The Essential Horror Classics: 10 Films That Shaped the Genre

Collage of leads from The Silence of The Lambs, The Exorcist and The Shining

If you're a horror fan, you know there's nothing quite like the thrill of a classic horror film. These timeless gems have stood the test of time, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a chilling journey through the history of horror cinema with these 10 must-see classics!

1. Psycho (1960)

Black and white photo of Janet Leigh from Psycho, 1960 — Credit: History

Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" is a game-changer in the horror genre. With its shocking violence and twisted storyline, it pushed the limits of what was acceptable in mainstream cinema. Hitchcock's masterful direction and unexpected plot twists kept audiences on the edge of their seats, redefining horror and setting new standards for suspense and psychological terror. Hitchcock took a big risk by financing "Psycho" himself to maintain creative control, and it paid off big time. The film became a major success and solidified Hitchcock's status as a legendary filmmaker. Watch it on Apple TV, Prime Video or YouTube.

2. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Black and white still of ghouls or "zombies" from Night of the Living Dead (1968) — Credit: Everett Collection

George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" is a landmark film in the horror genre, known for introducing the modern zombie. This film revolutionized horror with its raw, gritty realism and bold social commentary. It also made waves by featuring Duane Jones, the first African American actor in a leading horror role. Jones’ portrayal of Ben was powerful and added a whole new layer to the film, highlighting the complex social dynamics of the era. Despite being made on a shoestring budget of just $114,000, "Night of the Living Dead" became a financial success, grossing $12 million domestically and $18 million internationally. It was heavily criticized at first for its explicit content but eventually won critical acclaim. The Library of Congress even selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry as a film deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Watch it on Apple TV, Prime Video or Shudder.

3. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

"Rosemary's Baby," directed by Roman Polanski, is a psychological horror masterpiece that tells the chilling story of Rosemary Woodhouse, a young woman who becomes increasingly convinced that her unborn child is not what it seems. The film's unsettling atmosphere, slow-burn suspense, and Rosemary's descent into paranoia make it a standout. Polanski skillfully builds tension and dread, making this film as psychologically disturbing as it is terrifying. In the iconic phone booth scene, Rosemary mouths "four, three, seven, seven" while calling Dr. Hill. Seemingly random, these numbers spell "Hell" when flipped upside down. The "4" becomes "h," "3" turns into "E," and the "7"s become "L"s. This Easter egg hints that Rosemary’s nightmares are real. Polanski wants us to decide for ourselves, but with clues like this and the baby's birth date (June 6, 1966 - 6/6/6), it's clear he’s pointing to Rosemary being pregnant with the Antichrist. Watch it on Paramount+, Apple TV, or Prime Video.

4. The Exorcist (1973)

Still of Reagan from The Exorcist (1973)

Often hailed as the scariest movie of all time, "The Exorcist" is a landmark in horror cinema. Directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, this film’s intense and horrifying depiction of demonic possession still terrifies audiences. It mixes supernatural horror with psychological drama, making us confront themes of good and evil while pushing the limits of what was acceptable in mainstream cinema back then. The movie was even banned in the UK until 1984, for its graphic content and controversial subject matter. From the infamous head-spinning to the shocking use of vulgar language, "The Exorcist" definitely earned its legendary status. Watch it on Crave, YouTube, Apple TV or Prime Video.

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Photo of men sitting around dinner table from movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) — Credit: Cinespia

"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," directed by Tobe Hooper, is legendary for its gritty realism and relentless terror, making it one of the most disturbing horror movies ever. The low-budget, documentary-like style really adds to its raw, unsettling feel. Watching a group of friends fall victim to a family of cannibals in rural Texas set a new standard for horror by focusing on psychological terror rather than just gore. With a tiny budget, actors in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre endured long hours in rough conditions for little pay, making tempers flare. During a long dinner scene shoot, Gunnar Hansen actually cut Marilyn Burns’ finger to finish the shot. The knife, meant to be dull and rigged with a fake blood tube, kept failing. Annoyed, Hansen ditched the tape and made a real cut to get it over with. Watch it on Tubi or Apple TV.

6. Jaws (1975)

This Steven Spielberg classic made us all fear the ocean with its terrifying portrayal of a man-eating shark. "Jaws" is considered a watershed moment in motion picture history and is often credited with creating the summer blockbuster. Its mix of suspense, great character development, and groundbreaking special effects set a new standard for thriller and horror films. The movie's impact on popular culture is huge—it made audiences everywhere afraid to go into the water! The mechanical shark in "Jaws," famously named "Bruce," was notoriously unreliable. This forced Spielberg to rely more on suspenseful camera techniques and John Williams' iconic score to build fear. The unseen terror, paired with that ominous two-note theme, made the film even scarier and turned "Jaws" into a masterpiece of psychological horror. Watch it on Netflix, Apple TV or Prime Video.

7. Halloween (1978)

Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle in the film that kicked off a franchise. — Credit: Compass International Pictures

John Carpenter's "Halloween" is a groundbreaking film that brought the relentless Michael Myers into the horror scene, setting the standard for slasher films. With its minimalist approach, Carpenter’s masterful direction, and that iconic score, it creates a suspenseful and terrifying experience. "Halloween" pioneered the slasher genre and influenced countless horror films that followed. The iconic mask worn by Michael Myers is actually a modified Captain Kirk mask from Star Trek. With budget constraints in play, the production team bought the mask for a few dollars, widened the eye holes, and painted it white. The result? The eerie and unforgettable face of Michael Myers. Watch it on Prime Video or Apple TV.

8. The Shining (1980)

Still of Jack Nicholson smiling through a door frame from The Shining (1980) — Credit: IFC Center

Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a haunting look at madness and isolation. The film follows Jack Torrance, a writer who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the creepy Overlook Hotel, where he slowly goes mad thanks to some supernatural forces. With psychological horror, an eerie atmosphere, and Jack Nicholson’s intense performance, this film is a must-see classic. Kubrick’s meticulous direction and revolutionary use of the Steadicam made horror cinematography even more unsettling and immersive. The famous "Here's Johnny!" scene took three days and 60 doors to get right. Jack Nicholson improvised this line, and it became one of the most iconic moments in film history. Perfectionist Kubrick insisted on multiple takes to get the exact level of tension and horror he wanted. Watch it on Crave, Prime Video or Apple TV.

9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" is a classic in horror cinema, introducing us to the terrifying Freddy Krueger. This film shook up the horror genre by mixing supernatural elements with slasher conventions, giving us a nightmarish villain who hunts his victims in their dreams. Freddy Krueger, with his burned face and razor glove, quickly became a horror icon. His ability to kill people in their dreams added a creepy and unique twist to the genre. The concept for "A Nightmare on Elm Street" was inspired by real news stories of people dying in their sleep. After fleeing from Pol Pot’s reign to America, a group of Southeast Asian refugees started dying in their sleep during terrible nightmares. The last survivor stayed awake as long as he could, but eventually, he drifted off from exhaustion, had a nightmare, woke up screaming, and died. The coroners couldn’t determine a cause of death, which fascinated Craven enough to turn it into a screenplay. Watch it on Crave, YouTube, Apple TV or Prime Video.

10. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Photo of Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins from The Silence of The Lambs (1991) — Credit: The Script Lab

Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is nothing short of legendary, solidifying "The Silence of the Lambs" as a must-see film. Directed by Jonathan Demme, this psychological horror thriller adapts Thomas Harris's novel and masterfully blends crime, horror, and drama. The story follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of the imprisoned Dr. Lecter to catch the serial killer "Buffalo Bill." The dynamic between Starling and Lecter, along with the film's tight narrative and suspense, has made it a timeless classic. Hopkins won the Best Actor Oscar for his role, even with only about 16 minutes of screen time. His unforgettable performance, with that calm, chilling demeanor and those iconic lines, left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Watch it on Crave, YouTube, Apple TV or Prime Video.

There you have it, a terrifying trip down memory lane with 10 classic horror films that have shaped the genre. Whether you're a seasoned horror aficionado or a newbie looking to dive into the world of horror, these films are essential viewing. So, turn off the lights, get comfortable, and prepare to be scared out of your wits! Follow us on Threads, Instagram or Facebook for more updates and other horror movie news. Stay tuned to The Chopping Block for all the latest in horror!