WatchMojo's Ultimate Horror Movie Guide: Here's What to Watch First
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
Dive into the world of horror with our starter guide! We're breaking down essential subgenres and recommending must-see films for newcomers. From psychological thrillers to creature features, we've got you covered. Whether you're a horror novice or looking to expand your cinematic horizons, this guide will help you navigate the spine-chilling landscape of scary movies. Our recommendations include classics like "Rosemary's Baby" for psychological thrills, "Friday the 13th" for slasher fans, and "The Ring" for supernatural scares. We also explore body horror, sci-fi thrillers, horror comedies, and dark fantasy. Get ready to face your fears and discover the diverse world of horror cinema!
Horror Movie Starter Guide
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re breaking down the subgenres of horror, recommending one film per category for newbies.
Psychological Thriller: “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)
For viewers who wish to keep the onscreen bloodshed to a minimum, this psychological thriller emphasizes the power of suggestion. Sometimes, the things you don’t see are the most impactful. In this case, it’s the child growing inside Rosemary Woodhouse, played by Mia Farrow in an emotionally arresting performance. While pregnancy is stressful enough, potentially carrying the seed of evil invites some unsettling moral quandaries about nature vs. nurture. The film puts us in the titular character’s shoes, making us feel everything she’s experiencing - namely, her paranoia and desperation. Maybe the protagonist is growing lost in a labyrinth of her own madness. Perhaps someone else is pulling the strings, pushing her to the edge of sanity. Either way, the true terror comes from within, but it will eventually be unleashed.
Slasher: “Friday the 13th” (1980)
Modern slasher movies have become more and more tongue-in-cheek, assuming viewers are already familiar with all the classic tropes. If you’re just getting into this subgenre, though, it’s best to start with something that helped shape the slasher’s identity. “Friday the 13th” might not have been the first slasher movie, but it encompasses all of the elements we associate with this subgenre: a mysterious killer, a summer camp that never should’ve reopened, and a group of teens - one played by a young Kevin Bacon. While the film can be seen as fun escapism, there’s a groundedness to the basic premise of a maniac hunting victims down with sharp objects. The franchise may’ve gotten more fantastical with each passing entry. Yet, the original’s simple charms capture the series at its purest - although pure might not be the right word.
Body Horror: “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956)
Body horror often relishes in the most grotesque visuals imaginable. That said, newcomers might want to start with something a tad less intense. 1956’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” won’t shock you with its imagery. However, the skin-crawling notion of an alien stealing your body and identity still speaks to what this subgenre is all about. The main threat here goes beyond somebody losing their life. They risk losing control of who they are and what they do, which is arguably a fate worse than death. It’s a reminder that body horror has always been a source of clever commentary. In 1956, this film’s themes could be applied to communism and conformity. Through a contemporary lens, both ends of the political spectrum can feel like they’re living in a society of pod people and you’re the only one who hasn’t been taken over.
Supernatural: “The Ring” (2002)
Like many of the best supernatural horror movies, “The Ring” revolves around a search for answers. What’s on this supposedly cursed videotape? More imperatively, what happens seven days after viewing the tape? The latter question adds a ticking clock to the equation with Rachel Keller given one week to unravel the mystery. “The Ring” takes its time building tension and atmosphere, easing newcomers into the supernatural horror genre. The slow burn makes the payoff all the more pulse-pounding, however. This is a modern Pandora’s box story that’ll have you thinking twice before popping on another scary flick. You might tell yourself it’s only a movie and you can turn it off at any time. This film’s chilling ending suggests otherwise, turning the TV screen itself into a sinister entity. Even so, you’ll be glad you pressed play in the end.
Sci-Fi Thriller: “10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016)
In space, no one can hear you scream, but it’s not like sci-fi thrillers set on Earth are less terrifying. The characters are rarely prepared when a planet-changing event occurs. The humans who are prepared for such a disaster usually have a few loose screws themselves. Such is the case with Howard Stambler, played by John Goodman in a performance that keeps you guessing along with Mary Elizabeth Winstead’sMichelle. Locked in a bunker as society supposedly comes to an end, Michelle is torn between trusting the potentially unstable Howard or taking her chances outside. Even if humans are undergoing an otherworldly extinction, Howard still may pose a greater threat. “10 Cloverfield Lane” presents a disturbing argument that a stranger not far from your home may be more dangerous than the ones who live lightyears away.
Horror Comedy: “The Monster Squad” (1987)
Let’s lighten things up while still maintaining the darkness. If you’re a younger viewer, comedy is an ideal gateway to horror. “The Monster Squad” isn’t afraid to be silly, but the film doesn’t turn its subject matter into a joke either. Dracula, the Mummy, and other classic movie monsters are all present, being brought into modern-day suburbia. The premise offers plenty of comedic possibilities. While the cast of 80s kids do bring levity, the monsters themselves play it straight. This contributes to the horror and the comedy. The Wolfman is a legitimate threat, making it all the more hilarious when he’s thwarted with a kick to the nards. It’s an example of why the best comedies are the ones where the characters don’t know they’re in a comedy. As far as everyone here is concerned, they’re just in a scary movie.
Creature Feature: “Crawl” (2019)
Aside from slashers, no subgenre has given us more horror icons than the creature feature. Where some creatures lean into the supernatural, a congregation of alligators is more than enough to strike dread into the characters and audience. “Crawl” doesn’t stop with its scaly antagonists. In a plight to rescue her father and family dog, our young heroine must also navigate through a Category 5 hurricane. While the stakes are high, the setting is claustrophobic with much of the action confined to a flooding crawl space. Of course, the characters are more likely to be eaten before drowning. Although the performances are strong, the gators are the stars here and these bone-crushing reptiles have rarely appeared more intimidating on film. Whether you’re a newcomer to creature features or the man vs. nature subgenre, this is one way to get your toes wet. Just don’t let them get bitten off.
Dark Fantasy: “Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
Many of us got our first taste of horror sitting around the campfire, listening to ghost stories. Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has been a campfire staple for generations. Tim Burton’s take on the timeless tale preserves several key players, such as Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The script takes several twisted turns, though, never shying away from over-the-top violence. As bloody as Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow” is, it’s also a beautiful-looking film with haunting cinematography and Oscar-winning production design that relishes in everything gothic. The craftsmanship on display is sure to be an inspiration to all aspiring filmmakers, demonstrating how movies have the power to make our dreams and nightmares a reality. If this is your first dark fantasy movie, we’d recommend diving in headfirst.
What movies got you into horror? Share your starter guide in the comments.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re breaking down the subgenres of horror, recommending one film per category for newbies.
Psychological Thriller: “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)
For viewers who wish to keep the onscreen bloodshed to a minimum, this psychological thriller emphasizes the power of suggestion. Sometimes, the things you don’t see are the most impactful. In this case, it’s the child growing inside Rosemary Woodhouse, played by Mia Farrow in an emotionally arresting performance. While pregnancy is stressful enough, potentially carrying the seed of evil invites some unsettling moral quandaries about nature vs. nurture. The film puts us in the titular character’s shoes, making us feel everything she’s experiencing - namely, her paranoia and desperation. Maybe the protagonist is growing lost in a labyrinth of her own madness. Perhaps someone else is pulling the strings, pushing her to the edge of sanity. Either way, the true terror comes from within, but it will eventually be unleashed.
Slasher: “Friday the 13th” (1980)
Modern slasher movies have become more and more tongue-in-cheek, assuming viewers are already familiar with all the classic tropes. If you’re just getting into this subgenre, though, it’s best to start with something that helped shape the slasher’s identity. “Friday the 13th” might not have been the first slasher movie, but it encompasses all of the elements we associate with this subgenre: a mysterious killer, a summer camp that never should’ve reopened, and a group of teens - one played by a young Kevin Bacon. While the film can be seen as fun escapism, there’s a groundedness to the basic premise of a maniac hunting victims down with sharp objects. The franchise may’ve gotten more fantastical with each passing entry. Yet, the original’s simple charms capture the series at its purest - although pure might not be the right word.
Body Horror: “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1956)
Body horror often relishes in the most grotesque visuals imaginable. That said, newcomers might want to start with something a tad less intense. 1956’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” won’t shock you with its imagery. However, the skin-crawling notion of an alien stealing your body and identity still speaks to what this subgenre is all about. The main threat here goes beyond somebody losing their life. They risk losing control of who they are and what they do, which is arguably a fate worse than death. It’s a reminder that body horror has always been a source of clever commentary. In 1956, this film’s themes could be applied to communism and conformity. Through a contemporary lens, both ends of the political spectrum can feel like they’re living in a society of pod people and you’re the only one who hasn’t been taken over.
Supernatural: “The Ring” (2002)
Like many of the best supernatural horror movies, “The Ring” revolves around a search for answers. What’s on this supposedly cursed videotape? More imperatively, what happens seven days after viewing the tape? The latter question adds a ticking clock to the equation with Rachel Keller given one week to unravel the mystery. “The Ring” takes its time building tension and atmosphere, easing newcomers into the supernatural horror genre. The slow burn makes the payoff all the more pulse-pounding, however. This is a modern Pandora’s box story that’ll have you thinking twice before popping on another scary flick. You might tell yourself it’s only a movie and you can turn it off at any time. This film’s chilling ending suggests otherwise, turning the TV screen itself into a sinister entity. Even so, you’ll be glad you pressed play in the end.
Sci-Fi Thriller: “10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016)
In space, no one can hear you scream, but it’s not like sci-fi thrillers set on Earth are less terrifying. The characters are rarely prepared when a planet-changing event occurs. The humans who are prepared for such a disaster usually have a few loose screws themselves. Such is the case with Howard Stambler, played by John Goodman in a performance that keeps you guessing along with Mary Elizabeth Winstead’sMichelle. Locked in a bunker as society supposedly comes to an end, Michelle is torn between trusting the potentially unstable Howard or taking her chances outside. Even if humans are undergoing an otherworldly extinction, Howard still may pose a greater threat. “10 Cloverfield Lane” presents a disturbing argument that a stranger not far from your home may be more dangerous than the ones who live lightyears away.
Horror Comedy: “The Monster Squad” (1987)
Let’s lighten things up while still maintaining the darkness. If you’re a younger viewer, comedy is an ideal gateway to horror. “The Monster Squad” isn’t afraid to be silly, but the film doesn’t turn its subject matter into a joke either. Dracula, the Mummy, and other classic movie monsters are all present, being brought into modern-day suburbia. The premise offers plenty of comedic possibilities. While the cast of 80s kids do bring levity, the monsters themselves play it straight. This contributes to the horror and the comedy. The Wolfman is a legitimate threat, making it all the more hilarious when he’s thwarted with a kick to the nards. It’s an example of why the best comedies are the ones where the characters don’t know they’re in a comedy. As far as everyone here is concerned, they’re just in a scary movie.
Creature Feature: “Crawl” (2019)
Aside from slashers, no subgenre has given us more horror icons than the creature feature. Where some creatures lean into the supernatural, a congregation of alligators is more than enough to strike dread into the characters and audience. “Crawl” doesn’t stop with its scaly antagonists. In a plight to rescue her father and family dog, our young heroine must also navigate through a Category 5 hurricane. While the stakes are high, the setting is claustrophobic with much of the action confined to a flooding crawl space. Of course, the characters are more likely to be eaten before drowning. Although the performances are strong, the gators are the stars here and these bone-crushing reptiles have rarely appeared more intimidating on film. Whether you’re a newcomer to creature features or the man vs. nature subgenre, this is one way to get your toes wet. Just don’t let them get bitten off.
Dark Fantasy: “Sleepy Hollow” (1999)
Many of us got our first taste of horror sitting around the campfire, listening to ghost stories. Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has been a campfire staple for generations. Tim Burton’s take on the timeless tale preserves several key players, such as Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The script takes several twisted turns, though, never shying away from over-the-top violence. As bloody as Burton’s “Sleepy Hollow” is, it’s also a beautiful-looking film with haunting cinematography and Oscar-winning production design that relishes in everything gothic. The craftsmanship on display is sure to be an inspiration to all aspiring filmmakers, demonstrating how movies have the power to make our dreams and nightmares a reality. If this is your first dark fantasy movie, we’d recommend diving in headfirst.
What movies got you into horror? Share your starter guide in the comments.
