In the spirit of Halloween, this week is the perfect time to catch up on some horror flicks. Filmmakers managed to scare audiences long before special effects of today were available.

Here is a list of classic horror films to check out:

“The Shining”

In this horror film, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd and Scatman Crothers, a family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter when a evil presence influences the father (Jack Nicholson) into violence and his psychic son (Danny Lloyd) sees horrific premonitions from the past and future.

Stanley Kubrick directs the 1980 film adaptation of Stephen King’s bestselling novel, which is considered one of the best psychological horror films of all time.

To get even more out of “The Shining” check out the documentary about the numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the film, “Room 237.”

“The Exorcist”

The 1973 horror film starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair and Max von Sydow is a classic that makes an appearance on many scary movie lists.

The film, directed by William Friedkin, tells the story of a teenage girl possessed by a mysterious entity, leading her mother to enlist the help of two priests to save her daughter.

While other “Exorcism” films have since been made, the original remains scary enough to top the list of horror films every year.

“The Thing”

Topping scary movie lists year after year is “The Thing,” directed by John Carter.

In the science-fiction horror film, scientists in Antarctica are faced with a parasitic alien life form that assumes the appearance of the victims it kills.

Despite performing poorly at the box office, the 1982 film continues to scare audiences.

“Silence of the Lambs”

For a suspenseful thriller, watch “Silence of the Lambs.”

The 1991 film starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine and Scott Glenn features the infamous Hannibal Lecter as the brilliant psychiartrist and cannibalistic serial killer.

Based on the Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same title, “Silence of the Lambs” is widely acclaimed for its terrifying effect.

“Texas ChainSaw Massacre”

Five friends fall victim to a chainsaw-wielding killer and family of cannibals in this 1974 slasher film directed by Tobe Hooper.

“Psycho”

Alfred Hithcock’s 1960 film “Psycho” remains a favorite horror movie today.

The famous shower scene in the film is widely considered one of the most iconic murder scenes in cinematic history.

See the classic horror film for free at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Angelika Dallas as the finale to the theater’s month of “Hitchcocktober.”