Scary movies have seen a resurgence in the last decade and once again hold a prominent spot in American cinema. Anyone who doubts the place that scary movies hold in America should witness the success of last year’s blockbuster “The Ring,” Gore Verbinski’s remake of the Japanese film “Ringu.” Everyone, it seems, enjoys a good scare. For those who do not want to don a slutty/drunken costume for Halloween, and would rather curl up and enjoy a good fright these are the Top 10 classic scary movies for Halloween.

10. Nosferatu — The original vampire movie was unable to use the name Dracula because Bram Stoker’s estate would not let allow the film’s producers to use it. But, this German film started a whole culture based on Nosferatu. One of the best films from the pre-sound era, “Nosferatu” is a classic in cinema in general and in horror overall. For an updated version, check out “Dracula” by Francis Ford Coppola.

9. Poltergeist — In 1982, the same year ET phoned home, Steven Spielberg was also involved in the release of this little horror gem. In terms of ghost stories, this film greatly outdistances the competition, including the 1996 release of “Casper.” While the rest of the “Poltergeist” series fell off in quality, the original set a high mark for chilling ghost thrillers. Who could ever forget the chilling line, “They’re here.”

8. The Howling — OK, this isn’t that scary of a movie, and it isn’t even a great movie, but there has to be at least one werewolf film in the top 10 and you know “Teen Wolf” isn’t going to make it. Now “Teen Wolf Too,” that’s scary, but for an entirely different set of reasons. For werewolf fans, “The Howling” is a good choice if you just want to sit down and enjoy a decent movie.

7. The Exorcist — Spinning heads and slime-green projectile vomit make this horror classic a must see for those who wish to test their stomachs. With the recently added footage on the extended edition DVD, “The Exorcist” is better than ever. If you are interested in a more prolonged scare, the book of the same name by William Peter Blatty is also a good choice.

6. The Shining — “Here’s Johnny!” Stephen King has long been the master of the written horror novel, but in the 1980 adaptation of “The Shining,” director Stanley Kubrick brings King’s novel to chilling reality. The Torrence family, caretakers of the Overlook Hotel, face more than just snow and the cold in this wintery thriller ... redrum.

5. Night of the Living Dead — With the zombie film “28 Days Later” making rumblings this year, check out this classic of flesh-eating ghouls. George Romero’s 1968 release made waves by having the first black American, Duane Jones, featured in a starring role in a horror film. If you like “Night” you should check out “Dawn of the Dead” and “Day of the Dead.”

4. Nightmare on Elm Street — There is no character more synonymous with the horror genre than Freddy Krueger. With his burned face and evil fedora, Freddy is one of the more terrifying villains ever put on the screen. While Freddy, played by Robert Englund, has made a poorer showing recently in such films as “Freddy vs. Jason,” the glove-wielding psycho killer, who takes down children in their dreams, was big enough to have the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff do a song about him.

3. Evil Dead — Not the scariest movie ever, but before Sam Raimi started messing with that webslinger, he was making some of the best and funniest horror movies. Instead of creating yet another super villain, Raimi focused instead on a hero, the lovable Ash. Played by Bruce Campbell, who drops one liners better than any other actor, even Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ash brings a certain undeniable charisma to the role of the monster-slaying hero.

2. Friday the 13th — A classic horror film, featuring all the elements: mystery, suspense and, oh yeah, murder. Like “Halloween,” this movie involves the witnessing of a young couple … well, coupling, which leads to murder. The moral of the story, if you don’t want to be brutally murdered you should not partake in any premarital relations. In other news, Camp Crystal Lake is looking for counselors, any interested should apply.