25

Evil Dead II

'Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn'

1987 | 1h 24m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.814 / 100

p>

"Groovy."

DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi

WRITERS: Sam Raimi, Scott Spiegel

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Peter Deming

STARRING: Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks, Kassie Wesley DePaiva

GENRE: Black Comedy, Splatter, Haunted House, Supernatural Horror, Horror Comedy

Ash Williams and his girlfriend Linda find a log cabin in the woods with a voice recording from an archeologist who had recorded himself reciting ancient chants from “The Book of the Dead.” As they play the recording an evil power is unleashed taking over Linda’s body.

Evil Dead II seamlessly blends horror and humor, showcasing Raimi’s innovative approach to storytelling. Campbell’s iconic performance, combined with inventive practical effects, establishes the film as a cult classic. Its influence on the horror-comedy genre remains evident.

24

Kwaidan

'Kaidan'

1964 | 3h 03m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore81.969 / 100

p>

"You must be careful, not to be deceived by bad men."

DIRECTOR: Masaki Kobayashi

WRITERS: Yoko Mizuki

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Yoshio Miyajima

STARRING: Tatsuya Nakadai, Rentaro Mikuni, Tetsuro Tamba, Keiko Kishi, Takashi Shimura, Michiyo Aratama

GENRE: Anthology Film, Kaidan, Supernatural Horror

Taking its title from an archaic Japanese word meaning “ghost story,” this anthology adapts four folk tales. A penniless samurai marries for money with tragic results. A man stranded in a blizzard is saved by Yuki the Snow Maiden, but his rescue comes at a cost. Blind musician Hoichi is forced to perform for an audience of ghosts. An author relates the story of a samurai who sees another warrior’s reflection in his teacup.

Kobayashi’s Kwaidan weaves haunting tales of supernatural lore into a tapestry of visual splendor and atmospheric depth. Its chilling beauty transcends the horror genre, immersing viewers in a realm where ancient myths come alive with eerie elegance.

23

Repulsion

1965 | 1h 45m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.016 / 100

p>

"We must get this crack mended."

DIRECTOR: Roman Polanski

WRITERS: Gérard Brach, Roman Polanski

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gilbert Taylor

STARRING: Catherine Deneuve, Ian Hendry, Yvonne Furneaux, John Fraser, Yvonne Furneaux

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Psychological Thriller

In Roman Polanski’s first English-language film, beautiful young manicurist Carole suffers from androphobia (the pathological fear of interaction with men). When her sister and roommate, Helen, leaves their London flat to go on an Italian holiday with her married boyfriend, Carole withdraws into her apartment. She begins to experience frightful hallucinations, her fear gradually mutating into madness.

Repulsion masterfully explores the disintegration of the mind through Deneuve’s haunting performance. Gilbert Taylor’s innovative visuals enhance the psychological horror, creating an enduring classic that delves into the unsettling depths of isolation and mental unraveling.

22

The Innocents

1961 | 1h 40m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.450 / 100

p>

"It was only the wind, my dear."

DIRECTOR: Jack Clayton

WRITERS: Truman Capote, William Archibald

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Freddie Francis

STARRING: Deborah Kerr, Martin Stephens, Pamela Franklin, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins, Michael Redgrave

GENRE: Haunted House, Gothic Horror, Psychological Horror, Mystery

A young governess for two children becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted.

The Innocents captivates with its haunting atmosphere and impeccable cinematography, seamlessly adapting Henry James’ ‘The Turn of the Screw’. Clayton skillfully crafts a psychological horror that lingers, fueled by Kerr’s nuanced performance and a chillingly effective score.

21

Suspiria

1977 | 1h 39m | ITALY | ITALIAN

Top10nerScore82.461 / 100

p>

"You're going to meet death now... the LIVING DEAD!"

DIRECTOR: Dario Argento

WRITERS: Dario Argento, Daria Nicolodi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Luciano Tovoli

STARRING: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett, Alida Valli

GENRE: Supernatural Horror, Mystery, Gothic

From the moment she arrives in Freiberg, Germany, to attend the prestigious Tanz Academy, American ballet-dancer Suzy Bannion senses that something horribly evil lurks within the walls of the age-old institution.

Suspiria mesmerizes with its vivid cinematography, vibrant colors, and innovative use of sound. The film’s atmospheric tension, coupled with Goblin’s haunting score, creates a uniquely immersive experience, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking work in the horror genre.

20

Dawn of the Dead

1978 | 2h 19m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.930 / 100

p>

"The people it kills get up and kill!"

DIRECTOR: George A. Romero

WRITERS: George A. Romero

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Gornick

STARRING: Ken Foree, David Emge, Scott H. Reiniger, Gaylen Ross, David Crawford

GENRE: Zombie, Splatter, Horror

During an ever-growing epidemic of zombies that have risen from the dead, two Philadelphia SWAT team members, a traffic reporter, and his television-executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping mall.

Dawn of the Dead is a pioneering horror film, celebrated for its groundbreaking use of special effects and social commentary. George A. Romero’s vision of a zombie apocalypse remains a cultural touchstone, captivating audiences with its blend of gore and satire.

19

Possession

1981 | 2h 04m | FRANCE & FRG | FRA/GER

Top10nerScore83.196 / 100

p>

"For the first time, you look vulgar to me."

DIRECTOR: Andrzej Żuławski

WRITERS: Andrzej Żuławski, Frederic Tuten

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruno Nuytten

STARRING: Isabelle Adjani, Sam Neill, Heinz Bennent, Margit Carstensen

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Psychological Drama, Surrealism

A young woman left her family for an unspecified reason. The husband determines to find out the truth and starts following his wife. At first, he suspects that a man is involved. But gradually, he finds out more and more strange behaviors and bizarre incidents that indicate something more than a possessed love affair.

Possession masterfully intertwines psychological horror and political allegory, delivering a unique cinematic experience. Adjani’s mesmerizing performance and Zulawski’s visionary elevate this film into a haunting exploration of human relationships amidst societal turmoil.

18

King Kong

1933 | 1h 44m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.222 / 100

p>

"Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World."

DIRECTORS: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack

WRITERS: Leon Gordon, Merian C. Cooper, James Ashmore Creelman, Ruth Rose, Edgar Wallace

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Vernon L. Walker, Edward Linden, J.O. Taylor, Kenneth Peach

STARRING: Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher, Sam Hardy, Noble Johnson

GENRE: Giant Monster, Adventure, Natural Horror

A film crew discovers the “eighth wonder of the world,” a giant prehistoric ape, and brings him back to New York, where he wreaks havoc.

King Kong towers as a titan of early horror cinema, weaving a tale of primal fear and spectacle. Its pioneering special effects and poignant tragedy blend seamlessly, crafting an enduring testament to the power of imagination and the allure of the unknown.

17

Eraserhead

1977 | 1h 29m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.477 / 100

p>

"In Heaven, everything is fine."

DIRECTOR: David Lynch

WRITERS: David Lynch

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Frederick Elmes, Herbert Cardwell

STARRING: Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates

GENRE: Surrealism, Psychological Horror, Body Horror, Experimental

Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child.

Eraserhead is a haunting exploration of existential dread, blending surrealism with stark, industrial imagery. Lynch’s debut is a visceral journey into parental anxiety, with unsettling visuals and a chilling score that redefine horror through a lens of psychological unease.

16

Freaks

1932 | 1h 02m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.606 / 100

p>

"We accept you, one of us! Gooble Gobble!"

DIRECTOR: Tod Browning

WRITERS: Willis Goldbeck, Leon Gordon, Clarence Aaron ‘Tod’ Robbins

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Merritt B. Gerstad

STARRING: Harry Earles, Olga Baclanova, Daisy Earles, Henry Victor, Leila Hyams, Wallace Ford, Roscoe Ates

GENRE: Drama, Horror

A 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.

Freaks challenges societal norms with its daring exploration of human diversity. Browning’s deft touch and the authentic performances by a cast of individuals with unique physical traits contribute to a film that remains a landmark in both early horror cinema and social commentary.

15

The Bride of Frankenstein

1935 | 1h 15m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore83.887 / 100

p>

"To a new world of gods and monsters!"

DIRECTOR: James Whale

WRITERS: William Hurlbut, Robert Florey, Edmund Pearson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John J. Mescall

STARRING: Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Ernest Thesiger, Elsa Lanchester, Valerie Hobson

GENRE: Gothic, Horror, Science Fiction

Bride of Frankenstein begins where James Whale’s Frankenstein from 1931 ended. Dr. Frankenstein has not been killed as previously portrayed and now he wants to get away from the mad experiments. Yet when his wife is kidnapped by his creation, Frankenstein agrees to help him create a new monster, this time a woman.

The Bride of Frankenstein remains a chilling triumph in horror cinema, seamlessly blending eerie atmosphere with profound emotional depth. Its iconic portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein’s tormented creation and the tragic quest for companionship sets a benchmark in horror storytelling.

14

Let the
Right One In

'Låt den rätte komma in'

2008 | 1h 54m | SWEDEN | SWEDISH

Top10nerScore83.899 / 100

p>

"But I've been twelve for a long time."

DIRECTOR: Tomas Alfredson

WRITERS: John Ajvide Lindqvist

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hoyte van Hoytema

STARRING: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar

GENRE: Vampire, Drama, Romance, Coming-of-Age

Set in 1982 in the suburb of Blackeberg, Stockholm, twelve-year-old Oskar is a lonely outsider, bullied at school by his classmates; at home, Oskar dreams of revenge against a trio of bullies. He befriends his twelve-year-old, next-door neighbor Eli, who only appears at night in the snow-covered playground outside their building.

Let the Right One In captivates with its haunting beauty and subtle terror. This Swedish gem delicately weaves a tale of friendship against a chilling backdrop. Its mastery lies in the poignant exploration of innocence amidst darkness, redefining horror through empathy and quiet unease.

13

Night of the
Living Dead

1968 | 1h 36m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore84.463 / 100

p>

"They're coming to get you, Barbra!"

DIRECTOR: George A. Romero

WRITERS: George A. Romero, John A. Russo

CINEMATOGRAPHY: George A. Romero

STARRING: Duane Jones, Judith O’Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman

GENRE: Zombie, Horror

A group of people try to survive an attack of bloodthirsty zombies while trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farmhouse.

Night of the Living Dead redefined horror with its raw intensity and pioneering concept of flesh-eating ghouls. Its claustrophobic setting and unrelenting suspense keep viewers on the edge, showcasing horror’s ability to tap into primal fears with chilling effectiveness.

12

The Exorcist

1973 | 2h 02m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.097 / 100

p>

"The Power of Christ compels you!"

DIRECTOR: William Friedkin

WRITERS: William Peter Blatty

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Owen Roizman

STARRING: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran

GENRE: Supernatural Horror, New Hollywood

12-year-old Regan MacNeil begins to adapt an explicit new personality as strange events befall the local area of Georgetown. Her mother becomes torn between science and superstition in a desperate bid to save her daughter, and ultimately turns to her last hope: Father Damien Karras, a troubled priest who is struggling with his own faith.

The Exorcist remains a landmark in horror cinema, skillfully blending psychological terror with supernatural intrigue. Its chilling atmosphere and groundbreaking effects set a spine-tingling standard, ensuring its place as a timeless example of how to deeply unsettle an audience.

11

Get Out

2017 | 1h 44m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore85.187 / 100

p>

"A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

DIRECTOR: Jordan Peele

WRITERS: Jordan Peele

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Denson Baker, Toby Oliver

STARRING: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Lil Rel Howery

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Satire

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.

Get Out skillfully navigates the horror genre, blending social commentary with suspense. Jordan Peele’s directorial debut captivates with its insightful exploration of race relations, delivering a thought-provoking narrative that’s both culturally relevant and cinematically compelling.

INTRODUCING...

THE TOP 10
HORROR FILMS
OF ALL TIME

10

Perfect Blue

'Pâfekuto burû'

1997 | 1h 21m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore85.861 / 100

p>

"No, I'm the real thing."

DIRECTOR: Satoshi Kon

WRITERS: Sadayuki Murai

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hisao Shirai

STARRING: Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji, Masaaki Okura, Yosuke Akimoto

GENRE: Anime, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Horror

A retired pop singer turned actress’ sense of reality is shaken when she is stalked by an obsessed fan and seemingly a ghost of her past.

Perfect Blue is a riveting psychological horror praised for its innovative animation techniques and Kon’s visionary direction. Blending reality and fantasy seamlessly, it captivates audiences with its mind-bending narrative and insightful exploration of identity in the digital age.

09

Nosferatu

'Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens'

1922 | 1h 34m | GERMANY | GERMAN

Top10nerScore86.885 / 100

p>

"Your wife has such a beautiful neck…"

DIRECTOR: F. W. Murnau

WRITERS: Henrik Galeen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Fritz Arno Wagner, Günther Krampf

STARRING: Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim, Greta Schröder, Alexander Granach

GENRE: Vampire, Gothic Horror, German Expressionism

The mysterious Count Orlok summons Thomas Hutter to his remote Transylvanian castle in the mountains. The eerie Orlok seeks to buy a house near Hutter and his wife, Ellen. But Orlok is also the vampire Nosferatu, and when Hutter struggles to escape the castle, he knows that Ellen is in grave danger.

Nosferatu is a haunting marvel of early cinema, weaving a tapestry of dread and fascination. Its stark black-and-white visuals and eerie silence evoke primal fear, capturing the essence of horror as a genre that delves deep into human psyche and supernatural intrigue.

08

Rosemary's Baby

1968 | 2h 18m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore88.165 / 100

p>

"Witches... All of them witches!"

DIRECTOR: Roman Polanski

WRITERS: Roman Polanski

CINEMATOGRAPHY: William A. Fraker

STARRING: Mia Farrow, Ruth Gordon, John Cassavetes, Sidney Blackmer, Maurice Evans, Ralph Bellamy

GENRE: Mystery, Psychological Horror, New Hollywood, Psychological Thriller

A young couple moves into an infamous New York apartment building to start a family. Things become frightening as Rosemary begins to suspect her unborn baby isn’t safe around their strange neighbors.

Rosemary’s Baby stands as a chilling testament to the potency of psychological horror. Polanski’s deft direction and Mia Farrow’s haunting portrayal create an atmosphere of palpable unease, deftly blending suspense with a disquieting exploration of maternal fears.

07

The Cabinet of
Dr. Caligari

'Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari'

1920 | 1h 18m | GERMANY | GERMAN

Top10nerScore88.425 / 100

p>

"I must become Caligari!"

DIRECTOR: Robert Wiene

WRITERS: Carl Mayer, Hans Janowitz

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Willy Hameister

STARRING: Werner Krauß, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Fehér, Lil Dagover

GENRE: German Expressionism, Mystery, Psychological Horror, Gothic Horror

Francis, a young man, recalls in his memory the horrible experiences he and his fiancée Jane recently went through. Francis and his friend Alan visit The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, an exhibit where the mysterious doctor shows the somnambulist Cesare, and awakens him for some moments from his death-like sleep.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari revolutionized cinema with its groundbreaking expressionist visuals, ushering in a new era of psychological horror. Its surreal set design, innovative narrative structure, and enduring influence on the genre mark it as an unparalleled milestone in film history.

06

Aliens

1986 | 2h 17m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore88.595 / 100

p>

"Get away from her, you bitch!"

DIRECTOR: James Cameron

WRITERS: David Giler, Walter Hill, James Cameron

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Adrian Biddle

STARRING: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Paul Reiser, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Carrie Henn

GENRE: Action, Science Fiction, Horror, Extraterrestrial

When Ripley’s lifepod is found by a salvage crew over 50 years later, she finds that terra-formers are on the very planet they found the alien species. When the company sends a family of colonists out to investigate her story—all contact is lost with the planet and colonists. They enlist Ripley and the colonial marines to return and search for answers.

Aliens stands as a landmark in sci-fi horror, expertly blending heart-pounding action with chilling suspense. Its groundbreaking effects and relentless tension create an unforgettable experience, solidifying its status as a must-watch for fans of the genre.

05

Jaws

1975 | 2h 04m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore88.729 / 100

p>

"You're gonna need a bigger boat."

DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg

WRITERS: Peter Benchley, Carl Gottlieb

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bill Butler

STARRING: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Murray Hamilton, Lorraine Gary

GENRE: Natural Horror, Thriller, New Hollywood

When an insatiable great white shark terrorizes the townspeople of Amity Island, the police chief, an oceanographer and a grizzled shark hunter seek to destroy the blood-thirsty beast.

Jaws remains a timeless icon of horror, seamlessly blending suspense with visceral thrills. Spielberg’s deft direction and Williams’ haunting score create an atmosphere of relentless tension, amplifying the primal fear of the unknown lurking beneath the ocean’s surface.

04

The Thing

1982 | 1h 49m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore90.331 / 100

p>

"Yeah, fuck you too!"

DIRECTOR: John Carpenter

WRITERS: Bill Lancaster

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Dean Cundey

STARRING: Kurt Russell, Keith David, Wilford Brimley, Donald Moffat, T.K. Carter

GENRE: Body Horror, Science Fiction, Psychological Horror, Alien Invasion, Cosmic Horror

A team of American scientists investigate the empty, destroyed base of their Norwegian counterparts in Antarctica, only to discover a terrifying life force that can take the form of its prey.

The Thing remains a pinnacle of horror, blending palpable tension with groundbreaking practical effects. Its chilling atmosphere and visceral creature design redefine fear, keeping audiences on edge throughout. A timeless classic that sets the standard for suspense and creativity.

03

The Shining

1980 | 2h 24m | UK & USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore93.629 / 100

p>

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."

DIRECTOR: Stanley Kubrick

WRITERS: Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Alcott

STARRING: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson, Philip Stone

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Haunted House

Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren’t prepared for the madness that lurks within.

The Shining is a chilling tour de force of psychological horror, captivating audiences with its eerie atmosphere and Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance. Its meticulous direction and haunting imagery linger in the mind, ensuring its place as a genre-defining classic.

02

Alien

1979 | 1h 57m | UK & USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore94.146 / 100

p>

'IN SPACE NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM'

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott

WRITERS: Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Derek Vanlint

STARRING: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton

GENRE: Science Fiction, Horror, Extraterrestrial

During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.

Alien redefines terror in space, crafting an immersive nightmare where claustrophobia and suspense collide. Ridley Scott’s visionary direction plunges us into an abyss of fear, with Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ripley anchoring a chilling symphony of horror that still resonates.

01

Psycho

1960 | 1h 49m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore95.319 / 100

p>

"We all go a little mad sometimes."

DIRECTOR: Alfred Hitchcock

WRITERS: Joseph Stefano

CINEMATOGRAPHY: John L. Russell

STARRING: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam

GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Horror

Marion, frustrated with her job and her lover, decides to follow a sudden impulse to steal $40,000 and leave town. She stops for the night at the ramshackle Bates Motel and meets the proprietor Norman Bates, a young man with an interest in taxidermy and a difficult relationship with his mother.

Psycho revolutionized horror cinema, masterfully blending suspense, psychology, and shock. Hitchcock’s direction and Perkins’ iconic portrayal of Norman Bates elevate it to a timeless classic. Its psychological depth and innovative narrative structure continue to captivate audiences, cementing its status as…

The Greatest Horror Film of All Time

THANKS FOR READING!

We hope you enjoyed the list and discovered some inspiration for your next movie night.

Happy watching! And make sure to check out our other lists.

But, before you go, don’t forget to…

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS BELOW

Agree with our list? Disagree? We want to hear from you!

Share your favorite films, suggest additions to the list, or let us know which films you think should be ranked differently.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

SHARE THIS LIST