In space, no one can hear you scream at one of the scariest sci-fi horror movies of all time. Directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, Alien is a masterful concoction of atmosphere and tension, telling the story of an unassuming crew at the mercy of a deadly creature onboard their spaceship. The film’s blend of science fiction and horror, combined with its deliberate pacing and suspenseful narrative, has helped Alien come a timeless classic that continues to captivate and terrify audiences.

Starring Jack Nicholson as an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, The Shining is a must-watch for any horror film fanatic. Based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King, The Shining follows the story of Jack and his family of three as they move into an isolated hotel that’s home to a violent and tragic past. Watch as the staid family dynamic slowly unravels as Jack loses his sanity with every passing minute, leaving his family at the edge of a knife (or axe). A creepy classic that is sure to leave you with plenty of sleepless nights!

Day of the Dead, 1985

The third film in George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead series, Day of the Dead is considered one of the best zombie films to grace the silver screen. Set in a post-apocalyptic United States, the film follows a group of survivors hiding in underground bunkers, struggling with growing tensions among the group, ethical quagmires and, of course, hordes of zombies. While Day of the Dead was a cult hit when it was first released in 1985, the film has since become recognised for its slow burning terror that few films since can match.

Modern Horror Masterpieces

In early 2018, the release of A Quiet Place overtook the world in panic as they rushed to cinemas to see this mind-bending thriller. Over three-and-a-half hours long, the plot runs similar to what the title would suggest, A Quiet Place is, in fact, deadly quiet. With no small talk thanks to the impeccable soundtrack which counteracts the minimal speech (there are only 90 lines of dialogue in total!), this film will have you on the edge of your seat till the very last minute. Starring dream team, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, the film explores one family’s struggle of survival in a world that has been invaded by noise-sensitive creatures, leaving humans only able to communicate in sign language.

Hereditary, 2018

For those after the creme de la creme of modern horror, then add Hereditary to the top of your watchlist. Directed by Ari Aster, this supernatural horror film follows the Graham family as they unravel terrifying secrets about their ancestry after the death of their secretive grandmother. Each reveal takes you deeper into the family’s dark past, including sinister entanglements and ancient rituals. The film is known for its intense atmosphere, psychological depth, and powerful performances, particularly by Toni Collette.

Starring Willem Dafoe (Spiderman) and Robert Pattinson (Twilight), The Lighthouse is a black and white triumph of horror filmmaking. Released in 2019, the film focuses on two lightkeepers stuck on a remote island in a lighthouse, isolated from the world as they slowly question their sanity. This is a stark experience that will leave the audience unnerved, confused and straining for answers that never materialise. While certainly an acquired taste, the sea air of The Lighthouse is one you will not forget.

Feature image: Best Horror Movies to Watch This Halloween. Photography by Pixel-Shot via Shutterstock.