Halloween is around the corner, which means it's time to start finalizing those horror film viewing lists. Likely among your picks will be something from the oeuvre of Eli Roth, whose work as a writer, director or producer on films like "Aftershock" and Netflix series "Hemlock Grove" has made him one of the most prominent voices in the genre. But if you've seen all of his work and want to get even more creative with your viewing, check out Roth's personal horror film favorites, "once you've watched 'Hemlock Grove,' 'Aftershock' and 'The Sacrament,'" according to the director. Here are the six movies Roth says everyone should watch on Halloween:
"Dust Devil" and "Hardware"
Roth says: "Richard Stanley is a special filmmaker for horror fans, he came out with these two movies that were hard to find for years and really played more as art films than horror films. I recommend them both because he's a fascinating filmmaker with a small but terrific body of work. He was fired off 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' and actually snuck back onto the set hiding in makeup as a monster so he could watch Marlon Brando drive director John Frankenheimer crazy. His films are an acquired taste, don't expect mainstream Hollywood scares, but if you're open to something interesting and different they're great discoveries."
"Galaxy of Terror"
Roth says: "I just love this movie, I saw it when I was 11 and could never get over the worm rape. Roger Corman at his best making an 'Alien' ripoff. You might also appreciate the production design -- it was done by a young aspiring director named James Cameron. Fascinating to watch the film now knowing that Cameron would go on to make 'Aliens' five years later."
"Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer"
Roth says: "This movie is just upsetting, period. It's hard to watch, but you can't take your eyes off it. See if you can watch it and walk home alone after. Not gonna happen. One of the most disturbing performances ever, with one of my favorite last shots in a horror film."
"Ichi the Killer"
Roth says: "Takashi Miike's adaptation of this manga is absolutely nuts. I was so into this movie I dressed up as the villain Kakihara at the premiere of 'Cabin Fever,' calling myself KakiharEli. One person in the audience got the reference: me. One of the wettest goriest most amazing splatter films ever made. Not for the weak of stomach."
"Nightmare City"
Roth says: "This is one of my all time favorite films. In fact, I'm running my 35mm print of it at the New Beverly Cinema on Halloween in Los Angeles if you want to see it on the big screen. It's the first running zombie movie, which is ironic, because it was also released under the title 'City of the Walking Dead.' It's the first movie where the infected have the presence of mind to rip the beautiful nurse's shirt off before biting her. It's a fast-moving, non-stop ride with one of the most inexplicable endings ever, but the movie's just amazing. And it stars Mexican movie star Hugo Stiglitz -- and yes, that is where Quentin Tarantino got the name for that character in 'Inglourious Basterds.' [Hugo's] performance is amazing, carved out stone, really. Watch this movie and imagine how confusing it was to Mexican audiences as to why Tarantino would possibly name a kick-ass German Nazi killer after this guy. It literally makes no sense, and that's also what makes the movie so fun. That and Stiglitz's trench coat and beard. Nineteen-eighties Italian horror at its best from the director of "Cannibal Ferox." Lenzi is a master, seek his movies out. This is a great place to start."