[“mai_rating value=”4″ color=”#cf2e2e”]

A terrifying three-part collection of curated jump-scares and creep-outs analysed and taken apart by various film scholars, horror writers, actors and directors, 101 Scariest Movie Moments Of All Time is well above the standard normally set by these countdown programmes. And it’s not on Channel 5 but on specialist horror channel, Shudder, so no punches are pulled – and, crucially, no scares are talked over in an asinine way by an ex-boyband member.

Mixing bang-up-to-date hits like Us with films of the 1930s and 40s like Cat People, this comprehensive documentary series offers a broad sweep of the horror genre, through those moments that either shock us or instil creeping dread. Filming techniques are discussed, lenses, lighting along with how altering the angle of the floor allowed Chucky in Child’s Play to roll under a sofa. A fabulous roster of directorial talking heads like Shaun Of The Dead’s Edgar Wright, Gremlins’ Joe Dante and It’s Andy Muschetti – alongside newer directors like Axelle Carolyn – offer their pennyworth as to what makes a good, jolting, goosebump-inducing moment.

Gore and psychological horror get their equal share of attention as the countdown moves from Kubrick to Italian gore meister Lucio Fulci. Lesser-known cult favourites like The Witch and The Changeling nestle alongside heavy hitters like Get Out, Evil Dead, The Exorcist, The Omen and The Blair Witch Project. Not for the faint-hearted – obviously! – and full of pant-wetting spoilerific moments, this is a hide-behind-the-cushions compendium unreeled with relish.

(15, 49 mins per episode)

Three episodes of The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments Of All Time are streaming on Shudder now

words KEIRON SELF