Top 10 Horror Films of All Time
This is my dynamic top ten of the best horror films of all time. Horror is so subjective and perhaps along with comedy, these two are the toughest ones to crack. Yet, once in a while there will be a filmmaker who is capable of crafting intimate, scary stories or go bonkers with a full on rollercoaster of jump scares and ominous atmosphere. On the other hand, you might have a film that takes its time to creep under your skin culminating in a dark and frenetic climax of terror and emotional chaos. it took me a while to put down which films have really marked me and after a rather long thinking process, I present to you my top ten.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭
Scariest moment: Cillian Murphy wondering the desolate London streets is a now classic film moment but his first encounter with the infected inside a chapel is the stuff of nightmares.
10. 28 days later
Director: Danny Boyle
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Christopher Eccleston
Genre: Post-apocalyptic horror
Release year: 2002
Country: UK
What is interesting about “28 Days Later” is how it managed to revitalize the dead in the water zombie genre. Writer Alex Garland (“Dredd“ (2012)) offered a fresh take on the slow moving living dead (technically here they are infected) by raising the stakes and making them move really fast. This allows Danny Boyle (“Trainspotting“ (1996)) to stage various pulse pounding skirmishes, shot in a handheld dogmatic approach that enhances the film’s realism. Taking cues from the rabies disease, “28 Days Later” succeeds by having exquisitely dreadful atmosphere within the famous landscapes of London. Despite a rather contained second half, “28 Days Later” is a masterclass in tension with some valid points on human nature when it comes for survival. It might annoy some with its bleakness and permutating nihilism but it certainly will win those who are not keen on traditional horror cliches.
Suspense:
😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: The climax in the finale will shock you and rip your heart out but not before leaving you questioning your own interpretation.
9. The Wailing
Director: Na Hong-Jin
Starring: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Chun Woo-hee, Jun Kunimura
Genre: Horror
Release year: 2016
Country: Korea
“The Wailing” is more than your typical supernatural horror movie with exorcisms and demonic presences. Relying heavily on a carefully constructed plot with various layers that are open to personal interpretation, it provides a slow burn approach till the unexpected and poetically ominous climax. “The Wailing” has a surprising emotional core, key ingredient that lacks from many horror films and is boosted by genuine performances. While the film has nuanced themes around someone’s faith and freedom of choice, it is still packed with nightmarish visuals and a decaying production design which is an omen of things to come. Requiring multiple viewings to understand its subtle symbolisms, “The Wailing” will offer plenty of discussion but not before it scares the crap out of you. It can be described in one word as a masterpiece.
Suspense:
😰😰
Jump scares:
😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: A face off with a family is perhaps the darkest moment but the first half (or at least before the mystery is revealed) is unmatched in terms of atmosphere.
8. Sleepy Hollow
Director: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Michael Gabon, Christopher Walken
Genre: Gothic supernatural horror
Release year: 1999
Country: USA
“Sleepy Hollow” is not the scariest film in this list. Yet, it does have some of the most amazing art direction you will ever see and an atmosphere to die for. Tim Burton (“Batman“ (1989), “Edward Scissorhands“ (1990)) created the ultimate gothic horror film, filled with eccentricities, beautiful costume work and a high body count by decapitation. Almost a creature feature at its core, “Sleepy Hollow” is a feast for the eyes that 22 years later seems unmatched with Tim Burton’s style invoking the feelings of classic Hammer horror films while Johnny Depp is right front and center as the smart but not too brave Ichabod Crane. While its emphasis on grand guignol violence might be too much, it is undeniable that “Sleepy Hollow” definitely stands out from the lot as a well crafted and visually original film.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: Too many to chose from but the sequence in the daughters’ room is incredibly tense while a particular spirit reveal around a wardrobe will catch you unguarded.
7. The Conjuring
Director: James Wan
Actors: Lili Taylor, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston
Genre: Supernatural horror
Release year: 2013
Country: USA
By now “The Conjuring” has evolved (unexpectedly) into a Golgothian horror franchise with two direct sequels and five (!) spin offs all unnecessarily interconnected with various levels of quality. Yet, this relatively small film - based on the case files of the Warrens, famous demonologists - showcases James Wan’s directing talent at staging horrifying sequences with malevolent spirits. Assisted by exceptional 70’s style cinematography by John R. Leonetti (“Mortal Kombat” (1995), “Soul Surfer” (2011)), an outstanding sound design and supported by solid performances, “The Conjuring” brought back quality horror in the multiplex without insulting the audience’s intelligence and delivering unexpected jolts and thrills.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: By far the scene with Drew Barrimore which opens the film with a bang and remains to this day one of the very best.
6. Scream
Director: Wes Craven
Starring: Neve Campell, Rose McGowan, Skeett Ulrich, Drew Barrimore
Genre: Meta slasher
Release year: 1996
Country: USA
“Scream” exploded back in 1996 spotlighting the horror genre with a meta analysis on its current decline packaged within a slasher formula that emphasized a who-dun-it mystery. Cleverly directed by horror maestro Wes Craven (“Nightmare on Elm Street“ (1984), “The Hills Have Eyes“ (1977)) and accompanied by an outstanding score from Marco Beltrami, “Scream” introduced a brand new horror icon for the 90’s generation in the form of Ghostface and twisted the genre’s conventions in surprising ways. Supported by an excellent cast that share genuine chemistry and enough characterization to make you care for who lives and dies, “Scream” had also the privilege to come up with a commentary not only on horror but on the actions of individuals that have a domino effect on those around them. And that is why it stands the test of time. All the ghosts and ghouls in the world cannot be scarier than a psychotic with a knife.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: SWAT cops enter the top floor apartment - enough said.
5. Rec 2
Director: Paco Plaza & Jaume Balaguero
Starring: Manuela Velasco, Jonathan Mellor, Oscar Sanchez Zafra
Genre: Found footage zombie horror
Release year: 2009
Country: Spain
“Rec” (2007) and “Rec 2” have more things in common with the classic “28 Days Later” than with traditional zombie flicks. While the first film was a correct use of the found footage tropes and managed to deliver some original frights, “Rec 2” makes the first time look like a trip to Disneyland. Populated with interesting ideas of how to utilize real time within the movie (the cops have mounted cameras) gives the proceedings a more direct realism and allows for the directing duo to craft some truly exceptional jump scares. Similarly, they also expand the mythology with fresh and intriguing new elements raising the dramatic stakes (and the body count). Oozing with supernatural atmosphere and nifty production design, “Rec 2” is not afraid to explore uncharted for the genre territory.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: While the blood testing scene is the stuff of cinematic legends, the reveal of the thing during a particular medical procedure is sure to make you jump from your seat.
4. The Thing
Director: John Carpenter
Starring: Kurt Russell, Keith David, A. Wilford Brimley, TK Carter
Genre: Science fiction horror
Release year: 1982
Country: USA
Having carved a name in horror outlets during the late 70’s and early 80’s, John Carpenter (“Escape from New York” (1981), “Halloween” (1978)) adapted 1938’s novella “Who goes there?”, a far cry from his previous work that involved serial killers, ghosts and futuristic settings. With a strong cast lead by the charismatic Kurt Russell, “The Thing” is a straightforward story at its core bringing on the surface emotions of distrust and paranoia within a scientific group in Antarctica as the titular parasitic organism assimilates and imitates any life form that comes into contact with. Having an ambiguous script at his disposal with a frosty atmosphere of dread, gives “The Thing” an edge over traditional creature features. There is outstanding work on make up and creature effects that is unmatched by today’s standards, yet Carpenter effectively keeps any shocks brief and sudden, emphasizing atmosphere over cheap jump scares and scarce characterization. The rather open interpretation of who could be the thing makes the film a candidate for several viewings as the script continues to capitalize on the characters’ and audience’s paranoia. With a moody and ominous score from the legendary Ennio Morricone, “The Thing” offers exceptional set pieces, believability and no plot holes in its extra-terrestrial tale.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: When Kane joins the table. Nouf said!
3. Alien
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Ian Holm, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt
Genre: Science fiction horror
Release year: 1979
Country: USA
Being the most famous (and scariest) movie monster of all time is no small feat. A landmark in science fiction horror, Ridley Scott’s masterpiece “Alien” is a sinister creature feature that gave birth to one of cinema’s best and most beloved heroes - Ellen Ripley. For a film that is perfect in every area, there is little to say about “Alien” without leaning into spoiler territory. Scott films the monstrous entity mostly obscured from the human eye, cloaked in shadows and industrial camouflage while picking off one by one the crew of Nostromo in traditional slasher tropes. Nevertheless, despite the science fiction appeal, it is the cast that attracts the most praise - all playing genuine people in an extraordinary situation. With gorgeous production design and a stoic direction from Scott, “Alien” gave birth to new heights of terror and introducing an vicious life cycle for cinema’s most hostile alien form.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: The now infamous creature reveal.
2. The Descent
Director: Neil Marshall
Starring: Shauna McDonald, Natalie Mendoza, MyAnna Burin, Saskia Mulder
Genre: Adventure horror
Release year: 2005
Country: UK
Out of all the films in this list, “The Descent” is sure the one that surprised me the most. Sharing a similar concept with the disappointing “The Cave” (2005), Neil Marshall (“Dog Soldiers“ (2002)) managed to take six actually strong female characters and pitied them against unknown creatures in a subterranean complex with explosive violence. The cast is spot on who portray their heroes with genuine traits while Marshal does not focus on sexualization or objectification. Marshall along with a meticulous production and sound design creates believable scenarios in total darkness involving paranoia, disorientation and claustrophobia assisted by a bleak photography that borders on documentary territory. Filmed with tremendous panache - if you are claustrophobic this is not the film for you - and a tense score while providing a subtle commentary on on human nature (“it is killed or be killed“), “The Descent” demonstrates that horror can have real pathos and emotional impact. Of course it does help that it has some of the most monumental jump scares in cinematic history.
Suspense:
😰😰😰😰😰
Jump scares:
😱😱😱😱
Atmosphere:
🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️
Death count:
💀💀💀
Creature/villain design:
👹👹👹
Production design:
🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️🏚️
Realism:
✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
Gore:
🩸🩸🩸🩸
Characters:
🎭🎭🎭
Scariest moment: Pretty much all the entire first half.
1. Event Horizon
Director: Paul WS Anderson
Starring: Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neil, Natasha Richardson, Sean Pertwee
Genre: Science fiction horror
Release year: 1997
Country: USA
A rather controversial filmmaker at this stage, Paul WS Anderson (“Mortal Kombat“ (1995), “Alien Vs Predator” (2004)) used the success of first Hollywood movie to fuel this far out horror film that even by today, remains an achievement in production design and setting up an atmosphere of dread and doom. Borrowing cues from another film in this list (“Alien“ (1979)) as well as Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining“ (1980), “Event Horizon” explores interspace travel through a Lovecraftian approach that relies more on suggestion than banal jump scares. The first half of the film is simply unparalleled elevated by the out of this world production design of Joseph Bennet and the moody cinematography of Adrian Biddle (“Aliens“ (1986), “The Mummy“ (1999)). The cast is on top form too: Laurence Fishburne is a reliable and pragmatic lead playing against the more scientifically oriented Sam Neil while the rest demonstrated genuine chemistry even when their roles were butchered by Paramount’s final cut. Anderson films the titular vehicle with passion offering some truly amazing shots that embrace the gothic environments while demonstrating his skill at staging some pretty unnerving stuff. Despite a shift towards the end to more traditional horror tropes, time has been kind to “Event Horizon” due to its realistic take, likeable cast and effective approach achieving cult status.