35 Favorite Horror Films

10/31/2024

Growing up, I have always been a big fan of the horror genre: the thrills, the tension, the chills that go down your spine. Horror is an expansive genre that can cover much ground, from supernatural to physiological to serial killers to killer birds. It's a big tent that aims to frighten or shock its audience, always leaving them returning for more. Below, are 35 of my favorite horror films that I deeply love. – Arnold At The Movies

The Spooky List (Alphabetically):

Alien (1979)

In space, no one can hear you scream. Ridley Scott's Alien (1979) was a watershed moment for both horror and science fiction. Scott delivered an unnerving picture that slowly builds up the tension and dread. Plus, we got a breakout performance by Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley that made her a movie star.

The Birds (1963)

Alfred Hithcock's The Birds (1963) leaps into the creature feature genre of horror, gifting the audience with killer birds. The Birds is another slow burner that is meshed with killer suspense. Tippi Hedren delivers a superb performance as Melanie Daniels. But let's not excuse Hitchcock's terrible and inappropriate behavior towards Hedren during the filming of this movie.

Black Christmas (1974)

Bob Clark's Black Christmas (1974) is one of the first films to introduce the slasher genre. Black Christmas became a heavy influence for slasher films in the years to follow. Bleak, innovative, and frightening, Black Christmas's dread will slowly crawl underneath your skin. Merry Christmas!

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Bride of Frankenstein (1935) is not only one of the greatest horror pictures ever made, but also one of the greatest sequels ever made. Director James Whale was a master at crafting classic horror. Whale expanded from his first Frankenstein (1931) film, gifting us with a richly awarded and emotionally charged piece of cinema. Actor Boris Karloff returned as "The Monster" with another powerful performance. Everything in Bride of Frankenstein is top-notch. From the cinematography to the art direction to the costumes, Whale's picture is electrifying. Bride of Frankenstein is technically impressive in sheer and scope, along with Whale's campy undertones that bleed through this movie. The last 15 minutes of this film are so masterful and pure art.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

This German silent horror film was ahead of its time. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a German Expressionist film that excelled in surreal production designs, eerie atmosphere, and that pivotal twist ending. Director Robert Wiene’s picture features a dark and twisted visual style, with sharp-pointed forms, landscapes that curve in unusual angles, and shadows of light painted directly onto the sets. 124 years later, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is still a masterpiece.

Coraline (2009)

Yes, Henry Selick's Coraline is a dark fantasy horror film that absolutely deserves to be in this category. Gorgeous animation and superb stop-motion help excel Coraline to another realm. There are plenty of fun frights and spooky scenery that the whole family will enjoy. Great movie to introduce the little ones too.

The Descent (2005)

2005's The Descent is a personal favorite of mine. A British horror film that draws you in and never let's go. Claustrophobic, nerve-wracking, and just plan scary. Make sure you watch the movie with its original UK ending, as the US ending just does not hit as hard.

Evil Dead II (1987)

Sam Raimi is a madman and his 1987 film, Evil Dead II, proves it. A bonkers film that delivers the goods: blood, gore, and laughs. Bruce Campbell is having the time of his life in this picture. Groovy!

The Exorcist (1973)

William Friedkin's The Exorcist is one of the scariest movies ever made. Incredibly bleak and haunting, The Exorcist is one of the most influential horror films ever made. There's a sense of dread and evil that lurks in the corners of this film. Over 50 years later, Friedkin's picture still continues to impress and fright me.

The Fly (1986)

David Cronenberg's 1986 remake of The Fly takes the body-horror genre to the next level. Superb acting from both Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, along with impeccable practical effects. The Fly is a slow-burning horror film that lets all hell loose in its third act. "Be afraid. Be very afraid."

Get Out (2017)

Jordan Peele's Get Out is a psychological horror film that threw Peele into the directors' spotlight. A superb directorial debut all around. Peele's film is a social critique of America and race. Get Out is funny, thrilling, and thought-provoking, Peele takes a stab at middle-class white liberals. “By the way, I would have voted for Obama for a third term if I could.”

Godzilla (1954)

1954's Godzilla is a combination of a post-war Japan and fears of nuclear holocaust. Stunning black-and-white, along with great special effects, delivers a monster-movie fare. Godzilla has always been a metaphor for nuclear weapons and the dangers they pose. "The theme of the film, from the beginning, was the terror of the bomb. Mankind had created the bomb, and now nature was going to take revenge on mankind."

Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter's Halloween will always be a horror classic. A low-budget horror film that blew through the roof when it came out. There's little to no blood in the original Halloween movie, yet that does not make it less frightening. The suspense and terror seeps through the walls in the picture. "It was the Boogeyman."

The Haunting (1963)

1963's The Haunting is a supernatural horror film that sneaks up on you. The unusual pan and tracking shots in this picture heightened its feel of the supernatural. A little sinister along with gorgeous black-and-white shots make this movie a chilling Halloween treat.

Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster's directorial debut, Hereditary, is a deeply unnerving picture. This psychological horror film gets underneath your skin and stays there for a long time. Toni Collette delivers a soul-shattering performance in a prestigious picture that will send shivers down your spine.

The Host (2006)

Bong Joon-ho's The Host (2006) is a top-notch monster feature that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A riveting monster movie that provides both laughs and scares. The Host hits even harder now after 2020's COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

There have been three movies (1956's Invasion of the Body Snatchers, 1978's Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and 2007's The Invasion) based on Jack Finney's 1955 novel, The Body Snatchers. In my opinion, the 1956 film is good, the 2007 film is bad, and the 1978 film is a masterpiece. Director Philip Kaufman's 1978 picture captures the full-on terror and suspense of the novel. Impeccable camerawork along with a mesmerizing sound design, makes the overall creepy atmosphere of this picture heightened. Actors Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams were at the top of their game. RIP Donald Sutherland.

It Follows (2014)

It Follows is a modern horror film that adds a completely original approach to the genre: a supernatural entity after a sexual encounter. It Follows is smart, nail-biting, and full of unknown dread lurking in every corner. This film helped make actress Maika Monroe a movie star and a modern scream queen. It Follows is an exploration of sex through thought-provoking and chilling themes.

Jaws (1975)

1975's Jaws was director Steven Spielberg's third picture, and it really helped put him on this map. From John Williams's iconic and terrifying score to rarely seeing the shark on the screen. Instead, Spielberg used the camera as a POV, making Jaws a classic monster flick that has continued to scare generations. Jaws is the reason why my mom is afraid to go into the ocean.

Let the Right One In (2008)

In my opinion, Let the Right One In is one of the greatest vampire movies ever made. A Swedish romantic horror film based on the 2004 novel by author John Ajvide Lindqvist. Let the Right One In tells the story of a bullied 12-year-old-boy who meets a new and mysterious girl. Let the Right One In is like a Gothic fable captured through vivid storytelling, drops of blood, and childhood love. That ending pool scene still shocks me to this day.

The Lighthouse (2019)

"Why'd ya spill yer beans?" The Lighthouse is a hypnotic film that dives deep into the depths of madness. Director Robert Eggers's black-and-white movie will chill you to the bone. On top of the grand cinematography, we get an eerie score to add to the suspense. Backed by mesmerizing performances from actors Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. I have always been a big fan of Eggers's work (The Witch and The Northman). Looking forward to his remake of Nosferatu, which comes to theaters this December. In the end, The Lighthouse is a Gothic masterpiece.

Misery (1990)

Based on Stephen King's 1987 novel, Rob Reiner's Misery (1990) succeeds through psychological terror and outstanding acting (James Caan and Kathy Bates). A slow-burn that takes its time as Bates's psychopathic character keeps Caan's character hostage. Misery is one of the best film adaptations based on King's work. Annie (Bates) whacking Paul's (Caan) tied down feet with a sledgehammer still hurts and shocks to this day.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

A personal favorite of mine and also a comfort film for me, oddly enough. Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) helped energize some much-needed juice and originality into the slasher genre. Through practical effects and frightening themes, Craven's picture is a bloody good time. Freddy Krueger (the great Robert Englund) literally saved New Line Cinema from bankruptcy. And Nancy Thompson (the wonderful Heather Langenkamp) is one of my favorite scream queens. Happy 40th anniversary of Elm Street!

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead (1968) literally created the zombie genre for horror. Romero was known as "Father of the Zombie Film" throughout his career. Night of the Living Dead's stellar black-and-white landscape adds to its Gothic atmosphere. With tight editing, stunning performances (Duane Jones and Judith O'Dea), political undertones, and spooky thrills. "If it doesn't scare you, you're already dead!"

Possession (1981)

Possession (1985) is a movie I still have not been able to shake. Andrzej Żuławski's physiological horror left me speechless at the end. Possession is a movie that I don't want to give too much away. It's a movie that you need to go into blind. Possession subverted every expectation of mine for a horror film. Żuławski's also includes powerful imagery along with complex themes. Not to mention, Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill were both on a god-tier level of acting. That subway scene is downright shocking... an all-timer.

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is both a classic and a masterpiece. One of the best known scenes in cinema of all-time is the iconic shower scene with actress Janet Leigh. Psycho broke so many barriers for Hollywood in so many ways. To this day, Psycho is not only one of the most influential horror films, but films in general. Hitchcock's picture goes from slow burns to shocks, like whiplash. With striking cinematography, a sensational score, superb editing, and a menacing performance by Anthony Perkins, Psycho thrills and then some. What a picture.

Scream (1996)

Wes Craven's Scream (1996) introduced a new generation to the slasher movies by, again, re-energizing the genre through laughs and terror. Scream satirized the popular clichés of the slasher genre. Scream is sly, witty, and very meta. Ghostface and the town of Woodsboro go hand-in-hand.

The Shining (1980)

Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is my favorite horror film of all-time and my second favorite movie of all-time. My grandma (who is a huge horror buff) introduced me to The Shining when I was in middle school. This viewing sparked an interest in me in both the horror genre and Kubrick himself, who has become my favorite director. The Shining is a psychological horror film based on Stephen King's 1977 novel. However, Kubrick steered away from many aspects of the book and crafted the picture into his own vision. The acting in the movie alone is top-notch. Actors Jack Nicholson, the late Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, and Scatman Crothers bring their A-game. Especially Duvall, who gave us one of the hardest and most profound performances ever put on film. In addition to the well-crafted direction and acting, is the gorgeous cinematography and haunting score. The Shining also made use of the newly developed Steadicam, which gave the film a sense of eeriness and claustrophobia. Not to mention the levels of ambiguities and symbolism this film offers, which I am still dissecting today. Masterpiece.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Jonathan Demme's The Silence of the Lambs (1991) is still one of the most influential pieces of cinema to this day. Based on Thomas Harris's 1988 novel, The Silence of the Lambs follows a young FBI trainee (an outstanding Jodie Foster) who is hunting a serial killer named "Buffalo Bill" (a creepy Ted Levine). Clarice Starling (Foster) seeks advice from an imprisoned Hannibal Lecter (a magnificent Anthony Hopkins). A psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, Hopkins's performance will seep into your bones. This psychological character study and horror thrill-ride will have you on the edge of your seat. Winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest gifts of cinema we have ever received. To this day, Demme's picture is the first and only horror film to win Best Picture.

Suspiria (1977)

Director Dario Argento's giallo horror, Suspiria (1977), is a triumph and also one of the most influential horror pictures to ever come out. Its sheer accomplishment in the visuals and score alone is stunning. This Italian supernatural epic is bloody, stylistic, moody, and breathtaking. Goblin's wild and heart-pounding score for this picture will have you levitating. I recently got to see this movie on the big screen, and it was marvelous. Jessica Harper, you are a star!

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

"Before Halloween.... Before Friday The 13th.... Before Scream.... There Was The Saw." Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) is pure horror. There is little to no blood in the original Chain Saw Massacre. Nevertheless, that doesn't make this film any less frightening. There is a sense of dread and evil lurking around the corner. Hooper adds fear and loathing to his film, causing your blood pressure to rise. The cultural impact and controversy of this movie was monumental. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is high in tension and anxiety inducing from start to finish. Hooper's picture helped pave a way for the horror genre to be used as a vehicle for social commentary in its storytelling. Masterful.

The Thing (1982)

I believe The Thing (1982) is director John Carpenter's magnum opus. The Thing was heavily hated when it came to theaters in 1982. But over the years, Carpenter's picture has garnered more reappraisal and praise. It's now highly considered a classic. Based on Bill Lancaster's 1938 novel, Who Goes There?, Carpenter's movie follows a group of American research scientists in Antarctica who encounter an extraterrestrial life-form that assimilates, then imitates, other organisms. Fueled with paranoia and stunning practical effects, The Thing is a bloody good science fiction horror flick. Jaw-dropping, adrenaline inducing, Carpenter's magnum opus is one of the most effective horror films ever made. Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) said it best in Back to the Future (1985): "I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet. But your kids are gonna love it.”

Thirst (2009)

Director Park Chan-wook's Thirst (2009) adds an interesting element to the vampire genre. A South Korean horror / romance film that is devilish fun. A feast full of bodies, blood, and sexual imagery. Park adds in all of his signature traits to this picture, including black humor, visual flare, surrealism, and lustful cravings. Actors Song Kang-ho and Kim Ok-bin are an incredible match, delivering some of the best acting together for a vampire flick ever. I would rank Thirst high up in Park's stellar filmography. But be careful, this film has a nasty bite.

Train to Busan (2016)

Train to Busan is an excellent zombie movie all around. It does not re-invent the wheel, but it does deliver some of the most anxiety-inducing and emotionally charged stories I've ever seen put into a zombie feature. The stakes are heightened as we follow a father (Gong Yoo) and daughter (Kim Su-an) who are desperately trying to get from Seoul to Busan as the zombie apocalypse is happening. Gong Yoo and Kim's acting in this South Korean action horror film is incredible. You are heavily committed to their characters from beginning until end. So, "escape from the zombies! Get on board to stay alive!"

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a masterclass in acting. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford delivered some of the best performances of their careers in this picture. Robert Aldrich's psychological horror will get under your skin, leaving you shaken. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is driven through stunning imagery, campy tones, and the creation of the psycho-biddy subgenre. Aldrich's picture is melodramatic, superbly acted, and tightly edited. Rich in atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this movie sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Fin.

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