With the Halloween season upon us, many people will be seeking out some great horror movies to get them in a spooky mood. This year has been a terrific one for new horror movies, with Weapons, Sinners, and Final Destination: Bloodlines among the scary movies that impressed audiences and critics. However, it’s also nice to look back on some older genre gems.
A few decades ago, the 1990s delivered an exciting new era in horror movies. While favorite franchises like Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street started to become outdated, new franchises took their place. Likewise, there was a rise in prestige horror movies, paving the way for this modern era when horror can be taken seriously. However, some ‘90s horror titles truly stand out as having aged perfectly.
Scream (1996)
It is easy to forget just how much Scream changed the horror genre when it came around in the 1990s. By the middle of the decade, the slasher genre was fading in popularity, only for Scream to come along and give it new life with this extremely clever meta take on the genre, which proved it knew the clichés and how to subvert them.
Given all the slasher movies and the extended Scream franchise that followed, the complete originality of the first movie has been somewhat lost over the years. Yet all these years later, Scream holds up as a smart, funny, and surprising horror achievement that is as fun as ever.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
The Halloween season is an ideal time to revisit those classic scary stories that have captivated audiences for decades or more. Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was published in 1820, but it wasn’t until 1999’s Sleepy Hollow that the story of the Headless Horseman got true Hollywood blockbuster treatment.
The movie is another fun collaboration between Tim Burton and his frequent leading man, Johnny Depp. The eerie mood effectively hangs over the entire movie while Burton delivers a bloodier and more brutal tale than he is typically known for. It brings interesting mythology to the legend and is anchored by Depp’s quirky lead performance.
Candyman (1992)
Candyman helped to create a new horror movie villain who has competed with the likes of Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees as a true icon of the genre. Candyman is a brilliant, slow-burning horror movie, following a woman investigating the local dark legends of a supernatural killer who can be summoned by repeating his name three times in the mirror.
The late horror legend Tony Todd gives a commanding performance in the titular role, infusing Candyman with a terrifying aura, but also a tragic feel that makes him unique. The movie is also rich with commentary, making it an ideal ‘90s horror movie for those fans who love the new so-called “elevated horror” movement.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Ghost stories have been a part of horror movies since the beginning of the genre. The Sixth Sense was a reminder that there are still plenty of ways to shock audiences, no matter how many of these stories have been told. It is also the movie that launched M. Night Shyamalan’s career and his reputation for twist endings.
The Sixth Sense is a perfect horror movie for those who are a little nervous about exploring the genre. There are a few good jump scares, but it is largely a bloodless story with Shyamalan nailing the creepy foreboding vibe throughout. Bruce Willis delivers one of his best performances, but it is young Haley Joel Osment who steals the show.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Despite the many acclaimed horror movies over the years, The Silence of the Lambs is the only genre entry to win Best Picture at the Oscars. While it can be argued that other horror movies also deserved that top prize, there is no denying the brilliance of this terrifying police thriller.
The movie is grounded and chilling, drawing inspiration from real-life serial killer cases. It is famous for cementing Hannibal Lecter as a horror movie icon, but Clarice Starling also makes for one of the best horror movie heroes of all time. It is a pulse-pounding and unsettling journey with some incredible performances and mesmerizing direction from Jonathan Demme.
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