Whether they are fans of the “Scream” or “Scary Movie” franchises, or just a fan of classic horror films, some audiences just love to be scared. Horror films will always be a popular genre with viewers but some older horror movies have aged better than others.
Certain horror films have stood the test of time and become true classics. Despite the passing years, their compelling stories, powerful performances, and innovative effects are still riveting and chilling.
So which ones continue to inspire awe and scare modern audiences? Which influential works of horror still have the power to terrify after all these years? (Want to see more great horror films? Click here for the best horror movies of all time.)
In this article, we will explore the greatest horror movies of yesteryear that can still scare audiences today. To compile this list of the best old horror movies that are still terrifying today, 24/7 Tempo reviewed thousands of movies on IMDb, paying close attention to their scores.
Here are classic horror films that are still terrifying:
Psycho
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- IMDb score: 8.5 / 10
- Tomatometer: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
The first film on our list is the 1960 horror classic, “Psycho”, starring Anthony Perkins. This chilling movie continues to captivate audiences and has inspired many other films. “Psycho” was released in the United States on September 8, 1960, and is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch.
The popularity of movie and novel led to several remakes, sequels, and even a TV series.
Nosferatu (1922)
- Director: F.W. Murnau
- IMDb score: 7.9 / 10
- Tomatometer: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
In 1922, a terrifying silent film debuted on the big screen. “Nosferatu,” a German production starring Max Schreck, Alexander Granach, and Gustav von Wangenheim, was released in Germany on March 4, 1922.
“Nosferatu” is the story of Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent who travels to Transylvania to meet a new client, the eerie vampire Count Orlok. Count Orlok, with his frightening presence, eventually starts to prey on Thomas and his wife.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
- Director: Paul Leni
- IMDb score: 7.6 / 10
- Tomatometer: 100%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
“The Man Who Laughs” is another silent film that makes our list. This is one of the most incredible early horror movies, alongside “Nosferatu.”
“The Man Who Laughs” is a movie adaptation of a novel of the same name, and stars Mary Philbin, Conrad Veidt, and Cesare Gravina. It was released in the United States on November 4, 1928.
Although this film is meant to be a melodrama, it is often classified as a horror film due to Gwynplaine’s grotesque grin. His creepy smile is enough to still bring goosebumps and shivers, even from just a still image.
Eyes Without a Face (1960)
N/A
- Director: Georges Franju
- IMDb score: 7.6 / 10
- Tomatometer: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
No list of the most disturbing classic horror movies would be complete without “Eyes Without a Face,” released on March 2, 1960, in France. Despite almost no gore, this unusual horror film is deeply disturbing. Just seeing a picture of the main character is enough to send chills down your spine.
“Eyes Without a Face” starred Pierre Brasseur, Alida Valli, Juliette Mayniel, and Edith Scob.
Dracula (1931)
- Director: Tod Browning
- IMDb score: 7.4 / 10
- Tomatometer: 94%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82%
Even though “Dracula” may not be the most highly rated classic horror film, it deserves a spot on the list. Released on February 14, 1931, in the United States, the movie is about 75 minutes long.
The film stars Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, and Edward Van Sloan. “Dracula” tells the story of the Count Dracula, a vampier who uses his charming demeanor and strange powers to terrorize characters like Renfield and Mina.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
- Director: George A. Romero
- IMDb score: 7.8 / 10
- Tomatometer: 95%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
“Night of the Living Dead” is often credited as one of the earliest and most influential zombie films, and is sometimes considered as the first modern zombie movie. The groundbreaking special effects and makeup were ahead of its time, contributing to its success. Despite its low-budget, the film grossed over 250 times its production cost.
“Night of the Living Dead” was released on October 4, 1968, in the United States and has a run time of about 96 minutes.
The Mummy (1932)
- Director: Karl Freund
- IMDb score: 7.0 / 10
- Tomatometer: 89%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 72%
“The Mummy” is the story of Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian high priest who is revived and awakened in 1921. After ten years, he navigates through modern society while searching for his lost love.
This classic fantasy horror film was released by Universal Studios on December 22, 1932, in the United States. The film starred Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, Edward Van Sloan, and Noble Johnson.
The Haunting (1963)
- Director: Robert Wise
- IMDb score: 7.4 / 10
- Tomatometer: 87%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82%
“The Haunting,” released on August 21, 1963,in the United States, initially received moderate success but has since become a fan favorite. This terrifying film stars Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, and Russ Tamblyn.
This eerie supernatural film centers around the mysterious and tragic Hill House. From the outset, viewers learn about its dark history of death, beginning with the owner’s first wife.
Frankenstein (1931)
- Director: James Whale
- IMDb score: 7.8 / 10
- Tomatometer: 94%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 87%
The story of Frankenstein is familiar to many. Based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, the film “Frankenstein” is a timeless horror classic that has inspired numerous adaptations and sequels, including “The Bride of Frankenstein”.
“Frankenstein” premiered on November 21, 1931, released by Universal Pictures in the United States. The film stars Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, Mae Clarke, and Edward van Sloan. Although known for its great storytelling, the film is also recognized for its remarkable character design and makeup.
The Innocents (1961)
- Director: Jack Clayton
- IMDb score: 7.8 / 10
- Tomatometer: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 73%
One of the most unsettling classic horror films is “The Innocents,” which was released on December 15, 1961, in the United States. This thrilling psychological horror leaves viewers wondering whether the house is truly haunted, or if something more sinister is involved.
The film is based on the novel “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James, and stars Deborah Kerr, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins, Michael Redgrave, Pamela Franklin, and Martin Stephens.
The Shining (1980)
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- IMDb score: 8.4 / 10
- Tomatometer: 83%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 93%
“The Shining” is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest horror movies ever made. Starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, and Scatman Crothers, the film’s iconic imagery has become ingrained in popular culture.
While not as old as some classics on this list, “The Shining” is too unforgettable and essential to include. Released on May 23, 1980 in the United States, the film is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, although there are differences between the movie and the book.
Peeping Tom (1960)
N/A
- Director: Michael Powell
- IMDb score: 7.6 / 10
- Tomatometer: 95%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85%
One of the creepiest films ever made, “Peeping Tom,” debuted in 1960. This odd film starred Carl Boehm, Moira Shearer, Anna Massey, and Maxine Audley. Initially controversial due to its disturbing themes, the film is now a highly rated and reviewed film, from critics and viewers alike.
The movie focuses on a peeping Tom named Mark Lewis, who is an aspiring filmmaker, who follows and kills women while filming the act, attempting to capture the terror on their face.
Village of the Damned (1960)
- Director: Wolf Rilla
- IMDb score: 7.3 / 10
- Tomatometer: 93%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 78%
One of the most chilling horror ever made is “Village of the Damned,” which premiered on December 7, 1960, in the United States. This distinctive British sci-fi horror stars George Sanders, Barbara Shelley, and Michael Gwynn.
This unusual movie is adapted from John Wyndham’s novel, “The Midwich Cuckoos.” In the British village of Midwich, a mysterious event causes everyone to lose consciousness for approximately four hours. Two months later, all the women and girls of child-bearing agein the village find themselves pregnant. As the children born from this bizarre event grow up, they are cold, but highly intelligent and have special powers.
The Old Dark House (1932)
- Director: James Whale
- IMDb score: 7.0 / 10
- Tomatometer: 97%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 71%
“The Old Dark House” was released on October 20, 1932, in the United States and was directed by James Whale. Based on the novel, “Benighted,” the film stars Boris Karloff, Melvyn Douglas, Gloria Stuart, and Charles Laughton.
This comedy horror movie revolves around a group of people taking refuge from a fierce storm in an old mansion owned by Horace Femm and his sister Rebecca. Throughout the movie, the guests try to survive the night while navigating encounters with Morgan, a volatile heavy drinker, and Saul, a crazed pyromaniac.
The Birds (1963)
- Director: Alfred Hitchcock
- IMDb score: 7.6 / 10
- Tomatometer: 94%
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 83%
Who knew birds could be so scary? One of the best classic horror movies of all time answers that question. In the film, “The Birds,” flocks of birds suddenly begin attacking people, leaving many dead and injured, including some of the main characters. What adds to the horror is that the audience never learns the reason behind the bird attacks or when they will stop.
“The Birds,” debuted in the United States on March 28, 1963 and has been terrifying movie audiences ever since.