If you’re a horror fan and you haven’t subscribed to Shudder, let us tell you to stop reading this now and go subscribe (but then come back!). It’s a horror fan’s dream. Tons of streaming horror content of all sub-genres with guest curators and it’s updated pretty often. Shudder is also releasing exclusives to their platform. We highly recommend it! It’s only $4.75 a month with a 7-day free trial! We’ve been loyal Shudder subscribers since 2016! Here are our favorite classic horror films on Shudder.com now listed alphabetically.
Black Christmas (1974): Ready for some holiday cheer and death? Pass the candy cane, anyone! Black Christmas directed by Bob Clark and starring Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon reminds us what family is all about. “I’m your family now.” There are truly bone-chilling moments in this film!
Demons (1985): Produced and written by Dario Argento this horror classic takes the movie inside a movie trope and turns it on its head! A group of people go to what they think is a free horror movie screening and soon realize there’s more to the show. This gory tale also has a wickedly punk/metal soundtrack including Motley Crue, Billy Idol, and more!
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988): ELVIRA!!! Need I say more? The queen of horror camp has to move to a small town and claim a home that she inherits due to her great Aunt’s passing. This film is fun and campy in its scares and touches on what happens to a different new girl when she moves to a small town. It’s a witch hunt!
Halloween (1978): Directed by John Carpenter and written by himself and Debra Hill this quintessential slasher with the haunting stalker Michael Myers and the ultimate final girl Jamie Lee Curtis as Lauri Strode is a MUST SEE. In fact, don’t finish reading this if you haven’t seen Halloween yet. I’ll wait.
Heathers (1989): Although more a psychological thriller and dark comedy Heathers is a staple for any horror fan. It’s relatable in its delivery and such a fun watch! “Corn nuts!” Directed by Michael Lehmann and starring Christian Slater, Winona Ryder, and Shannen Doherty add this flick to your list! Fun fact: Brad Pitt auditioned for the part of J.D.!
Hellraiser (1987): What’s in the box?!?!? The answer is HELL! Hellraiser directed by the infamous Clive Barker is one of the most incredible horror movies of all time. The character of Pinhead is synonymous with horror. The film was initially banned in Canada and Barker had to cut scenes to have the MPAA change the rating from X to R so expect a wild and bloody ride y’all!
The Hills Have Eyes (1977): What’s scarier than mutated townies and getting stuck on the side of the road? Well, nothing. Written and directed by Wes Craven, this cult classic is inspired by the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the true-life story of the Seaney Bean clan. With its dark sense of humor, the film follows a family’s unfortunate run-in with unsavory types and their desperation to make it out alive! “The lucky ones died first!”
Night of the Living Dead (1968): This George Romero classic is one of the first successful zombie films ever made and shifted the genre from it’s earlier counterparts. Night of the Living Dead is a social commentary for sure. There’s more to fear than the walking dead …humanity.
Prom Night (1980): Directed by Paul Lynch and starring Jamie Lee Curtis (whoop!) and Leslie Nielsen, Prom Night reminds bullies what karma is all about and you’d better lookout. You’ll love the scares and the amazing 80s dancetastic scenes. Jamie can get down!
Re-Animator (1985): This 80s hit based on the story “Herbert West, Re-Animator” by H.P. Lovecraft brings sci-fi and zombies together in such a fun way. Fantastic performances from Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott and Barbara Crampton (yasss queen!) you won’t expect what’s next!
Salem’s Lot (1979): This horror classic is based on the Stephen King novel, “Salem’s Lot” and was directed by Tobe Hooper! This tale was originally a mini-series but is now presented as a full-length feature on Shudder running at 3 hours and 20 minutes. This story takes you to the small sleepy New England town of Salem’s Lot where an established writer, Ben Mears, comes to work on a novel based on the infamous “Marsden House” which he feels is shrouded in evil! One of my favorite characters in this film is the janky Jeep door. You’ll see! ha ha
Sleepaway Camp (1983): Directed by Robert Hiltzik this campy 80s classic touches on so many topics that are well beyond its time! Definite moments of laughter and terror and the final 10 minutes will haunt you for days…no really. It will.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974): Hungry for some meat tonight? This horror classic directed by Tobe Hooper teaches the lesson, “Don’t pitch up hitchhikers!” in a real and terrifying way! Still one of the best endings to a horror film of all time. Sally forever!
Urban Legend (1998): Okay, so I don’t know if this technically classifies as a “classic” because it’s only 22 years old but they consider Nirvana classic rock now so I’m going with it and it’s just SO GOOD! Robert Englund stars as Dr. Wexler, a scholar of American Folklore at Pendelton College. He presses that urban legends only exist to serve a moral purpose until the students find out otherwise…so many terrifying moments that I still think about to this day and includes some of the hottest stars of the 90s, Jared Leto, Rebecca Gayheart, Joshua Jackson and more!
Zombie (1979): Originally titled “Zombi 2” directed by the beloved Italian director Lucio Fulci is a classic still packs quite a punch! Still, one of the goriest zombie films of all time, the practical effects are quite incredible and it is easily a horror fan staple. “We are going to eat you!” You can’t get any more clear than that! Also, you won’t forget the shark vs. zombie moment. It’s the best!
