Horror movies

Horror runs on restraint and release: what the camera withholds, how long a shot holds, and when the sound drops out. Subgenres shift constantly, from haunted-house slow burns to splatter comedy.

Subgenre matters more than the label. Slow-burn haunted-house stories, creature features and splatter comedy are very different evenings. Read the overview before you commit.

Where to start: Start with the highest rated title if you want atmosphere. Start with a sequel only if you have seen the earlier films, because horror franchises often rely on callbacks.