When a hit movie comes out, the licensed Halloween costumes are quick to follow. This year, costumes from James Cameron’s Avatar and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 are sure to be just as big on the Trick-or-Treat circuit as the films were at the box office. But a lot of great movie costumes don’t make it to the consumer market. Here are a few picks that we’d like to see translated for those of us who don’t have Hollywood costume designers at our beck and call.

1. Zhang Ziyi as Sayuri – Memoirs of a Geisha

I’ll admit it – I’ve never been happy with costume kimonos that are available in the US. They’re pretty, but I’ve been to Japan and they just can’t match the appeal of the real thing. The costumes in Memoir of a Geisha may not be accurate in the strictest sense, but they capture the spirit of the kimono as no US kimono costume I’ve ever seen can. Let’s see some costumes inspired by Colleen Atwood’s beautiful wardrobe for this film!

2. Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine – Casablanca

The 1940s are an era that’s underrepresented in costumes, and that’s really a shame. The styles, silhouettes, and hairstyles exemplified in films like Casablanca are really due for a comeback, at least in costume form. Humphrey Bogart had two great looks in this movie that would translate well as costumes – his white shawl-collared jacket and bow tie as nightclub manager, and his trench coat and hat from the ending.

3. Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis – Atonement

Voted the best-loved movie costume only a few months after the movie was released, this green gown is almost a character in its own right. The 1930s tend to get overlooked in the costume department in favor of 1920s flapper costumes, and this is a huge loss for fans of historical fashion. Like the 1940s, the 1930s deserve to be revisited in costume form, and this gorgeous green gown would be a great place to start.

4. Tilda Swinton as the White Witch – The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

No other witch is quite as chilling as Jadis, the White Witch from The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Her gown with its unique, stand-out neckline, combined with a crown of icicles and a white fur stole, create the perfect personification of unending winter. I know this would be a tough costume to get just right, and to do so, it’d probably have a hefty price tag. But I think it’d be worth it.

5. Clint Eastwood as The Man with No Name – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Western gunslinger never looked better than Clint Eastwood in the Man With No Name Trilogy of westerns from the 1960s. Today’s cowboy costumes could learn a lot from this instantly recognizable costume masterpiece. This costume captures the gritty, black-and-gray morality of the old west in a way that a cowboy hat, Holstein-print vest and a pair of chaps never can.

6. Nicole Kidman as Satine – Moulin Rouge!

I’ll admit that the glittering costumes worn by Nicole Kidman as the courtesan and performer Satine probably wouldn’t flatter my figure, but they capture the imagination none the less. The glitz and glamor of a bygone era come to life in this musical (along with the darker side of the time), and the costumes take center stage. It’s really hard to pick just one to feature here.

7. Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy – Pride and Prejudice

The 1995 BBC miniseries Pride and Prejudice launched a revival in interest in all things Jane Austen, and the performance of Colin Firth as the hero Mr. Darcy can probably take a great deal of credit for that resurgence. The style of menswear today can be traced back to the Regency period and Beau Brummel, who pioneered the “dandy” style of the early 1800s exemplified here. And if Colin Firth is any indication, this style of costume is still making women swoon 200 years later!

8. Takeshi Kaneshiro as Zhuge Liang – Red Cliff

Zhuge Liang was a legendary strategist during the Three Kingdoms period of China, a turbulent era of warfare when many heroes became legends. The story of one epic battle of this period was told in the film Red Cliff, which features many gorgeous costumes including gowns, imperial robes, and period Chinese armor. I’m not sure if they’re 100% accurate to the era they’re depicting, but the costumes sure do look good! I chose Zhuge Liang for his iconic look, but there are many other great costumes to choose from that provide a nice change from the typical Chinese costume that you’ll find in a costume store this Halloween.

There are a lot of great costumes in film, and I don’t have room to list them all here. Are there any other movies that you’ve seen lately and thought, “I’d love to wear that costume?” Have you ever tried to recreate your favorite costume from a film or TV show?

Horror movies, once you’ve seen around 1,000 of them, tend to telegraph the moment when something scary is going to jump out at you. However, the rare few make you lose bladder control in certain scenes and there’s not a darn thing you can do about it. These films are the reason we take our ladies to midnight horror movies, in hopes they will snuggle up close to us, and they’re also the reason we look like fools when we end up screaming louder than anyone else in the theater.

The following list is comprised of films which may or may not be shining examples of the genre, but they do have moments you just can’t be ready for the first time you see them.

13. The Horror Show (1989)

The plot: “Meat Clever” Max Jenke (Brion James) does some pretty horrible things to earn his nickname. When he’s put to death in the electric chair, something goes horribly wrong and his spirit haunts the detective, who thought he’d ended the reign of terror (Lance Henriksen in a rare good guy role).

Where you wet yourself: It happens when Detective Lucas McCarthy (Henriksen) is in bed with his wife. It has since been done to death, but the genuinely frightening features of James’ face will burn the scene into your memory.

The rest of the story: The Horror Show becomes a supernatural mess by the end, but it has some really great moments in the first 30 to 45.

12. House of the Devil (2009)

The plot: A young college student (Jocelin Donahue) in the ‘80s takes a babysitting gig way out in the country and soon discovers that she will not be watching a child at all. Terrifying developments follow in this terrific throwback film that salutes a simpler time when the worst could happen and we were afraid of everything.

Where you wet yourself: A supporting player gets 187’d in a most unexpected way. Terrific sound editing and use of sudden violence gets the blood moving and ratchets up the intensity for the rest of the film.

The rest of the story: Solid movie that takes great care of the ‘80s source material from which it is inspired, and really makes you believe the horror genre is alive and well.

11. Friday the 13th (1980)

The plot: A psychotic killer offs campers in the woods.

Where you wet yourself: The death of Kevin Bacon’s character is still a hard one to plan for. It follows none of the standard cues. No prep time or red herrings—just one moment he’s there and the next, boom, he’s getting sliced up! Nice work from director Sean S. Cunningham and effects man Tom Savini.

The rest of the story: The original Friday is still a fun ride from beginning to end. Feelings of nostalgia aside, the kills are in-your-face and creative, and as gruesome as it was for the time, it still did a fine job of playing to the imagination as you don’t even see the killer till the end of the movie.

10. Friday the 13th Part II (1981)

The plot: Since the events of the first movie, Camp Crystal Lake’s lone survivor has disappeared and a new group of campers set up close to the original murder site. More mayhem ensues, but this time, Jason wields the machete.

Where you wet yourself: Not many horror films of the time had the audacity to kill a young handicapped person on screen. Director Steve Miner not only shows the guts to do it, but he also features, in graphic detail, the damage a machete can do to a human face. Ick!

The rest of the story: Just as good as the first!

9. The Exorcist III (1990)

The plot: A police investigator (George C. Scott) tries to catch the elusive Gemini Killer (Brad Dourif), but slowly discovers the evil he is after is much more dangerous than flesh and blood.

Where you wet yourself: William Peter Blatty directs his own work this time around, and does a fantastic job with it. There are several disturbing scenes in this underrated sequel, but the best comes via the use of a long shot that he holds for around seven minutes before cutting in with the violence. It takes place in a hospital corridor, and it capitalizes on unbearable tension.

The rest of the story: Lots of good gore and imagery worthy of William Friedkin’s original make this perhaps one of the best horror films to not get its due from critics and audiences alike.

8. The Descent (2005)

The plot: A group of female outdoor enthusiasts explore a cave and discover a new race of creature intent on their destruction.

Where you wet yourself: As nasty and disturbing as the creatures waiting in the caves are, nothing gets you hopping out of that chair more than the car crash that Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) experiences in the film’s opening moments, which continue to haunt her after the initial tragedy. (Video is grainy.)

The rest of the story: Director Neil Marshall awards two camps of the horror genre with this disturbing effort that at once plays against the eerily dark surroundings of the cave allowing imagination to fill in the gaps, while also reverting to good old fashioned gore. It does both extremely well, and as such, ranks as a modern horror classic, especially when viewed with the original ending that is a lot less Hollywood and a lot more thought-provoking.

7. Suspiria (1977)

The plot: A young ballet student (Jessica Harper) suspects that her academy is a witch’s coven intent on murder and bringing Hell to earth.

Where you wet yourself: Heinous murder scenes come out of nowhere in the opening moments and continue to liven up the party throughout. The most startling comes as an ill-fated blind man and his seeing-eye dog go out for a nighttime stroll when evil strikes at a most unexpected time.

The rest of the story: Director Dario Argento’s effort is weak on story, but delivers the bloody goods in a stylish and evocative manner that makes it required viewing for horror fans everywhere.

6. Tenebre (1982)

The plot: A popular American horror author (Anthony Franciosa) comes to Rome for an international book tour and becomes the target of a killer recreating the murders of his latest novel.

Where you wet yourself: The last 20 minutes of Tenebre are among the most classic examples of the genre, marrying bloody horror with nail-biting suspense in a way seldom seen over the last 28 years since its release. The axe through the window that slices off the arm of one character, who then paints the wall with her own bloody stump, and the surprise waiting behind our detective as he stoops down to examine a piece of evidence add up to director Dario Argento’s true masterpiece.

The rest of the story: Argento’s films are always experiments in excessive sex and violence, pushing the envelope to the brink of what the genre can stand. In 1982, he was in his prime, and Tenebre is a perfect horror movie for modern sensibilities.

5. Aliens (1986)

The plot: Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) accompanies space marines to do battle with a horde of acid-spitting creatures from her original encounter on board the Nostromo.

Where you wet yourself: The nod goes to Bishop (Lance Henriksen), the crew’s newest android, who also happens to be much nicer than Ian Holm was in the original. This time around, Bishop survives a rather claustrophobic rescue mission only to get ripped in half in a jaw-dropping moment near the knock-down drag-out finale. It still has the power to jolt. Hats off to director James Cameron and the special effects wizardry of the late, great Stan Winston!

The rest of the story: Cameron’s film blends sci-fi, action, and horror with deep characterization and the captivating thread of motherhood to make this not only one of the best thrillers ever made, but also one of the best movies, period.

4. Alien (1979)

The plot: The crew of the mining ship Nostromo answers a possible distress signal and finds themselves shadowed by a ghastly creature of brutality, strength and intelligence.

Where you wet yourself: Two big scenes occur to really scare the willies out of you. The first is with an unexpected character death at the midway point, around the time the alien makes its first appearance. The second is the now legendary “birth” sequence involving actor John Hurt, a slimy and phallic looking monster, and a whole lot of blood.

The rest of the story: Completely different in theme from Cameron’s follow-up, this effort by director Ridley Scott is an amazing take on the horror film in space, a place where we learned that no one can hear you scream.

3. Don’t Look Now (1973)

The plot: A grieving couple mourns the death of their child until the husband (Donald Sutherland) begins to “see” the little girl roaming through the streets and alleyways of Venice.

Where you wet yourself: Sutherland tracks down the red phantom he thinks is his daughter for one final confrontation that proves bloody, terrifying, and heartbreaking all at once. It’s a hard combination to get right, but when the specter turns around and reveals itself to him, what you see will be burned into your brain forever [Spoiler alert in the video below].

The rest of the story: Based on the story by Daphne Du Maurier, this film is more of an erotic drama with horrific overtones than a full-blooded horror movie. Nevertheless, it stands out from other more direct interpretations of the genre, and will stick with you.

2. Alice Sweet Alice (1976)

The plot: A divorced Catholic woman works to prove her older daughter’s innocence when her younger child (Brooke Shields) is brutally butchered at first communion.

Where you wet yourself: The estranged father returns home to help solve the mystery of his youngest daughter’s death. He, too, doesn’t believe Alice (dynamite performance by Paula E. Sheppard) could be capable of such evil. His investigation leads him to a one-on-one confrontation with the masked killer. In a pivotal moment of truth moment, the mystery is solved, but not without first scaring us witless.

The rest of the story: The mask, likened best to a China doll, cannot hide the evil that hides underneath. When the killer wears it, genuine fear resonates from the audience. It’s the kind of face that makes you scared to walk into a darkened room alone.

1. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

The plot: A young American hiking through Europe loses his best friend (Griffin Dunne) in a werewolf attack. Bitten by the beast before its own demise, David (David Naughton) receives warnings that he will soon become a werewolf himself and continue the rampage.

Where you wet yourself: The opening attack on the English moors still works after all these years, as does the nerve-wracking finale in Piccadilly Circus. John Landis’ seminal work of horror features so many bright spots for fans of the genre: David’s bizarre fantasies of hunting deer in the woods or “changing” on his hospital bed; his “hallucinations” that Jack is a “walking meat loaf” encouraging him to commit suicide; the subway murder; and the changing scene that, thanks to the Oscar-winning FX of Rick Baker, still holds the title of “Greatest Werewolf Metamorphosis Ever.” But nothing quite gets you popping like those Nazi attack dreams that occur out of nowhere. And just when you think it’s over, Landis nails you again—influential, entertaining, and pulse-pounding.

The rest of the story: Quite possibly the best horror film ever made.

Horror-ble Mentions

The Shining (1980): Forget the dreadful mini-series; the Stanley Kubrick original is as wonderfully perverse as it gets. Follow Danny on his tricycle if you dare as he rolls down the hallway and discovers a wicked surprise in the bathtub of room 237.

Halloween (1978): Michael Myers’ shadowy appearance from the darkness behind Jamie Lee may have lost a little in the last three decades, but it’s still a cool scene that has only weakened in effect from years of playback as a Halloween favorite.

Daybreakers (2009): Kick-ass exploding head scene and creepiest looking vampires in quite some time make for one wild ride.

Pet Sematary (1989): Little Gage Creed wasn’t the scariest thing about this classic horror from the mind of Stephen King. That would have to go to Zelda. Take your eyes off the screen and she can’t get you!

The Burning (1981): A young George Costanza does battle with shear-wielding killer. The raft massacre is a modern horror gem.

Black Sabbath (1963): Creepiest old woman teaches us to stay away from dead people’s belongings.

Psycho II (1983): When Mother is in the house, make sure you don’t look through the peephole.

Scanners (1981): Mind-bending David Cronenberg sci-fi thriller still delivers the goods on exploding heads.

Creepshow (1982): Watch out, Sylvia Grantham. One abusive daddy corpse wants his Father’s Day cake, and he’ll claw through the dirt to get it.

Poltergeist (1982): Get that damn toy clown away from us.

Carrie (1976): Don’t go near the rubble, Amy Irving!

Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn (1987): Whatever that thing is, keep it in the freaking basement even if it does look like your sweet old mother.

The Ring (2002): The terror comes straight out of your VCR. Hurry up and switch to DVD!

Rock and Roll has had its share of larger than life characters. Some were born with an innate charisma that just demanded attention: Elvis, Jim Morrison, and Iggy Pop, for example. Other artists, however, fully embraced rock and roll’s shared sense of rebellion and theater to create new personas through costume. At Star Costumes, we have an affinity (and maybe a little bias) for these artists. So, without further ado, we present you The 12 Greatest Costumed Rock Bands Ever!

12. Mortiis

Havard Ellefsen is the brainchild behind the man and the band, Mortiis. Hailing from Norway, a nation whose musical contributions are most associated with the black metal genre, it is not uncommon for artists to sport some sort of make up and leather. Combining industrial rock and ambient electronica, in turn, Mortiis take costuming further with custom created prosthetic face and ear pieces, dreadlocks, and dress that sometimes is no more than mummy wrapping and sometimes shredded leather covered in corn flour.

11. Behemoth

For nearly 20 years, the Polish black metal band has been using it’s anti-Christian lyrics and breakneck rhythms to become one of the most notorious metal bands in the world. While their live shows may feature them wearing standard black metal fare of leather with big steel spikes, and white face paint with some black smears here and there, it’s the photo shoots where Behemoth shines. From custom fit leather frocks laden with zippers and chains to body armor reminiscent of Roman warriors, Behemoth takes their costumes seriously. After all, they have a bad reputation to uphold.

10. Red Hot Chili Peppers

While they may not be the first band that comes to mind when you think of costumed bands, but there was a time in the mid-90s when these SoCal funky punks donned some of the most outrageous costumes ever. From being dresses as light bulbs, to wearing just a sock on their genitals, to wearing helmets that shot fire 10 feet into the air, they not only wore these things, but actually delivered full 90-minute sets that way!

9. Mushroomhead

From the hometown of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, Ohio), comes the masked metal band known as Mushroomhead. While their costumes have changed little over the years, their most popular look features black jump suits and black masks with X’s across the face. Interestingly, the impetus for Mushroomhead to wear costumes was not to create a new identity as much as it was to hide their own identities, because they were originally a side project of several other more popular Cleveland-based bands and wanted to keep their identities separate.

8. Alice Cooper

Every trend has to come back to one individual, the person who set the trend in motion. When talking about rock bands and artists who perform in costume, it all starts with Alice Cooper. From the streets of Detroit Rock City, Alice Cooper used the experimental period of the ’60s to start changing a normal rock show to a theatrical tour de force, complete with guillotines, snakes, electric chairs and, of course, his trademark black eye makeup and leather costuming. Without Alice Cooper, it is suffice to say that nobody else on this list would be here.

7. Hollywood Undead

The youngest band on this list, Hollywood Undead are also the least adventurous when it comes to costuming. Often sporting simple plastic hockey masks, poorly applied makeup, or just bandanas, it’s as if they hardly even make an effort. The genius of this, however, is that they motivated thousands of young angst-driven boys on MySpace to also start wearing bandanas on their faces, specifically because it didn’t take much effort. Yes, they lowered costuming bar to reach the most apathetic crowd… and it worked!

6. Lordi

When your front man is a costume designer by trade, well, it’s pretty much a forgone conclusion that you are a band that is going to be wearing costumes. Hailing from Finland, the band Lordi is named after founding member… Mr. Lordi. They rose to fame as the winners of the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest, making them the first Finn’s to ever win the contest. Their grotesque masks and medieval garb combined with big ’80s-era hooks landed them gigs on the Ozzfest tour mainstage. In recent years, however, their popularity has waned.

5. Mudvayne

While Mudvayne no longer wears makeup or costumes, part of their identity early in their career was very much tied to makeup and costumes. During the era of their first release, the band relied very heavily on facepaint coupled with experimental hair styles. For their second release, they donned alien masks and colored suits to offer their fans something new and different. Since that time, they have been makeup and costume free, but their diehard fans still associate them with that style.

4. Marilyn Manson

While costume is primarily used as a way to draw attention and controversy, perhaps no artist on this list has received more of either than Marilyn Manson. Early in his career, as the front man of Marilyn Manson & The Spooky Kids, his garb was more colorful, evoking images of circus performers or even Willy Wonka. By the time he released Antichrist Superstar in 1996, his image and costume switched very heavily to a raw gothic style characterized by prosthetic wings and other appendages, as well as rag clothing. While he has reinvented his look several times in his career, he is most often associated with goth makeup and costumes today.

3. Slipknot

Few bands on this list have reached such critical acclaim as quickly as Slipknot. With seven grammy nominations (and one win), two platinum records, and two gold records in just 10 years, it’s easy to forget that Slipknot’s initial notoriety came in large because they wear masks. In fact, with matching jumpsuits, horrific masks, and numbers (instead of names), Slipknot’s initial image was a new level of shock. Kudos to The ‘knot for having the good sense to license their masks for merchandising as well.

2. Kiss

There are stars. There are superstars, Then there’s Kiss. With 24 gold albums and more than 100 million records sold worldwide, they aren’t just an amazing costumed band, they are the band that used face paint and costumes to create a brand that is as instantly recognizable as Nike or Coke. Add firebreathing, blood spitting, lasers, and enough pyro to stock a small army, and Kiss’s live show does everything to cement their reputation as the quintessential rock band, even as the members of Kiss enter their 60s.

1. GWAR

Until Gwar, Alice Cooper and Kiss had the market on shock rock, but their approaches were rooted in makeup and traditional theater posturings. When Gwar arrived, they did so in full latex costumes and sci-fi personas. Looking less like something from a Kubuki production and more like something out of an Alien movie, their stageshows notoriosly address taboo subjects and often leave concert-goers walking home drenched in fake bodily fluids. With an image like that, it would be easy to forget that they also have two Grammy awards.

There you have it. Some shock. Some thrill. Some channel their inner demons. But they have all done it with some type of costuming, though. And along the way, some of them have changed the course of rock and roll… forever.

And if you’re in the mood, don’t forget we carry our own assortment of rock star costumes to help you take the stage in style.

1. The Evil Dead

Perhaps one of the best B movies of all time, The Evil Dead had a budget of only $375,000 but a genius director at the helm—Sam Raimi, who would go on to direct “Spider-Man” and produce “The Grudge.” Though it initially got slapped with an NC-17 rating for its brutal violence, the plot of the film is somewhat laughable—five Michigan State students are on vacation for the weekend and stumble across a demonic tape recording that releases evil spirits who plan to possess the students. If you can get past the gore, the movie and its sequels are definitely worth seeing—particularly “Army of Darkness,” though with its $11 million budget, it can’t quite fairly be called a B movie.

2. The Chooper

Does it really get any better than an absurdly comical horror movie with a rumored $500 budget? The best of the best might be The Chooper, otherwise known as “Blood Shack.” In the Ray Dennis Steckler gem, Carol inherits a ranch in the middle of nowhere and staunchly refuses to sell it to anyone who may want it, despite the fact that a legendary Native American creature known as “The Chooper,” who appears to be part ninja and part grumpy old man, is living on the grounds and killing whoever happens to step wrong on the property. Comic gold is littered everywhere in the movie, especially in a seemingly random, stretched-out scene at the town rodeo. Why are they there? When will the plot return? No one seems to know.

3. Freez’er

Almost no one has ever heard of it, but Freez’er is truly a hidden treasure. If you’re a fan of puns, you’ll enjoy the title—J.M., the film’s main character, is devastated by his wife’s death, can barely cope without her, and—well—let’s just say a freezer is involved. The acting is absolutely atrocious, which is part of the movie’s charm; each line is delivered as if the character were reading it as part of a phonics program. “Freez’er” was also written and directed by the same person, a near-guarantee of a fantastically horrible movie.

4. Orgy of the Dead

This film was the brainchild of Ed Wood—need I say more? Fine, fine. Orgy of the Dead is exactly what it sounds like—a man and his girlfriend go to a cemetery for inspiration (he’s a writer; pull your mind out of the gutter, please), but instead of finding great ideas, they find a bunch of expired exotic dancers, who put on one of the most gruesomely terrible performances in cinematic history for the couple. The movie doesn’t quite have the makings of a classic, but if you can manage to get through it, you’ll probably feel pretty good about yourself.

5. The Killer Tongue

It’s tempting to just let the plot summary from IMDB tell all for this one—the movie “involves a woman hiding out with four pastel-colored poodles in a desert gas station,” which is good enough, but then “a meteorite crashes near the station, transforming the woman into an alien being with a gigantic, voracious tongue, and her poodles are transformed into four drag queens.” Sign me up! The woman’s name, of course, is Candy.

6. Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Warning—if you’ve harbored a secret fear of clowns since childhood, you should probably pass this one by. In a nutshell, murderous extraterrestrial clowns invade a small town and go on a total rampage, confined only by their clownish tendencies to kill with common circus foodstuffs such as popcorn and cotton candy. The townspeople are too dumb to figure out what’s going on, so it’s up to a few sly teenagers to shut the freaks down. It’s too bad the robots of MST3K never got to this movie, but it’s easy enough to fill in the snide comments by yourself.

7. C.H.U.D.

8. Frankenstein vs. the Creature from Blood Cove

A list of top B horror movies would never be complete without at least one film that features competing monsters. Everyone knows that when one horrible monster doesn’t make a movie awful enough, the solution is to throw in at least one more and see what happens. In Frankenstein vs. the Creature from Blood Cove, that strategy works out beautifully. In classic Frankenstein style, the monsters in the film are manufactured by an insane human (oh, those humans… will they ever learn?) and make it their goals to spread as much havoc as possible. Did I mention that a werewolf is also involved?

9. The Blob

With a title like The Blob you know you’re in for a treat before the movie even starts. A plot summary isn’t even necessary for this glorious piece of work—suffice it to say that a giant and malevolent gob of jelly is on the loose, and if you’re nearby, you’re in trouble. When you think about it, there’s really no better idea for a horror movie villain—faceless and shapeless is the scariest, after all.

10. Them!

Straight out of the vintage era, Them! is a movie about mutant ants that did the impossible by landing an Oscar nomination for best effects and actually winning an Oscar for best sound editing. It’s well known that no part of any B movie is supposed to actually be good enough to catch the attention of the Academy, but as this movie was made in 1954, it’s slightly excusable. “Them!” is the gold standard for dozens of other B movies and nails every criterion you could ever ask for in such a film—great plot? Check. “WTF” moments? Check. Acting that doesn’t make you want to die? Check. Party and popcorn potential? Double check. If you’re looking for one of the very best of the originals, dig up this sucker and start spinning it.

When you were a kid, did you love tying a towel around your neck and pretending you were a caped superhero? Or trying on mommy’s high heels and lipstick to play grown-up?

These days, Halloween is probably the only day each year that you recapture the fun and excitement of pretending to be someone (or something) else. What a shame! Exercise your imagination all year round with these 12 awesome excuses to wear a costume when it’s not Halloween.

1. Talk Like a Pirate Day

Photo by DeusXFlorida

Like the movie Snakes on a Plane, Talk Like a Pirate Day is pretty self-explanatory. On September 19 each year, feel free to call your friends “scurvy bilge rats” and demand a pint of grog from the serving wench at your favorite bar. But why stop there? Throw on a pirate costume and take Talk Like a Pirate Day to the next level!

2. Renaissance Festival

Photo by Franklin Thompson

There’s so much to do and see at a Renaissance festival: knights jousting, gypsies dancing, jesters juggling, falconers … falconing. It’s fun for the whole family, and it’s a great excuse to wear a Renaissance costume. If historical accuracy isn’t your thing, fairies and wizards are also welcome. Check this page to see when the next Renaissance faire is coming to your area.

3. St. Patrick’s Day

Photo by Jackie

Everyone and their brother will be wearing the same old “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” t-shirt. But you can blow people’s minds at the pub by showing up in a full-on leprechaun costume or a sexy Irish lass outfit. Chances are very good you’ll have a few free drinks sent your way. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to New York City for the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.

4. Conventions

Photo by Nathan Rupert

Whether you’re into superheroes, sci-fi, video games or anime, conventions are a great place to dress up and make believe. Cosplay, short for “costume play,” originated in Japan but has gained a huge following in the United States. The San Diego Comic-Con in July is considered the biggest event of the year for cosplayers, so get your tickets, grab your Chewbacca costume and geek out!

5. Easter

Photo by by Neil Girling

You somehow manage to stuff your rambunctious toddler into some uncomfortable fancy clothes. You drive across town to the mall, then wait a half-hour in a long line of restless, whiny children. When you finally get to the front of the line, you pay 15 bucks to get one lousy picture with the Easter Bunny. Or you can buy your own Easter bunny costume, stay home and get as many pictures as you want!

6. Civil War Reenactments

Photo by Dave Beckett

Union soldier or Confederate rebel? No matter what side of the Mason-Dixon line you’re on, you can have fun and learn more about U.S. history at a Civil War reenactment. Ladies, we haven’t forgotten you! Channel your inner Scarlett O’Hara with a Southern belle costume, or be a demure country schoolmarm in this costume. Check this list for upcoming Civil War reenactments in your area.

7. Lady Gaga Concert

Photo by by Mark

Lady Gaga may be the only person in the world who wears elaborate costumes on a daily basis. Her loyal fans, affectionately known as “Little Monsters,” imitate their idol at her concerts with impressive outfits of their own. The Monster Ball will be back in the United States this summer, so grab a ticket before they’re all sold out. Then get the Gaga look with a wig, a sexy costume and the craziest pair of high heels you can find.

8. Independence Day

Photo by by Andrew Dallos

Do you bleed red, white and blue? Show your patriotism this summer in a 4th of July costume! Portray a classic American icon like Uncle Sam, Betsy Ross or even the Statue of Liberty. And ladies, you can start some fireworks of your own in this sexy Miss Firecracker costume. Check this list to find Independence Day events in your area.

9. Mardi Gras

Photo by Felicity Green

As they say in the Big Easy, “Let the good times roll!” The annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is notorious for its decadence and debauchery, from the day the first King Cakes hit the shelves in January to the Fat Tuesday parade finale in late February to early March. While many parade-goers wear very little, you can live it up in a Mardi Gras costume and mask. Start planning for next year’s big event here.

10. Christmas

Photo by Steve Hanna

There are so many great reasons to wear a Christmas costume. You can join your church’s Nativity play, dress up as Santa to surprise the kids, or just top off your holiday party outfit with a whimsical mistletoe hat. Even your pet can get it on the fun with his own elf costume! Oh, and ladies … this sexy Santa’s helper costume is sure to warm him up on those cold winter nights.

11. Gay Pride Parade

Photo by by Aloha Orangeneko

In your wildest dreams, you may never think up a costume as extravagant as those seen at a Gay Pride Parade. From ball gowns to body paint to … whatever this is supposed to be … Gay Pride participants aren’t afraid to go all out with costumes, makeup and elaborate accessories. Gay Pride celebrations are typically held in June in cities all over the country, from San Francisco to Chicago to New York. Don’t be shy! Join the fun with a huge pair of costume wings and some glittery face paint.

12. Steampunk Events

Photo by Howie Muzika

Steampunk is a fairly new craze that combines 19th century Victorian garb with fantastical mechanical inventions, and is largely inspired by sci-fi/fantasy writers like H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. There are steampunk conventions all over the world, including the Steampunk World’s Fair, held in New Jersey May 14-16, and Steamcon, held in Seattle this November. You’ll also find steampunk aficionados at smaller local events, like the annual Handcar Regatta in Santa Rosa, California.

The Internet is a powerful resource for any fashionista. Everything fashionable, from news to shopping to insightful analyses of the latest runway shows, can be your with just a few clicks. Lately, the World Wide Web has also proven to be a fantastic resource for fashion designers. There is a boundless stretch of inspiration available for the fashion designer in everyone, alongside valuable tips on improving your craft. Here are 25 of the very best fashion design blogs on the Internet:

1. Fashion Design Blog — This informational blog collects entries from a great number of fashionable contributors, and keep you posted on the latest trends and designs. With the great variety of writers sharing their pieces with the site, you’re bound to find something to learn from, get inspired by, or simply drool over!

2. StyleBubble — Susie Bubble got her name because she’s always in her own little world — it just so happens that her world’s got a fantastic sense of style! Give this site a visit if you’re interested in her quirky insights about fashion and design, as well as her gorgeous high-detail shots of runway shows and clothes production. There’s always something fun to read in Susie’s StyleBubble!

3. Smashing Darling — At the forefront of independent fashion design, Smashing Darling brings you the latest news and updates from the fashion designers you should know about, but don’t. With a great informational series in the Designer Toolbox, interviews with emerging names in the independent fashion design scene, and gorgeous showcases of independent fashion, Smashing Darling is exactly what its name implies — smashing!

4. Trendland — This fabulous online magazine brings you everything you want to know about design, in all areas of design. From art to culture to photography and, of course, fashion, Trendland assaults your senses with an array of the most stylish designs you’ll see on the World Wide Web.

5. Fashion-Incubator — If there was anything close to resembling an online bible for budding designers and future clothing moguls, Fashion-Incubator would have to be it. Professionals in the fashion industry share their insights on design and establishing yourself as a designer. With the wealth of tips you can find in this site, you’ll find it quickly reaching the top of your bookmarks list.

6. Design Scene — Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the design world. In this ever-evolving industry, it pays to be on top of things; Design Scene will help make sure that you do. Check out the latest trends and what designers are cooking up for tomorrow. If nothing else, you can always draw inspiration from the site’s many stunning images.

7. Access Fashion Online — Looking for a different approach to construction? Access Fashion Online is crazy about knits; so much so that they even offer free patterns for DIY clothing from time to time. After all, every accomplished designer should be willing to experiment with different fabrics and methods — why not start with knitting?

8. Haute*Nature — Speaking of alternative materials and construction methods, unleash the green designer within you by incorporating recycled items into your work. Haute*Nature is a fantastic little nook in cyberspace that shows you how those old rubber tires sitting in the back of your garage can be transformed into totally fabulous accessories. Though the design ideas here range from art to architecture, there’s oodles of fashion recycling, too!

9. Independent Fashion Bloggers — Can’t get enough of independent fashoin designers? Check out this community of fashion bloggers ad professionals looking to share and develop their tastes in fashion. You’ll find a ton of great articles on fashion design, growing your business, and sharing the love for a particular designer’s work. Any true fashionista would feel right at home here.

10. FashionIndie.com — FashonIndie.com was created specifically for giving young designers the leg up they need to pursue their dreams. Not only are emerging designers featured and their works displayed for others’ inspiration, but the site also works as a publicity tool for their shows and exhibits. You’ll find a ton of resources useful for the independent fashion designer, so make sure you check this site out.

11. The Cool Hunter — Looking for the cutting edge in fashion design? Head on over to The Cool Hunter, which strives to keep its readers in the know on the latest the fashion world has to offer. With featured items ranging from apparel to accessories, from loud and proud colors to elegant mutedness, The Cool Hunter makes sure you see the hottest in new designs.

12. Pursed Lips — Join Ella as she pursues her dream of becoming a successful designer. Gain some valuable insight as she shares her thoughts on fashion design, news from the fashion world, and the many pretty things she stumbles across in pursuit of her dream.

13. SHOWstudio.com — Design is more than just what you see on the runway or on strangers crossing the street; it’s the entire process of creation, from conception to construction and everything in between. SHOWstudio.com espouses that belief and allows you to see in video and in photograph the entirety of design, from some of the world’s top talents. If you’re looking for inspiration, this is the perfect place to get started.

14. Fashionmission.nl — Every journey begins with a gateway. As one of Europe’s largest collections of links to top fashion sites, Fashionmission.nl is, simply put, one of the best gateways for your journey into fashion design. There are thousands upon thousands of top-quality sites for you to browse, bringing you inspiration from all across the Internet.

15. Design Loft — If you’re looking to learn from someone with experience, Esther’s got what you need. As a 12-year industry veteran, the children’s fashion specialist knows what she’s talking about, and is eager to share her knowledge with her followers. If you’re looking into children’s fashoin as your career track, then you’ve found a great place to start.

16. Counterfeit Chic — There’s a dark side to fashion, and that’s counterfeiting. Countless designer fakes are sold around the world, robbing the creative minds that spawned such beauties of the credit and rewards they’re due. This site helps you learn how to avoid being a knockoff while inspiring you with the designs of others. Designing something original is tricky business, but you’ll learn how.

17. FinaL Fashion — Danielle is in love with fashion. In fact, she loves it so much that she became a talented designer and fashion illustrator. Join her as she shares her musings on design and the what’s new in the fashion world. She’s also quite generous about sharing her sketches on her blog, so you can also pick up some tips from her gorgeous illustrations.

18. Pattern School — While some of us are pretty darn good at sketching the loveliest designs ever imagined, constructing them is another case entirely. Pattern School helps you get started on your technical skills, teaching you how to create patterns that best suit your pieces.

19. 39th and Broadway — 39th and Broadway is a particularly intelligent site that aims to provide a deeper understanding of the fashion industry and design. With thought-provoking articles to supplement their features on the latest goings-on in fashion, this site will have you thinking twice about fashion design — in a good way.

20. Design Crack — Design Crack scours the web for the best designs in art, architecture, fashion, and more. Its extensive fashion section will be of great interest to the budding designer, collating wonderful pieces from top designers and displaying them for the world to see. You won’t be short in inspiration when browsing this site, so make it a point to include it among your online habits.

21. The Sartorialist — With a pedigree like being counted as one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Design Influencers, you know that The Sartorialist is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion and design. Check out what people are wearing on the streets, pick up what’s chic, and design away!

22. Advanced Style — Who said the older set had fuddy-duddy fashion sense? This “Sartorialist for Senior Citizens” is proof that your style can be just as golden as your years. If you’re interested in creating designs for your fashionista grandmother, or older people in general, make sure you don’t skip this wonderful source of inspiration.

23. Stylehive — What better than appreciating good fashion design? Appreciating it with like-minded fashionistas, of course! Stylehive is an ever-growing community of fashion lovers and bloggers who like to share their design ideas and fashionable finds with each other. This site is an absolute gold mine for fashion design, so make sure you visit it religiously!

24. Creative Curio — When working on delightfully chic designs, you’re bound to run into the need for good graphic designs. This handy website is a great source of tips and inspiration for creating beautiful graphics for your pieces. From logo creation to bold statements graphics and fanciful illustrations, you’re going to find whatever you need, design-wise, here.

25. Design*Sponge — Design is present in everything you see. Design*Sponge takes some of the best examples of design from around the world, examines them, and present them to its readers for appreciation and inspiration. When it comes to fashion design, don’t limit your icons to just clothes; you might just get that perfect design idea from a well-decorated living room, or a breath-taking work of landscaping. With the top designs found at this site, there’s no limit to where your imagination can fly.

When it comes to movie villains and bad guys, they’re usually… well… guys. Freddy Krueger? Guy. Jason Voorhees? Guy? Michael Myers? Guy. Yes, it would be easy to assume that men corner the market on evil. Well, this Mother’s Day, we take a moment to look at the most wicked moms in film history. In proving the psychopath doesn’t fall far from the tree, these bad mamma jammas have provided us with some of the more memorable roles in cinema history.

10. Ma Fratelli from The Goonies – Ma Fratelli from The Goonies wasn’t as evil as she was mean. The mother of two bumbling sons and a monster man, Fratelli had her is sites set on hidden treasure and wasn’t going to let a bunch of meddling kids get in her way. She came up short in one of the more epic pursuits of the ’80s, but that didn’t stop her from having the most memorable stink eye of the decade.

9. Mary from Precious – There are lots of moms on this list who were really good at being really bad, but only one actually won an Oscar for it. Mo’Nique’s performance as Mary in Precious isn’t just good. It’s soooooo good. The constant physical and mental abuse she heaps on Precious includes fights, an attempt to drop a television on her, allowing the persistent incestual rape of Precious and even intentionally dropping Precious’s 3-day-old baby. It’s easy to dislike the mothers on this list, but this is one mother you would actually want to reach into the screen and do bad things to… very bad things.

8. Mom from The People Under The Stairs – When you have a 13-year-old protagonist named “Fool” who breaks into a house co-owned by a homicidal dominatrix who only goes by the name “Mommy”, you know nothing good can come of it. And when Fool finds a herd of children under the stairs, complete with their ears clipped and tongues cut out, it’s game on! Sure “Daddy” does a lot of the chasing, but Mommy’s constant encouragement and maniacal laughter is enough to creep out the bogeyman.

7. Pamela Voorhees from Friday the 13th – We all know Jason Voorhees. He is the reason kids wear hockey masks on Halloween. He is the quintessential horror movie villain. He has superhuman strength, seemingly endless stamina, and he can play the machete just like aringin’ a bell. Still, in the first of the many Friday the 13th movies, we get a glimpse into Jason’s DNA through his mother, Mrs. Pamela Voorhees, who needed a front row seat at the wacky shack. Spending a good part of the film chasing counselor Alice with a machete and talking to herself in her dead son’s voice, we can see where Jason gets his shtick. It’s almost like watching a mother bird feeding a worm to her baby bird. Well, okay, maybe not really like that, but you get the idea.

6. Ellen Ripley from Alien Resurrection – Sigourney Weaver has been one bad mutha in all of the Alien films, but Alien Resurrection really drives the point home. As her character, Ellen Ripley, has been cloned and moved 200 years into the future to deliver a human / alien hybrid, she becomes a very different sort of mother indeed. During the cloning, however, her DNA and that of her unborn alien baby mixed and Ripley was suddenly in possession of newfound strength and healing abilities. Combine that with her already proven sense of cunning and you have one tough mother.

5. Margaret White from Carrie – You would think that a movie with such a memorable line as, “They’re all gonna laugh at you,” would be a comedy. Well, you would be wrong… dead wrong. While most movies involving heinous acts by women involve a certain degree of “a lover scorned”, that’s not the case with Carrie. Never mind Sissy Spacek’s role of a lifetime, it’s Piper Laurie’s performance in the role of Margaret, Carrie’s mother, that is the root of all evil in this film. It would be easier to label her a religious nutcase, but she’d be a nutcase anyway. It’s her religious-based off-kilter views on sexuality and sin, however, that are the spark to Carrie’s psychokinetic powder keg. When it all explodes, whoa mama!

4. Beverly Sutphin from Serial Mom – There has always been a fondness for vigilante justice in American culture. From militias of the Old West to Batman, the idea of taking matters into your own hands and righting the wrongs of the world have a certain appeal. In Serial Mom, however, Kathleen Turner’s character, Beverly Sutphin, may take things just a little too far. On the surface, she’s your average suburbanite super mom – a regular June Cleaver. Below the surface, though, is a serial killer who would kill you for not separating your recyclables. No, really.

3. Joan Crawford from Mommie Dearest – Have you tried to find wire hangers at the store recently? There is a reason for that. Mommie Dearest is perhaps the scariest film on this list because it depicts the real life horror of child abuse endured by Christina Crawford, adopted daughter of Joan Crawford. Combining serious anger management issues and an apparent obsessive compulsive disorder with regard to cleanliness and orderliness, Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of Crawford is monumental in the way it brings out the monster Christina must have seen her mother as. Still, both the book and movie were released after Joan Crawford’s death in 1977. Whether this was out of respect or fear, one can only speculate.

2. The Wicked Stepmother from Cinderella – There is a reason that stepmothers always come into a new family with two strikes against them, no matter how nice they are. It’s because of one particular stepmother: the Wicked Stepmother from Cinderella. Making Cinderella clean and toil all day, while her own daughters get the best of everything makes Cinderella feel like a slave in her own home. Cinderella makes out okay in the end, but you can be sure you-know-who isn’t getting a card this Mother’s Day.

1. Norma Bates from Psycho – Perhaps the most famous mother in cinema history is actually not a woman at all, but the evil alter-ego of inn keeper, Norman Bates. With incredible performances by Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, as well as the directorial excellence of Alfred Hitchcock, it is difficult to credit any particular person with the effectiveness of Mama Bates. One thing can be said for certain, however, the shower scene (complete with violin-stab score) is more than just one of the most famous scenes in movie history; it is a part of the American cultural fabric.

Don’t get us wrong: we love and have the utmost respect for mothers everywhere—we just thought it’d be fun to show you the worst of the worst

All of us at StarCostumes wish a happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful and hardworking moms out there…especially ours!

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. Because the origins of Cinco de Mayo are in Mexico, many Americans are fairly misinformed about what Cinco de Mayo actually is and why it is celebrated. Here, then, are 13 fun facts about Cinco de Mayo. File these away and see how many margaritas you can win in trivia contests this May 5th.

1. Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexican Independence Day. In America, we say “The 4th of July” when talking about our Independence Day. It would seems natural, then, that “The 5th of May” would be the Mexican equivalent. Not so. Actually, Cinco de Mayo is the anniversary of an 1862 battle between an under-armed, under-manned Mexican army against a well-armed French Army led by Napoleon III. Clearly, the Mexican army won, hence the celebration every 5th of May.

2. So What Is Mexico’s Independence Day? Mexico celebrates its Independence Day – the day it declared its independence from Spanish Rule – on September 16th every year. Mexico declared its independence in 1810, more than 50 years prior to the battle that we commemorate with Cinco de Mayo.

3. The Battle of Puebla was short. When we think of war in a modern sense, we think of prolonged battles that last days, or even weeks, with ground forces trudging forward. The Battle of Puebla commemorated on Cinco de Mayo, however, featured about 12,000 soldiers combined (8,000 French and 4,000 Mexican). Yet, the entire battle lasted just about two hours and changed the course of history in North America.

4. So wait, what were the French doing in Mexico in 1862? Think of them as an armed collections agency. After declaring their independence in 1810, Mexico went through decades of infighting, as well as fighting with America. this cost a lot of money. In 1861, Mexican President, Benito Juarez, declared a 2-year moratorium on loan repayments to foreign nations, including Spain, England, and France in an attempt to avoid bankrupting the country. All three nations invaded Mexico to collect on debts. While Spain and England left, France tried to stay and take over the country. Obviously, it didn’t work out for the French as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo and not Cinq mai.

5. Cinco de Mayo must be HUGE in Mexico! Not really. While the Batalla de Puebla helped to unify Mexico around one event, the major celebrations of Cinco de Mayo has largely been contained to the village of Puebla, about 100 miles east of Mexico City, where the original battle took place. In reality, Cinco de Mayo is much more popular in America, where citizens of Mexican descent (and those who just like a good margarita) hold festivals from sea to shining sea.

6.Just How Popular is Cinco de Mayo in America? In a word: VERY. Annual Cinco de Mayo festivals in Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Denver, and St. Paul, regularly draw hundreds of thousands of people. In fact, the world’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration is the Festival de Fiesta Broadway held in Los Angeles, California. It routinely draws about 600,000 people to partake in song, spirit, and dance!

7. My grandparents say they don’t remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo when they were kids. What gives? Cinco de Mayo, as we know it today in America, didn’t begin until 1967. Some students from California State University noticed that there weren’t any Mexican holidays celebrated in America like there were for citizens of other descent, like St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, or Chinese New Year. So they chose Cinco de Mayo as the day to celebrate and gathered Chicano students in unity and celebration. It has gotten a little bigger since then.

8. So they don’t party so much in Mexico, huh? Whoa, hardly. In fact, Cinco de Mayo is just one of more than 365 festivals that are celebrated by Mexicans and people of Mexican descent. No wonder Mexico is such a popular spring break destination!

9. Do they celebrate Cinco de Mayo anywhere besides Mexico and America? While the celebrations aren’t as large or as well-publicized in other nations, some nations mark the day in their own special way. In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for example, a particular sky-diving club holds their annual Cinco de Mayo jump. Meanwhile the Mediterranean island nation of Malta simply encourages the enjoyment of Mexican beer on Cinco de Mayo.

10. Have margaritas always been the unofficial drink of Cinco de Mayo? Hardly. While Tequila holds a long and storied place in Mexican and Mexican-American celebratory traditions, the margarita didn’t even exist in 1862! While tequila, ice, lime, and sugar all existed in 1862, they weren’t brought together in the form of a margarita until about 1930. Maybe that’s another day that deserves celebration. Just sayin’.

11. Are there any traditional Cinco de Mayo songs? While there are no songs specifically for Cinco de Mayo, there are plenty of songs with Cinco de Mayo in the lyrics, including “Isis” by Bob Dylan and “Mexico” by Cake. In fact, the following bands/artists all have songs titled “Cinco de Mayo”: War, Liz Phair, Senses Fail, and Herb Alpert.

12. The banks are open in Mexico on Cinco de Mayo. Because Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday, and not technically a Federal holiday, the banks stay open. It’s sort of like Arbor Day, but with more tequila.

13. Why Cinco de Mayo still matters. As any celebratory holiday, it is important to honor those moments in a nation’s history when it overcomes tremendous odds. That alone would be reason to keep remembering Cinco de Mayo. The other noteworthy element of Cinco de Mayo is that it represents the last time a foreign army waged aggression in North America… 148 years ago.

There it is, 13 fun facts about Cinco de Mayo. Feel free to add more in the comments section. And, just a reminder: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly. If you have had too many margaritas or cervezas, please don’t drive. Call a cab or one of your amigos.

Not all horror movies are created equal. Indeed the success or failure of a horror movie often depends on how terrifying (or sometimes likeable) the “villain” is. So here we present those villains who have given us bad dreams, great one-liners, and sometimes even bladder control problems.

15. Melvin Hubble – In 2003, indie horror director, Amy Lynn Best, turned out a movie called Severe Injuries, which took the classic horror formula of lots of terror with some good one-liners and turned it on its head, essentially making a comedy with lots of gore. At the center of Severe Injuries is the bungling homicidal maniac, Melvin Hubble, who is trying to do his family proud by slaying an entire sorority house. Horror-filled hijinks ensue.

14. The Blair Witch – What makes The Blair Witch one of the greatest villains is that there was actually no Blair Witch. We never saw her. Never had a body count. Not even a drop of blood (well, one scene with an ear or something). Instead, the Blair Witch was built on the fear and panic that could happen. And sometimes, that is enough.

13. Leprechaun – What happens when you cross St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween? Leprechaun, that’s what. When Dan O’Grady gets between a Leprechaun and his pot of gold, it’s all out, green-knuckle fury. Proof positive that terrifying things can come in small packages, Leprechaun will have you thinking green for days. Bonus: It features Jennifer Aniston before she was Queen of America.

12. Cujo – While the average adult male Saint Bernard will consume about 70 pounds of food a month, Cujo is no average Saint Bernard. Rabid to the bone, Cujo eats anything in his path, including family members, local villagers, and a few small cars. Domestics, no less!

11. Chucky – Young Andy Barclay’s Good Guy doll is anything but good. Containing the spirit of serial killer Charles Lee Ray (aka, The Lakeshore Strangler) that was put there via voodoo curse, Chucky comes to life. And this doll is not playing games.

10. Pumpkinhead – Witches. Conjured demons. Revenge. Pumpkinhead has all the ingredients for horror movie success. Even the name is perfect. While the demon at hand doesn’t actually have a pumpkin for a head, the name will ensure that, at the end of October for years to come, Pumpkinhead will be scaring the bejeebers out of you!

9. Regan MacNeil – Sure, the name doesn’t sound horrifying. And looking at 12-year-old Regan at the beginning of The Exorcist wouldn’t give you any clue that she would go on to play one of the most terrifying roles in movie history. When the young Regan is possessed by a demon, she is, at once, both the enemy and the victim. Profane in every sense of the term (by 1973 standards), The Exorcist is one of the most award winning films in history – a rare feat for the horror genre. It’s almost enough to make little Regan’s head spin!

8. Jigsaw – Part psychological thriller, part horror film, the Saw movies have been so successful because of one man: Jigsaw. Rather than taking the conventional path of cutting off heads or skewering people, he puts people in positions to kill each other or be killed themselves. It’s brilliant, really… wickedly, wickedly brilliant.

7. Freddy Krueger – You know that when Freddy Krueger shows up on the list, it’s game on. Director, Wes Craven, had been building his credentials for years, but when he unleashed Freddy Krueger on the world, he changed the face of horror movies forever. Star of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, Krueger kills you in your sleep. Then you wake up dead, sort of. Along with “Jason” Voorhees, Freddy ruled the ’80s horror scene.

6. Pinhead – Any time a movie trailer starts with, “From the mind of Clive Barker…” you know you won’t be getting any sleep that night. Such is the case with his most famous bogeyman: Pinhead. Star of Hellraiser, Pinhead hits the terror trifecta: S&M demons, human sacrifice, and zombies. Just simmer and serve.

5. Nosferatu – Before Freddy. Before Jason. Before Leatherface. Heck, even before movies even had sound, there was Nosferatu. Taking his spot as the oldest movie villain on the list, Max Schreck turned in a performance as Count Orlock that was a watershed moment in horror movie history. Based on Bram Stoker’s book Dracula, Nosferatu has a dark cinematic quality that horror movies of today spend a lot of time and money trying to achieve. Originally released in 1922, you could say it was a little ahead of its time.

4. Jack Torrence – Until this point, our bad guys have taken lots of shapes: demons, dolls, dogs, even little girls. Perhaps no villain decorates more dorm room walls that Jack Torrence, innkeeper turned ax-welding maniac. It’s hard to pinpoint Jack Nicholson’s best role or Stanley Kubrick’s best movie; but when the two came together to bring Stephen King’s The Shining to life, however, the result was a match made in cinema hell.

3. Jason Voorhees – Don’t let the “Voorhees” part throw you, this is the Jason. With superhuman strength, crazy mad skills with a machete and whatever garden tools might be at hand, Jason is a horror movie legend. Rising from the waters of Camp Crystal Lake, where he drown as a young boy, Jason systematically dismembers anyone who gets in his way. He, alone, is the reason we wear hockey masks on Halloween.

2. Leatherface – Picking up a hitchhiker in front of a slaughterhouse, while on your way to visit your grandfather’s grave used to be a lot of fun until 1974, when John Carpenter Tobe Hooper unleashed Leatherface on the world. Gunner Hansen landed the role of a lifetime as the star of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The role fit so well, Hansen has wielded a chainsaw in at least one movie every decade since. Just the same, it is Leatherface that still makes the kids cry… and a few of the adults, too.

1. Michael Myers – The thing that makes Michael Myers of Halloween the number one villain on our list is the raw, indiscriminate way he goes about killing. He’s not out for revenge. He’s doesn’t have a particular target. He’s a lunatic that just stabs, crushes, and rips the heads off of anybody and anything that gets in his way. No one is safe… ever. What could be more awesomely terrifying than that? How about 6 sequels!

The 1970s were a goldmine for sci-fi movie fans. For decades, many a haunting storyline was undermined by less-than-stellar special effects. In the ’70s, however, those decades of creativity were finally met by technology that brought ideas to life in a way that had never been seen before, ushering in the next generation of sci-fi. Here, then, are 14 sci-fi movies that defined the decade.

14. A Clockwork Orange (1971) – It was just three years previous, in 1968, that Stanley Kubrick directed 2001: A Space Odyssey and added sci-fi director extraordinary to his already impressive resume. In 1971, his dark take on Anthony Burgess’s classic A Clockwork Orange made him a legend. In short, Kubrick’s work was a cinematic masterpiece. It was the first movie to ever use Dolby Sound and actor lead actor Malcolm McDowell later said that his role as Alex DeLarge was so convincing that it actually made it harder for him to get other roles later in his career, because people always saw the creepy guy from A Clockwork Orange.

13. THX 1138 (1971) – George Lucas’s name is synonymous with sci-fi. As the mastermind behind the Star Wars legacy, his movies have not only shaped the way we think about sci-fi, but inspired directors the world over. Before Star Wars, however, there was THX 1138. In the dystopian future of THX 1138, android police officers control the world and use drugs to control human emotions and desire. It was very experimental by Lucas’s later exacting standards. While it was a commercial flop at the time of its release, it has become one of the most popular cult movies in sci-fi history.

12. The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) – In 1976, David Bowie was full-on into Ziggy Stardust mode, so casting him as a mysterious human-like character who has come to earth was not a far stretch. As Thomas Jerome Newton, Bowie comes to earth in hopes to bring water back to his drought-ridden planet. While Bowie has made his way to the screen and stage many times, this may be his most memorable role. Oddly enough, contractual disputes ensured that Bowie could not be involved with the movie musically.

11. Logan’s Run (1976) – The premise of Logan’s Run is simple: in a dystopian society, population control means that everyone is killed at a predetermined age. Michael York is Logan 5, who tries to escape this fate. The most remarkable aspect of this movie, however, is that it won several awards (Academy and Oscars) for special effects and art design. It was also the first movie to ever use Dolby Stereo sound. Yet, nearly the entire movie was shot in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex.

10. Soylent Green (1973) – While Charlton Heston is best known for his more epic roles (i.e., Moses, Jonah Ben-Hur, etc.), it is perhaps his role as Detective Robert Thorn in Soylent Green that has given more goose bumps over the years than any other. In a dystopian future suffering from overpopulation, fresh food is hard to come by. Most people survive on food rations in the form of processed soylent green wafers. When Thorn discovered the secret behind soylent green, viewers everywhere seriously considered vegetarianism for the first time.

9. Time After Time (1979) – Time After Time is unique among sci-fi films as it is so rooted in literary history and blending both fact and fiction. Using a time machine created by H.G. Wells, authorities travel through time in an attempt to catch Jack the Ripper. Oddly enough, The role of H.G. Wells was performed by Malcolm McDowell from A Clockwork Orange, who won the Saturn Award for Best Actor for his work in Time After Time.

8. The Andromeda Strain (1971) – There are few names more synonymous with science fiction than Michael Crichton. His books alone have sold more than 150 million copies worldwide. It was his second novel, The Andromeda Strain whose skillful film adaptation really put him on the map. the plot involves scientists investigating a deadly extraterrestrial organism that causes human blood to clot rapidly and induce … well … death.

7. Solaris (1972) – The Russian movie Solaris is based on the Polish novel of the same name. Over the years, Solaris has been both praised and criticized for being everything that American sci-fi is not. The special effects are VERY minimal. There is no thunderous score. No fast scene cuts. No chase scenes. Instead, Solaris uses long, slow-developing scenes to look at the psychological crack up of humans on the planet Solaris. Favoring plot in a time when sci-fi movies were favoring visual effects made Solaris a bit of an outcast when it was released in 1972. That difference, however, has secured its place in history as one of the greatest sci-fi films ever.

6. Westworld (1973) – Written and directed by Michael Crichton, and starring the man who could act in ANYTHING, Yul Brenner, Westworld was just plain weird … but in a good way. Brenner plays an animated robot in an Old West themed amusement park. One day, a computer virus – who even knew what those were in 1973! – tears through the system and tells all the robots to kill the customers. And Brenner slays them again!

5. Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) – How could this not be a winner? Adapted from Kurt Vonnegut’s book of the same name, Slaughterhouse-Five was a Cannes Award winner that Vonnegut himself praised highly, and we all know how often that happens. In the movie, protagonist Billy Pilgrim, views his life in a first-person, non-chronological way, leaving viewers to piece together the scenes into a very disturbing whole.

4. Mad Max (1979) – While it’s not his first film, Mad Max is the film that launched Mel Gibson’s monumentous career, in addition to two very successful sequels. Unlike the dystopian societies of many of the other films on this list, Mad Max is a post-apocalyptic thriller in which society is in a state of anarchy instead of oppressive government. Either way you slice it, it’s no good. Max is the fits the badass good guy role to a T as a law enforcement officer who doesn’t play around. Until 2009′s Paranormal Activity, Mad Max, with its $400,000 budget, held the title as the highest profit-to-cost ratio ever, with $100 million in profit.

3. Alien (1979) – Just as Mad Max launched Mel Gibson’s career, Alien did the same thing for Sigourney Weaver. In fact, this is the film that launched an entire film franchise that featured some of the world’s most acclaimed directors taking turns putting their own unique stamps on the tireless plot of really mean aliens trying to take over earth.

2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) – Whenever you see “Written and Directed by Steven Spielberg”, you just know it’s good. Yes, his reputation precedes him and this movie is one of the big reasons why. Opting for aliens as good guys, a theme later echoed in ET, Spielberg took an old idea, added some ridiculously good special effects and made one of the most memorable films of all time in any genre, not just sci-fi.

1. Star Wars (1977) – In this first installment of the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas set out to do something that had never been done before: bring the epic mythology of literary history into a space setting on the big screen. And, boy did he ever succeed. Sure there are plot holes in this movie, but the scope of not just Star Wars, but the whole franchise was so ambitious that fans overlooked them, making the Star Wars trilogy the most successful series of movies in sci-fi history.