75

Kuroneko

'The Black Cat'

'Yabu no naka no kuroneko'

1968 | 1h 40m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore73.214 / 100

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"We vowed to kill samurai and drink their blood."

DIRECTOR: Kaneto Shindō

WRITERS: Kaneto Shindō

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kiyomi Kuroda

STARRING: Kichiemon Nakamura, Nobuko Otowa, Kiwako Taichi, Kei Satô, Rokkô Toura, Taiji Tonoyama

GENRE: Kaidan, Supernatural Horror

Two women are raped and killed by samurai soldiers. Soon they reappear as vengeful ghosts who seduce and brutally murder the passing samurai.

Kuroneko is a haunting blend of horror and folklore. Its chilling atmosphere and eerie visuals create a spine-tingling experience. The spectral vengeance of the ghostly women, set against a backdrop of feudal Japan, crafts an unforgettable horror narrative.

74

Midsommar

2019 | 2h 27m | USA & SWE | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore73.278 / 100

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"Does he feel like home to you?"

DIRECTOR: Ari Aster

WRITERS: Ari Aster

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pawel Pogorzelski

STARRING: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren, Will Poulter, Ellora Torchia, Archie Madekwe

GENRE: Folk Horror, Psychological Horror, Psychological Drama

Several friends travel to Sweden to study as anthropologists a summer festival that is held every ninety years in the remote hometown of one of them. What begins as a dream vacation in a place where the sun never sets, gradually turns into a dark nightmare as the mysterious inhabitants invite them to participate in their disturbing festive activities.

Midsommar shines as a chilling exploration of human psyche amid scenic horror. Aster marries unsettling rituals with gorgeous landscapes, crafting a visceral experience. Its psychological depth and relentless tension linger, ensuring it haunts viewers well beyond the screen.

73

Night of the Demon

'Curse of the Demon'

1957 | 1h 36m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore73.288 / 100

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"It's in the trees! It's coming!"

DIRECTOR: Jacques Tourneur

WRITERS: Charles Bennett, Hal E. Chester

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Edward Scaife

STARRING: Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, Niall MacGinnis, Maurice Denham, Athene Seyler

GENRE: Supernatural Horror, Psychological Horror

Dr. John Holden ventures to London to attend a paranormal psychology symposium with the intention to expose devil cult leader, Dr. Julian Karswell.

Night of the Demon captivates with its atmospheric tension, deftly blending psychological horror and supernatural elements. Tourneur skillfully crafts a chilling narrative, supported by Andrews’ compelling performance and the film’s enduring influence on the horror genre.

72

The Return of the Living Dead

1985 | 1h 31m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore73.384 / 100

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"You think this is a fuckin' costume? This is a way of life."

DIRECTOR: Dan O’Bannon

WRITERS: Dan O’Bannon, John A. Russo, Russell Streiner, Rudy Ricci

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jules Brenner

STARRING: Clu Gulager, James Karen, Don Calfa, Linnea Quigley, Thom Mathews, Beverly Randolph, John Philbin, Jewel Shepard, Miguel A. Núñez

GENRE: Zombie, Black Comedy, Horror, Horror Comedy

When a bumbling pair of employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to re-animate as they go on a rampage seeking their favorite food: brains!

The Return of the Living Dead captivates with its genre-defying blend of horror and humor. A cult classic, its inventive narrative, engaging characters, and memorable soundtrack showcase a unique take on the zombie genre, leaving a lasting impression on horror enthusiasts.

71

The Fall of the
House of Usher

'La Chute de la maison Usher'

1928 | 1h 03m | FRANCE | FRENCH

Top10nerScore73.612 / 100

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'Dread Whispers in Silent Halls.'

DIRECTOR: Jean Epstein

WRITERS: Luis Buñuel, Jean Epstein

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jean Lucas, Georges Lucas

STARRING: Jean Debucourt, Marguerite Gance, Charles Lamy, Fournez-Goffard

GENRE: Gothic Horror, French Impressionist Cinema, Haunted House

A stranger called Allan goes to the House of Usher. He is the sole friend of Roderick Usher, who lives in the eerie house with his sick wife Madeleine. When she dies, Roderick does not accept her death, and in the dark night, Madeleine returns.

The 1928 adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher is a hauntingly atmospheric silent film that skillfully captures Edgar Allan Poe’s eerie essence. With evocative cinematography and a haunting score, it stands as a captivating early exploration of gothic horror.

70

The witch

A New-England Folktale

2015 | 1h 32m | USA & CAN | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore73.631 / 100

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"Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?"

DIRECTOR: Robert Eggers

WRITERS: Robert Eggers

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jarin Blaschke

STARRING: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson

GENRE: Supernatural Horror, Psychological Horror, Folk Horror

In 1630s New England, William and Katherine lead a devout Christian life with five children, homesteading on the edge of an impassable wilderness, exiled from their settlement when William defies the local church. When their newborn son vanishes and crops mysteriously fail, the family turns on one another.

The Witch conjures a chilling atmosphere with its eerie cinematography and haunting score, immersing viewers in a primal fear of the unknown. Its meticulous attention to historical detail adds a harrowing realism, making every unsettling moment resonate deeply.

69

Jacob's Ladder

1990 | 1h 53m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore74.004 / 100

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"See. According to this, you're already dead."

DIRECTOR: Adrian Lyne

WRITERS: Bruce Joel Rubin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeffrey L. Kimball

STARRING: Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven, Pruitt Taylor

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Drama

Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer is tormented by the vivid memories of war and the heartbreaking death of his son. Unsure if he is suffering from post-traumatic stress, dementia, or something paranormal, Jacob finds himself quickly spiraling out of control.

Jacob’s Ladder is a chilling psychological journey that grips with its haunting atmosphere and mind-bending narrative. The film deftly blends horror and existential dread, plunging viewers into a nightmarish descent that lingers, creating an unsettling sense of unease and suspense.

68

The Haunting

1963 | 1h 52m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore74.073 / 100

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"God! God! Whose hand was I holding?"

DIRECTOR: Robert Wise

WRITERS: Nelson Gidding

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Davis Boulton

STARRING: Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn, Lois Maxwell

GENRE: Haunted House, Psychological Horror, Gothic

An anthropologist with an interest in psychic phenomena takes two specially selected women to a reportedly haunted mansion. Joined by the cynical mansion’s heir, they are immediately overwhelmed by strange sounds and events, and come to believe the house is alive.

The Haunting remains a chilling example of atmospheric horror, blending psychological tension with eerie cinematography. Its haunting whispers and unsettling visuals create an unnerving experience, defining what classic horror should be: unsettling, suspenseful, and unforgettable.

67

Re-Animator

1985 | 1h 26m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore74.211 / 100

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"Who's going to believe a talking head?"

DIRECTOR: Stuart Gordon

WRITERS: Stuart Gordon, Dennis Paoli, H.P. Lovecraft, William Norris

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mac Ahlberg

STARRING: Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton, David Gale

GENRE: Splatter, Body Horror, Zombie, Science Fiction, Black Comedy, Horror Comedy

A dedicated student at a medical college and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue when an odd new student arrives on campus.

Re-Animator electrifies with its blend of mad science and visceral horror. Its deft balance of dark humor and spine-chilling suspense keeps viewers on edge. A cult classic, it pulsates with grotesque charm and eerie tension, reminding us why horror is both thrilling and chilling.

66

A Nightmare
on Elm Street

1984 | 1h 31m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore74.803 / 100

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"Whatever you do... don't fall asleep."

DIRECTOR: Wes Craven

WRITERS: Wes Craven

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jacques Haitkin

STARRING: Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, John Saxon, Johnny Depp, Ronee Blakley

GENRE: Slasher, Supernatural Horror, Teen Movie

Freddy Krueger, an undead serial killer with knives for fingers and the ability to murder his victims in their dreams, haunts the children of the townsfolk who killed him in the first of the successful, long-lasting horror franchise.

A Nightmare on Elm Street ingeniously melds suspense with the supernatural, crafting an immersive horror experience. Its chilling narrative and inventive scares redefine the genre, leaving audiences breathless with its eerie atmosphere and spine-tingling premise.

65

Cat People

1942 | 1h 13m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore74.932 / 100

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"I like the dark. It's friendly."

DIRECTOR: Jacques Tourneur

WRITERS: DeWitt Bodeen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Nicholas Musuraca

STARRING: Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Tom Conway, Jane Randolph, Jack Holt

GENRE: Mystery, Psychological Horror, Romance, Gothic

Serbian fashion designer Irena Dubrovna and American marine engineer Oliver Reed meet in Central Park, fall in love and marry after a brief courtship; but Irena won’t consummate the union for fear that she will turn into a panther compelled to kill her lover, pursuant to a belief harbored by her home village.

Cat People redefines horror with its chilling portrayal of psychological suspense and primal fear. Through subtle cinematography and a haunting score, it immerses viewers in an eerie world where the line between human and feline blurs, delivering an unforgettable experience.

64

Audition

'Ôdishon'

1999 | 1h 55m | JAPAN | JAPANESE

Top10nerScore75.184 / 100

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"Words create lies. Pain can be trusted."

DIRECTOR: Takashi Miike

WRITERS: Daisuke Tengan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hideo Yamamoto

STARRING: Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Jun Kunimura, Tetsu Sawaki

GENRE: Psychological Horror, Drama

Seven years after the death of his wife, company executive Aoyama is invited to sit in on auditions for an actress. Leafing through the resumés in advance, his eye is caught by Yamazaki Asami, a striking young woman with ballet training.

Audition ingeniously melds psychological depth with spine-chilling suspense, crafting a haunting narrative that lingers. Its subtle build-up and visceral climax redefine horror through its exploration of human psyche and unsettling revelations, making it a genre standout.

63

The Devil's Backbone

'El espinazo del diablo'

2001 | 1h 48m | SPAIN & MEX | SPANISH

Top10nerScore75.308 / 100

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"Children who should never have been born."

DIRECTOR: Guillermo del Toro

WRITERS: Guillermo del Toro, Antonio Trashorras, David Muñoz

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Guillermo Navarro

STARRING: Eduardo Noriega, Marisa Paredes, Federico Luppi, Fernando Tielve, Íñigo Garcés, Irene Visedo

GENRE: Drama, Supernatural Horror, Magical Realism, Gothic, Coming-of-Age

Spain, 1939. In the last days of the Spanish Civil War, the young Carlos arrives at the Santa Lucía orphanage, where he will make friends and enemies as he follows the quiet footsteps of a mysterious presence eager for revenge.

The Devil’s Backbone mesmerizes with its haunting blend of history and horror. Del Toro’s atmospheric direction and poignant storytelling weave a tale that lingers in the mind, delivering chills through its eerie setting and ghostly presence. A testament to suspenseful cinema done right.

62

28 Days Later

2002 | 1h 53m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.406 / 100

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"Repent, The End Is Extremely Fucking Nigh"

DIRECTOR: Danny Boyle

WRITERS: Alex Garland

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Anthony Dod Mantle

STARRING: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Megan Burns, Christopher Eccleston, Noah Huntley

GENRE: Post-Apocalyptic, Zombie, Horror, Epidemic

Twenty-eight days after a killer virus was accidentally unleashed from a British research facility, a small group of London survivors are caught in a desperate struggle to protect themselves from the infected. Carried by animals and humans, the virus turns those it infects into homicidal maniacs – and it’s absolutely impossible to contain.

28 Days Later captivates with its innovative take on the zombie genre, blending intense realism and gritty cinematography. Danny Boyle’s dynamic storytelling and Cillian Murphy’s compelling performance elevate it as a standout in the post-apocalyptic horror genre.

61

The Evil Dead

1981 | 1h 25m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore75.553 / 100

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"Join us…"

DIRECTOR: Sam Raimi

WRITERS: Sam Raimi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Tim Philo

STARRING: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Hal Delrich, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly

GENRE: Splatter, Supernatural Horror

When a group of college students finds a mysterious book and recording in the old wilderness cabin they’ve rented for the weekend, they unwittingly unleash a demonic force from the surrounding forest.

The Evil Dead is a terrifying plunge into primal fear, wielding relentless suspense and chilling practical effects to deliver a visceral horror experience. Its raw intensity and inventive scares redefine the genre, leaving an unsettling impression that lingers.

60

The Wailing

'Gokseong'

2016 | 2h 36m | SOUTH KOREA | KOREAN

Top10nerScore75.937 / 100

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"He just threw out the bait, and your daughter took it."

DIRECTOR: Na Hong-jin

WRITERS: Na Hong-jin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hong Kyung-pyo

STARRING: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, Jun Kunimura

GENRE: Mystery, Supernatural Horror, K-Horror

A stranger arrives in a little village and soon after a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman is drawn into the incident and is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.

The Wailing weaves a mesmerizing enigma, crafting an eerie atmosphere that perfectly complements its intricate story-line. Its supernatural elements and the unique K-horror flavor heighten the thrill factor, making its extended duration a worthwhile venture into the unknown.

59

Inland Empire

2006 | 3h 00m | USA, FRA & POL | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.008 / 100

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"Fucker been sowing some kind of heavy shit..."

DIRECTOR: David Lynch

WRITERS: David Lynch

CINEMATOGRAPHY: David Lynch

STARRING: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons, Justin Theroux, Harry Dean Stanton

GENRE: Surrealism, Psychological Horror, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Experimental

An actress’s perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted as she finds herself falling for her co-star in a remake of an unfinished Polish production that was supposedly cursed.

Inland Empire dives into uncharted realms of horror, blurring reality with nightmare. Lynch’s fearless direction and Laura Dern’s haunting portrayal transcend genre, creating an immersive experience that lingers, challenging viewers to unravel its enigmatic depths.

58

Scream

1996 | 1h 52m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.023 / 100

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"What's your favorite scary movie?"

DIRECTOR: Wes Craven

WRITERS: Kevin Williamson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mark Irwin

STARRING: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich, Matthew Lillard, Rose McGowan

GENRE: Slasher, Satire, Thriller, Black Comedy

A killer known as Ghostface begins killing off teenagers, and as the body count begins rising, one girl and her friends find themselves contemplating the ‘rules’ of horror films as they find themselves living in a real-life one.

Craven, the maestro of horror, fearlessly dismantles the genre in Scream. Crafty, sharp-witted, and eerily efficient as a slasher flick, it’s unapologetically cheeky – a blood-soaked symphony of suspense and satire that keeps you on edge, even as it winks at its own macabre dance.

57

Invasion of the
Body Snatchers

1978 | 1h 56m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.029 / 100

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"We came here from a dying world."

DIRECTOR: Philip Kaufman

WRITERS: W.D. Richter

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Michael Chapman

STARRING: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright

GENRE: Science Fiction, New Hollywood, Psychological Horror, Alien Invasion, Body Horror

When strange seeds drift to earth from space, mysterious pods begin to grow and invade San Francisco, replicating the city’s residents one body at a time.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers remains a chilling testament to the art of suspense. Its seamless blend of sci-fi and horror genres creates an atmosphere of creeping unease, expertly heightened by the ensemble cast’s riveting portrayal of fear and paranoia.

56

Santa Sangre

'HOLY BLOOD'

1989 | 2h 03m | MEXICO & ITALY | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.051 / 100

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"You can't atone for your sins with nightmares."

DIRECTOR: Alejandro Jodorowsky

WRITERS: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Claudio Argento, Roberto Leoni

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Daniele Nannuzzi

STARRING: Axel Jodorowsky, Blanca Guerra, Guy Stockwell, Adan Jodorowsky

GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Surrealism, Drama, Psychological Horror

A young man is confined in a mental hospital. Through a flashback we see that he was traumatized as a child, when he and his family were circus performers: he saw his father cut off the arms of his mother, a religious fanatic and leader of the heretical church of Santa Sangre (“Holy Blood”), and then commit suicide. Back in the present, he escapes and rejoins his surviving and armless mother.

Santa Sangre deftly melds horror and surrealism, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of psychological depth and visual allure. Its evocative storytelling and haunting imagery redefine the genre, leaving an enduring impression of artistic ingenuity and chilling intrigue.

55

Hereditary

2018 | 2h 08m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.166 / 100

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"She isn't gone."

DIRECTOR: Ari Aster

WRITERS: Ari Aster

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Pawel Pogorzelski

STARRING: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Gabriel Byrne, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd

GENRE: Supernatural Horror, Psychological Horror, Psychological Drama, Family Drama

When Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family, passes away, her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry.

Hereditary skillfully employs its conventional premise as the canvas for a chillingly unconventional horror experience. Its icy grip continues to haunt your thoughts, extending far beyond the final frame, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease.

54

The Invisible Man

1933 | 1h 11m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.520 / 100

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"I might even wreck a train or two..."

DIRECTOR: James Whale

WRITERS: Philip Wylie, Preston Sturges, R.C. Sherriff

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Arthur Edeson, John J. Mescall

STARRING: Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan, Dudley Digges

GENRE: Science Fiction, Horror

Working in Dr. Cranley’s laboratory, scientist Jack Griffin was always given the latitude to conduct some of his own experiments. His sudden departure, however, has Cranley’s daughter Flora worried about him. Griffin has taken a room at the nearby Lion’s Head Inn, hoping to reverse an experiment he conducted on himself that made him invisible. But the experimental drug has also warped his mind, making him aggressive and dangerous. He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his appearance. 

The Invisible Man is a chilling triumph of classic horror cinema, where groundbreaking special effects blend seamlessly with a haunting narrative. Its portrayal of unseen terror lingers in the mind, showcasing the fear of the unknown with timeless flair.

53

Train to Busan

'Busanhaeng'

2016 | 1h 58m | SOUTH KOREA | KOREAN

Top10nerScore76.529 / 100

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"I'll take you to mom no matter what."

DIRECTOR: Yeon Sang-ho

WRITERS: Park Joo-suk

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Hyung-deok

STARRING: Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-Seok, Kim Su-an, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik

GENRE: Zombie, Thriller, Survival, Horror, Epidemic

Martial law is declared when a mysterious viral outbreak pushes Korea into a state of emergency. Those on an express train to Busan, a city that has successfully fended off the viral outbreak, must fight for their own survival…

Train to Busan delivers a thrilling ride through its relentless horror narrative, weaving suspense and heart-pounding action seamlessly. The film’s ability to blend intense zombie encounters with poignant human drama creates an immersive experience that lingers in the mind.

52

Braindead

'Dead Alive'

1992 | 1h 43m | NEW ZEALAND | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore76.942 / 100

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"I kick ass for the Lord!"

DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson

WRITERS: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Stephen Sinclair

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Murray Milne

STARRING: Tim Balme, Diana Peñalver, Elizabeth Moody, Ian Watkin

GENRE: Splatter, Zombie, Black Comedy, Body Horror, Gross-Out Comedy, Horror Comedy

When a Sumatran rat-monkey bites Lionel Cosgrove’s mother, she’s transformed into a zombie and begins killing (and transforming) the entire town while Lionel races to keep things under control.

Braindead is a gory delight in the gross-out comedy genre. Jackson’s inventive direction and the practical effects work reveal a dedication to the craft, making it a cult classic with an enduring fanbase. Its unique blend of humor and horror offers an unforgettable experience.

51

The Unknown

1927 | 0h 50m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore77.006 / 100

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"No one will get her... no one but me!"

DIRECTOR: Tod Browning

WRITERS: Tod Browning, Joseph Farnham, Waldemar Young

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Merritt B. Gerstad

STARRING: Lon Chaney, Joan Crawford, Norman Kerry, Nick De Ruiz

GENRE: Romance, Melodrama, Horror

A criminal on the run hides in a circus and seeks to possess the daughter of the ringmaster at any cost.

The Unknown artfully blends horror and suspense with a unique storyline and mesmerizing performances. Its eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists keep viewers on the edge, proving Lon Chaney’s versatility and Tod Browning’s knack for unsettling narratives.

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