One of the problems with discussing horror is that the genre is tough to define. For instance, I’ve had debates over whether “Jaws” should be categorized as drama or horror. I personally think it fits both categories since it is exceptional on several levels.

• “Frankenstein” (1931): Gothic horror doesn’t get better than director James Whale’s take on author Mary Shelley’s famed novel about a mad scientist playing God.

• “The Birds” (1963): Alfred Hitchcock made so many great thrillers that it’s tough to pick one for a list. I gave the nod to “The Birds” because it takes the seemingly impossible task of making our cute feathered friends seem like demons from hell.

• “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991): This is where the horror-drama debate kicks in. This serial-killer flick is widely regarded as one of the finest films ever made. But is it a horror movie? Sure. Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter is a monster that could exist in real life.

• “Nosferatu” (1922): Director F.W. Murnaus’ look at the Dracula legend is not only a great gothic horror film, it’s one of the finest silent movies put to film.

• “Jaws” (1975): It’s a horror film because it features the ultimate monster: a shark so big it can destroy boats.

• “Se7en” (1995): Obviously, I have a weakness for well-made serial killer flicks. This one, from director David Fincher, is so frightening, it’s disturbing.

• “The Sixth Sense” (1999): Admit it: The first time you saw this film, the twist ending really got you.

• “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993): Writer-producer Tim Burton and his fellow filmmakers crafted a stop-motion animated affair that is charming.

• “Bride of Frankenstein” (1935): Director James Whale created another classic with his sequel to “Frankenstein.”

• “The Horror of Dracula” (1958): Although Nosferatu was based on Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” novel, the filmmakers didn’t have the rights to use the character names. Director Terence Fisher had the proper clearances, and this film is the best of the approved versions, largely because Christopher Lee is outstanding in the title role.

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