Make Friday the 13th a Scary Movie Night

What better day for a fun movie night than Friday the 13th?

Yes, today is a day for the superstitious to lock their doors, turn off the lights, and wait for the day to pass. But over at Roseville Patch, it's a great day to pop some popcorn and watch some scary movies.

Here are our picks:

Friday the 13th — This is a no-brainer when it comes to scary movies on this day. This classic horror flick tells the story of Jason Voorhies and how demonstrates just how scary a hockey mask could be!

The Exorcist — This movie has always scared me to death. It's the story of a young girl who becomes possessed by a malevolent demon and the priests who attempt to perform an exorcism. Yikes!

Poltergeist - A young family movies into a home that is haunted by a Poltergeist. I remember seeing this film as a young man and never wanting to watch TV at night again. "They're here!!"

Cloverfield — This flick is more recent and many did not approve of the manner in which is was shot. However, I found this film to be incredibly scary and if ever a huge monster were to invade our world, this is what is would look like.

Nightmare on Elm Street — This list would not be complete without Freddy Krueger, the mass murderer of children who is not satisfied in death. He returns in dreams and causes mayhem. His razor sharp claws and wicked sense of humor turned a generation of movie lovers into insomniacs.

Ghostbusters — OK, technically not a horror film, more of a comedy, but I included this one on the list because you might need a good laugh after watching some of these other horror flicks!

Texas Chain Saw Massacre — I saw this one a long time ago, and at the time, my mind was blown. This is the story of chainsaw, and his affinity with, well, taking people out with his chainsaw.

Jeepers Creepers — While riding through rural Solano County, I sometimes think of this horror film and wonder if the guy who's driving behind me is actually a devil. Double yikes!

What are your favorite scary movies?

Also, here are some interesting facts about Friday the 13th (by the way, did you know that today is the third, and final, Friday the 13th of 2012?):

• In the Gregorian calendar, which we use today, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year.
• Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.
• The fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia. The term was derived from the name of the Norse goddess, Frigga, which is how Friday got its name.
• In 2011 May was the only month that had a Friday the 13th.
• In 2012, three months have a Friday the 13th: January, April and July.
• Many buildings even today, do not have a 13th floor.

Good news for the fearful: It will be another 14 months before the next Friday the 13th rolls around on September 2013.

Editor's note: Some of these films are rated R and not appropriate for the younger audience.