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After having watched each film on this list, we wonder how some films were skyrocketed to iconic status, and have remained there over the years. What is it about these films that remain perched at the pinnacle of notoriety in horror, despite their incredible failures in providing anything more than minor thrills in unsubstantiated violence?

These films celebrate violence for the sake of violence, which, as far as entertainment is concerned, is fine. It is, after all, a massive slice of the horror pie. And yet, plenty of violence-for-the-sake-of-violence films provide some semblance of a plot, and are actually interesting to watch.

Not these. Plot? We don't do plot in these parts. We only do murder. We got psychos murdering. We got dream thugs murdering. Kids, adults, parents, counselors, cops, robbers, everyone's getting murdered! And why all this murder?

Because murder, that's why!

It is, quite honestly, droll. The characters are not interesting, the backstories of the killers are either non-existent or mildly relevant. Five clowns, according to JEST! So why are we sharing this list? Because Halloween’s coming up, that’s why! In the same vein as the classic horror stories we share, there is some value in understanding where modern horror is borne from.

So, prepare yourself for a weekend of mindless self indulgence as you parade through some of the most notorious, yet ridiculous, horror films available. Since tomorrow is Friday, kick off the weekend with Friday the 13th. After watching all the counselors discover the hard way why the camp at Crystal Lake was kept shuttered, head to Haddonfield, Illinois and watch Michael Myers continue the murder spree he began 15 years prior. Once everyone's dead whose going to die, make your way to Elm Street, where the nightmares are a scream!

Just leave your brain at the door for an improved viewing experience.

Find the list on Letterboxd here: