The Shining, which was originally a horror novel by legendary author Stephen King, is widely regarded as one of the best classic horror films. It’s seen as such due to the cult status of the film’s director, Stanley Kubrick, creative use of memorable visuals, and eerie setting.

The movie is about a man named Jack Torrance who becomes the winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer’s block. He is joined by his wife, Wendy, and his son, Danny, who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack’s writing goes nowhere and Danny’s visions become more disturbing, Jack begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family, like the owners before him.

Two of the most memorable visuals, in The Shining, are one the twins in the hallway, as they are visually creepy, unsettling, and associated with death, as the viewer learned…

Another classic scene is Jack axing through the door, if not frightened by the screams of Wendy, on the other side of the door, it’s scary because it shows his “fast” descent into madness and his willingness to harm his family. 

The entire movie takes place in a remote hotel called, The Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The Hotel also has a mind of its own! One of its past caretakers lost his mind, but it was explained to be “cabin fever”. Along with the hotel’s obvious history of violence and death, its empty rooms, and halls create a sense of uneasiness. Especially considering the fact that they’re not alone, due to the presence of the spirits still residing there.

These moments create an atmosphere of dread that lingers, long after the credits end. The film’s exploration of psychological terror and supernatural forces ensured its timeless impact by emphasizing that true horror is not just what we see, but also what we feel and think about when we finish the film!