If you're looking for a horror movie to bring on the chills, you must start with the classics. Yes, there are some amazing modern horror movies, but there is something about the staying power of the classics and their ability to scare generations with practical effects and jaw-dropping performances. This isn't to say there aren't new horror movies that have become instant classics, too. Over the years, our collective definition of scary movies has evolved, from the old-school Universal creature features to modern social and psychological thrillers like Jordan Peele's Get Out. If you consider yourself a true horror fan, you'll appreciate everything the genre has.
Whether you're looking for monster movies, iconic slashers, terrifying serial killer movies, sci-fi scares, or even genre-defying horror comedies, we've rounded up all the old reliables in the genre worth watching. Many of these are considered classic Halloween movies that you can watch either in October or when you're missing spooky season—but be warned, the titles on this list include jump scares, gore, and creepier tones than the films even scaredy cats can watch. Here are some of the best, most classic horror movies of all time that any self-respecting scary movie buff needs to see.
