1. The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
The Exorcist (1973) follows a mother, Chris MacNeil, whose daughter, Regan, exhibits disturbing behavior. After medical and psychiatric treatments fail, Chris turns to Father Karras, a Jesuit priest struggling with his faith. Together, they seek the help of Father Merrin, who performs an exorcism to rid Regan of the demonic possession. The film explores themes of faith, fear, and the battle between good and evil.
2. Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Director: Tobe Hooper
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) follows a group of friends traveling through rural Texas, where they encounter a deranged family. After picking up a disturbing hitchhiker, they are trapped at a secluded farmhouse. There, they are hunted by Leatherface, a brutal killer wearing a mask made of human skin. The film is known for its raw, terrifying atmosphere and intense violence, making it a landmark in horror cinema.
3. Jaws (1975)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Jaws (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg, follows police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) in the fictional seaside town of Amity Island, where a massive great white shark begins attacking swimmers. When a young woman is killed, Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and seasoned shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) team up to hunt the beast. As they face terrifying encounters on the open sea, the trio battles both the shark and their own fears, leading to a suspenseful, climactic showdown. The film, renowned for its suspense, masterful direction, and iconic score, became a cultural sensation and set the standard for modern thrillers, making it one of cinema’s most influential blockbusters.
4. Halloween (1978)
Director: John Carpenter
Halloween (1978), directed by John Carpenter, is a seminal horror film that introduced audiences to the terrifying figure of Michael Myers. The story begins in 1963 when six-year-old Michael brutally murders his sister and is institutionalized. Fifteen years later, he escapes and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, on Halloween night, stalking teenager Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis). With its chilling score and suspenseful direction, Halloween became a classic, defining the slasher genre and influencing countless horror films.
5. The Omen (1976)
Director: Richard Donner
The Omen (1976) follows Robert Thorn, an American diplomat who, after his wife, Katherine, unknowingly loses their child during childbirth, secretly adopts a newborn whose mother died at the same time. Naming him Damien, they raise the child unaware of his dark nature. Strange and violent events occur as Damien grows, hinting that he may be the Antichrist. As Robert uncovers chilling evidence, he grapples with terrifying truths about his son, leading to a haunting climax. The film is a classic horror exploring themes of prophecy and evil.
6. Suspiria (1977)
Director: Dario Argento
Suspiria (1977) follows American ballet student Suzy Bannion, who travels to Germany to attend a prestigious dance academy. Upon arrival, she uncovers strange occurrences and a series of murders linked to the academy’s dark, supernatural secrets. Directed by Dario Argento, this horror classic is renowned for its vivid colors, unsettling atmosphere, and haunting soundtrack. As Suzy delves deeper, she discovers the academy is run by a coven of witches, leading to a terrifying confrontation.
7. The Amityville Horror (1979)
Director: Stuart Rosenberg
The Amityville Horror (1979) follows George and Kathy Lutz, who move with their children into a large house in Amityville, New York, unaware it was the site of a brutal mass murder. Soon, they encounter terrifying supernatural events—George becomes increasingly aggressive, mysterious noises fill the house, and strange phenomena disturb the family. As the hauntings intensify, they realize they are in danger from an evil force that drove the previous occupant to kill his family. Fearing for their lives, the Lutzes ultimately flee the house.
8. Carrie (1976)
Director: Brian De Palma
Carrie (1976) follows a shy, bullied high school girl named Carrie White, who lives under the oppressive rule of her fanatically religious mother. After a humiliating incident at school, Carrie discovers she has telekinetic powers. When her classmates cruelly prank her at the prom, Carrie unleashes her abilities in a fit of rage, resulting in devastating chaos. The film, adapted from Stephen King’s novel, explores themes of isolation, vengeance, and the horror of unchecked power.
9. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Director: Nicolas Roeg
Don’t Look Now (1973) follows grieving couple John and Laura Baxter, who travel to Venice after the tragic drowning of their daughter. Amid Venice’s eerie canals, Laura meets two sisters, one of whom claims to be a psychic in contact with their daughter. John, skeptical, begins experiencing disturbing visions of a child in a red coat—reminiscent of his daughter’s last outfit. As he investigates, the lines between reality and the supernatural blur, leading to a shocking conclusion.
10. The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
Director: Wes Craven
The Hills Have Eyes (1977) is a horror film directed by Wes Craven. The story follows the Carter family, who become stranded in the Nevada desert after their car breaks down. They soon encounter a violent, cannibalistic family living in the nearby hills, led by a savage named Papa Jupiter. The Carters must fight for their lives as they face relentless attacks and brutal violence. The film explores themes of survival, family loyalty, and the clash between civilization and primal instincts, offering a gritty portrayal of terror in a desolate landscape.
11. The Wicker Man (1973)
Director: Robin Hardy
In The Wicker Man (1973), Police Sergeant Neil Howie travels to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Rowan Morrison. The deeply religious Howie is disturbed by the islanders’ pagan customs and open sexuality. Despite resistance from locals, he persists in his search, uncovering hints of a dark ritual. In a shocking twist, Howie discovers he has been lured there to be sacrificed in a giant wicker man effigy, ensuring the island’s agricultural prosperity.
12. The Brood (1979)
Director: David Cronenberg
The Brood (1979), directed by David Cronenberg, is a psychological horror that follows Frank Carveth as he investigates his wife Nola’s unorthodox treatment at the Somafree Institute, led by Dr. Hal Raglan. Nola undergoes “psychoplasmics,” a radical therapy that manifests emotional trauma as physical abnormalities. As Frank uncovers disturbing details, mysterious, child-like figures begin committing brutal murders. Ultimately, Frank discovers that these creatures are psychically birthed by Nola, embodying her rage and trauma, resulting in a shocking confrontation.
13. Phantasm (1979)
Director: Don Coscarelli
Phantasm (1979) follows teenage Mike, who, after his parents’ death, begins investigating strange occurrences at the local cemetery. He discovers the sinister Tall Man, a supernatural mortician with deadly powers who reanimates the dead to serve as his minions. With the help of his brother Jody and friend Reggie, Mike uncovers a nightmarish world filled with lethal flying spheres and terrifying creatures. Together, they confront the Tall Man in a desperate attempt to survive his twisted schemes.
14. Martin (1976)
Director: George A. Romero
Martin (1976), directed by George A. Romero, is a psychological horror film that explores the mind of a young man who believes himself to be a vampire. Set in a decaying Pennsylvania town, Martin (John Amplas) struggles with his dark urges and mental state, blurring the line between reality and his disturbing fantasies. Unlike traditional vampire tales, Martin presents a gritty, realistic take, with themes of isolation, psychological trauma, and societal decay, making it a haunting cult classic.
15. Black Sunday (1977)
Director: John Frankenheimer
Black Sunday (1977) is a tense thriller about a terrorist plot to attack the Super Bowl using a blimp loaded with explosives. The plan is orchestrated by a group of terrorists, including a vengeful Vietnam veteran and a Middle Eastern operative, seeking to make a global impact. An Israeli intelligence agent, played by Robert Shaw, works with the FBI to prevent the attack. Directed by John Frankenheimer, the film captures the suspense and fear of terrorism in a major public event.