I had a romance writing teacher who told me once that the most perfect example of a romantic storyline was “Pretty Woman.” I'm not sure I really agree with that one. Honestly, after he came up the fire escape with flowers, do you think they planned a wedding or did he rush them to the doctor for STD checks and a pre-nup agreement with him grilling her about her johns?
Kidding aside, that statement did make me wonder about if there is a movie that gives the best portrayal of what a real haunting is. I know the single best portrayal of a real haunting was most definitely “The Haunting” (1963 version—please rid your mind of the Owen Wilson/Catherine Zeta-Jones abomination).
Still, many good ghost movies have come along with an element at some point that gave me shivers. Here's how I spread it out as someone who grew up in a seriously active place:
Best apparition: “Death of a Ghost Hunter” when the little girl shows up in the doorway.
Best “it knows you're alone” moment: “The Haunting” when Nell and Theo saw the doorknob turning and pounding sounds.
Best invisible person only a child sees: “Amityville Horror” When the girl told her mom about Jody being in the room.
Best electrical interruptions/sabotage: “Amityville Horror” the telephone problems.
Best residual activity: “The Changeling” sound of banging in the bathtub at the same time every morning.
Best evidence of a sensitive: “Sixth Sense” photos of the child with blebs in them.
Best portrayal of a psychic's inner world: “Stir of Echoes.”
Best portrayal of what the other side might be like: “The Others.”
Now, you know you're going to ask me the worst ghost movie and I seriously have to say the worst portrayal is “Ghostbusters,” but I still love it to death. It's adorable!