1.Evil Dead Rise
Director: Lee Cronin
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2023
Evil Dead Rise is a 2023 supernatural horror film, part of the Evil Dead franchise. Directed by Lee Cronin, it shifts the familiar formula to an urban setting, where two sisters, Beth and Ellie, confront demonic terror in a high-rise apartment building. When a mysterious book unleashes an ancient evil, the building becomes a battleground of blood and fear. The film combines gruesome horror with the franchise’s signature dark humor, delivering a terrifying experience.
2.Eraserhead
Director: David Lynch
HBO Rating: NC-17
Release year: 1977
Eraserhead (1977), directed by David Lynch, is a surreal, nightmarish film that blends elements of horror and absurdism. Set in a bleak industrial world, it follows Henry Spencer, a man who struggles with his strange and disturbing reality, including the birth of a deformed child. Known for its unsettling atmosphere, experimental sound design, and cryptic imagery, Eraserhead has become a cult classic, symbolizing anxiety, alienation, and the grotesque.
3.The Exorcist
Director: William Friedkin
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 1973
The Exorcist (1973) is a chilling horror film directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel. It tells the story of Regan MacNeil, a young girl who becomes possessed by a demonic force. Her mother, Chris, seeks the help of Father Karras, a Jesuit priest, and together they confront the terrifying entity. The film explores themes of faith, good versus evil, and the supernatural, becoming a landmark in horror cinema and influencing generations of films to come.
4.The Evil Dead
Director: Sam Raimi
HBO Rating: NC-17
Release year: 1981
The Evil Dead (1981), directed by Sam Raimi, is a cult classic horror film that follows a group of friends who travel to a remote cabin in the woods. They discover an ancient book, the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, and accidentally summon demonic forces that possess them one by one. With low-budget yet innovative special effects, the film blends gore, suspense, and dark humor, creating a terrifying and iconic experience that launched a successful franchise.
5.Eyes Without a Face
Director: Georges Franju
HBO Rating: TV-14
Release year: 1960
“Eyes Without a Face” (1960), directed by Georges Franju, is a French horror film that blends psychological tension with gothic horror. The story follows Dr. Génessier, a renowned surgeon who is determined to restore the face of his disfigured daughter, Christiane. Using horrific methods, he abducts young women to perform face transplants. The film is a haunting exploration of obsession, identity, and the boundaries of medical ethics, marked by its eerie atmosphere and chilling imagery.
6.Cronos
Director: Guillermo del Toro
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 1993
Cronos (1993) is a Mexican fantasy horror film directed by Guillermo del Toro. The story follows an antique dealer, Jesús Gris, who discovers a mysterious, ancient device called the Cronos device. This mechanical artifact, designed to grant eternal life, has a dark side. As Jesús becomes entangled with its power, he faces horrifying consequences. The film combines elements of gothic horror, mythology, and del Toro’s signature visual style, marking his directorial debut.
7.Carnival of Souls
Director: Herk Harvey
HBO Rating: TV-PG
Release year: 1962
Carnival of Souls (1962) is a haunting psychological horror film directed by Herk Harvey. It follows Mary Henry, a young woman who survives a car accident, only to experience eerie, supernatural occurrences. As she relocates to a new town, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious, deserted carnival, where her perception of reality blurs. The film’s atmosphere, unsettling score, and surreal imagery have earned it cult classic status, influencing later horror and psychological thrillers.
8.Beetlejuice
Director: Tim Burton
HBO Rating: PG
Release year: 1988
Beetlejuice (1988), directed by Tim Burton, is a dark comedy that follows a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland, who haunt their former home. When a new family moves in, the Maitlands seek help from the mischievous and eccentric bio-exorcist, Beetlejuice, to scare them away. Known for its quirky characters, inventive visuals, and blend of horror and humor, the film became a cult classic, cementing Burton’s signature style.
9.Saw
Director: James Wan
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2004
Saw is a 2004 horror film directed by James Wan, which introduced the iconic villain Jigsaw. The movie follows two men trapped in a grim, deadly game orchestrated by a sadistic mastermind. As they attempt to escape, they must confront twisted moral choices and unravel a series of puzzles. With its shocking twists and gruesome traps, Saw redefined the horror genre, spawning a long-running franchise focused on survival, morality, and revenge.
10.Midsommar
Director: Ari Aster
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2019
Midsommar (2019), directed by Ari Aster, is a disturbing folk horror film that explores grief, trauma, and cultural rituals. Set in Sweden, a group of friends travel to a rural commune to witness a midsummer festival, only to find themselves entangled in a series of bizarre and unsettling events. As the festival’s true nature is revealed, the characters’ darkest fears and psychological breakdowns come to the forefront. The film is renowned for its unsettling atmosphere, symbolic imagery, and psychological intensity.
11.Gremlins
Director: Joe Dante
HBO Rating: PG
Release year: 1984
Gremlins (1984) is a dark comedy horror film directed by Joe Dante. The story follows a young man, Billy, who receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai as a gift. He is given three simple rules: don’t expose it to light, don’t get it wet, and never feed it after midnight. When these rules are broken, Billy’s town is overrun by mischievous, dangerous gremlins. The film blends humor, horror, and holiday charm, making it a unique cult classic.
12.Jaws
Director: Steven Spielberg
HBO Rating: PG
Release year: 1975
Jaws (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg, is a suspenseful thriller that revolutionized the horror genre and set the standard for blockbuster filmmaking. The film follows a great white shark terrorizing a small beach town, forcing the local police chief, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter to confront the deadly predator. Known for its intense atmosphere, iconic music by John Williams, and unforgettable characters, Jaws remains a cinematic classic.
13.Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2017
Get Out (2017), directed by Jordan Peele, is a psychological horror film that blends social commentary with thriller elements. The story follows Chris Washington, a Black photographer, who visits his white girlfriend’s family estate, where unsettling events unfold. As Chris uncovers disturbing secrets about the family, the film explores racial tensions, privilege, and identity, offering a sharp critique of modern-day racism wrapped in suspense and terror.
14.The Conjuring
Director: James Wan
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2013
The Conjuring (2013) is a supernatural horror film directed by James Wan, based on the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Set in the 1970s, the movie follows the Warrens as they assist a family plagued by disturbing events in their new home. With chilling atmospheres, intense suspense, and a gripping story, The Conjuring has become a defining entry in modern horror, spawning sequels and spin-offs. It’s known for its terrifying moments and powerful performances.
15.Friday the 13th
Director: Sean S. Cunningham
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 1980
Friday the 13th is a 1980 slasher film directed by Sean S. Cunningham. Set at the abandoned Camp Crystal Lake, the film follows a group of teenagers who are murdered one by one by a mysterious figure. The film introduced the iconic villain Jason Voorhees, though he only appears at the end of the movie. Friday the 13th became a major horror franchise, known for its suspense, graphic kills, and lasting impact on the slasher genre.
16.It Comes at Night
Director: Trey Edward Shults
HBO Rating: 7.9/10
Release year: 2017
It Comes at Night (2017) is a psychological horror film directed by Trey Edward Shults. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious illness, the story follows a family trying to survive in isolation. When another family seeks refuge, trust becomes a fragile concept. The film explores themes of fear, paranoia, and survival, blurring the lines between human nature and the terrifying unknown. Its haunting atmosphere and unsettling narrative leave a lasting impact.
17.Trick ‘r Treat
Director: Michael Dougherty
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2007
Trick ‘r Treat (2007) is a horror anthology film that intertwines multiple stories set on Halloween night. Directed by Michael Dougherty, the movie follows four different tales, each connected by the mischievous spirit of Sam, a pumpkin-headed figure who enforces Halloween traditions. The film blends horror, dark humor, and clever storytelling, becoming a cult classic for its unique take on the Halloween season and its eerie, interconnected narratives.
18.Fright Night
Director: Tom Holland
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 1985
Fright Night (1985) is a cult classic horror-comedy that blends thrills and humor. The story follows Charlie Brewster, a teenager who discovers his new neighbor, Jerry Dandrige, is a vampire. With the help of a washed-up TV horror host, Peter Vincent, Charlie battles to save his family from the bloodthirsty creature. Packed with suspense, witty dialogue, and memorable performances, Fright Night remains a beloved entry in 80s horror cinema.
19.Onibaba
Director: Kaneto Shindō
HBO Rating: 8.5/10
Release year: 1964
Onibaba (1964), directed by Kaneto Shindo, is a chilling Japanese horror film set during the Sengoku period. The story revolves around two women, a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, who survive by killing samurai and selling their armor. When a mysterious samurai arrives, their lives take a terrifying turn. With its haunting atmosphere and symbolic exploration of fear, desire, and survival, Onibaba remains a classic of Japanese cinema. Its eerie blend of psychological horror and folklore makes it unforgettable.
20.The Witch
Director: Robert Eggers
HBO Rating: 8.4/10
Release year: 2015
The Witch (2015), directed by Robert Eggers, is a chilling historical horror film set in 1630s New England. It follows a Puritan family whose lives unravel as they suspect a witch is lurking in the nearby forest, casting dark spells on their crops and livestock. With stunning cinematography and an unsettling atmosphere, The Witch explores themes of religious extremism, paranoia, and the supernatural, leaving audiences haunted by its haunting conclusion.
21.Black Swan
Director: Darren Aronofsky
HBO Rating: 8.4/10
Release year: 2010
Black Swan (2010) is a psychological thriller directed by Darren Aronofsky. The film follows Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a talented but fragile ballet dancer vying for the lead role in a New York City production of Swan Lake. As Nina’s obsession with perfection intensifies, she begins to lose her grip on reality, leading to disturbing hallucinations. The film explores themes of ambition, duality, and madness, with Portman’s performance earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
22.The Brood
Director: David Cronenberg
HBO Rating: 8.1/10
Release year: 1979
The Brood (1979) is a psychological horror film directed by David Cronenberg. The story revolves around a psychiatrist, Dr. Hal Raglan, who treats patients through controversial methods, resulting in the creation of strange, deformed children with violent tendencies. As the children’s violent behavior escalates, the protagonist, a mother named Nola, becomes central to the disturbing events. Known for its disturbing body horror and psychological depth, the film explores themes of trauma and revenge.
23.The Dead Don’t Die
Director: Jim Jarmusch
HBO Rating: R
Release year: 2019
The Dead Don’t Die is a 2019 horror-comedy film directed by Jim Jarmusch. Set in a small town, the film follows the town’s quirky residents as they face a zombie apocalypse. Starring Bill Murray, Adam Driver, and Tilda Swinton, the movie combines dark humor and a surreal narrative to explore themes of consumerism and existential dread. With a unique blend of offbeat humor and horror, it offers a fresh take on the zombie genre.
24.Scream
Director: Scream
HBO Rating: 7.4/10
Release year: 1996
Directed by Wes Craven, Scream revolutionized the horror genre by blending suspense with self-aware humor. The film follows high school student Sidney Prescott as she faces a mysterious killer known as Ghostface. With iconic moments, clever twists, and memorable characters, Scream redefined slasher films, playing with horror tropes while delivering genuine thrills. Its success sparked a beloved franchise, blending terror and meta-commentary in a unique way.
25.Carrie
Director: Brian De Palma
HBO Rating: 7.4/10
Release year: 1976
“Carrie” (1976) is a horror film directed by Brian De Palma, based on Stephen King’s debut novel. The story follows Carrie White, a shy, socially awkward high school student with a religiously fanatic mother. After enduring bullying from her classmates, Carrie discovers she possesses telekinetic powers. As her prom night approaches, the abuse she suffers reaches a breaking point, leading to a catastrophic and vengeful outburst. The film explores themes of isolation, revenge, and the dangers of unchecked power.