Surrounded by many like-minded horror enthusiasts here in Salem, the whole crew at WCW definitely shares a love for the macabre. We curated this list focused mostly on the classic horror movies that set the standard for terror and suspense. The 60s and 70s redefined fear with shocking supernatural and occult horror, blending eerie storytelling with slasher elements. Then the 80s and 90s pushed boundaries further with cult classics that were the origin of many unforgettable villains, and pioneered the gore-filled style of the horror we know today.
However, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge a few modern horror movies that have evolved to deliver even more intense (and realistic) scares and psychological thrills. Films like "Hereditary" and "The Babadook" dive deep into themes of grief and trauma, using eerie atmospheres and unsettling imagery to leave lasting impressions. Meanwhile, "It Follows" and "The Witch" mix supernatural horror with slow burning suspense, crafting nightmarish experiences that stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Man, we could go on for hours, but let’s cut to the chase and dive into what we’re really here for—our top 13 classic horror movies. This collection spotlights our favorite timeless masterpieces that continue to terrify audiences today.
Black Sunday (1960, Mario Bava)
Wait Until Dark (1967, Terence Young)
Rosemary’s Baby (1968, Roman Polanski)
The Exorcist (1973, William Friedkin)
The Omen (1976, Richard Donner)
The Sentinel (1977, Michael Winner)
Suspiria (1977, Dario Argento)
The Changeling (1980, Peter Medak)
The Shining (1980, Stanley Kubrick)
The Poltergeist (1982, Tobe Hooper)
The Blob (1988, Chuck Russell)
Candyman (1992, Bernard Rose)
Event Horizon (1997, Paul W.S. Anderson)
