When it comes to horror films they tend to live or die by two factors; the concept or that one scene. If you’re really good you can do both but it’s a rarity. If you can’t compete on concept you can always compete with that one scene. That one scene that’s so horrifying, scary or gruesome that people can’t forget it. It’s there under their eyelids. It creeps back in doing the laundry. You can’t help but tell your friends in the hope that sharing it will somehow half the burden. When you’re writing your Killer Shorts entry, sear your “that one scene” into their minds.
To help inspire and keep you up at night, here are some scenes that have stuck with me.
The Conjuring
It started a new horror universe for the good and the not so good. The scene that struck me was so simple. The build up and seeding let you know something is coming, you even expect a jump scare but when – clap clap – those hands appear… they still get you. Simple, effective and memorable.
The Exorcist
The great granddaddy of the possession genre. Much maligned and ridiculed now, at the time this scene (along with others) had people talking. Simple in its effect and execution but sometimes that’s all it takes.
The Thing
A classic that looks a little hokey today, as most tend to do but it still makes people’s lists and mine too. The reason I believe it still sticks out is it doesn’t stop. You get the shock. Then you get the “what?” Then a “what the…?!” Followed by a “no way!” And the grand finish of a “WTF?!”
Alien
A franchise starter and a great way to start an argument if you ask which is better: The original or the sequel. As far as classic scenes go, this is probably the classicist classic of them all. Even if you’ve never seen the film (hang your head in shame), you still know this scene. You probably also know the legend of filming the scene too.
Zombie
A lesser known zombie movie but I remember watching this as a boy up way past his bedtime. On a small 14 inch CRT screen it was gruesome. Eyes are vulnerable, from an evolutionary perspective it’s ingrained how important they are to us. So, if you want to make nearly anyone squirm to throw up, go for the eyes!
Hellraiser
A great concept that spawned many films. Who doesn’t know of Pinhead? This scene even today this still looks brutal and will put you off facelifts for life. Or, bring you exquisite pleasure.
House of Wax
This movie was probably best known for “staring” Paris Hilton, make of that what you will. Having only watched this recently, I was surprised at not only how well this scene was executed but also how good it still looks.
Audition
From the man who must work while he sleeps. This is probably Takashi Miike best known film and once you’ve seen it, you’ll understand why. Picking just one scene is near impossible but this one will allow you to sleep tonight.
The Blair Witch Project
The film responsible for the found footage tsunami. This one scene was everywhere and shows how blood and guts aren’t always required. It could even have been the beginning of TikTok?
Tetsuo: The Iron Man
Possibly more David Lynch than David Lynch, this film seems even more apt today given Elon Musk wanting to put chips in our heads. The fear of becoming a machine could one day be real and the important question with that is: What about sex? Hopefully, this proves to be wrong.
Ichi the Killer
A cult classic from the Takashi Miike oeuvre. Many an outrageous scene to be found but this one got my tongue wagging.
Ringu
You probably know this if not from the film itself then from the many pastiches that followed. Once more, simple but effective.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
It’s a kid’s film! That it is. However, stories for children have a history of being scary and if you’re not creeped out by this then there is no earthly way of knowing what’s wrong with you.
Rosemary’s Baby
A slow burn, building paranoia. Is it you or is it them? Well, just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you. Turns out the baby has daddy’s eyes.
Candyman
An urban tale that feels as if it should be much older than it is. The amazing thing about this is this isn’t CGI. There must be easier ways to get some honey.
The Fly
One of those rare films where the remake is actually better than the original. If you were only annoyed by flies before, after this you’ll be disgusted by them too.
Society
Butthead. That’s it.
Ghost Ship
This is a great example of opening strong. You put everyone on notice this is going to be good. Opinions might be split on the fulfilment of that promise though.
Babadook
Horror, like sci-fi is a great way to put a more “enjoyable” face to real life problems. Here the face in question really pops out.
Impetigore
Kids are disgusting and weird, let’s be honest. They’re little sociopaths that would probably kill you for a chocolate bar or two. It’s the reason why they are so prevalent in horror films. Sadly, I can’t find a clip but you might thank me for only supplying with only the image. Yes, that child is ripping their own skin off!
Hopefully these 20 scenes have inspired you to get writing and scarring people for life with your Killer Shorts entry.
As with any list of this type, I’m sure you’re calling me an “idiot” and asking how can I not have included “this” scene from “that” film. So get commenting on all the other great scenes I’ve missed. And if it makes you feel better, call me an idiot for missing it out too.
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