Since the dawn of cinema, horror films have captivated audiences, offering eerie thrills that tap into our deepest fears. From supernatural beings to unsettling human oddities, these films have long been the stuff of nightmares, both a century ago and today.
This list features some of the most iconic black-and-white horror films. Some are well-known classics, while others are cult favorites or more recent works by directors who recognize the atmospheric power of monochromatic cinema. All of them are perfect for revisiting this Halloween.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Considered one of the earliest examples of horror cinema, Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a quintessential work of German expressionism. Its unsettling use of jagged angles and stark contrasts creates an intense and distorted visual experience that mirrors the post-World War I anxieties of the time.
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)
An unauthorized adaptation of Dracula, F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu narrowly escaped destruction after a lawsuit. Combining real-world settings with stylized sets, the film presents Count Orlok as a truly otherworldly figure. It’s not just a vampire tale but an early exploration of horror as social commentary. Stream on Pluto TV and Tubi.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
Although not strictly a horror film, The Man Who Laughs had a lasting influence on the genre, particularly on later Universal Monster movies and the Joker’s design in the Batman series. Its eerie atmosphere and the disturbing features of its lead character leave a lasting impression of dread. Available on FilmBox via Prime Video.
Universal Classic Monsters (1931–1954)
From Frankenstein to The Wolf Man, Universal’s Monster Movies laid the groundwork for modern horror. These films explored deep societal fears, from xenophobia to human nature’s dark side, with groundbreaking effects and storytelling techniques that continue to influence the genre. Stream on Peacock.
Freaks (1932)
One of the most controversial horror films ever made, Freaks forces viewers to confront their biases against those who appear different. This unsettling tale, directed by Tod Browning, remains a shocking indictment of human cruelty and the horrors of the so-called “normal.” Rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Murders in the Zoo (1933)
One of the earliest examples of the “animals on the loose” subgenre, Murders in the Zoo was considered extremely graphic for its time. This dark tale of jealousy and murder showcases the grim realities of zoo life in the 1930s and features one of the most memorable opening scenes of its era.
Cat People (1942) This low-budget RKO hit became famous for its innovative “bus scene,” one of the first and most effective uses of the jump scare. Cat People remains a groundbreaking film in horror history, both for its tension-filled storytelling and its influence on future horror movies. Stream on HBO Max.
The Seventh Victim (1943)
With themes of Satanism and complex female characters, The Seventh Victim was ahead of its time. This Val Lewton production treated its female leads as complex, empowered individuals, making it a must-watch for today’s audiences. Rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
The Uninvited (1944)
One of the earliest haunted house films to take ghosts seriously, The Uninvited had a profound impact on filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro. Its moody atmosphere and practical effects continue to make it a notable entry in the genre.
Dead of Night (1945)
This British anthology film set the standard for horror anthologies, with its standout segment involving a creepy ventriloquist dummy. Dead of Night still resonates today, particularly for fans of psychological horror. Stream on Fandor.
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)
Oscar Wilde’s novel gets a chilling adaptation in this film, where a Technicolor painting in an otherwise black-and-white world heightens the horror of Dorian’s eternal youth. Rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
Horror-comedies owe a great deal to this classic, which revitalized Universal’s monster series by mixing humor with horror. It set the standard for blending laughs and scares in one package. Rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Them! (1954)
As one of the earliest “nuclear monster” films, Them! paved the way for the giant creature feature genre. It treated its ant monsters as serious threats, avoiding the campy tropes of later B-movies. Rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Night of the Hunter (1955)
The Night of the Hunter stands as one of the most visually stunning and unsettling horror thrillers ever made. Despite being largely forgotten, its themes and imagery remain timeless. Rent on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
This Cold War-era sci-fi horror film preys on societal fears of the time, using body snatchers as a metaphor for paranoia and loss of identity. Stream on Paramount+.
