"The things that we fear the most have already happened to us..."

One Hour Photo (2002)
Directed by Mark Romanek, rated R, 96 minutes

One Hour Photo is a clever and unsettling thriller about a one-hour photo lab technician who develops an unhealthy obsession with one of his customers. Robin Williams shockingly delivers one of the creepiest and yet strangely likable performances around, in a role that will make you forget the funny, wacky comedian you know him as. The story could almost be a horror film, but builds to a rather unexpected and bizarrely unforgettable climax. One Hour Photo is a subtly effective psychological thriller, with a cold visual style and a gloomy, claustrophobic atmosphere. You'll like it if: You like creepy thrillers, bizarre protagonists, Robin Williams, Insomnia, American Psycho or Monster.

"He doesn't care if you're naughty or nice."

Bad Santa (2003)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff, rated R, 91 minutes

Bad Santa is a fantastically dark and outrageously funny cult comedy about an alcoholic mall Santa who systematically robs the malls he works for. But, this year things get complicated when a troubled kid befriends him. Billy Bob Thorton plays a pretty despicable character, without reservations, and that's what makes him so strangely likable and hilarious to watch. The film has plenty of lowbrow humor, but manages to do it in a rather intelligent way, and the dialogue is ridiculously fun. Bad Santa is provocative, perverse, brutal and even sad - it's the antithesis of Christmas movies, but the perfect movie to watch during the holidays. You'll like it if: You like raunchy comedies, crime comedies, cult comedies, Billy Bob Thorton, The Big Lebowski, Thank You for Smoking or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

"The sort of Christmas you don't dream of."

Black Christmas (1974)
Directed by Bob Clark, rated R, 98 minutes

Black Christmas is a creepy, disturbing and influential horror film about a sorority house that's terrorized by a bizarre stranger who won't stop making frightening phone calls. The villain isn't as distinctive as Freddy or Jason, but he's much more realistic, and because of that he's all the more menacing and unsettling. The film isn't very violent at all, but each murder scene is memorably horrifying and masterfully filmed. Black Christmas builds tension effortlessly, making you genuinely afraid for the likable characters - and it will keep you on edge well past the end credits. You'll like it if: You like early slashers, creepy slashers, Psycho, Halloween or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

"What if you wished everyone - and everything - would just go away!"

Nothing (2003)
Directed by Vincenzo Natali, rated R, 90 minutes

Nothing is a clever and original sci-fi comedy about two loners with nothing going for them in their lives who wish everything would go away, and oddly enough everything outside their house disappears. David Hewlett and Andrew Miller do an admirable job carrying the film as really the only two characters, but they're given some hilarious dialogue. The premise is intriguing, but the execution is surprisingly impressive, building a quirky and truly interesting story on what could have become boring. Nothing is a refreshingly out-there film, that's as funny as is it is fascinating. You'll like it if: You like weird films, sci-fi comedies, David Hewlett, Cube, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or The Family Man.

"Once upon a time in Nazi occupied France..."

Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, rated R, 153 minutes

Inglourious Basterds is a tense and ludicrously entertaining film about a group of Jewish soldiers that spread fear amongst the Nazis by hunting them down and scalping them, who come across a Jewish girl who's hosting a showing for the Nazis. Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent and Diane Kruger all deliver great performances, but Christoph Waltz steals every scene as a bizarrely likable and truly menacing "Jew hunter." The film has everything Tarantino is known for at his best, with interesting and potent dialogue, beautiful cinematography, memorable characters and stylized violence. From the nerve-racking and shocking opening scene, to the surreal and explosive ending, Inglourious Basterds is one unforgettable experience. You'll like it if: You like war films, memorable villains, Taratino's films, Cross of Iron, Pulp Fiction or Amadeus.

"When it comes to family and relationships, there are no small surprises"

Gigantic (2008)
Directed by Matt Aselton, rated R, 98 minutes

Gigantic is a quirky and peculiar romantic comedy about a mattress salesman with plans of adopting a Chinese baby, who meets an odd girl, Happy, and they begin a hesitant relationship. Paul Dano and Zooey Deschanel have awkward yet charming chemistry, but John Goodman steals the show as Happy's eccentric dad. The film builds an interesting mood with some excellent music, sharp dialogue and some seemingly out of place scenes. Gigantic is a not a typical rom-com, but it succeeds in creating a unique, funny and memorable experience. You'll like it if: You like indie romantic comedies, quirky comedies, Zooey Deschanel, The Royal Tenenbaums, Garden State or Little Miss Sunshine.

"Not all angels are innocent."

Heavenly Creatures (1994)
Directed by Peter Jackson, rated R, 99 minutes

Heavenly Creatures is a shocking and stunningly beautiful true crime film about two young girls with an extremely close relationship, who are always daydreaming about a fantasy world, which makes their parents want to separate them - an idea they don't go for. Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey are both unbelievably convincing and subtly disturbing in the lead roles, and both of their characters are strangely likable. Director Peter Jackson creates some truly memorable visuals in scenes that will haunt you, and the cinematography is absolutely spot on. Heavenly Creatures above all tells a compelling and startling story in a realistic but artful way. You'll like it if: You like true crime stories, films set in the 50's, 90's cinema, Monster, Boys Don't Cry or In Cold Blood.

Death of a Salesman

Salesman (1968)
Directed by Albert & David Maysles and Charlotte Zwerin, not rated, 85 minutes

Salesman is a bleak and raw documentary that follows four door-to-door Bible salesmen, who struggle through constant rejection, having little money and being away from home. Each of the salesmen has a likable personality, but Paul Brennan aka The Badger is the most compelling of all, as he's an aging man with slumping sales. The film doesn't shy away from showing the discomfort and desperation of these men working in a dying profession. Salesman is simply an incredible documentary, that captures the lonely lives of these men without judging them, and serves as a time capsule to a very different time. You'll like it if: You like documentaries, bleak films, 60's cinema, Grey Gardens or Gimme Shelter.

"I miss Dad... and the hogs... and my books... and my shower cap."

Undertow (2004)
Directed by David Gordon Green, rated R, 108 minutes

Undertow is a tense and engrossing thriller about two young brothers living on an isolated Georgian farm, who go on the run from their violent uncle after he tries to steal the family's gold coins. Jamie Bell and Devon Alan give moving and convincing performances as the young brothers, and Josh Lucas creates a truly menacing character. The story plays out quite a bit like The Night of the Hunter, and is nearly as suspenseful and inspired. But, Undertow's greatest strength is the atmosphere it builds with the music, story and characters - making a memorable piece of Souther Gothic storytelling. You'll like it if: You like Southern Gothic stories, independent thrillers, teenage protagonists, The Night of the Hunter, Grave of the Fireflies or Snow Angels.