A few weeks back, my pal Adam Stephen Kelly of Screenjabber.com asked me if I'd be interested in writing a Top Ten list of my favorite films of 2010. Of course, I said yes, be more than happy to. I mean, who doesn't like to revisit their favorite movie-going moments from the past 12 months, right? Then, I asked if it had to be restricted to all films, or could it be a genre related list -- and Adam so kindly answered that I could do anything I wanted. Well, of course, that instantly got my mind swirling, and not wanting to repeat/renumber/rehash the same titles on everyone's list (seriously, how many times can we say BLACK SWAN is the year's best film -- which, by the way, it is), I came up with the notion of listing my favorite Horror Blu-rays of 2010. So, without further ado, here they are!

10. MANIAC (1980, Dir. William Lustig) This disturbing gem from the golden age of slasher films is just plain creepy and gross. Which, of course, is why it's amazing. Seriously, I need a shower after each viewing. Powerful performance by the late Joe Spinell and juicy effects by the great Tom Savini, who actually murders himself in the best shotgun kill ever put on film.

9. PIRANHA (1978, Dir. Joe Dante) Joe Dante's JAWS rip-off is the best JAWS rip-off ever made, which is why Spielberg hired him for GREMLINS years later. Tons of fun, smart script by John Sales, and an amazing score by Pino Donoggio.

8. KING KONG (1933, Dir. Merian C. Cooper) The monster of all monster films, KING KONG still stands the test of time as the best beauty and the beast tale ever told. Take that, Disney. Fay Wray is stunning, the effects still amazing. Class act, all the way.

7. THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975, Dir. Jim Sharman) A huge flop upon it's initial release in 1975, this film found it's fishnet leggings when it started playing midnight shows across the country and then the entire world. Every song is catchy, every performance inspired. Tim Curry deserved an Oscar nomination. Now, quit judging and break out your boa. Time to Time Warp.

6. MAGIC (1978, Dir. Richard Attenborough) One of the creepiest films ever made that no one has ever seen. Powerhouse performance by Anthony Hopkins as a ventriloquist/magician slowly losing his mind. Fats the dummy steals the show, and still haunts my dreams. Brilliant direction by Attenborough before his GANDHI days, heart breaking script by the legendary William Goldman and a haunting score by the late/great Jerry Goldsmith. Horror perfection. And check out the TV trailer included in the Special Features of Fats doing his spooky rhyme staring us down with his fixed, mad gaze. Brrr...

5. THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL (2009, Dir. Ti West) One of my favorite horror films of the past few years, this dark and twisted tale of Satanism in a small-town America takes its time, but works its black magic in a way most don't, or quite simply, can't. Chuck-full of atmosphere, wonderfully restrained camera work and a great performance by newcomer Jocelin Donahue. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. Trust me.

4. GRINDHOUSE (2007, Dirs. Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino) One of the best movie-going experience I've had in recent memory FINALLY makes it to Blu-ray in its original theatrical presentation -- complete with the fake trailers and missing reels. Yes, there is a God. Goofy, scary, and downright inspired, too bad it didn't make a dime because it deserved to. It would have been an amazing series. Leaner and meaner, this is the way you should watch these films, not the extended stand-alone cuts.

3. ALIEN ANTHOLOGY (1979, Dir. Ridley Scott. 1986, Dir. James Cameron. 1992, Dir. David Fincher. 1997, Dir. Jean Pierre-Jeunet) One of the best and most complete Blu-ray sets ever produced. Seriously, you better lock yourself in your house with enough food (and wine, thank you very much) for a month to get through all the Special Features offered here. The films themselves range from classic to catastrophe, but hell, they've never looked better and having half of the series so beautifully restored is worth the cost alone.

2. PSYCHO (1960, Dir. Alfred Hitchcock) Hitchcock's masterpiece has never looked or sounded better. I have seen and studied this film countless times over the years and watching this Blu-ray was like being a Norman Bates virgin all over again, wig and all. Breathtaking in it's artistry, flawless performances, and legendary score -- it is the granddaddy of the modern slasher film and will never be topped. He wasn't called the Master for nothing, folks.

1. THE EXORCIST (1973, Dir. William Friedkin) The greatest horror film ever made finally makes it to Blu-ray and the results are, well, head-spinning. This Oscar-nominated film has been heralded through-out the years as the scariest film of all time and it more than deserves that title. The direction. The script. The actors. The cinematography. The editing. The music. All came together to create more than just a horror film, but a phenomenon that changed the world. Perfection in every way. Of course, I'm talking about the original 1973 cut which is included here. Thank Christ. So, if you ever meet me, please don't mention that other version. I may have to get all demonic on your ass...

So, that's it, friends! Thanks for taking that spooky ride with me. Sure was fun. Let's hope next year is just as scary. Till then, see you in the dark...