'Best horror film ever' with impressive Rotten Tomatoes score is a must this Halloween
The black and white supernatural horror film has been a hit with fans since it was released 80 years ago and will be shown on TV today to mark Halloween 2025
A classic horror movie with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating is a must-watch this Halloween. The black and white supernatural thriller Dead of Night follows architect Walter Craig (played by Mervyn Johns) as he visits Pilgrim's Farm to meet a prospective client.
However, upon arriving, Walter experiences an unsettling feeling of déjà vu and discovers he has dreamed about each person he encounters at the property.
The anthology horror then unfolds as he discusses the peculiar occurrences from these dreams, with each individual confessing to having experienced "a strange and unexplainable event" of their own. Despite being released eight decades ago, Dead of Night remains a cherished classic among horror enthusiasts.
The 1945 movie has garnered widespread acclaim throughout the years, boasting an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 96%.
"A potential outright winner in the 'best horror film ever' stakes," one reviewer commented.
Another enthusiast wrote: "It's brilliantly creepy, with frightening orchestral music to boot.
"Each component gradually gets weirder, more bloodcurdling, and undeniably more creative."
Google reviewers are equally enthusiastic about the picture, with numerous viewers calling it "one of the best horror movies you'll ever see".
One viewer called it an "absolute classic", whilst another remarked: "If this doesn't scare you, check for a pulse."
One viewer commented: "Well ahead of its time and the themes within the film spawned several memorable horror films in the following decades. Quite remarkable.
"Outstanding British horror film, first class cast well told individual stories.
"Highly recommended," another user posted.
Dead of Night features actor Mervyn Johns as architect Walter Craig, Michael Redgrave as Maxwell Frere, Roland Culver as Eliot Foley, along with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star Sally Ann Howes as Sally O'Hara.