It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I’m not talking about December, either. Halloween season is a delight for many folks, but especially for horror fans because it means being even more unapologetic and weird. And it also means doing the horror marathons that we do regularly anyway. Narrowing down what to watch is sometimes a challenge, though, and that’s why rec lists are very helpful.
Rather than recommend the same ten films or franchises, this list will focus on older horror films. We’re talking about horror films that weren’t made in the past five or even ten years. This is a list that goes all the way back in time, with a focus on films that might not have been released in color. If you’re in need of horror films with eerie vibes from way back when, you’re in the right place.
The Old Dark House (1932)
Queer horror fans owe a lot to James Whale for not only his contributions to the genre, but for being openly gay during the time he was (1920s-1950s). The Old Dark House follows a group of strangers who find themselves temporarily staying in a remote home, which is inhabited by a very peculiar family. Madness ensues, and eventually they must try to survive the night. It’s pre-Code, which means the film could get away with more suggestive jokes and themes. And that works in its favor.
The film has a perfectly eerie atmosphere for one of these October nights, the tension is perfectly built up for the climax, and the characters are all strange in their own ways. If you go into this one expecting lots of blood, gore, and the like, you won’t find that here. Considering the time period this came out, the vibes and atmosphere are the things to focus on.
Rebecca (1940)
It might not be a full-blown horror film, but it’s a very gothic psychological thriller that straddles the genre lines. Rebecca follows a woman who marries a wealthy man, only to find that his late wife’s memory hasn’t been forgotten by anyone living in the home. The film is full of turns you might not expect, memorable sequences, and the mysterious nature of Rebecca.
Throughout the film, you’re stuck trying to piece together who this new woman is. She doesn’t have a name, therefore she goes by “the second Mrs. de Winter.” It’s all very deliberate because she has no identity outside the marriage.
Rebecca will pull you into the world and make you feel uneasiness throughout. If you’re wanting something that is a relatively smooth watch, with notable queer subtext, throw this one on.
House of Wax (1953)
There’s something about things being made out of wax, right?
House of Wax follows a woman who becomes suspicious when a mysterious man’s wax museum seems a little too real. Yes, there was a 2000s remake of this film, but there’s merit to watching the original film that it mostly spawned from. The practical effects and one particular chase scene might be surprisingly satisfying.
House of Wax might not be considered a cult classic, but the performance from Vincent Price is fantastic. Since it’s a mystery horror film, you are questioning what’s going on and who is committing the violent acts throughout. And the reveal may or may not surprise viewers at the end of the film. It’s worth checking out this Halloween if you like older horror films.
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Yes indeed, there’s a 1999 remake of this that either works for people or it doesn’t. House on Haunted Hill follows a married couple who host a haunted house dinner party, where any guests that stay the entire night will win money. Though when the antics get to be a bit much, chaos ensues. There’s a playfulness throughout this film that’ll appeal to folks, and the lead performances from Vincent Price and Carol Ohmart are stellar.
You’ll be left questioning whether or not there is any supernatural activity going on in the house. Not to mention whether or not this married couple is going to last much longer with all of the tenseness between them. Overall, it’s a solid watch with impressive effects for the time. It should be discussed more often where ‘50s horror is concerned.
Psycho (1960)
It’s a classic, Anthony Perkins is a horror icon, and the film is very influential in the genre. Psycho follows a woman on the run, who ends up staying at a motel run by a man who isn’t everything he seems. For those who haven’t seen it, there are a number of plot beats that can be spoiled. Though what can be said is that even if you don’t love the film, it’s still quite impactful and is still worthy of analysis at the very least.
Psycho is one of those throwback horror films that you put on and become very immersed in the story. Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) isn’t your typical horror heroine, as she’s complex and very complicated in terms of her actions. Therefore, when she meets Norman (Anthony Perkins), there are a number of avenues that the film can take. But if you’re someone who has never seen or even been spoiled in terms of one of its infamous scenes, you’re in for a treat.
