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Horror is a broad canvas that covers many unique sub-genres, from zombie movies to haunted house flicks. None of them are as intertwined with the genre, however, as slasher horror movies. Some of horror's biggest movies are slashers, with the sub-genre birthing some of the most recognizable characters in cinema. Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers have all transcended the medium to become essential parts of popular culture.
Everyone can remember the first time they watched a slasher movie, most likely as a child hiding behind a sofa, equally enthralled and terrified by what was happening. Good slasher films stay with you for days as the kills and thrills play over in your head, but the best slasher movies stay with you forever, with some of the genre's best movies helping to shape their fans into who they are.
40 'Pearl' (2022)
Directed by Ti West
Image via A24 Before she was the menacing figure in X, Pearl was a dreamer in the highly-rated 2022 horror filmPearl. Back in 1918, young Pearl (Mia Goth) is trapped on her family's desolate Texas farm. Her desires for a life beyond the fields, fueled by the glam of Hollywood, are constantly stifled by her overbearing mother. As her frustrations mount, Pearl's grip on reality loosens, and her yearning for escape transforms into a blood-soaked nightmare.
The film's vibrant Technicolor-inspired visuals create a jarring contrast to the brutal murders committed by Pearl. Goth's captivating performance, shifting seamlessly between fragility and unhinged rage, has been praised by viewers again. While some parts of the film have been turned into memes, Pearl’s climax, where an eight-minute monologue sees Pearl confess her sins to Mitsy (Emma Jenkins-Purro) before taking her life, further highlights just how good of an actress Goth is.
Pearl
Director Ti West
Runtime 103 minutes
39 'Wes Craven's New Nightmare' (1994)
Directed by Wes Craven
Image via New Line Cinema Freddy Krueger was reborn in the 1994 film Wes Craven’s New Nightmare. Taking on the familiar terror of Elm Street and injecting it with a dose of metafiction, Actress Heather Langenkamp, known for her role as Nancy, becomes the target of Freddy (Robert Englund), who has now crossed into reality. The meta film becomes a terrifying exploration of the power of horror, as Langenkamp must confront her own creation to save herself and her son Dylan (Miko Hughes).
New Nightmare deconstructs the slasher genre by bringing Freddy Krueger into the "real world." It’s a film that forces audiences to confront the anxieties and fears associated with the stories we consume. The movie’s metafictional approach, combined with the return of Langenkamp and a truly terrifying iteration of Freddy, is an enjoyable experience that has taken slasher fans by surprise.
Release Date October 14, 1994
Runtime 112 Minutes
38 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003)
Directed by Marcus Nispel
Image Via New Line Cinema Who knew that a road trip through the desolate heart of Texas could turn into a horrifying fight for survival? The 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre sees a group of friends — Erin (Jessica Biel), Kemper (Eric Balfour), and their companions — bump into a nightmare when they encounter a hitchhiker with a disturbing secret. Their journey takes a gruesome turn as they cross paths with Leatherface (Andrew Bryniarski) and his cannibalistic family.
Despite not being warmly received by critics, the 2003 Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake still deserves praise. It has an unrelenting brutality and oppressive atmosphere that is palpable to viewers. The chilling mood of the movie is further amplified by the muted cinematography and Biel's powerful performance as the resilient Erin. While some argue that it doesn’t carry the grittiness that made the original a fun film, the remake succeeds in revitalizing the franchise for modern audiences. That said, there are some avid horror fans who have said that the remake is more disturbing than the original.
Release Date October 17, 2003
Runtime 98 Minutes
37 'Cherry Falls' (2000)
Directed by Geoffrey Wright
Image via October Films Cherry Falls flips the script on the slasher genre, making virginity a death sentence. In the movie, a mysterious killer stalks the town and preys on innocent high school students. The town’s sheriff, Brent Marken (Michael Biehn), struggles to maintain order while protecting his daughter Jody (Brittany Murphy), who finds herself in the killer's crosshairs. Eventually, the town descends into chaos as the students, led by Jody, take matters into their own hands with a shockingly unconventional plan.
Cherry Falls has earned a devoted following for its bold premise and slightly comedic approach to horror. It can’t be denied that it has a satirical take on the slasher genre, but Murphy's compelling performance as the resourceful Jody makes it a memorable watch. Apart from its bloody scenes, Cherry Falls is also full of sharp commentary, especially as it highlights the anxieties and pressures faced by teenagers regarding sex.
Release Date August 25, 2000
Director Geoffrey Wright
Runtime 92 Minutes
36 'Scream 4' (2011)
Directed by Wes Craven
Image Via Dimension Films A new generation of horror fans has been reintroduced to Ghostface in 2011. Scream 4 brings back Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) to Woodsboro, where a new wave of terror is unleashed upon a group of unsuspecting teenagers. This time, the killer is using social media and technology to amplify their reign of terror, forcing Sidney to confront the ghosts of her past while trying to protect her young cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) from becoming a victim.
While it didn’t reach the same heights as the original film, Scream 4 proved that the franchise still had plenty of life left in it. Wes Craven's direction, as well as Campbell’s resurrection of her beloved character, ensured that the film retained the spirit of its predecessors. Without a doubt, Scream 4 is a worthy addition to the franchise as it delivers the same kind of chills and thrills.
Release Date April 15, 2011
Runtime 111 Minutes
35 'The Mutilator' (1984)
Directed by Buddy Cooper
Image via OK Productions The Mutilator is an 80s slasher film that opens with a terrible flashback: Ed (Matt Mitler) accidentally kills his mother while he cleans his father’s guns. Now in college, Ed goes back to his family’s beach house to have fun with his friends. But the house isn’t the only thing waiting for him. His father, fueled by rage and anger, has decided to murder Ed and his friends in a creative and gruesome fashion.
The Mutilator defies expectations for a slasher film. Despite its budget limitations and some amateur acting, the movie wins fans with its self-aware humor, including a nonsensical plot and jarring outtakes. The film also offers a unique twist by making its group of friends, though minimally developed, more relatable than the usual slasher fodder, heightening the audience's investment in their bloody fates.
Release Date January 4, 1985
Director Buddy Cooper
Cast Matt Mitler , Ruth Martinez , Bill Hitchcock , Connie Rogers , Frances Raines , Morey Lampley , Jack Chatham , Ben Moore
Runtime 86 Minutes
34 'Hush' (2016)
Directed by Mike Flanagan
Image via Netflix Mike Flanagan deserves to be known more for his acclaimed horror Netflix projects. He’s also directed the 2016 horror film Hush, which focuses on a deaf and mute author, Maddie Young (Kate Siegel). Seeking solitude in a remote cabin to fuel her creativity, her peace is shattered when a masked stalker (John Gallagher Jr.) discovers her vulnerability. He terrorizes her by exploiting her disability, turning their isolated environment into a terrifying game of cat and mouse.
With limited ways to communicate and defend herself, Maddie must outsmart this relentless attacker to survive. Instead of relying on gore, Hush masterfully builds tension through silence. The sound design puts viewers in Maddie's shoes, amplifying the smallest noises until they scream with terror. Maddie's internal monologue, used sparingly, connects viewers to her fight for survival, making Hush a suspense-filled masterpiece.
Release Date April 8, 2016
Runtime 82 minutes
33 'Out of the Dark' (1988)
Directed by Michael Schroeder
Image via CineTel Films Terror takes center stage in Out of the Dark, where a Los Angeles phone sex hotline becomes a hunting ground for a masked killer named Bobo the Clown (William Ostrander). The villain begins eliminating the operators one by one. The remaining staff, including the tenacious Sarah (Kami Cotter) and the alluring Kristi (Peg Shirley), fear for their lives as they try their best to survive the night and unmask the killer.
Viewers should brace themselves for a twisted plot with red herrings and suspicious characters at every turn. The movie’s suspenseful blend of horror and neo-noir will leave viewers unsettled. The film's ability to create a unique atmosphere has also been commended, with the thick tension fueled by the constant threat of the masked killer.
Release Date May 5, 1989
Director Michael Schroeder
Cast Cameron Dye , Karen Black , Bud Cort , Lynn Danielson-Rosenthal , Starr Andreeff , Divine , Geoffrey Lewis , Tracey Walter
Runtime 89 Minutes
32 'Curtains' (1983)
Directed by Jonathan Stryker
Image via Jensen Farley Pictures In Curtains, six actresses find themselves in a killer mansion. The charismatic director Jonathan Stryker assembles a diverse group of actresses for a prestigious film role. Among them are the seasoned Samantha Sherwood (Linda Darnell), who is desperate for a comeback, and the bubbly newcomer Patty O'Connor (Jamie Lee Curtis), who is brimming with raw talent. As the actresses vie for the coveted part, a masked killer begins to pick them off, shattering their dreams and turning their competition into a fight for life.
Slasher fans will find satisfaction with Curtains as it delivers chills and thrills that go beyond the typical horror movie. Critics rave about the film's ability to build suspense through its isolated setting and unpredictable plot twists. The film also features unique murders, from the ice skating scene to the haunting doll sequence, which is nothing short of creative and horrifying.
Release Date March 4, 1983
Director Richard Ciupka
Cast John Vernon , Samantha Eggar , Linda Thorson , Anne Ditchburn , Lynne Griffin , Sandee Currie , Lesleh Donaldson , Deborah Burgess
Runtime 89 Minutes
31 'Stage Fright' (1987)
Directed by Michele Soavi
Image via Artists Entertainment Group The setting of the horror movie Stage Fright is an isolated rehearsal space that becomes a breeding ground for fear. As a theater troupe prepares for their opening night, personal conflicts and rivalries simmer beneath the surface. Their anxieties soon pale in comparison to the horror that awaits them when a masked killer infiltrates the theater. The survivors, a motley crew of actors, directors, and crew members, must put aside their differences and unite against a foe determined to silence them permanently.
Hailed for its unique blend of style and suspense, Stage Fright keeps audiences hooked from the opening scene. The isolated theater itself becomes a character, adding to the claustrophobic tension as the masked killer stalks the victims. The movie was especially commended for its inventive death scenes and the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the killer and survivors, solidifying its place as a must-watch movie in the slasher genre.
Stage Fright
Release Date April 3, 2014
Director Jerome Sable
Runtime 89
30 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (1997)
Directed by Jim Gillespie
Image Via Columbia Pictures When a group of teenage friends accidentally kill a stranger in a hit-and-run incident, they hide the body and vow to never speak of it again. One year later, someone begins to stalk and torment the teens, claiming to know what they did as the attacks soon turn deadly. As they're killed off one by one, they scramble to figure out who's tormenting them and why.
Perhaps the second most notable slasher movie of the 90s behind Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer follows a similar template. It features a cast of popular young actors (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar), and takes delight in tormenting them before they are killed one by one in this cheesy 90s classic.
Release Date October 17, 1997
Director Jim Gillespie
Runtime 101 minutes
29 'Freaky' (2020)
Directed by Christopher Landon
Image Via Blumhouse A slasher take on the classic Freaky Friday formula, Freaky stars Kathryn Newton as Millie Kessler, a reserved teen content to keep her head down as she navigates high school. When an attack from the Blissful Butcher (Vince Vaughn) causes Millie to switch bodies with the serial killer, she must get her body back to end her double's murderous rampage.
More of a comedy than a straight-up slasher movie, Freaky still offers enough gore for genre fans. Newton and Vaughn are great as the two leads, both relishing the chance to take turns playing a scared teen and sadistic killer. The end result is a blast and one of the best horror comedies of the past few years.
Freaky
Release Date November 13, 2020
Director Christopher Landon
Runtime 102 Minutes
28 'The Prowler' (1981)
Directed by Joseph Zito
Image Via Sandhurst Releasing Corp. When a group of teens prepares for the night of their lives at their high school graduation party, they instead discover it is the last night of their lives as a crazed killer in World War II attire stalks and slays them. The masked murderer shows no mercy as they strike the youths down one by one, creating a gruesome bloodbath in their wake.
A forgotten gem from the early 1980s, The Prowler was released around the same timeframe as some of the most popular slasher movies of all time, but failed to receive the same recognition from general audiences. Horror movie fans know how great The Prowler is, however, with its brutal kills and creepy atmosphere creating one of the most underrated slashers ever.
Release Date June 26, 1981
Director Joseph Zito
Cast Vicky Dawson , Christopher Goutman , Lawrence Tierney , Farley Granger , Cindy Weintraub
Runtime 89 Minutes
27 'The House on Sorority Row' (1983)
Directed by Mark Rosman
Image Via Film Ventures International What's a little harmless prank between friends? When that prank leads to the death of their housemother, however, a group of sorority sisters are forced to hide her body as they throw a big party on campus. But somebody knows what they did, and one by one the girls are forced to pay for their crime with blood.
A cult classic, The House on Sorority Row is beloved for its focus on building genuine suspense and terror rather than just relying on cheap thrills and kills. It evokes the work of Alfred Hitchcock and Brian De Palma through this focus on tension and is aided by a heaping of black humor to create one of the best slashers of the 80s and of all time.
Release Date January 21, 1983
Director Mark Rosman
Cast Kate McNeil , Eileen Davidson , Janis Ward , Robin Meloy , Harley Jane Kozak , Jodi Draigie , Ellen Dorsher , Lois Kelso Hunt
Runtime 91 Minutes
26 'A Bay of Blood' (1971)
Directed by Mario Bava
Image via Nuova Linea Cinematografica After a Countess is murdered at her beachfront property, the surrounding area begins to be plagued by horrifically violent murders. As police investigate the killings, a string of strange characters descend on the scene, each with their own agenda. What follows is a whirlwind of violence as the bloody murders continue to escalate.
Considered one of the original slasher movies, A Bay of Blood is notorious for its high levels of violence. Not one for the squeamish as blood and gore regularly fill the screen, the movie would prove highly influential on the slasher genre as a whole courtesy of its focus on violent, murder set pieces.
Release Date May 3, 1972
Director Mario Bava
Cast Claudine Auger , Luigi Pistilli , Claudio Camaso , Anna Maria Rosati , Chris Avram , Leopoldo Trieste , Laura Betti , Brigitte Skay
Runtime 85 Minutes
25 'Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter' (1984)
Directed by Joseph Zito
Image Via Paramount Seen by many as the peak of the franchise, Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter follows another group of teenagers as they make the questionable decision of spending the weekend at Camp Crystal Lake. As the Jarvis siblings notice their new neighbors being carved up, they put a plan into motion to save the day.
The Final Chapter sees Jason in full swing as he delivers some of Friday the 13th's best kills, such as Jimmy's (Crispin Glover) run-in with a corkscrew. It offers up everything one could want from a 1980s slasher movie: a savage killer, a cast of funny and likable victims, and plenty of the red stuff.
Release Date April 13, 1984
Director Joseph Zito
Runtime 91 Minutes
24 'Scream 2' (1997)
Directed by Wes Craven
Image Via Dimension Films Picking up two years after the first movie, Scream 2 sees heroine Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) trying to put that film's massacre behind her as she attends college. Soon enough, someone else has donned the Ghostface mask and begun their own killing spree, causing Sidney to suspect her new group of friends as she fights to survive once more.
Retaining the meta aspect that made the original so popular, Scream 2 shifts its gaze to sequels, laying down the rules of second entries while creating some of its own. Despite having to follow one of the best slashers that was praised for its originality, Scream 2 never feels like a retread and has a great time lampooning slasher sequels while creating one of the best sequels in horror.
Release Date December 9, 1997
Runtime 120
23 'X' (2022)
Directed by Ti West
Image via A24 Ti West's tribute to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre sees the cast and crew of an adult movie travel to a remote Texas farmhouse to film their latest project. The filmmakers are soon screaming from more than just pleasure as the elderly owners begin killing their guests, turning the porno into a snuff film.
From its 1970s backdrop to its Texas setting, X feels like a long-lost Texas Chainsaw movie. West creates his own identity, however, thanks to his unique killers and a great cast, including Mia Goth, who pulls double duty as hero and villain. A prequel named Pearl was released soon after and the sequel titled MaXXXine has also been received well by fans and critics alike.
Release Date March 18, 2022
Director Ti West
Runtime 105 minutes
22 'You're Next' (2011)
Directed by Adam Wingard
Image Via Lionsgate Proving that nothing is scarier than dinner with your extended family, You're Next sees a family gathering interrupted by a trio of masked killers. What the late arrivals do not expect, however, is for the son's new girlfriend, Erin (Sharni Vinson), to be a trained survivalist as she turns the tables on the killers.
Described as a slasher take on Home Alone, You're Next is a blast as it pivots from a standard home invasion movie to something far more creative. Erin is one of the best modern final girls as she kicks all kinds of ass, while the wonderful Vinson is joined by a nice cast of indie horror veterans that includes Barbara Crampton and A.J. Bowen.
Release Date September 10, 2011
Cast Sharni Vinson , Nicholas Tucci , Wendy Glenn , AJ Bowen , Joe Swanberg , Margaret Laney
Runtime 96
21 'Happy Death Day' (2017)
Directed by Christopher Landon
Image Via Blumhouse College student Tree (Jessica Rothe) is having the worst day ever: her dad is hounding her, the guy she ghosted is stalking her, and to top it all off, she is murdered on her way to a party. That is not the end of it, however, as she finds herself stuck in a time loop that can only be closed once she unmasks her assailant.
Happy Death Day was a breath of fresh air at release, providing genuine thrills and laughs at a time when the horror genre was taking itself too seriously. Rothe is a revelation as Tree, showcasing remarkable character development as she goes from a mean girl to a caring hero that one cannot help but root for as she endures constant death in the time loop movie.
Happy Death Day
Release Date October 12, 2017
Director Christopher Landon
Runtime 96
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