The Horror Movies Everyone Should See At Least Once, According To Critics

The Shining (1980): Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's novel, "The Shining" is a psychological horror masterpiece.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): Tobe Hooper's film is a raw and visceral experience that has become a classic in the horror genre. It tells the terrifying story of a group of friends who encounter a family of cannibals in rural Texas.

The Exorcist (1973): Often hailed as one of the scariest films ever made, "The Exorcist" delves into the demonic possession of a young girl and the harrowing efforts of two priests to save her.

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Wes Craven’s creation of Freddy Krueger introduced a new level of horror with its blend of supernatural elements and slasher tropes.

The Evil Dead (1981): Directed by Sam Raimi, this low-budget horror film has become a cult classic. Its story of friends trapped in a remote cabin and tormented by demonic forces remains genuinely terrifying​.

Poltergeist (1982): Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, "Poltergeist" is a gripping tale of a suburban family besieged by malevolent spirits. Its blend of supernatural horror and family drama makes it a standout film..

The Thing (1982): John Carpenter’s "The Thing" is a masterful horror film set in the Antarctic, where a shape-shifting alien terrorizes a group of researchers. Its suspenseful atmosphere and groundbreaking special effects have cemented its status as a horror classic.