If you’re a fan of nail-biting tension and spine-chilling frights, then revisiting classic thrillers and horrors is a must. Here’s a roundup of some of the best old thrillers and horrors that should be at the top of your watchlist.
1. Psycho (1960)
IMDB
You can’t talk about old thrillers without mentioning Psycho. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this psychological horror film still holds the crown as one of the most suspenseful and shocking movies of all time. With its iconic shower scene, eerie score, and unpredictable plot twists, Psycho will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Anthony Perkins’ portrayal of Norman Bates is hauntingly good, and the film’s exploration of split personalities and twisted relationships makes it a classic you cannot miss.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
IMDB
The Exorcist is often hailed as one of the scariest films ever made, and for good reason. When a young girl, Regan, starts exhibiting disturbing behaviour, her mother calls in two priests to perform an exorcism. The film blends supernatural horror with deep religious themes, leaving audiences disturbed long after the credits roll. Even today, the special effects and Linda Blair’s terrifying performance will send chills down your spine.
3. Rear Window (1954)
Another Hitchcock masterpiece, Rear Window is the ultimate thriller for those who love a slow-burn suspense film. James Stewart stars as a photographer confined to a wheelchair, who starts spying on his neighbours from his apartment window. When he suspects that one of them has committed murder, the tension builds, and what follows is a gripping exploration of voyeurism, paranoia, and human curiosity.
4. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead isn’t just any old horror film—it’s the movie that laid the foundation for the zombie genre as we know it. Filmed in black and white, this low-budget thriller about a group of strangers trapped in a farmhouse while the undead rise around them is as gritty as it is terrifying. The film’s social commentary and shocking ending make it more than just a gorefest; it’s a horror film with real depth.
5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
IMDB
A groundbreaking slasher film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre brought raw terror to screens in 1974. Following a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals in rural Texas, this film is infamous for its intense atmosphere, unsettling imagery, and terrifying Leatherface. It’s gritty, disturbing, and will have you looking over your shoulder long after watching.
6. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby takes psychological horror to the next level. Directed by Roman Polanski, this slow-burn horror follows a young couple who move into a new apartment, only to have strange things start happening after the wife, Rosemary, becomes pregnant. The film explores themes of paranoia, control, and satanic cults, leaving viewers constantly questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.
7. The Shining (1980)
Though released in 1980, The Shining deserves a place on this list as one of the most iconic horror thrillers ever made. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, this psychological horror follows Jack Torrance as he descends into madness while looking after the isolated Overlook Hotel. Jack Nicholson’s performance is nothing short of chilling, and the film’s eerie atmosphere and unforgettable scenes make it a horror staple.
8. Suspiria (1977)
Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a visual and sensory assault, blending surreal horror with a dazzling colour palette and haunting soundtrack. The story follows an American ballet dancer who enrols at a prestigious dance academy, only to discover that it hides a dark, supernatural secret. The film’s dreamlike atmosphere and unsettling violence set it apart from more traditional horror films, offering something truly unique.
9. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
IMDB
A psychological thriller that expertly weaves suspense, horror, and crime, The Silence of the Lambs remains a must-watch for fans of intense thrillers. Following FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks help from imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch a serial killer, the film features gripping performances from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. Its blend of intellectual cat-and-mouse games and chilling horror elements make it a true classic.
10. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Don’t Look Now is a psychological horror that plays with themes of grief, loss, and the supernatural. Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie as a couple grieving the loss of their daughter, the film takes place in a moody, gothic Venice where strange occurrences begin to unravel their reality. It’s haunting, emotional, and filled with unsettling tension.
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Pexels
