Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Star Cast: Anthony Perkins Janet Leigh Vera Miles

"Psycho" is a 1960 psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film revolves around Marion Crane, who embezzles money from her employer and checks into the remote Bates Motel during a rainstorm. There, she encounters the enigmatic innkeeper, Norman Bates, and his overbearing mother. As Marion's stay turns sinister, a series of shocking events unfold, revealing disturbing secrets about the Bates family.

"Psycho" is celebrated for its groundbreaking storytelling, suspenseful direction, and Anthony Perkins' iconic portrayal of Norman Bates. It is known for its shocking plot twists and its influence on the horror genre. The film is a classic that continues to be revered as a masterwork in cinema and an enduring example of Hitchcock's directorial genius.

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Star Cast: Jack Nicholson Shelley Duvall Danny Lloyd

"The Shining" is a 1980 horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel by Stephen King. The story follows Jack Torrance, a writer and recovering alcoholic, who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel along with his wife Wendy and their young son Danny. As the family settles into the eerie and snowbound hotel, supernatural forces and the hotel's haunted past begin to unravel Jack's sanity. Danny possesses psychic abilities, known as "the shining," which allows him to see the hotel's malevolent spirits.

"The Shining" is renowned for its unsettling atmosphere, iconic imagery, and Jack Nicholson's unforgettable performance as Jack Torrance. The film explores themes of isolation, madness, and the dark secrets that lurk within the human psyche. It has become a classic in the horror genre and is considered one of the greatest and most influential horror films ever made.
 

Director: William Friedkin

Star Cast: Ellen Burstyn Max von Sydow Lee J. Cobb Kitty Winn Jack MacGowran Jason Miller Linda Blair

"The Exorcist" is a 1973 horror film directed by William Friedkin. The movie revolves around the possession of a young girl named Regan, whose increasingly disturbing and violent behavior leads her mother to seek the help of two priests. The priests, Father Merrin and Father Karras confront a malevolent and demonic entity that has taken hold of Regan's body.

The film is renowned for its intense and unsettling portrayal of demonic possession, as well as its groundbreaking special effects and realistic approach to horror. "The Exorcist" is often considered one of cinematic history's scariest and most influential horror films. It explores themes of faith, doubt, and the battle between good and evil, making it a classic that continues to terrify and captivate audiences.

Director: Jordan Peele

Star Cast: Daniel Kaluuya Allison Williams Bradley Whitford

"Get Out" is a critically acclaimed horror-thriller film directed by Jordan Peele, and released in 2017. The story follows Chris Washington, a young African-American man, who visits the suburban home of his white girlfriend's family. As the weekend unfolds, Chris becomes increasingly uneasy as he uncovers disturbing secrets about the family and their bizarre behavior towards him. The film cleverly explores themes of racism and social commentary through its suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative, making it a stand out in the horror genre. "Get Out" received widespread acclaim for its chilling atmosphere, compelling performances, and ability to shed light on the deeper issues of prejudice and discrimination in society.

Director: Ari Aster

Star Cast: Anna Castillo Tamar Novas

"Hereditary" is a 2018 horror film directed by Ari Aster. The movie revolves around the Graham family, who are dealing with the aftermath of the death of their secretive and estranged grandmother. As they mourn her passing, strange and terrifying events begin to occur, unraveling a sinister family legacy that includes dark secrets and a disturbing supernatural presence. "Hereditary" is known for its slow-burning tension, disturbing imagery, and a deeply unsettling atmosphere. It explores themes of grief, mental illness, and the horrifying consequences of a family's hidden history. The film received critical acclaim for its chilling storytelling and Toni Collette's exceptional performance as the troubled mother, making it a standout in contemporary horror cinema.

Director:  Jennifer Kent

Star Cast: Essie Davis Noah Wiseman Daniel Henshall

"The Babadook" is a 2014 Australian psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent. The story centers on a widowed mother, Amelia, and her young son, Samuel, who are haunted by a sinister and supernatural presence known as the Babadook. This malevolent entity is introduced through a mysterious children's book that Samuel discovers. As the Babadook's presence becomes increasingly menacing, it threatens to consume their lives and sanity.

The film is celebrated for its psychological depth and explores themes of grief, trauma, and the challenges of motherhood. "The Babadook" is renowned for its slow-building tension, eerie atmosphere, and the standout performance of Essie Davis as Amelia. It has been praised as a modern horror classic and a thought-provoking examination of psychological horror, making it a standout in the genre.

Director: Wes Craven

Star Cast: Heather Langenkamp Johnny Depp Robert Englund

"A Nightmare on Elm Street" is a classic 1984 horror film directed by Wes Craven. The story revolves around a group of teenagers who are haunted by a vengeful spirit named Freddy Krueger. Freddy, a disfigured and razor-gloved killer, haunts their dreams and murders them in their sleep. The film blends the boundaries between dreams and reality, creating a terrifying and suspenseful atmosphere. As the teens attempt to stay awake and uncover the truth about Freddy, they must confront their deepest fears. "A Nightmare on Elm Street" is known for introducing one of the most iconic and enduring horror villains in cinematic history and is a cornerstone of the slasher genre.
 

Director: Jonathan Demme

Star Cast: Jodie Foster  Anthony Hopkins  Lawrence A. Bonney

"The Silence of the Lambs" is a 1991 psychological thriller directed by Jonathan Demme. The film follows the young FBI trainee Clarice Starling, who seeks the help of the brilliant yet insane serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, to catch another serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. Clarice engages in a chilling psychological cat-and-mouse game with Lecter and Buffalo Bill, uncovering dark and disturbing secrets.

The movie is celebrated for its suspenseful storytelling, iconic performances by Jodie Foster as Clarice and Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter, and its exploration of the complexities of evil and the human psyche. "The Silence of the Lambs" is a gripping and critically acclaimed thriller that became one of the few films to win the "Big Five" Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Director: Robert Eggers

Star Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy Ralph Ineson Kate Dickie

"The VVitch" is a 2015 horror film directed by Robert Eggers. Set in 17th-century New England, the story follows a devout Puritan family as they are banished from their community and attempt to establish a new life near the edge of a remote, foreboding forest. As they struggle to survive, eerie and supernatural occurrences begin to plague them, leading to suspicion and paranoia among family members. The film delves into themes of religious hysteria, isolation, and the terror of the unknown, creating a haunting and atmospheric tale of supernatural horror. "The Witch" is renowned for its historical accuracy, unsettling visuals, and psychological tension, making it a standout in the genre.
 

Star Cast: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran, Nancy Kyes

"Halloween" is a 1978 horror film directed by John Carpenter. The movie centers on the escaped mental patient Michael Myers, who returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night to terrorize a group of teenagers, particularly focusing on Laurie Strode. As Michael stalks his victims, the film creates a sense of relentless suspense and fear.

"Halloween" is celebrated for its minimalist yet highly effective approach to horror, including Carpenter's iconic musical score and the masked figure of Michael Myers. The film is considered a classic in the slasher genre and profoundly influenced horror filmmaking. It launched a franchise with numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs, cementing its place in cinematic history as a seminal and enduring horror masterpiece.