Rotten Tomatoes' 10 best ever horror films — number 1 is only from 2020 and on BBC iPlayer
Rotten Tomatoes has revealed its list of the top 10 horror movies of all time and some classics — like Psycho — didn't make the cut.
As Halloween looms, falling conveniently on a Friday this year, it's the perfect excuse to spend the weekend engrossed in a classic horror flick. But before you hit play on your usual go-to, you might want to take a gander at what the critics are recommending.
Rotten Tomatoes has unveiled its list of the top 200 horror films and the results are far from predictable. Shockingly, iconic films like The Shining and Psycho didn't make the cut for the top 10. Instead, the ranking showcases a blend of modern masterpieces and underappreciated gems.
The coveted number one spot is even awarded to a contemporary horror set in Essex, featuring a British-led cast. Below, we've compiled the top ten films suggested by the critic.
Do you concur with the ranking? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
1 of 10 10. Vampyr (1932)
Ranking a respectable tenth, Vampyr tells the story of protagonist Allan Gray, who arrives in Courtempierre, where his interest in the supernatural leads him into a nightmare.
After a warning that "she must not die", he learns a young woman has been bitten by a vampire and joins her sister to destroy the creature and break the curse.
The critics described this film as: "Full of disorienting visual effects, Carl Theodor Dreyer's Vampyr is as theoretically unsettling as it is conceptually disturbing."
Vampyr is available to watch now on Amazon Prime.
(Image:Publicity picture)2 of 10 9. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
"An eccentric, campy, technically impressive, and frightening picture, James Whale's Bride of Frankenstein has aged remarkably well," said Rotten Tomatoes.
This film is the sequel to Frankenstein (1931), and follows the doctor who is drawn back into sinister experiments when Dr Pretorius kidnaps his wife and pressures him to create a female companion for the Monster.
You can enjoy the Bride of Frankenstein on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Sky, and Apple TV.
(Image:Getty)3 of 10 8. The Loved Ones (2009)
The Loved Ones (2009) follows a teenager who, after being rejected by a classmate for the school dance, kidnaps him and forces him to attend her own twisted version of prom.
Critics shared: "Successfully mixing the conventions of the teen and horror genres with a twist, Australian director Sean Byrne makes a striking directorial debut with The Loved Ones."
The Loved Ones can be viewed on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Sky, and Apple TV.
(Image:IMDB)4 of 10 7. Host (2020)
Another modern film tops the list at number seven. The Host (2020) is about six friends who hire a medium to hold a seance on Zoom during lockdown. However, things quickly go wrong as they accidentally invite the attention of a demonic presence.
The critics consensus said: "Lean, suspenseful, and scary, Host uses its timely premise to deliver a nastily effective treat for horror enthusiasts."
Host is available to watch with an Amazon Prime subscription.
(Image:Publicity picture)
5 of 10 6. Let the Right One In (2008)
Let The Right One In (2008) follows 12-year-old Oskar, who is bullied at school, and befriends his new neighbour, Eli. Their initially cautious friendship deepens, but Oskar soon discovers that Eli is no ordinary girl.
Speaking on the film, critics said: "Let the Right One In reinvigorates the seemingly tired vampire genre by effectively mixing scares with intelligent storytelling."
Horror fans can watch Let The Right Ones In on BFI player, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Sky, and Apple TV.
(Image:Handout)6 of 10 5. The Babadook (2014)
It isn't shocking that The Babadook has reached the top five horror films of all time. "The Babadook relies on real horror rather than cheap jump scares - and boasts a heartfelt, genuinely moving story to boot," as per Rotten Tomatoes.
For those unaware, the film follows Amelia, who struggles with her troubled son, Samuel, six years after her husband's death. Samuel's nightmares feature a deadly monster, and when the storybook The Babadook appears, Samuel's fears escalate, and Amelia soon realises the creature may be real.
The Babadook is now on ITVX free of charge.
(Image:PA)7 of 10 4. Get Out (2017)
Sometimes, physical horror doesn't land quite well, as it can look cheap and cringey. This leads to audiences seeking psychological horror, which may arguably be more terrifying. A great example of this is Get Out (2017).
The critic consensus on Rotten Tomatoes stated: "Funny, scary, and thought-provoking, Get Out seamlessly weaves its trenchant social critiques into a brilliantly effective and entertaining horror/comedy thrill ride."
Get Out tells the story of Chris, who spends a weekend with his girlfriend Rose and her parents. What begins as seemingly awkward but polite hospitality soon turns threatening, as Chris discovers horrifying secrets.
Get Out is streaming on Netflix and Now TV.
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8 of 10 3. The Wailing (2016)
Taking the number three spot is a non-Western film. Set in the isolated village of Gokseong, South Korea, The Wailing (2016) follows a series of brutal murders which villagers suspect are the work of a mysterious stranger.
Rotten Tomatoes said: "The Wailing delivers an atmospheric, cleverly constructed mystery whose supernatural thrills more than justify its imposing length."
The Wailing can be viewed on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV.
(Image:IMDB)9 of 10 2. Under the Shadow (2016)
"Under the Shadow deftly blends seemingly disparate genres to deliver an effective chiller with timely themes and thought-provoking social subtext," said Rotten Tomatoes.
This film centres on protagonist Shideh, who, after a missile hits her building during the Iran-Iraq War, becomes convinced it carries malevolent spirits threatening her daughter Dorsa and must confront the supernatural to save them both.
Eager horror lovers can watch Under the Shadow for free on Netflix.
(Image:IMDB)10 of 10 1. His House (2020)
Taking the number one spot is Netflix's His House, which is set in Essex and stars a British-led cast, such as Matt Smith, Roland Manookian, Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu. His House centres on a refugee couple who flee war-torn South Sudan only to face hidden evil while trying to adapt to life in a quiet English town.
The critics consensus reads: "Featuring genuine scares through every corridor, His House is a terrifying look at the spectres of the refugee experience and a stunning feature debut for Remi Weekes."
You can also watch His House free of charge on BBC iPlayer.
(Image:Aidan Monaghan/NETFLIX)