'Mistress of Mayhem' picks her top five fright flicks

Halloween and horror movies go hand in skeletal hand. Whether you're planning an old-school Halloween party or just to put in some couch time with a loved one, these not-for-kids flicks will make your skin crawl. "Trick 'r Treat" (2007) — Starring Anna Paquin, of "True Blood" fame, this is a tight movie that interweaves "four tales of terror" in a small town on Oct. 31, following the Spirit of Halloween, known as Sam Hain, as he discovers who's been naughty or nice. Believe me, you don't want to be on Sam's naughty list. You'll want to watch this film several times to pick up its subtleties."Halloween" (1978) — This was John Carpenter's first horror film and the one that started the golden age of horror in the 1980s. A child is committed after murdering his sister, escaping years later to return to his home town for a murderous rampage. I believe the less you know about a killer's back story, the more frightening he is, and Michael Meyers is about the scariest guy on the block."The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) — Dr. Hannibal Lecter changed horror and the face of the psychotic killer forever with his calculating stare and frightening intelligence. His cannibalism only adds to the chills, even as he aids FBI agent Clarice Starling in catching her serial killer from his maximum security cell. He is equally calm while killing and consuming a victim or tying his shoelaces, and that makes him scariest of all."Dracula" (1931) — Director Tod Browning began his movie career in silent films, and gave this Universal classic eerie silences where today's directors would be reaching for a soundtrack to fill the gap. Dwight Frye (Renfield) and Bela Lugosi (Dracula) turn in equally creepy performances, which forever changed the way we see our favorite vampire and his insane sidekick. Watch this movie while keeping its time period in mind. There are no computer generated images, limited special effects by today's standards, and a very different pacing from what we're accustomed to. Even so, "Dracula" still chills the blood."The Haunting" (1963) — Based on Shirley Jackson's novel, "The Haunting of Hill House," this classic ghost story centers on the concept of "the bad place," a place that is evil from the very start. Gothic from the top of its gables to the bottom of its dramatic staircase, Hill House is the focus of Dr. Markway's scientific experiment in paranormal activity. He and his chosen companions get more than they bargain for when the house proves resourceful in its abilities to terrify and even kill. If you haven't caught this film yet, you're in for a creepy treat.Other offerings for Halloween night include "The Changeling," "Alien," "An American Werewolf in London," "1408," "Ghost Story," and "Poltergeist."Be sure to watch these with someone close by, so you have someone to cling to when things get scary. Happy Halloween.Shelley Spranza is a Folsom resident, horror film blogger and co-host of a horror-themed Internet radio show.