Vermont Cynic Lists Top Scary Films
The publication features a mix of classics and a new release in its October horror roundup.
By Anthony Foster ·
The Vermont Cynic published a list of preferred horror films on October 30, 2026. The publication, also known as The Other Paper, included six titles in the collection. The list spans decades of cinema, ranging from 1979 to 2026. It combines traditional scares with surreal and comedic entries.
The list began with the 1979 science fiction horror film Alien. The Cynic noted that the movie induces fear and disgust. It also featured Resident Evil, a 2002 adaptation of the video game series. The review described the plot as a medical courier encountering a zombie outbreak. It highlighted the cast choice as a man not built to star in a video game.
The Lighthouse appeared next on the list. The publication called it a retelling of the Prometheus myth. It stated that the film remains unsettling even after multiple viewings. Re-Animator followed, described as a faithful adaptation of an H.P. Lovecraft novella. The Cynic cited 24 gallons of fake blood and neon green liquid as key elements. It also mentioned homoerotic subtext as a necessary component.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me was included as a prequel to the original series. The entry explained that the film follows Laura Palmer in the days before her death. It described the movie as surreal and darker than the series. The review noted that it shows the murder from Laura Palmer’s perspective. Beetlejuice was listed as an October classic. The author admitted to avoiding the film as a child but now considers it a favorite.
The final entry was the 2026 film Resident Evil. The reviewer identified as a casual viewer of scary movies. They compared the story to a normal person entering a horror-action video game. The review stated that no prior knowledge of the franchise is required. It contrasted the audience’s desire to be an action hero with the reality of being a character named Bryan who cannot shoot well.
The publication did not provide release dates or box office figures for the films. It grouped the selections under the header "Our favorite scary movies." The list ended with the 2026 Resident Evil entry. No further details were provided about the selection process.
