Need something to get you in the Halloween mood? Out of the hundreds and thousands of horror flicks, the scariest and very best films have been picked. They may not be award-winning material, but they are guaranteed to get party guests ready to slash, tear and rip through Court Street. Caution: Do not watch these alone!

Psycho (1960)

Directed by the master of evil himself, Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is the granddaddy of the horror movie genre. It's old, it's black-and-white, but it'll scare you to death. Brutal murders, suspenseful stalkings and an ending so twisted you'll never look at a rocking chair the same way again make this one of the most watched films during the Halloween season. Forget It's a Wonderful Life, make Psycho your number one choice for holiday films. The only thing scarier than this flick is the fact it's being remade for a December release.

The Exorcist (1973)

Gather your friends and have a head-spinning, pea-soup-vomiting, crucifix-masturbating good time with William Friedkin's frightfully shocking The Exorcist.

Based on a true story, this tale of demonic possession is 25 years old and as scary as ever. Part intelligent religious allegory, part schlocky gross-out - Friedkin's classic takes its time building up to its horrifying climax, but when it comes, it does not disappoint. The final tete-a-tete between Fathers Marin (Max von Sydow) and Karras (Jason Miller) and the possessed Regan (Linda Blair) is one of the most frightful and thought provoking scenes in film history.

The Shining (1980)

This Stanley Kubrik film sucked all the emotion and sympathy out of horror-master Stephen King's novel about cabin fever in a haunted hotel. Regardless, it still includes some of the freakiest scenes and shots in horror film history.

With some whip-crack editing and a moody score, Kubrik crafted a paranoid vision of one man's descent into madness. Some of the film's scariest moments are Danny Lloyd's frantic big wheel ride through the deserted hotel, the bleeding elevators and the climactic chase through a shrubbery maze. And who could forget Jack Nicholson axing his way through a bathroom door and sneering "Here's Johnny?" It still chills the blood.

Poltergeist (1982)

Who can forget the screaming of "Carolanne" through the static on the television, the moving meat or the tree that comes alive? This is the perfect horror film to watch with a couple of friends and a few beers in complete darkness. Co-written by Steven Spielberg, Coach's Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams star in the film about a family who is haunted and attacked by a poltergeist in their home. It even kidnaps the daughter, played by Heather O'Rourke. Warning: If you have a strong fear of clowns, do not watch.

Jaws 3-D (1983)

Da-dum, da-dum, da-dum ... "Get out of the water, get out of the water!" He's baa-aack, the human-eating, growling Great White shark once again torments tourists, this time at Sea World. The best sequel to the Jaws series, it was first released in 3-D. It's got the famous ski chicks being chased by the fin, Dennis Quaid trying to save Lea Thompson in the bumper boats and Bess Armstrong trying to save the future of the whole coastal area. One of the best scenes is when Jaws attacks the underwater tunnel tour and is pointed out by a little girl in the crowd: "Mommy, look at the fish." Another pivotal scene is when he charges the underwater restaurant and breaks through the glass. This was great in 3-D.

- Ed Stubenrauch contributed to this story.

Other scary movies we recommend include:

• Candyman
• Children of the Corn
• Creepshow
• Night of the Living Dead
• Dead Alive
• An American Werewolf in London
• The Blob
• Hellraiser