Now that horror season is over, here’s my little personal list of top horror films to wrap it up. I tried to turn it into a ranking - whether I succeeded, I can’t say yet. 13 films in total, as befits the genre!
13. JAWS (1975)
The summer blockbuster. Steven Spielberg managed to completely ruin what is actually a pleasant holiday by the sea for people. Along the way, with Bruce the shark, he also created probably the best-known animal monster in film history. The film is a slow burner that only really gets rolling in the second half and uses its full potential. There’s really nothing to say about Jaws that hasn’t already been trumpeted into the world over the past 50 years. A masterpiece without equal. 4.5/5
12. HEREDITARY (2018)
One of the newer films on this list, which actually speaks for its impact, since it became one of my top-tier horror films in a relatively short time. But I can’t watch Hereditary as often as I do other films on this list. That’s because no film has ever creeped me out the way Ari Aster’s debut did. No lie, after my first watch of Hereditary I had a hard time falling asleep peacefully in my dark room without constantly seeing monsters in the corners. Rough. 4.5/5
11. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
I’m aware that this film sits in a kind of grey area. I still put it in the horror genre, since enough of its elements are rooted there. Hannibal Lecter is an icon through and through, partly thanks to Anthony Hopkins’ brilliant performance. That dark aura runs through the entire film, which is also structured in an incredibly interesting way. A classic through and through, and really the same applies as for Jaws - everything people praise about this film is true. 4.5/5
10. THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (1974)
Basically the blueprint for slasher films, yet completely different from everything that came after. Possibly the most brutal title a film can have, and it delivers exactly what it promises. Pure disgust, a very raw atmosphere and, with Leatherface, one of the most legendary killers in film history manage to create an experience in under 90 minutes that doesn’t let go of you easily. For me the film triggers a kind of 4D experience, because I can smell the stench of each location through the TV. Chef’s kiss. 4.5/5
9. THE FLY (1986)
David Cronenberg, the master of body horror, created his magnum opus here. An incredibly sad love story paired with extremely gross effects can only be good. Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis give it their all, resulting in a tragic masterpiece. A scientist’s obsession leading to his downfall has never been done as well as in The Fly. 4.5/5
Now we’re entering 5-star territory. For me personally, the following films are close to or completely perfect.
8. SINNERS (2025)
The only reason this masterpiece isn’t even higher on the list is that it only hit cinemas this year and I want to give it a bit more time to marinate. Still, it recently cracked the 5-star mark for me, because I’ll probably still remember this insane cinema experience in 30 years. Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan work like hardly any other duo in Hollywood right now. One of the most visually beautiful films on this list. 5/5
7. AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000)
Since I’ve already dedicated a whole entry to this film, I’ll happily point you there. Masterpiece! 5/5
6. BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992)
The tragic story of Count Dracula, the monster from Transylvania. For me clearly the best adaptation of the character, the Nosferatu versions included. Gary Oldman delivers a performance for the history books and Francis Ford Coppola his best film. (Hot take!) For me also the most aesthetic film in this ranking, which is why I’ll surely dedicate a separate entry to it in the future. 5/5
5. THE SHINING (1980)
For many maybe number one, for me it opens the top 5. There’s nothing that hasn’t already been said about Kubrick’s The Shining. An incredible adaptation of Stephen King’s book, who hates this film version completely unfairly. Shelley Duvall and Jack Nicholson gave everything and were ultimately rewarded by being part of possibly the greatest horror film of all time, even if quite a few controversies come with it. 5/5
4. HALLOWEEN (1978)
The slasher GOAT. For me, Michael Myers is and remains the most fascinating character in the horror genre, especially in John Carpenter’s original. Pure evil that kills without any reason at all. The mask? Iconic beyond words, and never captured as well again as in the first film. A must-watch in October, because the atmosphere alone does so much to you. The small budget does this production so much good, because they really had to rely on pure creativity. 5/5
3. THE THING (1982)
John Carpenter strikes again. A classic so entertaining that you want to watch it again straight away. One of the few films that got full marks from me on the very first watch. A cross between mystery and horror that surprises you around every corner. Creature design at its finest manages to really gross out the viewer in the end. A well-deserved third place. 5/5
2. EVIL DEAD 2 (1987)
Horror and comedy have never been combined as well, before or since, as in Sam Raimi’s sequel/remake of Evil Dead. As Ash Williams, Bruce Campbell has immortalised himself in the top rank of the most legendary horror heroes of all time and thrills all the way through. The film is gross and funny in equal parts, without ever feeling out of place or inauthentic. Here too, a relatively small budget helped turn the creativity dial all the way up and absolutely tear the thing apart. A declaration of love! 5/5
1. ALIEN (1979)
The masterpiece! There’s already a separate entry on this one too, so feel free to flip through. This film has everything you need and much more.