It’s time for all you horror lovers to experience some true terror. Horror cinema has graced us with some of the greatest, most terrifying movies imaginable today, which are truly spectacular and fill us with so much fright. Indeed, there are so many iconic horror movies to watch out there, but which ones are a definite must-watch?
Let’s look at the horror movies throughout cinema history that everyone who calls themselves a horror buff must see.The fifteen below are some of the most essential horror movies ever created, ones that are still thrilling and monumentally scary. They’re the ones that haven’t dwindled in popularity over the years and became staples of pop culture. Some arethe scariest films ever made; others are trailblazers that redefined the genre. From slashers and animal attacks to the supernatural and creatures from another world, here are fifteen must-watch horror movies.
15’Bride of Frankenstein' (1935)
Directed by James Whale
Truly, Universal’s Classic Monster Age, from the 1930s to the ’60s, was one of the best eras of the early days of horror. Cinema was dominated by iconic monster flicks likeDracula,The Wolf Man, andCreature from the Black Lagoon. Among so many of these greats, one stood out as not only one of Universal’s best but also one of the greatest horror films ever:The Bride of Frankenstein.
The sequel to 1931’s Frankenstein,The Bride of Frankensteinoutshines its predecessor in many ways.It’s a masterpiece with better effects, better make-up, and much more of a compelling narrative. It features some of the most iconic performances in cinema, from the greatBoris Karloff’s heartbreaking portrayal of the lonely Monster toElsa Lanchester’s brief but memorable role as the titular Bride, whose appearance continues to influence pop culture. Though it’s not as scary as the other films on this list,The Bride of Frankensteinwill always be an essential horror classic.
Bride of Frankenstein
Directed by Sam Raimi
From the wickedly talented American filmmakerSam Raimicomes his greatest masterpiece,Evil Dead II, the 1987 splatter horror comedy. Considered by fans and critics to be the absolute peak of theEvil Deadfranchise, this iconic second installment is a wacky and bloody thrill ride that blows audiences away thanks to its bigger effects, more blood and gore, and heavier lean towards campy humor.
Evil Dead IIisthe ultimate horror comedy.It strikes the perfect balance of laughs and scary, providing some of the goofiest but also the creepiest moments in horror history. It’s endlessly rewatchable and, not to mention, it is elevated by the greatBruce Campbell, whose memorable lead performance as the capable final boy Ash Williams has become legendary in the genre. This one is too much fun not to enjoy and can be watched constantly throughout the years.
Evil Dead II
13’The Omen' (1976)
Directed by Richard Donner
One of the most compelling horror movies of the ’70s isRichard Donner’sThe Omen, a 1976 supernatural thriller starring the lateGregory Peck. Dripping with so much tension and dread, this classic tale has become significant to the genre, one that’s still spine-chilling and memorable today.
It has some truly haunting imagery, shocking death scenes, and some of the creepiest lines in horror cinema. Everything fromPeck’s masterful lead performanceto Donner’s excellent directing hasmadeThe Omena stand-out and one that horror lovers need to see. It’ll unsettle anyone watching it and leave them disturbed long after the credits roll.
12’Alien' (1979)
Directed by Ridley Scott
The timeless sci-fi horror classicAlienis a film that only gets better with age. Directed bySirRidley Scottand released in 1979, this remarkable slasher in space has never dwindled in popularity over the years, remaining one of the most influential and truly terrifying films in cinematic history.
With stellar effects that look like they were created today, flawless performances, competent direction, and Oscar-winning monster designs,Alienis, by all means, a horror masterpiece. It’s never lost its ability to scare audiences even as the years progress. The creature presented in the film, The Xenomorph, has become a staple of the genre and is still one of thescariest-looking creature designs ever. For those who haven’t seen it, Alien needs to be seen to fully appreciate all the creativity and magic brought in to make this film one of the all-time greats.
11’The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' (1974)
Directed by Tobe Hooper
Hailed as one of the greatest landmarks of horror cinema,Tobe Hooper’s groundbreaking 1974 classicThe Texas Chain Saw Massacrechanged the slasher subgenre for the better. Dark, gritty, and frighteningly realistic, this film never fails to scare, featuring some of the most unsettling imagery and chilling performances ever brought to the silver screen.
Though it wasn’t the first slasher,The Texas Chain Saw Massacreis one of the subgenre’s most influential films. It showed the potential these kinds of movies could do when trying to terrify audiences and can still leave people with chills today. Its story is timeless, the acting is superb, andthe direction and cinematography are Oscar-worthy, making this film necessary to watch for everyone who loves horror.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
10’Scream' (1996)
Directed by Wes Craven
Where would horror be today without the lateWes Craven? He was a true master of the genre, responsible for some of the beloved classics, likeThe Hills Have Eyes,The Last Houseon the Left, and one of his most iconic efforts,A Nightmare on Elm Street. But, for this list, it’s his game-changing 1996 slasher masterpieceScream, which has become wildly beloved by fans and one that has cemented his legacy.
Screamredefined horror during a stagnant period for the slasher subgenre. It blew audiences away with a decent mystery,an iconic and terrifying opening scene, and some of the best meta-humor ever.It’s funny and scary, making it a delightful watch to come back to constantly.For horror fans, this classic is significant to the genre and continues to be loved, watched, and appreciated year-round.
9’Predator' (1987)
Directed by John McTiernan
This next one might seem a bit odd to appear here, considering it’s often labeled more as a fun action movie, but 1987’sPredatorstill counts and deserves to be watched by all horror fans. It’s one ofthe most thrilling horrors of all time, a wildly entertaining film that starts out as an adrenaline-filled action flick and then pulls the rug right from under us as it switches to a gory slasher thriller.
Predatoris too much fun not to be watched. While, admittedly, it’s not the most perfectly made,it can still satisfy even those unfamiliar or not the biggest fans of horror movies, making it easily rewatchable. It stars what has to be one of the greatest, most likable casts in movie history, including kick-ass icons likeArnold Schwarzenegger,Jesse Ventura,Bill Duke, and the lateCarl Weathers.
8’The Shining' (1980)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
The greatStephen Kingis one of the most fascinating and iconic horror authors of our time. While the quality of his book-to-screen adaptations has fluctuated over the years, it’s widely considered that directorStanley Kubrick’s take on his popular novelThe Shiningis his all-time greatest film adaption, despite not being too faithful to the source material.
While it wasn’t a commercial success,The Shininghas become one of the most highly influential andmemorable horror flicks of the 20th century.It’s a true masterpiece: perfectly directed, intensely acted, and incredibly thought-provoking. There are scenes and performances here still studied and praised today. Of course, it’s a must-watch for horror fans because it’s so engaging. It’ll continue to be recognized throughout history as a horror classic that will never be forgotten.
The Shining
7’Halloween' (1978)
Directed by John Carpenter
The slasher subgenre was defined by a 1978 holiday-horror classic that continues to terrify audiences today.John Carpenter’sHalloweenis one of the most significant slasher films in history. This monumental game-changer not only popularized the idea but gave the subgenre some of its most beloved and recognizable tropes.
Carpenter’s talents at creating suspense and an unsettling atmosphere, combined with the iconic sets and characters, makeHalloweenan enduring classic that’s still frightening. Not to mention, this one introduced the world to perhapsthe most iconic slasher villainof them all, Michael Myers (Nick Castle), whose simple yet undeniably creepy appearance and haunting mask have become the stuff of nightmares for audiences for decades. This flick deserves to be watched by horror fans, as it never loses its scare factor.
6’Psycho' (1960)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
The original 1960Psychoisa slasher that deserves to be called a masterpiece. Created by the master of suspense himself,Sir Alfred Hitchcock, this one is a truly timeless icon of the horror genre, one that continues to influence filmmakers today. StarringAnthony PerkinsandJanet Leigh, its suspense and shocking twists are still incredible, making rewatches all the more enjoyable.
It’s a horror film with moments and scares that can never be replicated again, which is why the 1998 shot-for-shot remake directed byGus Van Santfailed spectacularly.It’s undoubtedly a must-watch for horror lovers, and honestly, for non-horror fans in general, because it’s that good and that important to cinema.
