1. The Shining (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
The Shining (1980) is a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film has become a classic in the horror genre, known for its chilling atmosphere, iconic performances, and innovative cinematography.
2. Psycho (1960)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Psycho is a 1960 American slasher film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, widely regarded as one of the most influential horror movies in cinema history. It is based on Robert Bloch’s novel of the same name, which was inspired by the real-life crimes of Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. The film is notable for its psychological depth, innovative storytelling, and iconic scenes.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin, based on William Peter Blatty’s novel of the same name. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time and has had a profound impact on the genre.
4. Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Get Out is a 2017 American psychological horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele in his directorial debut. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya as Chris Washington, a young African-American man who uncovers disturbing secrets when he visits the family of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage (Allison Williams).
5. Hereditary (2018)
Director: Ari Aster
Hereditary (2018) is a critically acclaimed psychological horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and the haunting legacy of family secrets, and features powerful performances, particularly by Toni Collette.
6. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Director: Tobe Hooper
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a 1974 American independent horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, co-written by Hooper and Kim Henkel. The film has become a seminal work in the horror genre, known for its raw intensity and chilling portrayal of violence.
7. Halloween (1978)
Director: John Carpenter
Halloween is a 1978 American independent slasher film directed by John Carpenter, co-written by Carpenter and Debra Hill. The film is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror movies in cinema history, establishing many conventions of the genre and spawning numerous sequels and remakes.
8. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Director: Roman Polanski
Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 American psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, based on Ira Levin’s best-selling novel of the same name. The film is notable for its exploration of themes related to the occult and psychological tension, marking it as a landmark in the horror genre.
9. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Director: Jonathan Demme
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme, based on Thomas Harris’s 1988 novel of the same name. The film stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee tasked with interviewing the incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to gain insights into the mind of another serial killer, known as “Buffalo Bill” (Ted Levine).
10. Jaws (1975)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Peter Benchley’s novel of the same name. The film is widely regarded as a landmark in the horror and thriller genres, known for its suspenseful storytelling and iconic score.
11. The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
The Witch (2015) is a critically acclaimed horror film directed and written by Robert Eggers. Set in 1630s New England, the film explores themes of witchcraft, religious paranoia, and family disintegration against the backdrop of Puritan society.
12. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Director: Wes Craven
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 American supernatural slasher film written and directed by Wes Craven. It is notable for introducing the iconic character Freddy Krueger, played by Robert Englund, and for its innovative blend of horror and psychological themes.
13. It Follows (2014)
Director: David Robert Mitchell
It Follows (2014) is a supernatural horror film directed by David Robert Mitchell that has garnered significant acclaim for its unique premise and atmospheric tension. The film explores themes of sexuality, vulnerability, and the consequences of human relationships through a chilling narrative.
14. The Conjuring (2013)
Director: James Wan
The Conjuring (2013) is a supernatural horror film directed by James Wan, based on the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, respectively. The film is set in the early 1970s and revolves around the Perron family, who experience terrifying supernatural events in their Rhode Island farmhouse.
15. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Director: John Landis
An American Werewolf in London is a 1981 comedy horror film written and directed by John Landis. The film is notable for its unique blend of humor and horror, as well as its groundbreaking special effects, particularly the transformation scene created by makeup artist Rick Baker.
16. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Director: George A. Romero
Night of the Living Dead is a 1968 American independent horror film directed, photographed, and edited by George A. Romero. It is widely regarded as a landmark in the horror genre, particularly for its role in popularizing the modern depiction of zombies.
17. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Director: Drew Goddard
The Cabin in the Woods (2012) is a horror film directed by Drew Goddard and co-written by Goddard and Joss Whedon. The film cleverly deconstructs traditional horror tropes while providing a fresh take on the genre, blending elements of comedy, horror, and social commentary.
18. Sinister (2012)
Director: Scott Derrickson
Sinister (2012) is a supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and co-written by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill. The film stars Ethan Hawke as Ellison Oswalt, a true crime writer who becomes entangled in a series of horrific events after moving his family into a house where a gruesome murder took place.
19. Poltergeist (1982)
Director: Tobe Hooper
Poltergeist is a 1982 American supernatural horror film directed by Tobe Hooper and co-written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, and Mark Victor. The film is renowned for its innovative special effects, engaging narrative, and its exploration of the complexities of family dynamics in the face of supernatural terror.
20. The Babadook (2014)
Director: Jennifer Kent
The Babadook (2014) is an Australian psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent that has garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of grief, motherhood, and mental illness. The film stars Essie Davis as Amelia, a single mother grappling with the loss of her husband and the challenges of raising her troubled son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman).