The Best Old Horror Movies Of All Time

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Updated June 23, 2023 39.7K votes 4.1K voters 315.7K views
Over 4.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Old Horror Movies Of All Time
Voting Rules
Only classic horror movies released BEFORE 1960.

The best old horror movies of all time not only include some of the most influential and important films the genre has ever seen, but also some genuine works of art that still stand the test of time to this very day. Modern horror movies are great, but they have nothing on the old-school classics. Early horror movies tapped into our deepest fears of the unknown, combining compelling, unique stories with outstanding character acting. Whether it's zombies, ghosts, vampires, or other supernatural creatures, this list of old horror movies includes some of the greatest frightening films ever made.

What makes for a truly outstanding horror movie? Bottom line, it scares the living daylights out of us by tapping into some dark, primal fear we have. The best older horror movies manage to chill, thrill and terrify by exposing us to monsters, both real and imagined. If you're looking to delve into classic horror movies, this is a great place to start.

Be sure to vote up the best old horror movies of all time, and for more spooky fun, check out these lists of the best horror books and of course, the greatest horror films ever made!

Most divisive: The Bad Seed
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  • Frankenstein
    1

    Frankenstein

    Carl Laemmle
    1,608 votes
    • Actors: Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, Boris Karloff, Edward Van Sloan
    • Released: 1931
    • Directed by: James Whale
    Embarking on a tale of horror and science, Frankenstein is a movie adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel. Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Colin Clive) is an ambitious scientist obsessed with the idea of creating life. He builds a creature (Boris Karloff), assembled from exhumed bodies, in his laboratory. However, the creature's grotesque appearance belies its gentle nature - inciting fear and violence in those it encounters. The film, directed by James Whale, won significant acclaim for its groundbreaking makeup and special effects. This chilling narrative explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God.

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  • Dracula
    2

    Dracula

    Tod Browning, Carl Laemmle
    1,464 votes
    • Actors: Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye, David Manners, Herbert Bunston
    • Released: 1931
    • Directed by: Tod Browning
    In the atmospheric film Dracula, Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) emerges from Transylvanian shadows, a creature of the night with a thirst for human blood. He travels to England, leaving a trail of terror in his wake. Renowned vampire hunter Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan) is hot on his heels, intent on ending Dracula's reign of horror. The chilling narrative escalates as the count sets his sights on Mina (Helen Chandler), driving her friends and family into a desperate race against time. This iconic 1931 horror classic, directed by Tod Browning, won three Academy Awards and remains a staple in the genre.

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  • Bride of Frankenstein
    3

    Bride of Frankenstein

    Carl Laemmle
    1,183 votes
    • Actors: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, O.P. Heggie
    • Released: 1935
    • Directed by: James Whale
    Bride of Frankenstein unfolds as a sequel to the original 1931 Frankenstein film. The movie sees Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) once more embroiled in his monstrous pursuits, coerced by his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger). Their objective is audacious: creating a companion for the Creature (Boris Karloff). As they delve into their grim task, Elsa Lanchester portrays both Mary Shelley and the titular Bride with aplomb. This 1935 horror classic, directed by James Whale, remains a touchstone of the genre, blending gothic dread and tragic pathos with remarkable cinematography and groundbreaking special effects. Notable for its iconic characters and eerie atmosphere, it's a testament to Hollywood's Golden Age of horror.

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  • Nosferatu
    4

    Nosferatu

    Enrico Dieckmann, Albin Grau
    1,234 votes
    • Actors: Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim, Greta Schroeder, G.H. Schnell
    • Released: 1922
    • Directed by: F.W. Murnau
    In the chilling silent film Nosferatu, Count Orlok (Max Schreck), a vampire, sets his sights on the beautiful, innocent Ellen (Greta Schroeder). Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim), her husband, unwittingly brings the creature into their lives when he visits Orlok's castle. A sinister game of cat and mouse ensues, with Ellen's life hanging in the balance. The movie is a masterpiece of German Expressionist cinema, captivating audiences with its eerie imagery and unnerving performances. This classic horror tale weaves an unforgettable narrative of fear, love, and sacrifice that remains impactful even today.

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  • The Wolf Man
    5

    The Wolf Man

    George Waggner
    1,216 votes
    • Actors: Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, Ralph Bellamy, Evelyn Ankers, Warren William
    • Released: 1941
    • Directed by: George Waggner
    When his brother dies, Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney) returns to Wales and reconciles with his father (Claude Rains). While there, he visits an antique shop and, hoping to impress Gwen (Evelyn Ankers), the attractive shopkeeper, buys a silver walking cane. That same night he kills a wolf with it, only to later learn that he actually killed a man (Bela Lugosi). A gypsy (Maria Ouspenskaya) explains that it was her son, a werewolf, that he killed, and that Larry is now one himself.

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  • Invasion of the Body Snatchers
    6

    Invasion of the Body Snatchers

    Walter Wanger
    814 votes
    • Actors: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Carolyn Jones, Larry Gates, King Donovan
    • Released: 1956
    • Directed by: Don Siegel
    In the chilling classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) encounters an eerie epidemic of townsfolk replaced by emotionless duplicates. In this unsettling science fiction horror, directed by Don Siegel, the town's inhabitants are systematically supplanted by alien doppelgängers, grown from plant-like pods - a metaphorical commentary on social conformity. Aided by Becky Driscoll (Dana Wynter), Bennell endeavors to thwart this silent invasion. Tension mounts as they struggle to stay awake, for sleep means assimilation. The film's enduring popularity led to several remakes, each echoing its timeless terror and iconic imagery.

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