The Best Old Horror Movies Of All Time
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!
- 1Carl Laemmle
- Actors: Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, Boris Karloff, Edward Van Sloan
- Released: 1931
- Directed by: James Whale
This iconic horror film follows the obsessed scientist Dr. Henry Frankenstein as he attempts to create life by assembling a creature from body parts of the deceased. Aided by his loyal misshapen ...more - 2Tod Browning, Carl Laemmle
- Actors: Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye, David Manners, Herbert Bunston
- Released: 1931
- Directed by: Tod Browning
The dashing, mysterious Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi), after hypnotizing a British soldier, Renfield (Dwight Frye), into his mindless slave, travels to London and takes up residence in an old castle. ...more - 3Carl Laemmle
- Actors: Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, O.P. Heggie
- Released: 1935
- Directed by: James Whale
After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) falls under the control of his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger), ...more - 4Enrico Dieckmann, Albin Grau
- Actors: Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, Gustav von Wangenheim, Greta Schroeder, G.H. Schnell
- Released: 1922
- Directed by: F.W. Murnau
In this highly influential silent horror film, the mysterious Count Orlok (Max Schreck) summons Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) to his remote Transylvanian castle in the mountains. The eerie ...more - 5George Waggner
- 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), ...more - 6Walter Wanger
- Actors: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Carolyn Jones, Larry Gates, King Donovan
- Released: 1956
- Directed by: Don Siegel
In Santa Mira, California, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) is baffled when all his patients come to him with the same complaint: their loved ones seem to have been replaced by emotionless ...more
