Five things that are a must in a horror film...

Catch Phrase
A good catch phrase will outlast the forgettable plot of the horror movie, and is usually seen on the movie poster or being said from the jerk at work over and over. Some favorites are: “They’re here” from Poltergeist and “I see dead people” from Sixth Sense.

Sequels
Sequels are a major requirement to horror movies, and they are usually much more cheesy and gory than the original (with exception to Friday the 13th Part 2). And it doesn’t matter if the main killer of the movie has been blown up, drowned, hacked to death, burned, shot, run over, tarred and feathered – he’s making a return in all of the many, many sequels to come.

Unknown Actors
This is not so much a requirement, but a must.  Unknown actors put their heart and soul (and screams!) into horror films. Unknown actors don’t mind getting gallons of fake blood poured on them, an axe to the head, or getting naked for the creativeness of the film. You can’t expect that same dedication from Hollywood’s finest these days. And just remember where would Kevin Bacon be without Friday the 13th?

Creepy Music
The music that supports a horror film is usually way scarier than the actual movie. And it often gives the audience a heads-up before something “bad” happens. Try turning off the volume to movies like Halloween, Jaws, and The Exorcist…not so scary, huh?

Evil Entity
Every horror film needs a good versus evil storyline. Good is usually the hot, semi-clothed teens and evil can be anything from a guy in a mask, a great white shark, a haunted house, zombies, a guy in your dreams…the list can go on and on.