Opera 1943 and 1962
Not exactly a horror mask for a lot of people of this generation, The Phantom of the Opera still gave some scary chills back in those days. The story follows a deformed phantom who haunts the Paris opera house, causing murder around him in order to make the woman he loves a star. The film originally starred horror legend Lon Chaney, while the later versions listed above were portrayed by Nelson Eddy and Herbert Lom.
2.- Eyes Without a Face 1960
A movie that revolves around guilt, Eyes without a face is the story of a father and surgeon Dr. Génessier, who in a fatal accident, disfigured his beloved daughter Christiane. He then (with the help of his assistant) kidnap beautiful women without success, in order to restore his daughter's long gone beauty.
3.- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974-2013
Solely based on serial killers Ed Gein's story, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the most brutal films ever made, specially back in the 70's. Many remakes have been done, but in my particular opinion, the original 1974 mask, is the one that looks more realistic, and sadistic compared to the others. TTCM is about a group of kids headed to the country and end up being terrorized by a family of cannibals. A new TCM movie is currently in the works, but no news yet about how the mask is going to look.
4.- Alice, Sweet Alice 1976-78-81
Starring Paula Sheppard as Alice and on the role of her younger sister Karen a very young Brooke Shields. "Alice Sweet Alice" tells the story of Alice. A troubled adolescent girl who becomes a suspect in the brutal murder of her younger sister at her first communion. The film originally is known by 3 titles. The first when it was released under "Communion" in 1976 then "Alice Sweet Alice" in 1978 and yet again in 1981 released under the title of "Holy Terror"
5.- Halloween 1978
One of the most recognizable masks in horror, the "Halloween" mask worn by serial stalker Michael Myers has been an icon of the horror community since 1978. There's been several sequels to the Halloween franchise (and one around the corner) but the masks didn't seem to change much thru the films (not counting the Rob Zombie mask). The mask (originally a $2 dollar William Shatner sprayed painted mask) remains one of the scariest ones in the franchise.
6.- Tourist Trap 1979
A group of friends who wind up stranded at Mr. Slausen's "museum," where the mannequins are very lifelike. Tourist Trap has some of the freakiest mask ever seen.. At least back in 79.
7.- Terror Train 1980
The 4th film of famous scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis "Terror Train" is about members of a college fraternity who played a cruel prank on a shy kid. 3 years later, they are having a costume party on a train, when suddenly someone else that boarded, is killing them off one by one.
8.- Motel Hell 1980
Be careful while on the road, now a days you are not safe anywhere if you ask me. "Motel Hell" part parody-part horror movie, is about unsuspecting road travelers being kidnapped by a farmer named Vincent. Watch out for his motto: "It takes all kinds of critters...to make Farmer Vincents fritters."
9.- Friday the 13th 1981- 2009
A mask that we all know and love, the "Friday the 13th" mask worn by Jason Vorhess has been around since the early 80's and it does not seem to be stopping anytime soon. With yet another movie in the works (due 2017) the mask has changed a bit from time to time, specially the one used for Jason X.
10.- My Bloody Valentine 1981-2009
I don't honestly think that there's much difference between the original mask and the one from the 09 remake. Still sorta of creepy to think that just anyone can get a gas mask at your local hardware store and scare the living wits out of you.. Specially with that heavy breathing.
11.- Curtains 1983
A group of actresses targeted by a masked killer at a prestigious director's remote mansion where they are auditioning for a role in a movie. "Curtains" takes you behind the scenes of a crazed serial killer on the loose all while chasing you with a non traditional creepy looking mask oh and did I mention some sort of scythe??
12.- Slaughter High 1986
Clowns, Jesters.. They sort of all look alike to me. A crazy jester on the loose and thirsty for revenge, "Slaughter High" revolves around 8 different people being invited for their high school's 10th anniversary reunion. But what they don't know, is that, the poor kid who suffered from a bad prank gone wrong (thanks to them) is the main host seeking some payback.
13.- Nightbreed 1981
Set in a dark fantasy world, "Nightbreed" takes character Boone to an abandoned cemetery called Midian. There he discovers a"tribe" of monsters and outcasts known as the "Nightbreed" that hide from humanity. Now along with his girlfriend and his psychotherapist he must figure out why "he's " the alleged serial killer in question. Wearing what it seems to be a potato sack with a zipper like for a mouth. Not nearly as scary as other masks, but it will still creep the hell out of you, if it were standing in the corner.
14.- The Silence of the Lambs 1991
Another movie that really doesn't need much of an explanation, has become one of our all time thriller/crime favorites. With several sequels and a current t.v. show it basically shows the dark side of brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Besides the backstory of "Buffalo Bill" the movie revolves mostly about Dr. Lecter and Clarice and well, who can forget that memorable half piece asylum mask right? or as others call it "an upside down goalie mask".
15.- Scream 1996
Followed by 3 sequels and a t.v. show on MTV "Scream" has one of the most noted masks known in a film franchise. Based partly on the real life case of the Gainesville Ripper, Scream has been a household name since 1996 and keeps audiences wanting more. The mask is worn by a series of different killers through out the films and they are known simply as "Ghostface". One of Wes Craven's (RIP) most popular films (next to A Nightmare on Elm Street) the mask has been popularized in pop culture and you can find them among the most worn masks during Halloween season.
16.- Terror Tract 2000
Terror Tract is an anthology dark comedy/horror film that includes 3 different stories. The stories were pretty good if I may add. But the one that really scared the hell out of me was the segment called "Come To Granny". This serial killer posing as a serial killing grandma, wears this hideous mask to go along with. I'm telling you, between his voice calling out "come to granny" and that horrendous mask, I gotta admit I had nightmares for days.
17.- Bruiser 2000
From zombie master George A. Romero comes "Bruiser" the story about an ordinary man who followed the rules according to society and it basically came back and bit him in the a**. One day, he wakes up, and instead of his "usual" face, he discovers his face is completely gone and has been replace by a white featureless mask. Sucks to wake up that way.. Imagine if we all woke up one day and looked like this? Mmmhh yea no!
18.- Valentine 2001
One of my favorite films (don't judge me) "Valentine" is about celebrating the love, the friendship and some good ol'e revenge. After a hideous attack during a Valentine's day dance, poor Jeremy decided to take his love for murder to the next level. Dressed in a black trench coat and wearing this "cute" (yea sure) cherub mask, he goes around and exacts revenge to those who did him wrong on that lovely day.. She loves me, she loves me NOT!!
19.- Saw 2004
I want to play a game? Who can forget that memorable line from one of our fave psychotic killers "Jigsaw" 7 films later, jigsaw kept cutting people up and setting them up with clever little bloody traps for our eyes to feast on. Jigsaw himself really never wore the mask but rather his little cute puppet named "Billy" a simply touch of makeup and tah dah! Jigsaw was born. Oh and let's not forget about the occasional stinking ugly pig mask that came out too.
Have you decided which one is your favorite mask yet? Which one creeps you out the most? Have a mask you wanna share that wasn't on the list? Read part 2 and see the rest of the countdown. Simply click on the link here. Also don't forget to FOLLOW ME!! for more scary and creepy content and remember.. Sweet Screams!
Click the link below to check out the second part of the list!