13 Iconic Horror Movies

With over 500 new horror films released every year, the industry is saturated with new and twisted ways to scare the heebie-jeebies out moviegoers. In this article we are returning to the heyday of this genre, a simpler time when head chopping was an artform and bloodbathing was proper etiquette. Prepare yourself for the 13 creepiest, goriest, and most iconic horror films ever made.

1.Halloween (1978) 

Directed by John Carpenter, this movie follows the story of Michael Myers, who escapes from a mental hospital to return to his hometown to kill again. It is considered one of the most iconic horror movies of all time.

2. Psycho (1960)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this movie tells the story of Norman Bates, a motel owner who has an unhealthy obsession with his mother. This movie is known for its famous shower scene, which is one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.

3. The Exorcist (1973)

Directed by William Friedkin, this movie follows the story of a young girl who is possessed by a demon. This movie was controversial when it was released due to its graphic and disturbing scenes, but it is considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

4. Jaws (1975) Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie is about a great white shark that terrorizes a small town. This movie was a massive box office success and is considered one of the greatest movies of all time.

5. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Directed by George A. Romero, this movie is about a group of people who are trapped in a farmhouse and must fend off a zombie horde. This movie popularized the modern zombie genre and is considered a classic in the horror movie genre.

6. The Shining (1980)

Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson, this movie is based on a Stephen King novel and follows the story of a family who becomes the caretakers of a haunted hotel. This movie is known for its iconic scenes and is considered one of the greatest horror movies ever made.

7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Directed by Wes Craven, this movie follows the story of a group of teenagers who are stalked and killed by a man named Freddy Krueger in their dreams. This movie was a huge commercial success and has spawned many sequels.

8. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Directed by Tobe Hooper, this movie tells the story of a group of friends who become the targets of a family of cannibals. This movie was banned in several countries upon its release due to its graphic violence, but it has since become a classic in the horror movie genre.

9. Carrie (1976)

Directed by Brian De Palma, this horror masterpiece was adapted from Steven King’s novel by the same name, and follows the life of a 16-year old girl who is bullied at school while dealing with an unstable mother at home. 

10. Demon Seed (1977)

An artificial intelligence wants to have a child with a human subject, and will not stop until successful. Truly terrifying. 

11. The Nanny (1965)

Bette Davis an English Nanny is being accused of trying to kill her ward. Is she the target or the perpetrator? 

12. Friday the 13th (1980)

What is now an American horror franchise boasting 12 Chapters all started here on this unlucky day; with a summer camp, young teenagers, and foreboding music…what could go wrong? 

13. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (1962) 

As creepy as they come, aging child actor Jane Hudson played by Bette Davis, and her wheel-chair bound sister played by Joan Crawford, go head-to-head in this terse psychological thriller. Not to be missed!