Horror has a profound effect on all of us, even the ones who aren’t usually watchers. Perhaps it’s the most recognizable genre in the history of filmmaking, one that’s been very present since the invention of motion pictures. It can fascinate, terrify, and deeply inspire us, and there’s no limit to how many different emotions it can spark within us. Throughout its history, horror has captivated us with chilling tales, many of which are compelling and utterly frightening. There are ones that are acclaimed, financially successful, and truly unforgettable. While it’s not a genre for everyone, horror has a lasting impact on entertainment, and it’s only growing stronger and more beloved as the years pass.
There are some horror movies that everybody, even those who don’t like to get scared, needs to see. The following five films areabsolute horror must-watches.These are cinematic masterpieces with enduring legacies as some of the greatest and often most horrifying movies in history, and can’t be forgotten. They’ve become ingrained in pop culture, spoofed or referenced all across the medium, and are generally the first films to pop up when thinking of horror.From one masterpiece to the next, if there are only five horror films you want to watch in your life, make sure it’s these chilling classics.
5’Psycho' (1960)
A film that’s helped form the building blocks of the slasher subgenre, the late greatSir Alfred Hitchcock’s masterclass in terror and suspense,Psycho, isone of the most significant horror films of all timebecause of its endless influence. It’s a nail-biting chiller with timeless terror and tension that still to this day leaves viewers on edge. Featuring legendary performances byAnthony PerkinsandJanet Leigh, it’s a shocking mystery where terror steadily builds, following the events that transpired when a thieving desk secretary runs off with her boss’s money and flees out into the countryside, only to have a deadly encounter with a strange-acting motel owner and his overbearing, reclusive mother.
Psychochanged the scope of horror movies, reaching acclaim unheard of at the time and becoming a smashing box office success.Breaking storytelling boundaries and pushing the limits of on-screen violence and sexual imagery, it rolled in like thunder and made an enduring mark not only on horror but on cinema as a whole. And despite its age, it has a timeless feel and an incredibly tense story that can leave viewers as thrilled as they will be terrified.Psychois, overall, an incredible horror achievement that anyone who enjoys watching movies should definitely experience. It’s a mind-blowing experience that never loses its effectiveness.
What would horror be without perhaps its iconic monster, the zombie?Zombie movies are an absolute blast of horrorand entertainment. It’s a subgenre that has been a dominant force in pop culture, even since it was popularized in 1968 with the legendary lateGeorge A. Romero’s groundbreaking indie hitNight of the Living Dead. Since Romero and his masterpiece revolutionized the concept, these hungry flesh-eaters are still going strong today. But, when it comes to the most essential zombie horror film to watch, it has to be Romero’s epic sequel toNight,Dawn of the Dead, released in 1978. It’s a now timeless tale of four survivors who try to outlast a zombie apocalypse by sheltering in an enormous shopping mall.
Dawn of the Deadachieved what many horror sequels failed by becoming an absolute masterpiece that often overshadows its equally impressive predecessor. It’s a film that fires on every cylinder to create an unforgettable and profound experience.From its flawless direction and perfect acting to the brilliant social commentary, which compared mall shoppers to zombies, it’s a compelling classic that’s equal parts scary and thought-provoking. Coupled with its shocking gore and unique mix of dark comedy,Dawn of the Deadis a must-watch that can satisfy even those who aren’t zombie fans.
3’Jaws' (1975)
One film that everyone has to see is a classic that’s made countless cinemagoers afraid to go into the water, and that effect still hasn’t gone away. The 1975 monster horror masterpieceJawsis an icon of the genre, a thrilling mix of horror, action, and adventure that feels timeless and just as fun to watch now as it was fifty years ago. Directed by acclaimed filmmakerSteven Spielberg, it takes viewers on a terrifying journey, following a newly-instated police chief, a marine biologist, and a salty shark-hunting boat captain as they set out on the open ocean to kill a massive great white shark responsible for devouring swimmers off the coast of a summer community.
Jawsis one of the most rewatchable films of all time because it can be seen again and again and still produces the same satisfying effect as experiencing it for the first time.It’s like a roller coaster, full of shocking highs and thrilling turns. From the legendaryJohn Williams’s iconic theme to the well-placed jump scares, it’s a fun jump-out-of-your-seat experience that never gets old and continues to be an entertaining classic that’s come to define horror.Going five decades strong nowsince it was released, Jaws will be forgotten and needs to be fully experienced.
2’The Exorcist' (1973)
Saddle up for intense terror. In 1973, a cinematic event happened that shocked audiences, outraged certain religious groups, and was outright banned in a few countries due to its disturbing content. That film wasWilliam Friedkin’sThe Exorcist, today best known asone of the scariest horror movies of all time. With legendary performances and epic scares, it’s a compelling supernatural horror drama, centering around a poor little girl, Regan (Linda Blair), who slowly begins suffering a gastly demonic possession. With her condition deteriorating and the demon becoming more violent, two Catholic priests perform a dangerous and possibly fatal exorcism to free the young girl’s soul.
A monumentally terrifying film, but it is truly a necessary watch.The Exorcistis a masterpiece, perfectly acted, directed, and spectacularly well-written. Ithas an unforgettable and intense imagerythat’s become immortalized in pop culture and is still recognized by many people, even those who haven’t even seen the film.Its suspense is nail-biting, the atmosphere is deeply unsettling, and the performances, especially Linda Blair’s physically demanding role as Regan, will leave you speechless and impressed. Overall, while it might be too intense for some of you, it’s well worth getting goosebumps over, as it really is a cinematic achievement.
1’The Thing' (1982)
Finally, there’s one more horror film that stands out above so many others forits excellence and timeless terror. Directed by the greatJohn Carpenter, his 1982 remake ofThe Thingis widely considered to be one of the most compelling horror movies ever made. An absolute masterpiece of suspense and body horror, it’s a classic that sadly wasn’t praised upon release, and bombed hard at the box office, but has since come around to become hailed as an all-time great. Carpenter’s favorite leading star,Kurt Russell, gives a commanding performance in this tense, nail-biting story, seeing him as a jaded helicopter pilot at a U.S. Antarctic research base as he and a dwindling few survivors battle a shapeshifting extraterrestrial life force that was discovered under the ice.
The Thingexcels in so many areas, from its flawless acting and Carpenter’s competent direction to the eerie, claustrophobic sets to the jaw-dropping monster effect visuals created by the truly talented artistRob Bottin. It’s a film that perfectly encapsulates some of our greatest fears, like body changes and the fear of the unknown, and throws them into one unique and deeply unsettling story to achieve a frightening experience. Overall,it’s a masterpiece that’s endlessly terrifying, highly rewatchable, and one that everyone should really see in their lifetime.
NEXT:30 Years Later, These 10 Horror Movies Are Finally Getting Some Respect!
