537 Essential Horror Films from 1900-1970
531 titles
- 501
Satan's ProtégéMovie · 1917 · 480mThis is a remarkably long film. - 502
The Devil's BedroomMovie · 1964 · 78mA series of misunderstandings and ingrained prejudice within a close-knit community result in the wrongful persecution of a quiet, isolated man.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.0 - 503
Mystery of the Wax MuseumMovie · 1933 · 78m · Horror, Mystery, ComedyA reporter investigates the strange disappearances of people from a small town and discovers a disturbing link to a wax sculptor. Exploring his unsettling museum, he finds the line between reality and illusion fading as bodies are found that eerily resemble the sculptor's wax figures.
The reporter is drawn into a world where art hides a sinister crime. He must solve the mystery within the sculptures and uncover the chilling truth before it's too late. The film examines the dangerous side of creativity and obsession, and how far someone will go for artistic perfection, all while building suspense.
This thriller offers a gripping story and unsettling imagery, exploring the dark side of human ambition and deception beyond a simple murder mystery.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.4 - 504
ViyMovie · 1967 · 76m · Drama, Fantasy, HorrorIn a remote village, a young priest is asked to lead the funeral vigil for a woman rumored to be a witch. He must spend three nights alone with the body in the church, a decaying building in a desolate landscape. As night falls, unsettling whispers and visions begin to challenge his faith and his mind. This story examines superstition, fear, and the boundaries of belief in a world where old traditions persist and reality feels uncertain.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.9 - 505
The Undying MonsterMovie · 1942 · 64m · Horror, MysteryIn a secluded community hiding dark secrets, a brutal werewolf stalks the night, hunting only members of one family. An Inspector's investigation reveals this horrifying ritual has occurred for generations, linking the supernatural creature to the family’s cursed bloodline.
As the moon rises, the Inspector explores the family’s past, searching for the link between the werewolf and its victims. The investigation deepens into a complex history of lies and ancient customs that have haunted the family for centuries.
With each night, the werewolf's attacks become more erratic, giving the Inspector little time to uncover the truth and stop the escalating horror. This suspenseful story blends horror and intrigue, examining themes of family loyalty, inherited guilt, and the repercussions of long-held secrets.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.7 - 506
La torre de los siete jorobadosMovie · 1944 · 80mIn late 19th-century Madrid, the impulsive Basilio is the only one who can see the ghost of Professor Robinsón de Mantua. The professor implores Basilio to protect his niece, Inés, as she is in serious danger.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.3 - 507
The Thing That Couldn't DieMovie · 1958 · 69m · HorrorA skilled female psychic is drawn to a captivating 400-year-old disembodied head, which uses hypnotic abilities to attract her. She begins a quest to find the head's missing body, using an ancient dowsing rod to locate it. Together, they uncover secrets from the past and reveal the head’s complex history, forging an intricate relationship that explores themes of connection, identity, and resilience. This suspenseful story examines the unseen bonds between mind and body, offering a thought-provoking cinematic experience.IMDb 4.4TMDB 5.1 - 508
The Fall of the House of UsherMovie · 1928 · 13m · HorrorRoderick Usher, a man deeply troubled, lives with his frail twin sister Madeline in a decaying castle beside a dark lake. A longtime friend is summoned by Roderick and witnesses Madeline's burial. Soon after, on a stormy night, Madeline returns from the grave as a ghost. Roderick believes he buried her alive, and descends into madness as Madeline's spirit appears, seeking to claim him. This atmospheric story explores themes of mental illness, death, and the supernatural, drawing the audience into a suspenseful experience.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 509
Hour of the WolfMovie · 1968 · 88m · Drama, HorrorA struggling artist and his pregnant wife seek refuge on a secluded German island. Surrounded by peace, the artist's hidden desires resurface, leading to a breakdown that threatens their relationship.
The film explores the artist’s inner conflict as he confronts buried emotions amidst the island's beauty. It examines self-discovery and the challenges of balancing personal desires with the responsibilities of starting a family.
As the couple struggles through this emotional journey, their bond is tested. They must face the question of whether love can overcome their difficulties. The film’s thoughtful story invites viewers to connect with the artist as he tries to reconcile his past and present in pursuit of personal growth.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.4 - 510
The Spider Woman Strikes BackMovie · 1946 · 59mA young woman takes a job as a live-in caretaker for an elderly woman in a secluded house. Unbeknownst to her, the woman secretly drains her blood each night to nourish a peculiar plant.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.5 - 511
GaslightMovie · 1940 · 84m · Thriller, MysteryA psychological thriller unfolds when newlyweds Paul and Bella Mallen move into the house where Alice Barlow was murdered twenty years ago, unknowingly entering a world of secrets. Retired detective B.G. Rough revisits the unsolved case and becomes suspicious of Paul, who strongly resembles Alice's family. As tensions build and secrets are revealed, Rough races to uncover the truth before the killer, seeking to reclaim stolen jewels, strikes again. The story explores shifting loyalties and hidden motives, delivering a suspenseful tale of justice until the very end.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 512
Dracula's DaughterMovie · 1936 · 68m · HorrorThis film tells the story of a troubled countess from Transylvania who journeys to find herself and heal. Burdened by her need for blood and the traditions of her ancestry, she seeks help from a psychiatrist.
The film contrasts the gothic atmosphere of Transylvania with modern psychology. As the countess explores her inner struggles with a compassionate but doubtful psychiatrist, ancient beliefs meet contemporary views on mental health.
Through intense conversations, the countess confronts her identity crisis, dealing with her vampiric nature, societal pressures, and personal desires. This film explores the human search for meaning and belonging within a world of Transylvanian folklore.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.9 - 513
The Castle of the Living DeadMovie · 1964 · 90m · HorrorCount Drago invites a group of performers to his castle, but they soon discover they are trapped. Hidden within the castle are sinister secrets: Drago has a disturbing habit of mummifying animals and people. This psychological thriller explores fear, control, and deception as the artists fight to survive. The audience is drawn into a suspenseful story, wondering if any of them will escape Drago's clutches.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.1 - 514
The Slaughter of the VampiresMovie · 1962 · 78mOn their wedding night, a newly married couple are terrorized by a vampire with a thirst for blood.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.3 - 515
While the City SleepsMovie · 1956 · 100m · Thriller, DramaIn a busy city, competitive newspaper reporters race to expose a notorious serial killer called "The Lipstick Killer." Each reporter has their own methods and reasons for wanting to solve the case, relentlessly pursuing clues, facing danger, and questioning what's right to get the story. Their professional competition turns into a dangerous game with deadly consequences, all while dealing with hidden secrets and personal struggles. Against a backdrop of city-wide fear, this suspenseful story explores ambition, honesty, and the difficulty of knowing what's right when seeking the truth.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 516
Stage FrightMovie · 1950 · 110m · ThrillerA young actress fights for her career while helping her friend, wrongly accused of killing a wealthy socialite. She enters the glamorous and dangerous world of high-society entertainment and discovers hidden secrets and betrayals. Loyal to her friend, she must navigate a complex web of lies to prove his innocence, confronting a powerful adversary determined to protect their position. The actress learns about friendship, strength, and the challenges of seeking justice against powerful forces.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.8 - 517
The Sadistic Baron Von KlausMovie · 1962 · 95mStrange killings plague the isolated village of Holfen, fueling whispers of an ancient curse. A young nobleman finds himself suspected of the crimes, struggling with his own hidden darkness.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.0 - 518
HäxanMovie · 1922 · 105m · Documentary, Horror, HistoryBenjamin Christensen’s innovative film examines medieval witchcraft through a series of dramatic scenes. It compares the accusations against witches in the Middle Ages to the mental illnesses of his own time, exploring the psychological roots of these frightening events.
The darkly comedic film combines horror, disturbing visuals, and unsettling humor for a memorable experience. The story features grave robbing, brutal torture, and a group of possessed nuns holding a satanic ritual.
Blending frightening sequences with macabre wit, the film takes viewers to another time while prompting reflection on superstition, belief, and the human mind's susceptibility to mass hysteria.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.6 - 519
Le manoir du diableMovie · 1896 · 4m · Fantasy, HorrorInside a dark, old castle, this mysterious film follows two brave riders trapped in a frightening game. A sinister figure, possibly Mephistopheles, orchestrates the events, summoning strange and disturbing creatures. The riders must face nightmarish challenges, testing their bravery against the magician's cruel plans. As chaos unfolds, the true nature of their enemy is revealed, suggesting a reality-bending story.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 520
The Most Dangerous GameMovie · 1932 · 63m · Thriller, Adventure, HorrorExperienced hunter Bob Rainsford is shipwrecked on a remote island and encounters the mysterious Count Zaroff. Initially welcomed as a guest, Rainsford soon discovers Zaroff's dangerous game: he hunts Rainsford and two other shipwreck survivors, siblings Eve and Martin Towbridge, like animals. The island's dense landscape becomes a deadly arena for this pursuit, as the hunted fight to survive against their ruthless captor.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.9 - 521
The Ballad of Tam LinMovie · 1970 · 106mInspired by the Celtic legend of Tam Lin, a young man is enchanted by a powerful, ancient sorceress and forced to become her lover. When he shows interest in another woman, he faces a deadly ritual sacrifice at her hands.IMDb 5.7TMDB 4.9 - 522
The Nude VampireMovie · 1970 · 85m · Horror, Science FictionA young man's late-night encounter with a mysterious woman plunges him into a dangerous world. Drawn to her, he becomes entangled with those pursuing her – masked figures determined to capture her. He uncovers a shocking truth: the woman is imprisoned by his own father and colleagues, who believe she is a vampire.
The film examines love, deception, and sacrifice as the protagonist confronts this revelation and his loyalty to his family. The visuals create a dark and unsettling atmosphere, intensifying the conflict between characters. To save the woman from captivity, he must face the disturbing reality that those he trusts have been driven by fear, forcing him to question his own beliefs in this suspenseful story of love and superstition.IMDb 5.4TMDB 4.8 - 523
The Living DeadMovie · 1932 · 89mA deranged scientist kills his wife, seals her inside a room, and escapes. A reporter begins hunting for him. Remake of *Unheimliche Geschichten* (Richard Oswald, 1919).IMDb 6.2TMDB 5.8 - 524
The BrainiacMovie · 1962 · 77m · Horror, Science FictionIn 17th century Mexico City, Baron Vitelius of Astara is condemned by the Holy Inquisition for witchcraft and necromancy, cursing the descendants of those who executed him. Three centuries later, a returning comet – the same one that appeared during his trial – unleashes the Baron's vengeful spirit as a monstrous entity. He hunts for the descendants of his enemies, feeding on human brains and plunging the city into terror. Amidst growing panic, a desperate fight for survival begins, revealing the horrifying repercussions of punishing what we don't comprehend.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.5 - 525
The Witch's MirrorMovie · 1962 · 75m · HorrorA man's life unravels after he murders his wife. Years later, the wife's ghost appears through an old, witch-infested mirror. The haunting starts with whispers and shadows, escalating as the man realizes he's being tormented by his wife's vengeful spirit. She seeks justice for her death, unleashing terrifying horrors upon him. This psychological horror thriller explores guilt, revenge, and redemption as reality and nightmare merge, with the mirror acting as a gateway to another world and a reflection of the trapped soul.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.7 - 526
The InnocentsMovie · 1961 · 100m · Horror, Mystery, DramaA young governess takes a job caring for two bright children at a remote, grand estate. She starts to suspect the peaceful household hides dark secrets. Strange things happen, and she believes malevolent spirits haunt the house, possibly tormenting the children. Fear clouds her judgment as she tries to protect them from this unseen danger, confronting the unsettling possibility that the greatest threats can come from within.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 527
Planets Around UsMovie · 1962 · 85mAn extraterrestrial civilization dispatches cyborgs – designed to resemble the son of a renowned scientist they murdered upon his arrival – to Earth. Their mission is to prepare the planet for an impending invasion.IMDb 4.6TMDB 3.0 - 528
The Horrible Dr. HichcockMovie · 1962 · 88m · HorrorIn 1885, Dr. Hitchcock lives a secret life with his wife, indulging in forbidden desires. A tragic accident leads to her death, leaving him consumed by grief and a morbid obsession. Years later, he remarries, determined to resurrect his late wife using her blood. The story explores themes of love, loss, and obsession within Victorian society as the line between sanity and madness blurs.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.8 - 529
The UninvitedMovie · 1944 · 99m · Mystery, Horror, FantasyA brother and sister move into a neglected house on the Cornish coast. As they settle in, strange things happen, suggesting the house is haunted. They discover it's haunted by the ghost of a mother, who has a surprising link to the brother’s girlfriend – the neighbor’s granddaughter. The ghost’s presence connects two lives, exploring themes of unresolved issues, desire, and the lasting power of family.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9 - 530
The Honeymoon KillersMovie · 1970 · 108m · Crime, Drama, RomanceIn the bleak world of Martha Beck, an overweight nurse longing for connection finds a hopeful start in a correspondence club. She connects with Ray Fernandez, who seems to offer the affection and charm she craves. Their letters develop into what appears to be a passionate romance, but Martha is unaware that Ray is a dangerous con man with a cruel side.
Unfazed by his harmful treatment of other lonely women, Martha becomes increasingly devoted to Ray, believing their bond is special. She even creates a false identity as his sister, joining him in his activities as he seeks out new victims. Driven by a fear of losing Ray to one of the women he targets, Martha becomes involved in his violent crimes.
The story explores the chilling themes of loneliness, obsession, and the lengths people will go to feel like they belong. The characters become trapped in a destructive cycle, their desires leading them into a darkness with no apparent exit.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.5 - 531
The Man and the MonsterMovie · 1959 · 78mA struggling pianist makes a deal with the devil to achieve unparalleled musical greatness. The price? With each performance, he transforms into a monstrous creature.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.0
