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A Beginner’s Guide to Horror: 11 Essential American Horror Movies to Watch

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For the uninitiated, the vast and diverse world of horror can be daunting. Yet, it’s a genre that has proven time and again its ability to thrill, scare, and entertain in a myriad of ways. This list is crafted with the beginner in mind, presenting you with 11 essential American horror movies to watch. These films not only define the genre but also offer an excellent starting point for your horror journey.

In this guide, we’ve carefully curated a selection of 11 horror films that span across various eras. If you’re just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of the horror movie genre, we believe this lineup provides an excellent launching point.

Table of Contents

  1. ‘Psycho’ (1960, directed by Alfred Hitchcock)
  2. ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ (1974, directed by Tobe Hooper)
  3. ‘Halloween’ (1978, directed by John Carpenter)
  4. ‘The Shining’ (1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick)
  5. A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984, directed by Wes Craven)
  6. ‘Scream’ (1996, directed by Wes Craven)
  7. ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999, directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez)
  8. ‘Get Out’ (2017, directed by Jordan Peele)
  9. ‘A Quiet Place’ (2018, directed by John Krasinski)
  10. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973, directed by William Friedkin)
  11. ‘Child’s Play’ (1988, directed by Tom Holland)

Psycho

(1960, directed by Alfred Hitchcock)

Anthony Perkins in Psycho

Psycho is an early masterpiece that redefined the horror genre. The plot centers around Marion Crane, a secretary who ends up at the secluded Bates Motel after stealing money from her employer.

The stand-out scene, undoubtedly, is the infamous shower scene that still sends shivers down the spine. The film stars Anthony Perkins in a career-defining role and Janet Leigh whose performance garnered her a Golden Globe.


The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

(1974, directed by Tobe Hooper)

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

In The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a group of friends fall victim to a family of cannibals while on a trip to visit an old homestead. The terrifying first appearance of Leatherface, chainsaw in hand, remains a standout scene.

While the cast didn’t feature any major stars at the time, Gunnar Hansen’s iconic performance as Leatherface left an indelible mark on the genre.


Halloween

(1978, directed by John Carpenter)

Halloween
Tommy Lee Wallace in the infamous Halloween closet scene

John Carpenter’s Halloween introduced one of horror’s most enduring characters – Michael Myers. The film follows Myers as he stalks and kills on Halloween night. The opening long-take from Myers’ perspective is an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film also launched the career of Jamie Lee Curtis, making her a defining “Scream Queen”.


The Shining

(1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick)

The Shining
Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance in The Shining

The Shining, based on Stephen King’s novel, tells the story of Jack Torrance, a writer turned winter caretaker for the isolated Overlook Hotel. The memorable “Here’s Johnny!” scene is a chilling testament to Jack Nicholson’s impressive performance.

Here’s Johnny!

Shelley Duvall also delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal as his wife, Wendy.


A Nightmare on Elm Street

(1984, directed by Wes Craven)

iPhone 11
A Nightmare on Elm Street

In A Nightmare on Elm Street, Wes Craven created Freddy Krueger, a monstrous spirit who kills teens in their dreams. The horrifying death of Tina is a standout scene that showcases Krueger’s nightmare realm.

The film starred a young Johnny Depp in his first major film role, alongside the unforgettable Robert Englund as Krueger.


Scream

(1996, directed by Wes Craven)

Scream Matthew Lillard

Scream is a unique blend of horror and satire where a killer known as Ghostface begins murdering teenagers in the town of Woodsboro. The suspenseful opening sequence with Drew Barrymore set a new standard for horror film introductions.

The movie features a strong ensemble cast including Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette.


The Blair Witch Project

(1999, directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez)

Blair Witch
The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project, a seminal found footage film, revolves around three film students who hike into the Maryland woods to film a documentary about a local legend, only to disappear.

The chilling final sequence in the basement perfectly encapsulates the film’s pervasive sense of dread. Despite a relatively unknown cast, Heather Donahue’s performance received critical acclaim.


‘Get Out’

(2017, directed by Jordan Peele)

The Sunken Place in the movie Get Out

In Get Out, a young African-American man visits his white girlfriend’s mysterious family estate, leading to a series of disturbing discoveries. The Sunken Place, a metaphorical representation of suppression, is a standout scene, embodying the film’s sharp social commentary.

The film boasts compelling performances from Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams.


A Quiet Place

(2018, directed by John Krasinski)

‘A Quiet Place’ (2018) Paramount Pictures, Platinum Dunes

A Quiet Place is a modern horror classic that centers on a family struggling to survive in a world overrun by extraterrestrial creatures with hypersensitive hearing.

The nerve-wracking bathtub childbirth scene underlines the film’s unique premise and brilliant execution. Directed by John Krasinski, who also stars alongside real-life spouse Emily Blunt, the film exemplifies innovative horror storytelling.


The Exorcist

(1973, directed by William Friedkin)

Exorcist
Linda Blair in The Exorcist

The Exorcist, often hailed as the scariest movie of all time, follows the demonic possession of a 12-year-old girl and the two priests who attempt to exorcise the demon. The infamous head-spinning scene still stands as one of the most disturbing and memorable moments in horror history.

Featuring compelling performances by Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Linda Blair, The Exorcist is an absolute must-see for anyone new to the horror genre.


Child’s Play

(1988, directed by Tom Holland)

Brad Dourif and Tyler Hard in Child's Play (1988)
Brad Dourif (voice) and Tyler Hard in Child’s Play (1988)–IMDb

Commonly known as “Chucky”, Child’s Play presents a unique twist on the horror genre with a killer doll at its center. When a serial killer’s soul is transferred into a ‘Good Guy’ doll, young Andy receives the most terrifying gift of his life.

The scene where Chucky reveals his true nature to Andy’s mother is a standout moment. The film stars Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, and the voice talent of Brad Dourif as Chucky.


From Psycho‘s unforgettable shower scene to the innovative silence of A Quiet Place, these 10 essential American horror movies offer a rich exploration of the genre’s possibilities. Each film presents its own unique spin on what it means to scare, thrill, and captivate, ensuring a varied and interesting initiation into the world of horror.

Remember, fear is a journey, and these films are just the beginning. There’s a vast universe of terror waiting for you to discover. Happy viewing!

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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