Welcome to the Ultimate Horror Collection
This “Best Horror Movies of All Time” collection is actually the synopsis of 10 other amazingly terrifying journeys we took. Each of them explored the horrors of a selected era or decade of Cinema, and without the experiences we gathered through them, building this collection would have been just too complex to undertake.
Does “All Time” actually mean “All Time” to You?
In our dictionary, “All Time” means just that: From the latest to the earliest. In cinematic terms that would be: From the current decade, all the way back to the dawn of Cinema aka Silent Era.
Thus, on this journey, we will visit the horror movies of every single era of World Cinema, not just a selected few – and we’ll do so in a reversed chronology.
So brace yourself, for you’re about to encounter silent fright fests, early talkie horrors, supernatural thrillers, psychological horrors, found footage scares, vintage and contemporary monster movies, and everything in between.
Every era and every subgenre of horror you can imagine will manifest right here. Get ready to embark on a spine-chilling journey through the depths of World Cinema’s terrifying tales, spanning from most recent pulse-pounding nightmares to the the earliest bone-chilling classics.
Let’s keep the balance between the decades!
It is debatable, whether the horror films of some cinematic eras are more significant than others. Well, we don’t debate. Instead, we decided to keep a perfect balance between them.
Every era or decade got three spots on our list. That’s it, no exceptions.
This is a reverse chronology list!
This is not a worst-to-best nor best-to-worst list. It presents the horror films we handpicked in a reverse chronology, based on their release dates. If you decide to watch them all in this order, you will embark on a true time-travel experience, starting with the most recent films and journeying back through the years.
Prepare yourself for a unique exploration of horror history as we navigate through the terrifying tales of the past, gradually unveiling the roots and evolution of the genre.
Revealing the 30 Best Horror Movies of All Time
Presented from Newest to Oldest
– 3 movies from each decade –
2010s
1. A Quiet Place (2018)
Post-apocalyptic science fiction horror film directed by John Krasinski, starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski and Millicent Simmonds.
Story: Two parents do what it takes to keep their children safe in a world full of creatures hunting every sound they can hear. Not a sound can be heard from the family hiding in silence, but all it takes is one noise and everything can go wrong. (IMDb)
A Quiet Place artfully plays on elemental fears with a ruthlessly intelligent creature feature that’s as original as it is scary — and establishes director John Krasinski as a rising talent.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is A Quiet Place among the top horror films of all time?
✪ Intense and suspenseful: The film’s use of silence and sound creates a sense of intensity and suspense that is rarely seen in horror movies, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the film.
✪ Stellar performances: The cast, including Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, deliver outstanding performances that make you care about their characters and invest in their survival.
✪ Visual storytelling: The film’s use of visual storytelling, with minimal dialogue and reliance on body language and facial expressions, adds to the overall sense of tension and unease.
✪ Expertly crafted scares: The film’s scares are expertly crafted, using a combination of jump scares and psychological horror to create a sense of terror that stays with you long after the credits roll.
2. Get Out (2017)
Psychological horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Jordan Peele, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams and Bradley Whitford.
Story: Chris and his girlfriend Rose go upstate to visit her parents for the weekend. At first, Chris reads the family’s overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined. (IMDb)
Funny, scary, and thought-provoking, Get Out seamlessly weaves its trenchant social critiques into a brilliantly effective and entertaining horror/comedy thrill ride.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Get Out among the most famous horror films ever made?
✪ Creepy Atmosphere: From the opening scene to the final frame, “Get Out” creates a chilling and unsettling atmosphere that adds to the suspense and horror. The cinematography, music, and sound design all work together to create a sense of unease that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
✪ Surprise Twists: One of the things that makes “Get Out” so effective is its unexpected plot twists. Just when you think you know where the story is going, the film throws you a curveball, keeping you guessing until the very end.
✪ Engaging Storytelling: Director Jordan Peele crafts a compelling narrative that explores deeper themes while still being entertaining. The film is expertly paced, with a structure that keeps audiences engaged and invested in the story.
✪ Cultural Impact: This film sparked discussions about race and racism in the film industry and beyond, making it a significant cultural milestone.
3. The Conjuring (2013)
Supernatural horror film directed by James Wan, starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga and Ron Livingston.
Story: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. (IMDb)
Well-crafted and gleefully creepy, The Conjuring ratchets up dread through a series of effective old-school scares.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Conjuring among the iconic horror films of all time?
✪ Suspenseful storytelling: The movie is expertly crafted to keep the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. The pacing is just right, with moments of intense suspense balanced out by quieter moments of character development and world-building.
✪ Great performances: The movie features strong performances from its entire cast, including Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as the Warrens. These actors bring a level of depth and nuance to their roles that elevates the film above the typical horror fare.
✪ Atmospheric setting: The Conjuring takes place in a creepy old farmhouse in rural Rhode Island, which serves as the perfect setting for a horror movie. The creaky floorboards, dark corners, and eerie atmosphere all contribute to the film’s overall sense of dread.
✪ Strong direction: Director James Wan has become one of the most well-respected horror directors of its time, and The Conjuring is one of his best works. His attention to detail and masterful use of camera angles and lighting create a truly terrifying experience for viewers.
…end of the 2010s…
2000s
4. Saw (2004)
Horror mystery thriller film directed by James Wan, starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover and Monica Potter.
Story: Two 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. (IMDb)
Saw ensnares audiences with a deceptively clever plot and a myriad of memorable, nasty set pieces, but its lofty ambitions are undercut by a nihilistic streak that feels more mean than profound.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Saw among the scary horror films of all time?
✪ Psychological Thriller: Saw is not just a typical horror movie with jump scares and gore. It’s a psychological thriller that will leave you questioning what you thought you knew. It delves into the minds of the characters and keeps you guessing until the very end.
✪ Iconic Villain: Jigsaw, the movie’s antagonist, is one of the most iconic villains in horror movie history. He is a complex and compelling character that adds to the movie’s overall appeal.
✪ Unique Concept: Saw’s concept of traps and games is unique and unlike anything you’ve seen before in a horror movie. It’s a fresh take on the genre and will keep you intrigued from start to finish.
✪ Strong Direction: Director James Wan’s strong direction sets the tone for the movie and keeps you engaged from start to finish. His attention to detail and ability to create a tense atmosphere make Saw a must-see film.
5. 28 Days Later… (2002)
Post-apocalyptic horror sci-fi film directed by Danny Boyle, starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris and Christopher Eccleston.
Story: Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the UK, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary. (IMDb)
Kinetically directed by Danny Boyle, 28 Days Later is both a terrifying zombie movie and a sharp political allegory.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is 28 Days Later… among the best horror films of all time?
✪ It’s a suspenseful thrill ride: From start to finish, 28 Days Later is a suspenseful thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The tension and action never let up, making for an exciting and engaging movie.
✪ The acting is excellent: Cillian Murphy delivers a fantastic performance as the film’s protagonist, and the supporting cast also does an excellent job of bringing their characters to life.
✪ The zombies are terrifying: 28 Days Later redefined the zombie genre, creating a new kind of zombie that was fast, ferocious, and terrifying. If you’re a fan of zombie movies, this one is a must-watch.
✪ It’s a classic of the zombie genre: 28 Days Later has become a classic of the zombie genre, with its unique take on the zombie apocalypse and its influence on subsequent zombie movies.
6. American Psycho (2000)
Crime horror black comedy film directed by Mary Harron, starring Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe and Jared Leto.
Story: Patrick Bateman is handsome, well educated and intelligent. He is twenty-seven and living his own American dream. He works by day on Wall Street, earning a fortune to complement the one he was born with. At night he descends into madness, as he experiments with fear and violence. (IMDb)
If it falls short of the deadly satire of Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, American Psycho still finds its own blend of horror and humor, thanks in part to a fittingly creepy performance by Christian Bale.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is American Psycho among the greatest horror films ever made?
✪ Brilliant Performance: Christian Bale delivers a stunning performance as Patrick Bateman. His portrayal of the character’s calm and collected demeanor while committing horrific acts is nothing short of mesmerizing.
✪ Stunning Cinematography: The film’s cinematography is visually stunning, with director Mary Harron expertly capturing the vibrant and decadent atmosphere of 1980s New York City.
✪ Psychological Thriller: American Psycho is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The tension and suspense build throughout the film, leading to a thrilling and unforgettable conclusion.
✪ Critically Acclaimed: American Psycho was well-received by critics and has since become a cult classic. Its legacy has endured, making it a must-see for any cinephile.
…end of the 2000s…
1990s
7. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Gothic supernatural horror film directed by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci and Miranda Richardson.
Story: The curse of the headless horseman is the legacy of the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Spearheaded by the eager Constable Ichabod Crane and his new world ways into the quagmire of secrets and murder, secrets once laid to rest, best forgotten and now reawakened, and he too, holding a dark secret of a past once gone. (IMDb)
It isn’t Tim Burton’s best work, but Sleepy Hollow entertains with its stunning visuals and creepy atmosphere.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Sleepy Hollow among the most popular horror films of all time?
✪ Gothic Aesthetic: The Gothic aesthetic and stunning cinematography create a visually captivating experience, transporting the audience to the spooky world of Sleepy Hollow.
✪ Johnny Depp’s Performance: Johnny Depp’s charismatic and nuanced performance as Ichabod Crane adds depth and interest to the film, making it more than just a typical horror movie.
✪ Horror and Comedy Blend: Sleepy Hollow seamlessly blends elements of horror and comedy, creating a film that is both scary and entertaining.
✪ Superb Soundtrack: Danny Elfman’s haunting and atmospheric soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s visuals, adding to the overall eerie and creepy atmosphere.
8. Scream (1996)
American slasher horror mystery film directed by Wes Craven, starring David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox.
Story: A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a new killer, who targets the girl and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game. (IMDb)
Horror icon Wes Craven’s subversive deconstruction of the genre is sly, witty, and surprisingly effective as a slasher film itself, even if it’s a little too cheeky for some.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Scream among the classic horror films of all time?
✪ A Classic Slasher Film with a Twist: Scream is a classic slasher film that puts a new twist on the genre. It’s a clever, self-aware movie that pokes fun at horror movie tropes while also delivering plenty of scares.
✪ Iconic Villain: Ghostface, the film’s iconic villain, has become a cultural icon in the years since Scream’s release. The costume and mask are instantly recognizable and have become a popular Halloween costume.
✪ Clever Writing: The writing in Scream is clever and self-aware. The characters are aware of the horror movie tropes they’re living through, and the script often subverts those expectations in surprising ways.
✪ Influence on the Genre: Scream had a significant influence on the horror genre. It revived the slasher film and inspired a wave of imitators in the years that followed.
9. Interview with the Vampire (1994)
Gothic horror vampire drama film directed by Neil Jordan, starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.
Story: A vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger. (IMDb)
Despite lacking some of the book’s subtler shadings, and suffering from some clumsy casting, Interview with a Vampire benefits from Neil Jordan’s atmospheric direction and a surfeit of gothic thrills.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Interview with the Vampire among the best horror movies ever made?
✪ Gothic Atmosphere: The film’s setting in 18th-century New Orleans and Paris, combined with its haunting soundtrack and visuals, create a dark and moody atmosphere that immerses the audience in the story.
✪ Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt’s Performances: The chemistry between Cruise and Pitt is electric, and their performances elevate the film beyond its genre.
✪ Enduring Popularity: The film has become a classic in the vampire genre and has endured over the years, continuing to captivate new audiences with its mix of horror, romance, and tragedy.
✪ Character study: The movie delves into the psyche of its characters, exploring their motivations, fears, and desires. It raises questions about the nature of good and evil and the consequences of our actions.
…end of the 1990s…
1980s
10. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Supernatural slasher horror film written and directed by Wes Craven, starring Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon and Ronee Blakley
Story: Nancy and her friends suffer violent nightmares which all feature one common element, a disfigured serial killer with a glove made of razors on his right hand. When one of the group is murdered while asleep, Nancy realizes that she must stay awake and try to uncover the truth behind this phantasmic killer Fred Krueger. (IMDb)
Wes Craven’s intelligent premise, combined with the horrifying visual appearance of Freddy Krueger, still causes nightmares to this day.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is A Nightmare on Elm Street among the most popular horror films ever made?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
✪ It was met with rave critical reviews praising the film’s ability to transgress “the boundaries between the imaginary and real”, toying with audience perceptions.
✪ Considered to be one of the greatest horror films ever made.
11. The Thing (1982)
Science fiction horror film directed by John Carpenter, starring Kurt Russell.
Story: Members of an American scientific research outpost in Antarctica find themselves battling a parasitic alien organism capable of perfectly imitating its victims. They soon discover that this task will be harder than they thought, as they don’t know which members of the team have already been assimilated and their paranoia threatens to tear them apart. (IMDb)
Grimmer and more terrifying than the 1950s take, John Carpenter’s The Thing is a tense sci-fi thriller rife with compelling tension and some remarkable make-up effects.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Thing among the most popular horror movies ever made?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and considered a benchmark in special make-up effects.
✪ Entertainment Weekly ranked this as the 12th scariest movie of all time.
✪ Regarded as one of the best and most influential science fiction or horror films ever made, and has gained a cult following.
12. The Shining (1980)
Psychological horror film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall and Scatman Crothers.
Story: Signing a contract, Jack Torrance, a normal writer and former teacher agrees to take care of a hotel which has a long, violent past that puts everyone in the hotel in a nervous situation. While Jack slowly gets more violent and angry of his life, his son, Danny, tries to use a special talent, the “Shining”, to inform the people outside about whatever that is going on in the hotel. (IMDb)
Though it deviates from Stephen King’s novel, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is a chilling, often baroque journey into madness — exemplified by an unforgettable turn from Jack Nicholson.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Shining among the scariest horror films ever made?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list.
✪ Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
✪ Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential of all horror films, and has become a staple of pop culture.
…end of the 1980s…
1970s
13. Alien (1979)
Science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver.
Story: After a space merchant vessel perceives an unknown transmission as a distress call, its landing on the source moon finds one of the crew attacked by a mysterious lifeform, and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun. (IMDb)
A modern classic, Alien blends science fiction, horror and bleak poetry into a seamless whole.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Alien among the iconic horror films of All Time?
✪ Sci-Fi Classic: Alien (1979) is a must-watch for science fiction enthusiasts. This movie has everything you could want in a sci-fi classic, from the futuristic setting to the incredible special effects that will blow your mind.
✪ Iconic Villain: The Alien itself is one of the most iconic movie villains of all time. Its unique design and terrifying abilities will keep you on the edge of your seat.
✪ Masterful Direction: Ridley Scott’s direction in Alien is a masterclass in suspense and horror. The tension builds slowly, and the payoff is absolutely worth the wait.
✪ Award-Winning Performances: The cast of Alien includes some of the most talented actors of the era. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ripley earned her critical acclaim and set the standard for strong female leads in action movies.
✪ Genre-Bending: Alien is a movie that defies genre conventions, blending elements of science fiction, horror, and action into a unique and unforgettable experience. Watching it is a must for anyone who appreciates bold, innovative filmmaking.
14. Halloween (1978)
Independent slasher horror film directed and scored by John Carpenter, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence.
Story: Fifteen 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. (IMDb)
Scary, suspenseful, and viscerally thrilling, Halloween set the standard for modern horror films.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Halloween among the top horror movies of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
✪ Primarily praised for Carpenter’s direction and score, it is now considered one of the greatest and most influential horror films ever made.
✪ It was largely responsible for the popularization of slasher films in the 1980s and helped develop the slasher genre.
15. The Exorcist (1973)
Supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow and Linda Blair.
Story: When a 12 year-old girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her. (IMDb)
The Exorcist rides its supernatural theme to magical effect, with remarkable special effects and an eerie atmosphere, resulting in one of the scariest films of all time.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Exorcist among the greatest horror movies of all time?
✪ Some viewers went into hysterics, suffered adverse physical reactions, fainting or vomiting to scenes in which the protagonist undergoes a realistic cerebral angiography and later violently masturbates with a crucifix.
✪ It had a significant influence on popular culture and has received critical acclaim, with several publications regarding it as one of the greatest horror films ever made.
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and become the first horror film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, one of the 10 Oscars for which it was nominated.
✪ The Library of Congress selected the film to be preserved as part of its National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
…end of the 1970s…
1960s
16. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Psychological horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon.
Story: A young couple moves in to an apartment only to be surrounded by peculiar neighbors and occurrences. When the wife becomes mysteriously pregnant, paranoia over the safety of her unborn child begins to control her life. (IMDb)
A frightening tale of Satanism and pregnancy that is even more disturbing than it sounds thanks to convincing and committed performances by Mia Farrow and Ruth Gordon.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Rosemary’s Baby among the most famous horror films of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and included among the American Film Institute’s list of the Top 100 Most Heart-Pounding American Movies.
✪ Earned universal acclaim from film critics and won numerous nominations and awards it is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time.
✪ Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
17. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Independent horror thriller film directed, photographed, and edited by George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones and Judith O’Dea.
Story: A ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the East Coast of the United States. (IMDb)
George A. Romero’s debut set the template for the zombie film, and features tight editing, realistic gore, and a sly political undercurrent.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Night of the Living Dead among the best horror movies of all time?
✪ The film’s explicit violence and gore was considered groundbreaking and unprecedented for the time, leading to widespread controversy and negative reviews upon its initial release. It eventually garnered a cult following and acclaim among critics over time, and has appeared on lists of the greatest and most influential films ever made.
✪ Frequently identified as the first modern zombie film and a touchstone in the development of the horror genre.
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
18. Psycho (1960)
Psychological horror thriller film produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Anthony Perkins.
Story: A Phoenix secretary embezzles forty thousand dollars 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. (IMDb)
Infamous for its shower scene, but immortal for its contribution to the horror genre. Because Psycho was filmed with tact, grace, and art, Hitchcock didn’t just create modern horror, he validated it.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Psycho among the greatest horror movies ever made?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list.
✪ Selected for preservation by The Library of Congress at The National Film Registry.
✪ It set a new level of acceptability for violence, deviant behavior and sexuality in films, and is widely considered to be the earliest example of the slasher film genre.
…end of the 1960s…
1950s
19. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Science fiction horror film directed by Don Siegel, starring Kevin McCarthy and Dana Wynter.
Story: A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates. (IMDb)
One of the best political allegories of the 1950s, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is an efficient, chilling blend of sci-fi and horror.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Invasion of the Body Snatchers among the most popular horror movies of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
✪ Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
✪ Included among the American Film Institute’s list of the top 100 Most Heart-Pounding American Movies and the Chicago Film Critics Association named it one of the scariest films ever made.
20. Diabolique (1955)
Psychological horror thriller film directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot, starring Simone Signoret, Véra Clouzot and Paul Meurisse.
Story: The wife and mistress of a loathed school principal plan to murder him with what they believe is the perfect alibi. (IMDb)
Cruel, dark, but undeniably effective, Diabolique is a suspense thriller as effective as Hitchcock’s best work and with a brilliant twist ending.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Diabolique among the classic horror films of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
✪ Selected as the Best Foreign Film of the Year by the The New York Film Critics Circle Awards and the Edgar Allan Poe Awards. Also winner of the Louis Delluc Prize.
✪ The film created a sensation upon its original release, and was a success at the box office.
21. Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
Black-and-white 3D monster horror film directed by Jack Arnold, starring Richard Carlson, Julia Adams and Richard Denning.
Story: A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study. (IMDb)
A solid, atmospheric creature feature that entertains without attempting to be deeper than it needs.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Creature from the Black Lagoon among the scariest horror movies of all time?
✪ One of the most popular horror movies of its time, today considered a true classic.
✪ It created an iconic movie monster and had a significant influence on popular culture and future monster movies.
…end of the 1950s…
1940s
22. Dead of Night (1945)
Anthology horror film of four individual segments directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden and Robert Hamer.
Story: The guests invited to weekend in the country share their supernatural stories, beginning with Walter Craig , who senses impending doom as his half-remembered recurring dream turns into reality. (IMDb)
With four accomplished directors contributing, Dead of Night is a classic horror anthology that remains highly influential.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Dead of Night among the best horror films of all time?
✪ #35 on Time Out Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Horror movies and #5 on director Martin Scorsese’s list of the 11 scariest horror films of all time.
✪ A box office success and one of the most popular movies of the 1940s.
23. Cat People (1942)
Fantasy horror thriller film directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring Simone Simon.
Story: An American man marries a Serbian immigrant who fears that she will turn into the cat person of her homeland’s fables if they are intimate together. (IMDb)
Influential noir director Jacques Tourneau infused this sexy, moody horror film with some sly commentary about the psychology and the taboos of desire.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Cat People among the best horror films ever made?
✪ Featured in Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list and included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
✪ Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
✪ Received critical praise for it’s atmosphere, sophistication and shadowy visuals.
24. The Wolf Man (1941)
Horror mystery romance movie directed by George Waggner and starring Lon Chaney Jr.
Story: Larry Talbot returns to his father’s castle in Wales and meets a beautiful woman. One fateful night, Talbot escorts her to a local carnival where they meet a mysterious gypsy fortune teller. (IMDb)
A handsomely told tale with an affecting performance from Lon Chaney, Jr., The Wolf Man remains one of the classics of the Universal horror stable.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Wolf Man among the greatest horror films of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
✪ It had a great deal of influence on Hollywood’s depictions of the legend of the werewolf.
✪ Praised for it’s makeup effects, atmospheric music, and Chaney’s performance.
…end of the 1940s…
1930s
25. The Invisible Man (1933)
Pre-Code science fiction horror film directed by James Whale and starring Claude Rains.
Story: A scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane. (IMDb)
James Whale’s classic The Invisible Man features still-sharp special effects, loads of tension, a goofy sense of humor, and a memorable debut from Claude Rains.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Invisible Man among the most popular horror films of all time?
✪ Selected for the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
✪ It was a critical and commercial success, with critics and audiences praising the film’s story, mood, special effects, and Rains’s disembodied voice performance.
26. Frankenstein (1931)
Pre-Code science fiction horror film directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff.
Story: Dr. Frankenstein dares to tamper with life and death by creating a human monster out of lifeless body parts. (IMDb)
Still unnerving to this day, Frankenstein adroitly explores the fine line between genius and madness, and features Boris Karloff’s legendary, frightening performance as the monster.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Frankenstein among the classic horror movies of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
✪ Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
✪The film was a commercial success upon release, well received by both critics and audiences. It had a significant and long lasting impact on popular culture.
27. Dracula (1931)
Pre-Code supernatural horror film starring Bela Lugosi.
Story: Transylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night. (IMDb)
Bela Lugosi’s timeless portrayal of Dracula in this creepy and atmospheric 1931 film has set the standard for major vampiric roles since.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Dracula among the scariest horror films of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list.
✪ It had a significant influence on popular culture, and Lugosi’s portrayal of Dracula established the character as a cultural icon.
✪ Selected by the United States Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
…end of the 1930s…
Silent Era
28. The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
American horror film directed by Rupert Julian and starring Lon Chaney.
Story: A mad, disfigured composer seeks love with a lovely young opera singer. (IMDb)
A century later, it still retains its ability to scare – and Lon Chaney’s performance remains one of the benchmarks of the horror genre.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Phantom of the Opera among the best horror films of all time?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list.
✪ Added to the United States National Film Registry, having been deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”.
29. Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror (1922)
German Expressionist fantasy horror film directed by F. W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck.
Story: Vampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter’s wife. (IMDb)
One of the silent era’s most influential masterpieces, Nosferatu’s eerie, gothic feel — and a chilling performance from Max Schreck as the vampire — set the template for the horror films that followed.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror among the best horror films ever made?
✪ It is selected by the Vatican in the “art” category of its list of 45 “great films”.
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Roger Ebert’s Great Movies list
✪ The first true vampire movie ever made.
30. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
German horror mystery thriller film directed by Robert Wiene, starring Werner Krauss and Conrad Veidt.
Story: Hypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders. (IMDb)
Arguably the first true horror film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari set a brilliantly high bar for the genre – and remains terrifying even more than a century after it first stalked the screen.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
Why is The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari among the greatest horror films ever made?
✪ Included among the 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Roger Ebert’s The Great Movies list.
✪ Considered a classic, it helped draw worldwide attention to the artistic merit of German cinema and had a major influence on American films, particularly in the genres of horror and film noir.
…end of the Silent Era…
…end of the reel…
Your turn!
Tell us what you think about this collection. Fire off your own suggestions and favorites in the comments section below!
