Ringu (1998)

A reporter and her ex-husband investigate a cursed video tape that is rumored to kill the viewer seven days after watching it.

I have to be honest, and admit that I was rather torn on whether to include the original Japanese movie, or the American release here.  That may be sacrilege to some corners of the horror community, but I don't care.  The remake brings a lot to the table, including a stellar job by Naomi Watts, and a few subtle changes that amp up the scares.  Disagree me with all you want, but they did a good job.

But I ended up giving the original the slight nod.  I think the lower budget, smaller scale sets, and overall "darker" lighting really contribute towards a better overall atmosphere.  This is one creepy ass movie.

But you can't go wrong with either version.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, starts treating a young boy, Cole, who encounters dead people and convinces him to help them. In turn, Cole helps Malcolm reconcile with his estranged wife.

M. Night Shamalama-ding-dong might have reduced himself to something of a running joke over the last couple decades, but make no mistake, in the wake of this movie his stock was completely through the roof.  This is a movie that everyone was talking about.

And for good reason.  It is such a great script, with so many great scenes.  I don't even want to spoil them for the 2 people here that haven't already seen this movie, but rest assured, they're great.

And yeah, the twist.  It's so ingrained in pop culture at this point that it's impossible to think that someone isn't already familiar with it.  But if by some miracle you aren't, don't look into it.  Just watch the movie.

Audition (1999)

A widower takes an offer to screen girls at a special audition, arranged for him by a friend to find him a new wife. The one he fancies is not who she appears to be after all.

Audition and Ringu in the same batch?  How cliché!

What can I say, these two movies are adored for a reason, and really set the table for a decade worth's of horror.  Don't believe me?  Consider this one of the proto-"torture porn" movies, and think about how those completely dominated horror in the 2000s.  For better or worse.

Now, is it a slow burn?  Yes.  The slowest.  In fact, this might have the longest buildup of any movie on this list.  But I like that.  I like those kinds of movies.  And the payoff is worth it.