Horror films are always a fun movie experience. But which ones are mandatory? Here are sixteen must-see horror films to start with.
Must See Horror Films
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)
A film that uses suspense and primal fear to fuel its story, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark truly is a rarely talked about gem well worth watching.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, Eddie Firestone (Actors)
Duel (1971)
Steven Spielberg’s first horror film proves to be a good one. Following only two characters, the film doesn’t lose focus and builds tension exponentially as it progresses. It’s a fun ride of a film.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Carol Kane, Rutanya Alda, Charles Durning (Actors)
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
This film needs to be watched if only for the first 20 minutes. The beginning is so iconic and so well done that its reputation is legendary. It’s creepy, dark, and realistic and has all the makings of a true horror film.
Suspiria (1977)
An Italian horror film, Suspiria can get a bit odd at times. But because of its stunning visuals and creepy, haunted house-type atmosphere, it is worthy of a spot on this list.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Max Schreck (Actor)
Nosferatu (1922)
One of the truly scary silent films which put an interesting spin on the story of Dracula. Some even say the actor who played Nosferatu was a real vampire and for all we know, it could be true.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Bela Lugosi, David Manners, Edward Van Sloan (Actors)
Dracula (1931)
This film has the most classic and lasting representation of Dracula ever put to film. Even if this film is being watched for the first time, it all seems so familiar – and that’s the charm of it. Its story has become second nature but the film is still a classic.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning (Actors)
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
An important film in horror that made room for films like Jaws, Piranha, and Shark Attack. Although it's not exactly scary these days, it's really interesting to peer into the culture, and some of the special effects are quite good.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, William Harrigan (Actors)
The Invisible Man (1933)
One of the funniest horror films from the Universal age. This film is full of dark humor and amazing effects. The dialogue is excellent and the acting is top-notch.
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Scream (1996)
One of the most interesting plots of a horror film, Scream is a very self-aware and self-deprecating kind of film. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but still manages to have some creepy and truly effortless scares.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Geraldine Chaplin, Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo (Actors)
The Orphanage (2007)
The atmosphere of this film is unrivaled. The creepy setting, the understated characters, and the pacing make for a thrill ride of a horror film.
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Hellraiser (1987)
Like Freddy and Jason, Pinhead has become a horror icon. Hellraiser is such a visually haunting film that it is hard to look away. A dark movie that is sure to satisfy any gore hound.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Manuela Velasco, Ferran Terraza, Jorge-Yamam Serrano (Actors)
[Rec] (2007)
This film took what started with The Blair Witch Project one step further. The film gets so incredibly creepy at the end that it’s hard to keep watching unless you’re with company.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson (Actors)
The Ring/Ringu (2002/1998)
Both the Japanese version and the remake are worth seeing for their own reasons. Both manage to be truly scary and have an original and creepy plot.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Noriko Sakai, Chiharu Niiyama, Kei Horie (Actors)
Ju-on/ The Grudge (2003/2004)
Another set of American/Japanese films, The Grudge set of films doesn’t use jump scares for terror but shows you a monster and dares you not to be scared.
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Filmed like it was a real event, this film scared the pants off a lot of people. Based on real events, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a twisted and interesting horror film.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Nick Frost, Dylan Moran, Krishnan Guru-Murthy (Actors)
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Bar none is the best horror comedy ever written. It’s original and embraces the horror genre rather than just parodying it.
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