When it comes to horror movies, there are countless different ways that people can be scared. Whether it’s by having a monster, tapping into psychology, or providing jump scares, this genre can often be full of tropes that are tough to navigate. While many modern movies benefit from enhanced technology to make them even scarier, they usually don’t hold up to some of the classics. The horror genre is a perfect example of old movies aging well because many of the scariest films have existed for a long time. Sure, the technology might not always hold up, but they create unforgettable scenes that will terrify any audience.
Nosferatu
The creepy atmosphere of Nosferatu is just as frightening today as it ever has been. It tells the classic tale of Dracula, which many people are familiar with, but that doesn’t stop it from being spooky. The hideous appearance of the vampire alone is enough to keep people up at night, and the fact that it was done in the silent era only intensifies the big scares in a way that modern films can’t compete with.
Psycho
Alfred Hitchcock is considered a genius at creating horror, and Psycho is a big reason why. This film is packed with shocking twists and suspense that builds to the point of audiences’ terror. Unlike some gorier movies in this genre, Hitchcock doesn’t show all the violence, instead leaving it to the viewers’ imagination, which can often make it even scarier. The famous shower scene from this movie remains the most iconic in horror history, ensuring this one will always stand the test of time.
Rosemary’s Baby
The idea of a young woman carrying the devil’s child without knowing it is a scary concept, and that’s what makes Rosemary’s Baby so compelling. It taps into the supernatural while playing with the mind as people are forced to imagine what that circumstance must feel like. People end up gripped and unable to take their eyes off it, even though what’s happening before them is terrifying.
The Exorcist
When it was initially released, The Exorcist had people passing out and vomiting inside the cinema. That proves how impactful it was, and it remains a frightening experience to this day. With an iconic soundtrack that adds to the atmosphere and some fantastic, suitably creepy performances, The Exorcist holds up just as well in 2024 as ever.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
A giant figure of a man wielding a chainsaw and covered in leather will always scare people, which is why this movie works so well. It’s incredibly low budget compared to many horror films that have followed it, but the simplicity of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes it so scary. Audiences can buy into the monster and the idea that his victims have no escape, which makes it terrifying to watch.
Jaws
Jaws might not be seen as a classic horror movie in the eyes of everyone, but there’s no denying that this Steven Spielberg classic scared many. The genuine fear of sharks rose dramatically because of this film, and its focus on something real made it so scary. Rather than an imaginary monster, Jaws made a shark the villain and created something that could happen. Add in John Williams’ unforgettable soundtrack, and this movie was bound to be a hit. People still have a natural fear of the water due to not knowing what’s underneath, which means Jaws is just as scary now as ever.
Suspiria
Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a movie that attacks all the senses. With some extremely detailed visuals and a score that will leave people on edge, it’s easy to see why this is still scary. Focusing on a coven of witches at an American ball, the storyline might be slightly ridiculous, but in this setting, it works.
Halloween
Halloween is a franchise that still keeps on giving, with countless modern remakes and sequels having taken place. The basic premise is always the same, though, with Michael Myers being a seemingly unkillable monster who boasts incredible strength and a lust to murder. But nothing that followed could hold up to the original, so people still return to it. With a fantastic score that provides a shock and creates tension and a monster that’s easy to be scared of, this film gets the simple things right.
Alien
One of the main reasons Alien is still so scary is because the special effects hold up, regardless of how old the movie gets. Taking the science fiction genre and blending it with horror could not have worked, but creating a terrifying alien and characters that people would emotionally connect with and care about made this a hit. The practical effects mean that people feel the alien is real, and that’s the difference maker.
The Shining
There’s a reason many of Stephen King’s books are adapted into horror movies: The source material is terrifying. He’s still considered the king of horror writing, so the film that took on his work remains just as scary. The Shining didn’t need crazy special effects like many modern horrors, as this one is purely psychological. Tapping into the idea of someone falling into madness is a tough concept to get right, but this film does it hauntingly, leaving viewers stunned.
Poltergeist
Poltergeist is incredibly scary because it has an element of family that people can connect with. Having characters and an aspect of a movie that people can find something relatable in is crucial, and that’s what this one does. Throw in some supernatural moments, and it’s a guaranteed success, as people believe in this.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Every Halloween, people still dress up as Freddy Krueger, proving that the character remains as relevant today as ever. That’s why this Wes Craven masterpiece is still so scary: They created a visually terrifying monster while also being fearsome in concept. The idea of someone coming into your nightmares and killing you is simple but terrifying. Robert Englund’s performance made the character iconic, taking the slasher genre to new heights.
The Thing
John Carpenter’s The Thing is a masterclass in horror. The alien’s ability to shape-shift keeps people guessing constantly, and the brutal and gruesome nature of its kills means there’s something visual to be scared of, too.
The Fly
When people see Jeff Goldblum in a movie, they often expect a loveable, erratic, and charming character. However, his role in The Fly is very different once his science experiment goes wrong. The movie is genuinely heartbreaking but downright disgusting. It proves that good practical effects can be all that’s needed, and seeing Goldblum’s character slowly morph into a fly provides plenty of scenes that will leave audiences shocked and disturbed.
Hellraiser
Creating a good horror character ensures a movie takes a giant step towards being iconic, and that’s what Hellraiser accomplished. Just one look at Pinhead, and it’s obvious why people would fear this. That doesn’t change in modern times.
The Silence of the Lambs
When it comes to psychological horror, there are few greater examples than The Silence of the Lambs. Anthony Hopkins brings a performance nobody will forget in a cat-and-mouse game between the lead characters. The film is intriguing, keeps people guessing, and has some detailed but beautiful dialogue. It’s scary at times and charming at others, which is why it works so well.
Scream
Blending humor and horror is normally a recipe for disaster, as it’s hard to get either right. But Scream manages to nail both, so it’s still just as enjoyable to watch as when it first came out. The opening scene provides one of the biggest shocks in horror history and sets the tone for the rest of the film. It’s impossible to rule out anyone being killed or anyone being the killer, and the blend of mystery and slasher horror creates a magical film that starts a franchise.
The Blair Witch Project
The Blair Witch Project still works today because it was so simple. Being a found-footage movie means it will always hold up because the camera is supposed to be shaky and slightly grainy. This makes the scares even more intense as the characters get lost in the woods and deal with something far scarier than they anticipated.
