Horror Films Everyone Should See At Least Once
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One of the best things about the horror genre is that there is something for everyone. To be honest, though, that can also be one of the worst things about the genre. Because there are so many films that fall into hundreds of subgenres, it can get overwhelming trying to figure out what you should watch. I have compiled a list of the ten horror films that I think everyone should see at least once. I have also included where you can watch them to hopefully make it a bit easier when choosing your next movie for movie night. (Side note: After finishing this article, I watched The Autopsy of Jane Doe on Netflix, and it definitely belongs somewhere on this list. If you want to watch one of the most fascinating and unique horror films of all time, then you need to check this one out!)
10. 'The Shining' (1980)
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The Shining should be on everyone's list of horror movies to see in their lifetime. The film is a masterpiece of writing, directing, and cinematography. Although there is a lot of controversy around the making of the film and the treatment of Shelley Duvall, it is still a film that needs to be seen. Jack Nicholson is a genius in this film with his portrayal of a man slowly losing his mind, and the ending of the film is one of the greatest twists in horror.
The Shining is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
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9. 'The Others' (2001)
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I feel like this is a film that most horror fans know of but many people haven’t seen. The film itself isn’t why I put it on the list. Nicole Kidman is phenomenal in this, and the cinematography is stunning, but the best thing about this film is the twist. You will never see it coming, and once you know the twist, you can’t help but want to watch it again to see what you missed. This is one of the few films where knowing the twist makes the second watch better because it completely changes the film and every shadow you see on the wall.
The Others is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
8. 'Poltergeist' (1982)
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Poltergeist is a classic, and for good reason. It is one of the best supernatural horror films of all time. You can watch this movie a hundred times and never get tired of it or get used to the jump-scares. The acting in this film is the best thing about it because you feel the fear that the family is feeling. The actors went above and beyond with their portrayals of the family and the scientists who came in to help. I would definitely recommend skipping the sequel, though, because it is horrible.
Poltergeist is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
7. 'Jaws' (1975)
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I do not consider Jaws a horror film because I love sharks, but I know that it technically is one, so I had to put it on this list. This film not only had a massive impact on the film industry by reigniting fans’ love of creature features, but it also changed the world. Unfortunately, the film led to many people becoming terrified of sharks and many sharks being murdered because of the film. However, the film also inspired many fans to become marine biologists, and it is one of the reasons that we have so many shark scientists today. The shark in this film is one of the best things about it because they chose to use an animatronic representation rather than CGI, which added to the scare factor of the film.
Jaws is available to stream on Netflix.
6. 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' (1984)
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A Nightmare on Elm Street is a classic for a reason. This film has everything you could want in a horror film and more. Robert Englund is a master at his craft, and when you put him and Wes Craven together, you are guaranteed to have a good time. Freddy is a terrifying villain, but the best thing about him is his one-liners. They always hit at just the right moment, and they add dark humor to the otherwise horrifying scene.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
5. 'Trick ‘r Treat' (2007)
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Trick ‘r Treat is one of the best horror films I have ever seen! It is structured like an anthology but strays away from that structure at the end of the film when it shows you how every single story is connected. The main character, Sam, is so cute and terrifying, but what makes him so great is that he never speaks! You form a bond with this character without ever hearing a word from him. The casting for this film is also spectacular, and it has just the right amount of jump scares and gore without going too far.
Trick ‘r Treat is available to stream on Max.
4. 'The Grudge' (2004)
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This is an American reimagining of the hugely popular Japanese film Ju-on: The Grudge. I have seen both the American and Japanese versions, and for once, the American version is better than the original film. This is a great introduction to foreign horror because while it was made in the US, it kept the Japanese actress for Kayako from the original film, is set in Japan, and has a writing and directing style that is more reflective of the Japanese style than the American horror genre we are accustomed to. The film is also great if you are looking for something with very little gore that is more unsettling than horrifying. This film explores domestic violence in a very real way, so I wanted to add a quick trigger warning for that.
The Grudge is available to stream on Peacock.
3. 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' (1954)
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This is not only my favorite classic horror film; it is my favorite classic film. I love classic movies, and this one has everything you could possibly want. The Creature’s costume in this film is mind-blowingly beautiful and realistic, especially taking into consideration when it was made. This film is smart, which is one of my favorite things about it. The characters are mostly scientists with decisions that are well thought out, and everything they do moves the plot forward. There is also no gore, so it is great for younger horror fans or anyone who just wants a good horror movie without the blood.
Creature from the Black Lagoon is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
2. 'Scream' (1996)
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If you have read many of my articles, then you know how much I love the Scream franchise! I feel like every film in the franchise, except for five, should be on this list, but if you are only going to watch one film from the franchise, it has to be the original. Yes, it is cheesy and goofy, but it is all done on purpose. This film was so important to the slasher genre and the horror genre as a whole because it came at a time when the genre was dying out. Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven created the perfect slasher film that made fun of the stupid rules woven into every slasher up to 1996 while also respecting the genre and creating the second-best slasher of all time. I could spend hours talking about why I love these movies so much!
Scream is available to stream on Max.
1. 'Halloween' (1978)
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The ultimate must-watch horror film for me is, of course, the original Halloween. This film is the definition of perfection. It has jump scares, unsettling atmosphere, humor, a little sex, and plenty of kills. Jamie Lee Curtis is not only introduced to us as an actress, but she also becomes the definition of what a modern-day scream queen should be. This film changed the horror genre forever, and it was done with a small budget and as a way for John Carpenter to show his skill set. This movie was made to act as a visual resume, and instead, it became the blueprint for the perfect slasher film. This is another film and franchise that I could spend hours talking about!
Halloween is available to rent on Amazon Prime.
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10 Horror Films That Don’t Get Enough Hype
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In recent decades, the horror genre has become oversaturated with content. While some of that content is great and has introduced us to up-and-coming directors like Oz Perkins and Mike Flanagan, so much of the content is falling to the back. Since we have already explored some of the most over-hyped horror films, part two of this series is going to take a look at 10 horror films that do not get enough hype!
10. 'Renfield' (2023)
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This movie did pretty terribly at the box office, but I love it! Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult have incredible on-screen chemistry, and the entire film is a blast from start to finish. Reimaginings of classic horror stories have been falling flat in recent years, but this modern take on Dracula was not only unique but also perfectly written and directed. The film is campy but in the best possible way, and it leaves you wanting more from these characters.
Renfield is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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9. 'The Invisible Man' (2020)
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This is another modern reimagining that was done perfectly. Elizabeth Moss gives a masterclass on acting in this film, and you feel her terror and frustration evolve throughout the film. Like Renfield, this film took a classic story and expertly turned it into something new that would be terrifying to new audiences. This movie doesn’t get enough attention, but I blame that on the fact that it came out at the beginning of the pandemic.
The Invisible Man is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
8. 'House On Haunted Hill' (1959)
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This is one of the best classic horror films of all time. I’m not sure why this film gets so little attention because it stars Vincent Price in his prime, and it has some legitimate jump scares which most classic horror movies can’t say. This film is definitely campy, but it is perfectly done and the overall atmosphere of the film is perfect. There is an atrocious remake that came out in the late 90s that most people think of when they see this title, so make sure that you watch the black and white film!
House on Haunted Hill is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
7. 'Sleepy Hollow' (1999)
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It is truly mind-boggling to me that this film isn’t on every horror fan’s watchlist. Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci are spectacular and have some of the best on-screen chemistry I have ever seen. This film takes the classic story of the Headless Horseman and makes it scary and sexy. If you are looking for the perfect film to get you in the spooky season mood, this is it!
Sleepy Hollow is available to stream on Paramount +.
6. 'Constantine' (2005)
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This film has started to get more hype since Keanu Reeves announced that we were finally getting a sequel, but it has been criminally underrated for the last almost two decades. The cinematography of this film is the best you will ever see in a horror film. It is haunting, horrifying, and somehow also stunningly beautiful. Keanu is at his best in the titular role, and the directing is spectacular.
Constantine is available to stream on Peacock.
5. 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' (1954)
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This is the best classic creature feature of all time, in my opinion. It has more heart than most other films in this subgenre, and the creature is a character that you are rooting for from the very beginning. I will never understand why films like Frankenstein and The Wolfman are praised while this Universal monster seems to stay hidden in the dark.
Creature from the Black Lagoon is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
4. 'Halloween Kills' (2021)
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This film received a lot of hate within the horror community which makes no sense to me because it was spectacular. I have never seen a horror film that expertly blended the current political climate with a classic story, but this one did it and left me with chills. It was hard to decide if you were more afraid of the people or Michael, and that is not something you can say about any other horror film.
Halloween Kills is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
3. 'Trick ‘r Treat' (2007)
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I will admit that this film is pretty widely known within the horror community, but it does not receive anywhere near enough hype. This is one of the most unique films I have ever seen, and I love that the creators found a way to breathe new life into the anthology format. The directing, casting, and acting are flawless, and I really wish more people talked about this film.
Trick ‘r Treat is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
2. 'The Grudge' (2004)
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I have a feeling that this may be the most controversial movie on this list. Most horror fans hate American remakes of Asian horror films, but in this case, the American remake was better than the original film. The best thing about this movie is that some of the actors from the original film were brought in, and it is not a perfect remake. The American film has a completely different story structure, and it is far scarier and more unsettling than the original film.
The Grudge is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
1. 'Poltergeist' (1982)
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This is one of my favorite horror films of all time, and I cannot wrap my head around the fact that it is not talked about more. I know that the late 70s and early 80s were a hub for great horror movies, but this film deserves a spot on the list of best horror films. There is so much about this film that I love, but the very best thing about it is the phenomenal acting by the entire cast. The kids in the film hold their own, and the on-screen chemistry with the family is pure perfection.
Poltergeist is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
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