Martin Scorsese's Scariest Ever Films Festival

Overview

In addition to making films, Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street director Martin Scorsese loves films — and, like most folks who adore movies, he's not afraid to tell people. A few years back, the acclaimed American filmmaker named his scariest flicks of all time, which makes for quite the viewing list. The folks at the Hayden Orpheum obviously agree, because they've turned it into a film festival.

From June 27, the Sydney venue is hosting the Martin Scorsese's Scariest Ever Films Festival. It's presented by David Stratton, and also features a retrospective of movies from producer Val Lewton as well. Most weeks until August 25, screening twice on Thursdays (at around 1pm and 7pm) and again on Sundays (with times varying), the beloved cinema will spook you out with a double of retro horror classics.

Leading the charge are well-known titles such as The Shining (timed nicely, given sequel Doctor Sleep drops later this year), The Exorcist, and an Alfred Hitchcock double of Psycho and Rear Window. You can also get scared by Scorsese's top frightening flick, aka Robert Wise's 1963 version of The Haunting; Jacques Tourneur's satanic cult effort Night of the Demon, from 1957; and Jack Clayton's 1961 masterpiece The Innocents.

Including the Lewton-produced Cat People, The Leopard Man and Isle of the Dead as well, there's 14 films on the full lineup, with full-price tickets costing $19 per double feature.