In honor of Halloween we’ve compiled five of the best horror movies to scare you into the holiday spirit. Whether you love them or hate, we know you won’t be able to stop watching them.

“Friday the 13th”

What it’s about: The latest installment of the popular franchise is a remake of the very first “Friday the 13th” that came out in 1980.  The plot follows the tale of Jason, a serial killer with a penchant for killing off characters in particularly gruesome fashion, generally just after some form of sexual act.

Why it’s good:  As far as remakes go, it’s a decent effort.  The film manages to capture the… “essence” of the franchise, and delivers startling moments side-by-side with gruesome deaths.

Why it’s bad:  In the vein of the original, and basically all serial killer/ slasher films, the film uses cheap tricks, thrills, bad acting, and gratuitous shots of breasts to further it’s weak plot.  It will be interesting to see if the remaining original films are redone.  With “Friday the 13th” it has always been, and probably will always be, more about quantity (of screams, of gore, of films) than quality.

“Leprechaun”

What it’s about: An ugly little Irishman terrorizes the countryside and its inhabitants in search of its gold. People are killed with pogo-sticks and magical green Irish powers that emanate from the leprechaun’s fingertips. Laughs are had by all.

Why it’s good: “Leprechaun” is primarily a parody of the horror movie genre. The chubby monster can’t help but draw laughs as it mischievously wobbles along. The film has all of the components that make horror movies great—chase scenes, gore galore, an attractive lead actress—but centers it all around a Leprechaun.

Why it’s bad: The dialogue and acting are unbelievably bad. The awkward second-long pause you see once in a while when you know the actors are trying to remember their lines? That composes three quarters of the movie. The special effects are also so cheap that they’re funny, which isn’t good for a horror film. However, these shortcomings work perfectly as comedy.

“Komodo vs. Cobra”

What it’s about: A group of scientists and unlikely explorers meet up on an island where scientific experiments are done.  One of the experiments, predictably, went horribly wrong and started making creatures giant sized.  Soon everyone is on the run from a giant komodo dragon and a king cobra snake.

Why it’s good: It’s not good, really, at all.  It’s just really, extremely funny.  Get a bunch of friends together, grab your choice of movie junk food and laugh for an hour and a half at pratfalls, over the top acting, and curse words censored out by the call of jungle birds.

Why it’s bad: The acting, the effects, the direction, the previously mentioned curse words being censored out by the call of jungle birds.  The plot itself begs the question “Who actually sat down in a room and decided this movie was a good idea?”  And yet, somehow, it becomes entertaining, and you want to watch it again.

“Christine”

What it’s about: Arnie Cunningham, the archetypal definition of a nerd, restores Christine, a 1958 Plymouth Fury, after he is mysteriously drawn to her presence. As the state of the car improves, he becomes a “bad boy,” donning contacts, changing his clothes, and picking up a date. The car reveals herself to be an invincible, mechanical murderer, and Arnie shuns friends and family for the love of Christine.

Why it’s good: The late ‘70s setting creates a nostalgic feeling that is calming towards the beginning and the perfect setup for the looming devastation. The plot is genuinely interesting, there are plenty of suspenseful moments, and many scenes are downright frightening. The film is highly unique in comparison to most horror films.

Why it’s bad: Based off one of Stephen King’s more mediocre novels, the film adopts a ridiculous premise with little explanation. Viewers may have difficult accepting the anthropomorphic nature of Christine, which can take away from the experience. Even when a horror film does everything right, the impossibility of the events can take away from the terror.

Army of Darkness” (Evil Dead Series)

What it’s about: Ash is an employee at S-Mart before he gets thrown back in time and must fight an army of zombie-like “Deadite” soldiers to find his way home.  Part of the “Evil Dead” series by Sam Raimi.

Why it’s good: Bruce Campbell with a chainsaw for an arm fighting zombie-like creatures; witty and ridiculous dialogue that’s as quotable as it is laughable, (i.e. “This is my boom stick!”) and an entertaining combination of outrageous gore, fighting, and effects.  It’s simply one of the most entertaining movies about battling the undead around (besides, of course, its predecessors “Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead II,” which you should also watch).

Why it’s bad:  The plot and execution make you shake your head while laughing at the downright absurdity of the film.  If you prefer your special effects to err on the side of believable, or don’t like comic gore and violence, you’ll be frustrated and probably grossed out.