150 best horror movies of all time
This is a best of list limited to 150 horror movies for true horror fans. I've seen over 1000 horror movies and this list contains my favourites. The list is ordered in order of my personal taste without crediting movies for their influence on the horror scene. Recommended sequels are added in the comments.
The criterium for getting on this list is that I have to want to see them again and want to buy them on DVD/Blu-ray. Commercial horror like "Interview with a vampire" or "World War Z" are excluded.
Among my favourite directers one will find Sam Raimi, Lucio Fulci, Rob Zombie, James Wan, Jean Rollin, Brian Yuzna, George a Romero, Lucky Mckee, Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Roger Corman, Pete Walker, Scott Derrickson, Freddie Francis, Terence Fisher and Jesus Franco. I hope my list will help horror fans finding new titles of great horror!
See also my other lists:
Best to worst of Jess / Jesus Franco
Best to worst horror movies of the 80s
Best to worst universal monster / horror movies (1923-1960)
The criterium for getting on this list is that I have to want to see them again and want to buy them on DVD/Blu-ray. Commercial horror like "Interview with a vampire" or "World War Z" are excluded.
Among my favourite directers one will find Sam Raimi, Lucio Fulci, Rob Zombie, James Wan, Jean Rollin, Brian Yuzna, George a Romero, Lucky Mckee, Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Roger Corman, Pete Walker, Scott Derrickson, Freddie Francis, Terence Fisher and Jesus Franco. I hope my list will help horror fans finding new titles of great horror!
See also my other lists:
Best to worst of Jess / Jesus Franco
Best to worst horror movies of the 80s
Best to worst universal monster / horror movies (1923-1960)
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150 titles
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsBruce CampbellEllen SandweissRichard DeManincorFive friends travel to a cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.This movie started my love for horror. Sam Raimi prooved to be one of the best horror directors by creating this great trilogy about human possession, demons and the book of the Dead. Essential sequels are Evil Dead II (1987) and Army of Darkness (1992).
- DirectorScott DerricksonStarsEthan HawkeJuliet RylanceJames RansoneA controversial true-crime writer finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.Sinister may be the most frightening movie up to date. Haunting and disturbing! It combines graphic deaths with the supernatural. Essential sequel is Sinister 2 (2015).
- DirectorLucio FulciStarsCatriona MacCollDavid WarbeckCinzia MonrealeA young woman inherits an old hotel in Louisiana where, following a series of supernatural "accidents", she learns that the building was built over one of the entrances to Hell.This one is by far my favourite horror from Italy. Most Italian horror flics suffer from dubbed vocals and sometime mediocre acting, but anyone who can see through these minor problems will find one of the best horror movies of all time. The master piece of Lucio Fulci.
- DirectorRob ZombieStarsSid HaigKaren BlackBill MoseleyTwo young couples traveling across the backwoods of Texas searching for urban legends of murder end up as prisoners of a bizarre and sadistic backwater family of serial killers.Often describes as a "sickening" horror. This movie combines the paranoia of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre with many other horror themes like horror clowns and crazy surgeons. An hommage to all horror. Welcome to the crazy world of Rob Zombie! Essential sequel is The Devil's Rejects (2005), which is often more highly regarded.
- DirectorAntonio MargheritiSergio CorbucciStarsBarbara SteeleGeorges RivièreMargrete RobsahmA journalist takes a bet that he can spend the night in a haunted castle on All Hallow's Eve. During his stay, he bears witness to the castle's gruesome past coming to life before him, and falls in love with a beautiful female ghost.My favourite 60s horror with great haunting atmosphere based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe.
- DirectorJaume BalagueróPaco PlazaStarsManuela VelascoFerran TerrazaJorge-Yamam SerranoA television reporter and cameraman follow emergency workers into a dark apartment building and are quickly locked inside with something terrifying.Great found footage zombie movie from Spain. Essential sequel is [Rec]2.
- DirectorGeorge A. RomeroStarsDuane JonesJudith O'DeaKarl HardmanA ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the Northeast of the United States.This low budget movie gave George A Romero a steady place in the horror hall of fame! The first zombie movie whereby zombies where not controlled by voodoo, but where individual undead creatures.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsJack NicholsonShelley DuvallDanny LloydA family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.Stanly Kubrick's version of Stephen King's "The Shining" may not be missed in any top horror list!
- DirectorJames WanStarsPatrick WilsonRose ByrneTy SimpkinsA family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.A collaboration of James Wan and the makers of Paranormal Activity! The insidious series brought possession movies to a higher level of intelligence. Essential sequels are Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) and Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015).
- DirectorColin MinihanStuart OrtizThe Vicious BrothersStarsBenjamin WilkinsonSean RogersonAshleigh GryzkoFor their ghost hunting reality show, a production crew locks themselves inside an abandoned mental hospital that's supposedly haunted - and it might prove to be all too true.A found footage horror which takes place in an abandoned asylum. Especially recommended for fans of Paranormal Activity.
- DirectorFrank DarabontStarsThomas JaneMarcia Gay HardenLaurie HoldenA freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of citizens hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives.Great story of Stephen King about a mist containing giant insects and monstrosity's from beyond!
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsColin CliveMae ClarkeBoris KarloffDr Henry Frankenstein is obsessed with assembling a living being from parts of several exhumed corpses.The first talky of Frankenstein was a landmark for horror. James Whale prooved te be talented horror director in the 30s with also the Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and The Old Dark House.
Essential sequels are: Bride of Frankenstein, Son of Frankenstein and Ghost of Frankenstein. - DirectorOren PeliStarsKatie FeatherstonMicah SloatMark FredrichsAfter moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.The Blair Witch Project may have been the first found footage film: it was not until Paranormal Activity that these movies became really interesting! Great haunted house/person movie. Essential sequel are Paranormal Activity 3 (2011) and Paranormal Activity 5: The MarkedOnes.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsAlison LohmanJustin LongRuth LivierA loan officer who evicts an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.Sam Raimi prooves with Drag me to Hell that he hasn't forgotten how to make great horror movies! Great reminder of the Evil Dead!
- DirectorJames WanStarsPatrick WilsonVera FarmigaRon LivingstonParanormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.A realistic and frightening haunted house movie from the director of Insidious, Death Silence and Saw. See also The Conjuring 2 (2016) and Annabelle: Creation (2017).
- DirectorFreddie FrancisStarsPeter CushingPatrick WymarkChristopher LeeA collector comes into possession of the skull of the Marquis de Sade and learns it is possessed by an evil spirit.Britain had two succesful horror production studios in the 60s and 70s: Hammer and Amicus, although Hammer was far more productive. This is my favourite Amicus movie which may contain the best acting of Peter Cushing is his whole career. This movie contains typical 60s material like grave digging and satanism, but stands out because of the great dark atmosphere.
- DirectorEli CraigStarsTyler LabineAlan TudykKatrina BowdenAffable hillbillies Tucker and Dale are on vacation at their dilapidated mountain cabin when they are mistaken for murderers by a group of preppy college students.Maybe the best horror parody ever made! This one gives a comic touch to the "cabin in the woods" theme.
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsShauna MacdonaldNatalie MendozaAlex ReidA caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.Caving can be really scary!
- DirectorDouglas McKeownStarsCharles George HildebrandtTom DeFrancoRichard Lee PorterAlien creatures invade a small town and four teenagers, along with a young boy, attempt to escape from them.Low-budget monster movie which turned out to be great! A cult classic.
- DirectorMario BavaStarsMichèle MercierLidia AlfonsiBoris KarloffBoris Karloff hosts a trio of horror stories concerning a stalked call girl, a vampire-like monster who preys on his family, and a nurse who is haunted by her ring's rightful owner.A technical and stylistic cinematic masterpiece. This horror anthology may be the best work delivered by Mario Bava; one of the three great Italian horror directors (The other two are Lucio Fulci and Dario Argento).
- DirectorMary LambertStarsDale MidkiffDenise CrosbyFred GwynneAfter tragedy strikes, a grieving father discovers an ancient burial ground behind his home with the power to raise the dead.A classic Stephen King movie!
- DirectorLucky McKeeStarsPollyanna McIntoshBrandon Gerald FullerLauren Ashley CarterWhen a successful country lawyer captures and attempts to "civilize" the last remaining member of a violent clan that has roamed the Northeast coast for decades, he puts the lives of his family in jeopardy.Original movie of Lucky Mckee about a wild woman who became imprissoned.
- DirectorJosé Ramón LarrazStarsMarianne MorrisAnulka DziubinskaMurray BrownA pair of women lure passers-by to their countryside mansion to feed on them to satisfy their need for blood.Vampyres is a highlight within the lesbian vampire sub genre. Great atmosphere and beautiful women.
- StarsRichard ThomasTim ReidAnnette O'TooleIn 1960, seven pre-teen outcasts fight an evil demon who poses as a child-killing clown. Thirty years later, they reunite to stop the demon once and for all when it returns to their hometown.Despite it's weak ending "It" remains a favourite among most horror fans. No other horror movie succeeded this good with scary clowns.
- DirectorDan O'BannonStarsClu GulagerJames KarenDon CalfaWhen two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies.Comedy and horror goes hand in hand in The Return of The Living Dead. The Zombie's are more smart then usual and are looking for brains! Essential sequel is Return of the Living Dead III (1993).
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsBoris KarloffBela LugosiHenry DaniellA ruthless doctor and his young prize student find themselves continually harassed by their murderous supplier of illegal cadavers.Many of the best horror movies in the 40s were produced by Val Lewton. This Val Lewton production is about graverobbing for medical purpose. Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) played a perfect role as the sinister gravedigger.
- DirectorGeorge A. RomeroStarsLori CardilleTerry AlexanderJoseph PilatoAs the world is overrun by zombies, a group of scientists and military personnel sheltering in an underground bunker in Florida must decide on how they should deal with the undead horde.George A Romero tried to contain his leading role within the world of zombies. Within the mid 80s there were much more possibilities for gore!
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsDavid NaughtonJenny AgutterJoe BelcherTwo American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.1981 was one damned good year for werewolf movies. Both "An American Werewolf in London" and "The Howling" were released on the horror audiences. This one is half comedy, half horror. By far the best werewolf movie from the 80s.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingChristopher LeeMichael GoughWhen Jonathan Harker rouses the ire of Count Dracula for accepting a job at the vampire's castle under false pretenses, his friend Dr. Van Helsing pursues the predatory villain.This is the first of the Hammer Dracula series and contained Cristopher Lee as Dracula; a role he played several times during the next years. It also contained Peter Cushing as dr Van Helsing. Two of the greatest horror actors ever! Essential sequels are Brides of Dracula (1960), Dracula: Prince of Darkness (1966), Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968) and Scars of Dracula (1970).
- DirectorClive BarkerStarsAndrew RobinsonClare HigginsAshley LaurenceA woman discovers the newly resurrected, partially formed, body of her brother-in-law and lover. She starts killing for him to revitalize his body and escape the demonic beings that are pursuing him after he escaped their underworld.Hellraiser managed to create a unique dark atmosphere by creating a world whereby hell and reallife comes together. Great monsters and gore. Essential sequel are Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) and Hellraiser: Inferno (2000).
- DirectorJames DeMonacoStarsEthan HawkeLena HeadeyMax BurkholderA wealthy family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legal.What if crime and murder was legal for one day in a year? Very good and original movie. Essential sequels are The Purge: Anarchy (2014) and The Purge: Election Year (2016).
- DirectorAlexandre AjaStarsTed LevineKathleen QuinlanDan ByrdA traveling family falls victim to a group of mutated cannibals in a desert far away from civilization.This movie was actual better then the original! Great movie about a family that gets lost in the dessert and haunted by misfigured people.
- DirectorJames WanStarsRyan KwantenAmber VallettaDonnie WahlbergAfter his wife meets a grisly end, Jamie Ashen returns to his hometown of Ravens Fair to find answers. His investigation leads him to the ghost of a ventriloquist named Mary Shaw who seems to have ties to his entire family treeThis is my favourite horror doll movie. Another movie from one of the best 21 century directors: James Wan
- DirectorLucio FulciStarsTisa FarrowIan McCullochRichard JohnsonStrangers searching for a young woman's missing father arrive at a tropical island where a doctor desperately seeks the cause and cure of a recent epidemic of the undead.An unofficial sequel to Dawn of the Dead. Lucio Fulci shows his skills as the godfather of gore.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingHazel CourtRobert UrquhartWhile awaiting execution for murder, Baron Victor Frankenstein tells the story of a creature he built and brought to life - only for it to behave not as he intended.The movie that made Hammer production big. Like the Dracula series there a many sequels to this movie. Essential sequels are The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958), The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) and Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974).
- DirectorRob ZombieStarsScout Taylor-ComptonMalcolm McDowellTyler ManeAfter being committed for 15 years, Michael Myers, now a grown man and still very dangerous, escapes from the mental institution and immediately returns to Haddonfield to find his baby sister, Laurie.Great remake of Rob Zombie of Halloween. This version made me like the Halloween movies. Essential sequel is Halloween II (2009).
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsMarilyn BurnsEdwin NealAllen DanzigerFive friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.Tobe Hooper braught real paranoia to the world of horror. Killers and maniac's didn't need a reason anymore for their killing spree! Essential sequel is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986).
- DirectorJames WanStarsCary ElwesLeigh WhannellDanny GloverTwo strangers awaken in a room with no recollection of how they got there, and soon discover they're pawns in a deadly game perpetrated by a notorious serial killer.James Wan's first movie was an instant hit and brought horror to new accepted levels of graphic gore. The beginning of what later on was called "torture porn". This movie was not just torturing however, but combined puzzles and scary doll robots with lots of tension. Essential sequel is Saw II (2005).
- DirectorRoger CormanStarsVincent PriceMark DamonMyrna FaheyUpon entering his fiancée's family mansion, a man discovers a savage family curse and fears that his future brother-in-law has entombed his bride-to-be prematurely.Roger Corman made several adaptions of Edgar Allen Poe with Vincent Price as the main actor. The (Fall of the) House of Usher is one of the best. Vincent Price plays one of his best roles as one of last remaining members of the Usher family.
- DirectorJean-Baptiste AndreaFabrice CanepaStarsRay WiseLin ShayeMick CainChristmas Eve. On his way to his in-laws with his family, Frank Harrington decides to try a shortcut, for the first time in 20 years. It turns out to be the biggest mistake of his life.Great horror movie about a never-ending road.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsAnthony PerkinsJanet LeighVera MilesA Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.This famous early slasher movie by Alfred Hitchcock had a big impact on the horror cinema. Some of the scenes like the "shower scene" are welknown even by people who haven't seen the actual movie. Schizophrenic behaviour and stiffened animals were introduced in the world of horror. A must-see for horror fans. Essential sequel is Psycho II (1983).
- DirectorJennifer KentStarsEssie DavisNoah WisemanDaniel HenshallA single mother and her child fall into a deep well of paranoia when an eerie children's book titled "Mister Babadook" manifests in their home.The Babadook has a genuine atmosphere and the mother-child relationship is done very well in this movie about a boogeyman from a children's book.
- DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsDane DeHaanJason IsaacsMia GothAn ambitious young executive is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from an idyllic but mysterious "wellness center" at a remote location in the Swiss Alps, but soon suspects that the spa's treatments are not what they seem.A wellness clinic is not what it seems on first sight.
- DirectorSergio MartinoStarsSuzy KendallTina AumontLuc MerendaA string of appalling lust murders shocks the University of Perugia as a sadistic serial killer strangles to death beautiful college girls with a red and black scarf.Very good giallo horror from Sergio Martino. Very similar in styl with some 80s slasher movies, although more stylished like most Italian movies.
- DirectorStuart GordonStarsJeffrey CombsBarbara CramptonTed SorelA group of scientists have developed the Resonator, a machine which allows whoever is within range to see beyond normal perceptible reality. But when the experiment succeeds, they are immediately attacked by terrible life forms.Fans of Hellraiser should also check this one out. A colorful movie that shows the thin line between horror and fantasy.
- DirectorJean RollinStarsMarie-Pierre CastelMireille DargentPhilippe GastéTwo girls on the run get lost in the French countryside, and wind up in a haunted chateau occupied by an ailing vampire and his servants.Another great gothic vampire movie by Jean Rollin. Also known as Requiem for a Vampire. Fans of this movie should check out his other movies in the 70s.
- DirectorFreddie FrancisStarsJanette ScottOliver ReedSheila BurrellA man long believed dead returns to the family estate to claim his inheritance.A forgotton cult film which resembles "Psycho".
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsKurt RussellWilford BrimleyKeith DavidA research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.Without doubt the best movie of John Carpenter! Great sci-fi horror with great monstrosities.
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffMelvyn DouglasCharles LaughtonSeeking shelter from a storm, five travelers are in for a bizarre and terrifying night when they stumble upon the Femm family estate.Great movie of James Whale (Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man). This is not a haunted house movie, but just a house full of excentric figures going mad!
- DirectorAri AsterStarsToni ColletteMilly ShapiroGabriel ByrneA grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.
- DirectorDon CoscarelliStarsA. Michael BaldwinBill ThornburyReggie BannisterA teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.Great phantasyhorror with genuine atmosphere and thrills. Essential sequel is Phantasm II (1988).
- DirectorWes CravenStarsMaren JensenSharon StoneSusan BucknerAfter her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, a widow becomes increasingly paranoid of the neighboring religious community that may have diabolical plans for her.My favourite movie of Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, Last House on the Left) is about a severe religious farmer community. Outsiders are not welcome and things go wild after some deaths.
- DirectorPascal LaugierStarsMorjana AlaouiMylène JampanoïCatherine BéginA young woman's quest for revenge against the people who kidnapped and tormented her as a child leads her and a friend, who is also a victim of child abuse, on a terrifying journey into a living hell of depravity.This one is even horrifying for experienced horror fans. A physical and psychological torture movie.
- DirectorSean S. CunninghamStarsBetsy PalmerAdrienne KingJeannine TaylorA group of teenage camp counselors attempt to re-open an abandoned summer camp with a tragic past, but they are stalked by a mysterious, relentless killer.For understanding the quality of Friday the 13th you must see at least a few sequels and maybe you will understand why the Friday the 13th franchise was commercially the most succesfull horror franchise till today. It was because of Halloween and this movie that the slasher subgenre exploded in the beginning of the 80s. Essential sequels are Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) and Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984).
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsDonald PleasenceJamie Lee CurtisTony MoranFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.Although I prefer the remake, I cannot deny the big impact of Halloween on the slasher scene and horror in general. Essential sequels are Halloween II (1981) and Halloween 5 (1989).
- DirectorDarren Lynn BousmanStarsRebecca De MornayJaime KingShawn AshmoreThe sadistic members of a villainous family return to their childhood home to terrorize the new home owners and their guests.Mother's day is a psychological thrill, whereby the bond of mother and children has a special role.
- DirectorJulia DucournauStarsGarance MarillierElla RumpfRabah Nait OufellaA young woman, studying to be a vet, develops a craving for human flesh.French horror movie on a student campus.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsOlivia DeJongeEd OxenbouldDeanna DunaganTwo siblings become increasingly frightened by their grandparents' disturbing behavior while visiting them on vacation.Original shockumentary made by children about their week by their grand parents who show all kind of strange behaviour.
- DirectorJohn Llewellyn MoxeyStarsPatricia JesselDennis LotisChristopher LeeA young college student arrives in a sleepy Massachusetts town to research witchcraft; during her stay at an eerie inn, she discovers a startling secret about the town and its inhabitants.Dark atmospheric movie about witchcraft.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsBill PullmanCathy TysonZakes MokaeAn anthropologist goes to Haiti after hearing rumors about a drug used by black magic practitioners to turn people into zombies.Great voodoo horror of the director of Scream and Nightmare on Elmstreet.
- DirectorPatrick LussierStarsJensen AcklesJaime KingKerr SmithTom returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's night massacre that claimed the lives of 22 people. Instead of a homecoming, Tom finds himself suspected of committing the murders, and it seems like his old flame is the only one that believes he's innocent.Good remake of My Bloody Valentine (1981).
- DirectorJesús FrancoStarsConrado San MartínDiana LorysHoward VernonDr. Orlof, a former prison doctor, abducts beautiful women from nightclubs and tries to use their skin to repair his daughter's fire-scarred face.Early Spanish horror movie by Jesus Franco wich had much in common with Eyes Without a Face and Frankenstein. Great atmosphere! Also known as The Awful dr Orloff. Essential sequel is Diabolical Dr. Z (1966).
- DirectorPeter CornwellStarsVirginia MadsenMartin DonovanElias KoteasAfter a family is forced to relocate for their son's health, they begin experiencing supernatural behavior in their new home, and uncover a sinister history.One of the few horror about necromancy; not the standard type of haunting house movie.
- DirectorFred DekkerStarsJason LivelyTom AtkinsSteve MarshallAlien brain parasites, entering humans through the mouth, turn their host into a killing zombie. Some teenagers start to fight against them.Good horror comedy which reminds of Return of The Living Dead.
- DirectorMikael HåfströmStarsJohn CusackSamuel L. JacksonMary McCormackA man who specialises in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.A modern adaptation of a Stephen King story. This story gives a fresh approach upon haunting places.
- DirectorPete WalkerStarsAnthony SharpSusan PenhaligonStephanie BeachamThe story follows a young woman, who seeks out his church. There, she is manipulated into giving confession to Father Xavier Meldrum. Meldrum uses his status and crazed persistence to work his way into Jenny's life by any means necessary.The House of Mortal Sin of Pete Walker gives an interesting view about moral authority and the weakness of the flesh and how easily this combination can lead to abuse by priests.
- DirectorMike FlanaganStarsKaren GillanBrenton ThwaitesKatee SackhoffA recently released inmate from a mental asylum learns from his sister that the murders he was convicted of committing were actually orchestrated by a supernatural entity, the Lasser Glass mirror.Oculus is a real thrill and does succeed in prevailing mirror horror clichees.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsSigourney WeaverTom SkerrittJohn HurtThe crew of a commercial spacecraft encounters a deadly lifeform after investigating a mysterious transmission of unknown origin.Alien may be the most well-known sci-fi horror. Although the sequels became over-the-top action movies this one succeeded much more on gore and mystery.
- DirectorRob ZombieStarsMalcolm McDowellRichard BrakeJeff Daniel PhillipsFive carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, hellish compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns.Rob Zombi's 31 is an over the top "Most Dangerous Game" rip off, with very excentric clowns. Don't expect realistic conversations, but just a fun ride with some very memorable scenes.
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsChristopher LeeCharles GrayNike ArrighiDevil worshipers plan to convert two new victims.The favourite Hammer movie of Cristopher Lee. This one deals with satanic sects. Some of the special effect feel dated, but still this movie manages to survive the test of time.
- DirectorDario ArgentoStarsJessica HarperStefania CasiniFlavio BucciAn American newcomer to a prestigious German ballet academy comes to realize that the school is a front for something sinister amid a series of grisly murders.Highly stylished Italian horror flic. The most well-known movie of Dario Argento
- DirectorTi WestStarsJoe SwanbergAJ BowenKentucker AudleyA news team trails a man as he travels into the world of Eden Parish to find his missing sister, where it becomes apparent that this paradise may not be as it seems.Found footage based on a true story about a sect living seemingly peaceful lives in a jungle village.
- DirectorStephen ChiodoStarsGrant CramerSuzanne SnyderJohn Allen NelsonAliens who look like clowns come from outer space and terrorize a small town.Much better than I expected! Very original and intelligent horror comedy.
- DirectorPeter SykesDon SharpStarsRichard WidmarkChristopher LeeHonor BlackmanAn American occult novelist battles to save the soul of a young girl from a group of Satanists, led by an excommunicated priest, who plan on using her as the representative of the Devil on Earth.Last of the "classic" hammer studios and far better then I expected. A far more extreme version of "The Devil Rides Out".
- DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsBill SkarsgårdJaeden MartellFinn WolfhardIn the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.Very decent remake of It.
- DirectorTed GeogheganStarsAndrew SensenigBarbara CramptonLarry FessendenIn the cold, wintery fields of New England, a lonely old house wakes up every thirty years - and demands a sacrifice.Great haunted house movie.
- DirectorTi WestStarsSara PaxtonPat HealyKelly McGillisDuring the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel's haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.Subtle haunted hotel movie with great acting by upcoming director Ti West (House of the Devil, The Sacrament)
- DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffMelvyn DouglasCharles LaughtonSeeking shelter from a storm, five travelers are in for a bizarre and terrifying night when they stumble upon the Femm family estate.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsEllen BurstynMax von SydowLinda BlairWhen a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.Essential exorcism movie. Needs no further explanation! Essential sequel is The Exorcist III (1990).
- DirectorStuart GordonStarsJeffrey CombsBruce AbbottBarbara CramptonAfter an odd new medical student arrives on campus, a dedicated local and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue.The Re-Animator trilogy belongs to the horror finest movies. The collaboration of Stuart Gordon and Brian Yuzna seemed to work out great in these movies about mad science projects about re-animating the dead or just dead body parts. Essential sequels are Bride of Re-animator (1989) and Beyond Re-Animator (2003).
- DirectorHarold YoungStarsLon Chaney Jr.Dick ForanJohn HubbardThe ancient Egypt Mummy, Kharis, is transported from his homeland with the high priest Mehemet to wreak vengeance on the family who has defiled the sacred tomb of his beloved Princess Ananka.Althought "The Mummy" portrayed by Boris Karloff should be seen as a true classic the later mummy movies focussed more on the horror aspects of these Egyptian undead walkers and should not be missed by fans of horror.
See also The Mummy's Ghost and The Mummy's Curse (my favourite). - DirectorStuart RosenbergStarsJames BrolinMargot KidderRod SteigerNewlyweds and their three children move into a large house where a mass murder was committed. They start to experience strange, inexplicable manifestations which have strong effects on everyone living in or visiting the house.The original Amityville Horror may be the best haunted house movie ever made. Be sure you don't watch the remake however; that one is quiet boring!
- DirectorJosé Mojica MarinsStarsJosé Mojica MarinsTina WohlersNadia FreitasAfter the events of the previous film, Coffin Joe continues to seek a maiden to give him a son. With the help of servant Bruno, he kidnaps six girls from a village. Which one of them will pass his trials of fear?The Coffin Joe series are cult horror movies from Brazil. Although the production quality is weak, the directing styl is very interesting and these movies were really horrifying for there time. Contains a lot of sadism and paranoia. This is the defining movie around Coffin Joe.
- DirectorRoy Ward BakerStarsBarbara ParkinsRichard ToddSylvia SymsIn order to secure a job at a mental institution, a young psychiatrist must interview four patients inside the asylum.Amicus Horror specialized in portmanteau horror anthologies. In this movie some stories of hospitalized psychiatric patients are told within a longer story.
- DirectorDavid SchmoellerStarsPaul Le MatWilliam HickeyIrene MiraclePsychics find themselves plotted against by a former colleague, who committed suicide after discovering animated, murderous puppets.Very atmospheric doll movie. Essential sequel is Puppet Master II (1990) and Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge.
- DirectorJohn GillingStarsAndré MorellDiane ClareBrook WilliamsDuring a mysterious epidemic in a small Cornish village, the local doctor summons his professor friend for help.Old hammer classic. One of the best voodoo-zombie flics.
- DirectorMike FlanaganStarsElizabeth ReaserLulu WilsonAnnalise BassoIn 1967 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business by inviting an evil presence into their home, not realizing how dangerous it is.Great sequel of the maker of Oculus. Don't miss it because of the weak first installment "Ouija".
- DirectorJoe D'AmatoStarsTisa FarrowSaverio ValloneSerena GrandiA group of friends and a hitchhiker become stranded on a tourist island where they are stalked by a disfigured cannibalistic killer who is prowling the island after killing its residents.Great Italian slasher movie of cult director Joe D'Amato. One of the most sought-after banned video's! Be sure you watch an uncut version and no "grim reaper" cutted editions.
- DirectorRobert HeathStarsTom KaneLiam BoyleJack GordonYoung British boys and girls travel to an isolated cabin after being promised a night of heavy partying. Instead of the fun they hoped for, they meet a killer out to reap vengeance on them for the death of his brother.Truth or Dare stands between torture porn (which it isn't) and slasher movies. It's in the same mindset as "Among Friends" and "Panic Button".
- DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsAdam ScottToni ColletteDavid KoechnerA boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.Best Christmas horror ever made.
- DirectorPete WalkerStarsRupert DaviesSheila KeithDeborah FairfaxAfter escaping a death sentence for her hideous crimes, a seemingly rehabilitated woman settles in an isolated farmhouse with her husband, only to ache, once more, for blood, and a crash-course in surgery. Is, indeed, her old self back?Pete Walker's Frightmare gives an insight in family pathology: how insane family members can influence the sane.
- DirectorJohn KrasinskiStarsEmily BluntJohn KrasinskiMillicent SimmondsA family struggles for survival in a world where most humans have been killed by blind but noise-sensitive creatures. They are forced to communicate in sign language to keep the creatures at bay.
- DirectorRobert FuestStarsVincent PriceJoseph CottenVirginia NorthDoctor, scientist, organist, and biblical scholar Anton Phibes seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for the death of his wife.Classic horror that resembles the Phantom of the Opera.
- DirectorJordan PeeleStarsLupita Nyong'oWinston DukeElisabeth MossAdelaide Wilson and her family are attacked by mysterious figures dressed in red. Upon closer inspection, the Wilsons realize that the intruders are exact lookalikes of them.From the director of 'Get Out'.
- DirectorTobe HooperStarsElizabeth BerridgeShawn CarsonJeanne AustinFour teenagers visit a local carnival for a night of innocent amusement, but soon discover that nothing there is innocent or amusing.Great carnival atmosphere in this movie from the director of The Texas Chainsaw massacre.
- DirectorSean ByrneStarsXavier SamuelRobin McLeavyJohn BrumptonWhen Brent turns down his classmate Lola's invitation to the prom, she concocts a wildly violent plan for revenge.A modern take with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre like styl.
- DirectorMario BavaStarsBarbara SteeleJohn RichardsonAndrea ChecchiA vengeful witch and her fiendish servant return from the grave and begin a bloody campaign to possess the body of the witch's beautiful look-alike descendant.The Mask of Satan aka Black Sunday was the directorial debut of Mario Bava. This was the beginning of the great Italian horror era from 1960 to the 80s with Mario Bava, Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci.
- DirectorÉric TessierStarsMarc-André GrondinNormand D'AmourSonia Vachon5150 ELM'S WAY is located at end of a quiet street in a small town. When Yannick fell off his bike.A French horror movie about a serial killer with a passion for chess. Very original and strange movie.
- DirectorTod BrowningStarsWallace FordLeila HyamsOlga BaclanovaA circus' beautiful trapeze artist agrees to marry the leader of side-show performers, but his deformed friends discover she is only marrying him for his inheritance.Controversial movie from the 30' because of the use of disformed people as actors. Very influential however on the horror scene, especially for the American Horror Story serie.
- DirectorWes CravenStarsHeather LangenkampJohnny DeppRobert EnglundTeenager Nancy Thompson must uncover the dark truth concealed by her parents after she and her friends become targets of the spirit of a serial killer with a bladed glove in their dreams, in which if they die, it kills them in real life.Classic horror fantasy from Wes Craven. Using dreams/ nightmares as a deathscene offers lots of opportunities for great horror. Essential sequels are A Nightmare on Elm street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985), A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) and New Nightmare (1994).