The scariest movie ever made...

[sp1814]

So, I'm out with some friends tonight, and the subject turned to scary films. I maintain that 'scary' should be a film that scared you when you first saw it, and still scares you now.

I would include in this list, 'The Omen', 'Rosemary's Baby', 'Alien', 'Saw', 'The Grudge', 'Quarantine' and 'The Ring'.

A friend added 'The Blair Witch Project', which we all decided shouldn't be included, as it was more 'irritating' than 'scary'.

The general consensus was that 'The Exorcist' is the scariest movie ever made (my suggestion of 'Paranormal Activity' was shouted down).

So what IS the scariest film ever made?

The rule is - it should still scare you as an adult, as much as it did when you first saw it.

[MarkRae]

Forget films! If you want to be properly scared read Bram Stoker's Dracula or The Haunting of Toby Jugg by Dennis Wheatley.

[thenry]

'The Shining' - Jack Nicholson. Anyone understand that film ? That's why it's scary. No-one can work it out !

[erin-x]

What don't you understand about it, Thenry?

[Flyhalf]

MaryT was homicidal the one with the "fright break" and the hero/heroine of dubious gender? More risible than terrible.
Assuming Salem's Lot doesn't qualify, since it's a miniseries, that other much touted Stephen King adaptation The Shining would be my pick.