The horror genre continues to captivate audiences and make big bucks for the studios and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. From blood-fueled gore fests to mind-bending psychological terror, these films have claimed their place in the pantheon of world-class cinema. These are ten entries that every terror junkie should have on their shelves, so let’s delve into 10 Essential Horror Movies for Your Collection.
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10. Get Out (2017)
A modern horror film that explores the nature of racism and social commentary. We follow Chris who visits his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend and uncovers a sinister plot. The film is a masterpiece of suspense and terror that no one saw coming, featuring a breakout performance by Daniel Kaluuya and providing Jordan Peele with the opportunity to prove his place among the horror community. Get Out explores the nature of fear and identity and remains one of the most innovative and thought-provoking entries on this list.
9. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror film that goes in-depth with the essence of evil and obsession. The story follows FBI Agent Clarice Starling who must seek the help of the cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another killer before he takes another victim. The film is a masterpiece of suspense and terror, featuring iconic performances by Jodie Foster as the determined Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as the chilling Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The Silence of the Lambs remains one of the most chilling and unforgettable horror films ever made, as the first horror film to win the Oscar for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director.
8. Jaws (1975)
Another horror film with an iconic theme, Jaws is a classic horror film that has terrified audiences to get into the water. As we follow a small-town sheriff who must hunt down a giant man-eating shark. A masterpiece of suspense and terror and features an iconic performance by Roy Scheider as the determined Sheriff Brody. Jaws remains one of the most iconic and influential horror films ever made, winning 3 out of the 4 Academy awards it was nominated for and kicking off the impressive career of Steven Spielberg.
7. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby is a psychological horror film that explores the nature of fear and paranoia. The story follows Rosemary Woodhouse who becomes pregnant and begins to suspect that her neighbors have sinister intentions. Mia Farrow plays the tormented Rosemary and her performance was noteworthy, however, the award went to Ruth Gordon as Minnie Castevet for Best Supporting Actress. Rosemary’s Baby explores evil and motherhood simultaneously and remains one of the most chilling and unforgettable horror films ever made, also receiving a nomination for Adapted Screenplay.
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Psycho (1960)
This classic horror film has been terrifying audiences for decades to get into a shower. The story follows Marion Crane who steals money from her employer and goes on the run, just to become the victim of a killer. Hitchcock’s masterpiece of suspense and terror features an iconic performance by Anthony Perkins as the disturbed Norman Bates. Psycho explores the nature of madness and obsession of a man and his disturbed relationship with his mother, the film received 4 Oscar nominations but no wins.
5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The oldest entry on our list and the birth of zombie cinema. We follow a group of people who become trapped in a farmhouse during a zombie apocalypse and must defend themselves against a hoard of the undead. Night of the Living Dead explores the nature of survival and human nature and remains one of the most influential horror films ever made and kicked off the hype for zombie flicks.
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Another classic horror film that has been terrifying and disgusting audiences for decades. The story follows a group of friends who become stranded in a remote area and are hunted by a family of cannibals. The film is a masterpiece of suspense and terror, featuring an iconic performance by Gunnar Hansen as the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre explores the nature of violence and madness and remains one of the most chilling and unforgettable horror films ever made.
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3. Halloween (1978)
A classic slasher film that became an entire franchise that has stood the test of time. The story follows a masked killer who stalks and kills teenagers on Halloween night, and eventually sets his sights on Laurie Strode. The film features an iconic performance by Jamie Lee Curtis as the final girl Laurie Strode. Halloween remains one of the most iconic and influential horror films ever made, as one of the most profitable films ever made. Also, who could forget that iconic theme by John Carpenter?
2. The Shining (1980)
A psychological horror film that explores madness and isolation. A family who become caretakers of a remote hotel during the winter, and the father’s descent into madness. The film is a masterpiece of suspense and terror, featuring an iconic performance by Jack Nicholson as the haunted Jack Torrance. The Shining remains one of the most chilling and unforgettable horror films ever made, with some of the most terrifying imagery put onto screen.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
The iconic classic horror film has been terrifying audiences for decades. Following a young Regan who becomes possessed by the demon Pazuzu, and the attempts by two priests to save her. The film is a masterpiece of suspense and terror, featuring an iconic performance by Linda Blair as the possessed Regan. The Exorcist explores the nature of evil and faith and remains one of the most chilling and unforgettable horror films ever made. Nominated for 2 academy awards including Best Actress and Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture but taking home two awards for Best Sound and Adapted Screenplay.
