138 Essential Giallo Horror Films
137 titles
- 101
The Black Belly of the TarantulaMovie · 1971 · 98m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerInspector Tellini investigates a baffling murderer who paralyzes victims and then carves precise incisions into their abdomens, creating an unsettling silence. The investigation explores the depths of human psychology behind these horrific crimes. As Tellini pursues clues, he discovers the killer is more cunning than anyone imagined, leaving a disturbing trail hinting at a shocking truth. Can Tellini solve the case before the killer strikes again? The film's suspenseful atmosphere and graphic violence will leave audiences captivated as they try to understand the killer's motive alongside the inspector.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 102
The Girl Who Knew Too MuchMovie · 1963 · 86m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryA vacation turns into a nightmare when a traveler witnesses a brutal murder and becomes the killer's target. Forced to navigate a dangerous world of deceit and violence, they fight for survival against relentless pursuit. The film explores fear, vulnerability, and the will to live as the protagonist races against time to escape a deadly game. It’s a suspenseful story about ordinary people pushed to their limits in extraordinary circumstances.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 103
TraumaMovie · 1993 · 109m · Thriller, Horror, MysteryHaunted by their pasts, a young Romanian woman and a former drug addict form an unlikely alliance when her parents are murdered by a notorious serial killer known as The Headhunter. Driven by grief and a thirst for justice, they must navigate a dangerous world of fear and lies to hunt down the predator terrorizing their community.
As they work together, they discover hidden strengths and confront their inner demons. This suspenseful crime drama explores themes of redemption and resilience, following their desperate race against time to find The Headhunter – a journey that ultimately leads to self-discovery.
The film is a gripping blend of suspense and drama, offering a powerful and unforgettable story of human connection in the face of tragedy.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.8 - 104
Do You Like Hitchcock?Movie · 2005 · 93m · Mystery, Horror, ThrillerA socially awkward film student with a history of secretly watching others starts to suspect that two attractive strangers have plotted a violent crime.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.2 - 105
Blood and Black LaceMovie · 1964 · 88m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryIn Rome, a promising model named Isabella becomes the victim of a brutal murder, exposing the dark secrets hidden within the glamorous fashion industry. A masked killer within a prestigious fashion house seeks Isabella’s diary, which details the industry's corruption. The killer relentlessly hunts for the diary, eliminating models in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse as they get closer to uncovering Isabella's final secrets. This suspenseful mystery reveals the dark side of ambition and beauty, leaving everyone questioning who can be trusted.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.3 - 106
The Strange Color of Your Body's TearsMovie · 2013 · 102m · Horror, ThrillerA man returns from a business trip to find his wife has disappeared. His search leads him through a confusing series of clues involving potential lovers, lies, and a possible murder.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.2 - 107
Circle of FearMovie · 1992 · 92mMichael Woods is Tony Giordani, a narcotics agent recovering from an attack when he discovers his wife has been murdered. His superior believes it's Mafia-related, but Tony investigates, finding clues at a house his wife was photographing before her death. There, he uncovers a burned body and evidence pointing to the Full Moon Killer, who is decapitating prostitutes. The house's owner is an escaped asylum patient, a countess, whose actions lead to more killings. Tony and his engaged partner, Lisa, are then targeted, forcing them to solve the case to survive.IMDb 4.5TMDB 2.0 - 108
Naked You DieMovie · 1968 · 94mA woman is murdered in her bathtub by a killer wearing black gloves, who hides her body in a large trunk. The trunk is shipped to St. Hilda College, a prestigious finishing school. Soon after, one of the students, Betty-Anne, is also strangled in the school cellar. Inspector Durand and the police begin investigating, with potential suspects including the gardener, the new swimming instructor, a French teacher, an eccentric professor, and a young teacher known for his romantic pursuits. The killings continue, but a sharp amateur detective named Jill assists the police in uncovering the surprising identity of the killer.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.6 - 109
AutopsyMovie · 1975 · 100m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryRome is gripped by a wave of suicides, but pathologist Simona believes something more sinister is at play than the heat. While researching disguised murders, she becomes convinced these deaths are not what they seem when a young girl linked to her father dies under similar circumstances.
She teams up with the victim’s priest brother to uncover the truth behind the apparent suicides and find the killer hiding in plain sight. Their investigation leads them through a complex network of lies and secrets, putting them at risk. Can Simona prove these are murders, or will the killer remain free?IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.9 - 110
A White Dress for MarialéMovie · 1972 · 92mHaunted by the memory of her father's suicide, a woman gathers a group of friends at her husband's isolated castle. They are unaware of the dark reason behind her invitation.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.9 - 111
Bloody BeastMovie · 1994 · 89mFollowing a deeply disturbing experience of sexual arousal and humiliation involving a woman breastfeeding her baby while he was a child, a young man named Chen Siu-hsiong (Lawrence Ng) embarks on a violent killing spree. He targets and murders any woman he sees breastfeeding her child in public.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.0 - 112
AmerMovie · 2009 · 90m · Thriller, HorrorAna experiences profound encounters with her own body and desires at three pivotal points in her life. As a child, she briefly revives her deceased grandfather. During adolescence, she explores the connection between decay and sexuality. Later, returning to her abandoned childhood home, she confronts feelings of loss and isolation.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.2 - 113
One on Top of the OtherMovie · 1969 · 108m · Mystery, ThrillerIn San Francisco, a doctor unexpectedly meets a woman who strongly resembles his deceased wife, awakening buried memories and emotions. This chance encounter triggers a complex story exploring love, loss, and the search for peace during difficult times.
The doctor, still grieving his wife, is deeply affected by the woman's striking resemblance to her. This similarity forces him to confront his past. As he becomes involved in her life, the distinction between reality and memory becomes unclear, challenging his understanding of love, loss, and who he is.
This moving drama examines grief, acceptance, and finding oneself, showing how much our memories influence our lives. The story reminds us that even unexpected meetings can offer a path to healing and resolution.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.5 - 114
The Case of the Scorpion's TailMovie · 1971 · 96m · Mystery, ThrillerDriven by greed and deceit, a London woman travels to Athens to collect a large life insurance payout after her husband's plane crash. She soon discovers she's not the only one vying for the money, sparking dangerous conflicts as a race against time begins. As the insurance claim becomes increasingly suspicious, a veteran private investigator and a charismatic reporter team up to expose the truth behind the accident. Their investigation uncovers a complex network of secrets that puts their lives, and the woman's fortune, at risk. This suspenseful drama delivers thrilling storytelling and surprising turns, exploring the darker aspects of human behavior.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.3 - 115
Footprints on the MoonMovie · 1975 · 96m · Thriller, Mystery, DramaAlice, a translator, struggles to distinguish between her waking life and vivid dreams. As reality and nightmares bleed together, she battles memory loss while searching for answers. A mysterious postcard guides her to the island of Garma, where the locals seem to recognize her. This raises questions about her identity as the line between what's real and imagined fades. A recurring dream of a stranded astronaut on the moon suggests a deeper truth. Alice must confront hidden aspects of herself and uncover secrets from her past before time runs out.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.2 - 116
The Bloodstained ShadowMovie · 1978 · 109m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerSeven years ago, a young girl was murdered, leaving her town terrified and the killer unknown. The case went cold. Now, disturbing new evidence suggests the sinister presence has returned, bringing fear back to the quiet community. This story explores human psychology and the fight for justice in a suspenseful look at crime, loss, and finding peace. The protagonist must confront the haunting past and a new investigation, leading to a journey where nothing is certain.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 117
What Have You Done to Solange?Movie · 1972 · 107m · Mystery, Thriller, HorrorA seemingly ordinary teacher becomes caught in a disturbing series of events after several Catholic school students are brutally murdered. As he struggles with personal demons, including an affair with a student, the teacher begins to suspect he may be connected to the chilling murders.
The film is a suspenseful exploration of guilt, obsession, and morality within a religious setting. An unsettling atmosphere permeates every scene, from the school's shadowy hallways to tense interactions between characters. The story unfolds to keep audiences guessing as the teacher desperately tries to determine his role in the horrific events surrounding him – whether he is involved or innocent.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 118
Dark GlassesMovie · 2022 · 86m · Drama, Thriller, HorrorDiana, a high-class prostitute fleeing a serial killer, is involved in a car accident that leaves her blind and tragically kills the family of a ten-year-old boy named Chin.IMDb 5.2TMDB 4.8 - 119
Don't Open Till ChristmasMovie · 1984 · 87m · Thriller, Horror, MysteryIn London, just before Christmas, a cold wind blows through the city as festive decorations appear. But beneath the holiday cheer, a dangerous man stalks the streets. Driven by a deep hatred for Santa Claus, he relentlessly hunts anyone dressed as the jolly figure. The city's holiday spirit turns to suspense as people wonder about the true meaning of Christmas and how far someone will go to act on their darkest fears. This suspenseful film examines vengeance, fear, and the battle between good and evil during the holiday season.IMDb 4.7TMDB 4.9 - 120
Who Saw Her Die?Movie · 1972 · 94m · Crime, Drama, MysteryA four-year-old mystery—the murder of a sculptor's daughter—comes back to haunt her parents. Seeking answers, they launch their own investigation, uncovering a dangerous and complex web of lies. As they get closer to the truth, they face escalating danger and a growing body count.
The film follows these ordinary parents as they become amateur detectives, struggling with grief while pursuing justice. The atmosphere is tense, filled with moments of vulnerability, as they confront the possibility that finding the killer may have deadly consequences.
It's a gripping story about parental love and the desire for revenge, exploring the blurred lines between law enforcement and ordinary people who feel compelled to fight for justice themselves.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 121
What Have They Done to Your Daughters?Movie · 1974 · 96m · Crime, Thriller, MysteryThe seemingly random hanging death of fifteen-year-old Silvia Polvesi triggers a disturbing investigation. Detectives and prosecutors uncover a hidden secret: Silvia was filmed in a private encounter with a teenage dropout. Though the suspect is released due to insufficient evidence, unsettling events escalate.
The investigation reveals Silvia’s parents were already worried about her, hiring a private detective, Ruggero Pollente, to follow her. Pollente is then brutally murdered, his body dismembered, deepening the mystery. His girlfriend is also attacked by a masked assailant with a machete.
Inspector Silvestri and Assistant Public Prosecutor Stori find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy surrounding Silvia’s murder and the violence against Pollente, exposing a dark side to seemingly normal lives. The story explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the hidden dangers within everyday existence.IMDb 6.9TMDB 7.1 - 122
My Dear KillerMovie · 1972 · 96m · Thriller, Mystery, HorrorPolice Inspector Peretti investigates the shocking beheading of an insurance investigator, uncovering a disturbing link to a past kidnapping and murder. As he follows the clues, the investigation reveals a complex web of lies. Peretti must confront his own personal struggles and challenge his assumptions to solve the case and bring justice to the victims of these brutal crimes. The story explores the darkness within people and the difficult search for truth.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 123
Night of the ScorpionMovie · 1972 · 91mA Spanish-Italian film about a man haunted by guilt over his wife's death. He believes his drunken actions caused her fatal fall. He remarries, but can't escape the grief of his first wife. His sister and the housekeeper disapprove of his new wife. Then, bodies start appearing... and his deceased wife's grave is found empty.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.5 - 124
DelittiMovie · 1987 · 100mA mysterious killer is using a fast-acting snake venom from Martinique to kill people. The victims die quickly, their faces contorted into grotesque masks. A young, clever police lieutenant is assigned to solve the case.IMDb 3.8TMDB 3.2 - 125
Strip Nude for Your KillerMovie · 1975 · 98m · Horror, ThrillerThis suspenseful thriller follows a young model whose life tragically ends after a botched abortion. The doctor who performed the procedure, fearing exposure, arranges for her death to look like an accident. But his plan unravels when he himself becomes the target of a relentless killer. The assassin begins systematically eliminating the other models at the agency, revealing their hidden secrets as they fight to survive. The film is a chilling exploration of deception, betrayal, and terror, examining justice, responsibility, and the perils of hiding the truth in a society consumed by image.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.5 - 126
The Murder ClinicMovie · 1966 · 86mA deranged killer stalks the halls of isolated mental hospitals, systematically murdering patients and staff.IMDb 5.7TMDB 6.4 - 127
Four Flies on Grey VelvetMovie · 1971 · 104m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryRoberto, a rock drummer, becomes caught in a dangerous mystery. He receives unsettling phone calls and is relentlessly pursued by someone unknown, eventually leading to a confrontation. During a struggle, Roberto accidentally injures his pursuer and flees.
The following day, he receives photos detailing the incident. As his friends start dying in suspicious ways, Roberto realizes he's involved in a deadly game of deception. He must race to uncover the truth behind these events to clear his name and save his friends from a similar fate.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.5 - 128
Murder in the Central CommitteeMovie · 1982 · 110mA private detective, with a past as a communist and former CIA agent, journeys from Barcelona to Madrid. His mission: to uncover the killer of the Spanish Communist party leader, who was murdered with a stabbing during a blackout at a party meeting. This thriller features subtle political commentary.IMDb 5.0TMDB 4.3 - 129
GialloMovie · 2010 · 92m · Crime, Horror, MysteryIn Italy, a woman believes her sister has been kidnapped, but Inspector Enzo Avolfi suspects something far more sinister. They join forces to rescue the sister from a sadistic killer known only as Yellow.IMDb 4.5TMDB 4.2 - 130
A Black Veil for LisaMovie · 1968 · 95mPolice Inspector Franz Bulon is determined to dismantle a large drug operation in Hamburg. His efforts are constantly undermined by an assassin who is eliminating informants. Bulon is also struggling with jealousy over his wife, Lisa – questioning her loyalty, and unsure if his suspicions are justified. This personal turmoil makes it difficult for him to concentrate on the case. As his jealousy intensifies, Bulon makes a fateful decision: he hires the very assassin responsible for the informant murders to kill his wife.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.7 - 131
The French Sex MurdersMovie · 1972 · 91mFollowing the death of a French prostitute, her regular client is convicted of her murder and sentenced to death. He dies during an escape attempt. Subsequently, the witnesses who testified against him begin to be murdered by a mysterious assailant who always wears black gloves.IMDb 5.2TMDB 4.7 - 132
Carnal CircuitMovie · 1969 · 99mJournalist Paulo's close friend disappears, and he must uncover the truth behind his vanishing. The film unfolds in a decadent and dangerous Los Angeles, where drug use, parties, and violence are widespread. As Paulo investigates, he realizes he himself has become a target.IMDb 5.6TMDB 2.8 - 133
The Crimes of the Black CatMovie · 1972 · 90mIn Copenhagen, a blind pianist investigates a series of murders. The victims are connected by a yellow shawl and a black cat found at each crime scene. He becomes determined to find the killer.IMDb 6.1TMDB 5.4 - 134
Deadly InheritanceMovie · 1968 · 79mA series of wealthy heirs are being murdered by an unseen assailant. Each death is unique, though not overly violent. The question remains: who is behind these killings?IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.0 - 135
The Case of the Bloody IrisMovie · 1972 · 94m · Thriller, Mystery, HorrorInside a luxurious high-rise, a diverse group of residents – models, dancers, and others – live intertwined lives. When a serial killer begins targeting the building's inhabitants, a sense of fear spreads through the community.
Jennifer, a young model, and her friend Marilyn move into an apartment previously occupied by a victim, unaware they've stepped into the killer's next hunting ground. As Jennifer senses the growing danger, she and Marilyn race to uncover the killer's identity. Their search reveals the dark secrets hidden beneath the building’s glamorous facade.
The psychological thriller explores themes of deception and vulnerability as Jennifer and Marilyn fight to survive a deadly game where trust is impossible.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.3 - 136
Eyes of CrystalMovie · 2004 · 107mDetective Amaldi hunts a sophisticated and ruthless psychopath, confronting the city's decline and his own personal demons along the way.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.7 - 137
Symphony In Blood RedMovie · 2010 · 80mDuring therapy, a psychologist suggests her patient be moved to a specialized clinic. This decision triggers a hidden madness within him. His delusion centers on abandonment, driving him to commit another murder – mirroring a past crime involving his first love. After killing the psychologist, he begins documenting his emotional descent with a video camera, recording his increasingly hallucinatory state as a form of self-therapy.IMDb 3.8TMDB 4.2
