Sure, there are plenty of amazing and terrifying modern movies, but we here at MLiving have a soft spot for the classics. Here are some great old-school horror films to add a shiver or two to your October!
- Nosferatu (1922) – F.W. Murnau’s expressionist masterpiece remains one of the most chilling depictions of vampirism in the history of cinema, and Max Schreck’s performance as Count Orlok is as unnerving today as it was a century ago. Available to watch on Tubi.
- Frankenstein (1931) – There had been Frankenstein movies before (one famously made by Edison Studios) and there have been many since, but this is the film that’s firmly fixed in the public’s imagination. When you think of Frankenstein’s Monster, you think of Boris Karloff. Available on Peacock Premium.
- The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) – Another classic of German cinema, and one of the most influential of all films, Dr. Caligari’s twisted visuals and haunting sets are a wonder to behold. Available to watch on Tubi and Amazon Prime.
- Psycho (1960) – Try to forget that you know what happens in the shower scene and what Norman’s secret is. This powerhouse of cinema was one of the most shocking films ever when it first hit audiences, cementing Hitchcock’s legacy as the Master of Suspense. Available on Peacock Premium.
- The House on Haunted Hill (1959) – “Where, so far, the ghosts have killed seven people. So won’t you come and make it…eight?” This campy horror film starring Vincent Price is still a lot of fun to watch, even today. Available to watch on Tubi and Amazon Prime.
- Don’t Look Now (1973) – Nicholas Roeg’s suspense masterpiece stars Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland as parents grieving the loss of their daughter only to receive indications that she’s trying to contact them from beyond the grave. Available on Amazon Prime.
- Night of the Living Dead (1968) – George Romero’s immortal zombie flick cemented the walking dead as a genre of horror movies, with filmmakers following in his shambling footsteps all the way to present day. Available to watch on Tubi and Amazon Prime.
- The Exorcist (1973) – William Friedkin’s adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s terrifying novel proved to be one of the most successful horror films ever made, with the image of Linda Blair as the possessed little girl Regan joining the canon of horror immortals. Available on Sling TV.
- Carrie (1976) – Stephen King’s debut novel put him on the horror map, and Brian De Palma’s film version made blood-stained heroine Carrie White one of the most recognizable characters of cinema. Available on Amazon Prime with a Starz subscription.
10. Jaws (1975) – One of the most iconic pieces of music ever signifies the approach of one of the most terrifying creatures ever. Steven Spielberg’s immortal blockbuster not only terrified audiences but changed the face of moviemaking. Available on HBO Max.
