Top10nerScore73.214 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore73.278 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore73.288 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore73.384 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore73.612 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore73.631 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore74.004 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore74.073 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore74.211 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore74.803 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore74.932 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore75.184 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore75.308 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore75.406 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore75.553 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore75.937 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.008 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.023 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.029 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.051 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.166 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.520 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.529 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore76.942 / 100
p>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.
Top10nerScore77.006 / 100
p>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.