The horror genre has always captivated audiences, tapping into our primal fears and exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. From the eerie silence of early cinema to the modern-day psychological thrillers, horror movies have evolved, but their core remains the same: to evoke fear and thrill. For casual fans looking to dive deeper into the genre, here’s a guide to some of the most important horror movies in history.
While this website and much of my life has to do with the written word, of course, I love horror movies. Horror movies are an essential part of my brain, my creative process, and where ideas can start to form.
1. Nosferatu (1922)
One cannot discuss horror without mentioning "Nosferatu," directed by F.W. Murnau. This silent film is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and despite its legal controversies, it remains a cornerstone of horror cinema. Max Schreck's portrayal of Count Orlok, with his unnervingly elongated features and creepy demeanor, set a precedent for vampire films. The film's expressionistic style and haunting visuals continue to influence horror filmmakers to this day.
A remake of this is coming out in 2024. So far, the trailers make it look pretty terrific, but we shall see. It's directed by Rober Eggers who did great movies like The Witch and The Lighthouse, so here's hoping.
HONORABLE MENTION: "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari."
2. Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" redefined horror, blending psychological suspense with shocking violence. The infamous shower scene, where Janet Leigh's character meets her demise, is one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history. Anthony Perkins' portrayal of Norman Bates, a seemingly mild-mannered motel owner with a sinister secret, brought psychological horror into the mainstream. "Psycho" demonstrated that horror could be grounded in real-world fears and psychological complexities. The movie also became the blueprint for what eventually turned into the slasher genre.
3. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" revolutionized the horror genre by introducing the modern zombie. This low-budget film was groundbreaking in its depiction of societal breakdown and gore. Romero used the zombie apocalypse as a metaphor for contemporary social issues, creating a narrative that was both terrifying and thought-provoking. The film's raw, documentary-style approach added to its sense of realism and horror.
There had been movies that dealt with the undead and even a few that dabbled with the idea of zombies. However, nothing changed the genre, or created the modern idea of zombies more than this one.
4. The Exorcist (1973)
William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" is often cited as one of the scariest movies ever made. The story of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity, and the desperate attempts to save her through an exorcism, terrified audiences worldwide. The film's disturbing imagery, intense performances, and eerie sound design created a visceral experience that left a lasting impact. "The Exorcist" pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in horror cinema, making it a cultural phenomenon.
This helped usher in a whole bunch of satanic movies. It as followed by The Omen, for example, and so many others. By the way skip the dreadful Exorcist II: The Heretic and go right to the truly superb Exorcist III which still has one of the greatest movie jumpscares of all time.
5. Halloween (1978)
John Carpenter's "Halloween" introduced the world to Michael Myers, a masked killer who stalks babysitters in the quiet town of Haddonfield. This film is a masterclass in building suspense and creating an atmosphere of dread. Carpenter's use of first-person perspective, combined with the minimalist yet chilling musical score, set a new standard for slasher films. "Halloween" spawned numerous sequels and imitators, cementing its place in horror history.
Psycho may have laid out the blueprint for slasher films, but Halloween (and John Carpenter) build the mansion on top of that foundation. This movie holds up, will always hold up, and remains genuinely scary.
6. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's "The Shining" is a haunting exploration of madness and isolation. Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance, a writer who descends into madness while caretaking a remote hotel, is both terrifying and mesmerizing. The film's unsettling imagery, including the infamous twin girls and the blood-filled elevator, creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. "The Shining" is a testament to Kubrick's meticulous craftsmanship and ability to evoke terror.
Personally, this movie terrified me as a child. King reportedly hated it, and says he still can't understand why so many people love it, but sometimes you are too close to a thing to see how great it is.
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" introduced Freddy Krueger, a monstrous figure who haunts teenagers' dreams, turning their nightmares into deadly reality. This film cleverly blurs the line between dreams and reality, creating a sense of disorientation and fear. Robert Englund's portrayal of Freddy, with his burned face and razor-glove, became an icon of horror. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" revitalized the slasher genre and spawned a successful franchise.
8. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Jonathan Demme's "The Silence of the Lambs" is a psychological horror-thriller that transcended genre boundaries, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Anthony Hopkins' chilling performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but cannibalistic psychiatrist, is unforgettable. The film's intense narrative, focusing on FBI agent Clarice Starling's pursuit of a serial killer, explores themes of fear, manipulation, and human depravity. "The Silence of the Lambs" proved that horror could be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
9. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
"The Blair Witch Project," directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, is a pioneer of the found-footage subgenre. This low-budget film follows a group of documentary filmmakers who disappear while investigating a local legend. The film's marketing campaign, which presented it as real footage, added to its mystique and horror. Its minimalist approach, relying on suggestion and psychological terror rather than explicit gore, made it a cultural phenomenon and inspired a new wave of found-footage horror films.
A lot of people gave this movie crap when it came out and probably more do today, as well. However, I will always defend this movie as a horror classic. It scared me and I have rewatched it since and it can still scare me.
10. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele's "Get Out" is a modern masterpiece that blends horror with social commentary. The film follows Chris, a young African American man who uncovers a disturbing secret while visiting his white girlfriend's family. "Get Out" tackles themes of racism and exploitation, using horror to reflect real-world anxieties. Peele's sharp writing and direction, combined with stellar performances, created a film that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. "Get Out" marked a significant moment in horror cinema, demonstrating the genre's potential for profound social critique.
Some other movies that paved the way, and did something unique for the genre include:
Phantasm
Suspiria
Saw (whether you like it or not)
Dracula (1939)
Fankenstein
Bride of Frankenstein
The Witch
Hereditary
Alien
The Thing
Conclusion
These films represent just a fraction of the rich and varied history of horror cinema. Each one has left an indelible mark on the genre, pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to scare and engage audiences. For casual fans, these movies are essential viewing, offering a glimpse into the evolution of horror and its enduring appeal. Whether you prefer psychological thrillers, supernatural tales, or slasher flicks, the horror genre has something to offer everyone. So dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be terrified by the best the genre has to offer.
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