Best horror films and TV series of all time – from Sinners to Twin Peaks

After receiving a record number of Oscar nominations, it’s clear that horror movies have firmly entered the mainstream.

RT has compiled a list of the 20 most chilling movies and TV shows of all time, and included information on where to watch them in the UK.

We’ve also previewed five exciting horror movies scheduled for release in 2026 that are sure to be terrifying.

Best horror films of all time

Nosferatu (1922; 5*, PG) — available on Amazon Prime Video & BFI Player

Even after more than a century, the classic vampire film Nosferatu remains captivating. Directed by German silent film pioneer F.W. Murnau, it creates a truly unsettling atmosphere and presents the vampire as a terrifying, rat-like creature – an iconic monster for the ages. – Calum Baker

Eyes without a Face (1959; 5*, 15) — available on BFI Player

This 1959 French film features unsettling plastic surgery scenes, but it’s the deeply sad story that truly stays with you. It centers on a doctor consumed with finding a way to help his daughter, who wears a mask due to a disfigurement.

Psycho (1960; 5*, 15) — available on Now Cinema

Alfred Hitchcock revolutionized filmmaking with a single, three-minute scene. Featuring a memorable, piercing violin score, the scene depicts Janet Leigh’s character entering a shower at the Bates Motel and realizing she’s not alone.

Night of the Living Dead (1968; 5*, 15) — Available on Amazon Prime Video

George A. Romero’s first film set the standard for zombie stories and proved that horror movies could cleverly address social problems. Its unsettling conclusion reminds us that the real danger often comes from the living, not the dead. Ben Bailey recommends Don’t Look Now (1973; 5 stars, 15 rating), available from StudioCanal Presents.

Let me tell you, Nicolas Roeg’s 1973 film is a real trip. It’s a deeply unsettling drama that throws you into the grief of Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie’s characters as they journey to Venice. It’s a film that explores some heavy themes – loss, desire, even the possibility of psychic connection – and it does so in a way that feels fragmented and almost dreamlike. And honestly, the ending? It’s one of the most shocking and memorable I’ve ever seen. Be warned – it stays with you.

The Exorcist (1973; 5*, 15) — Available on Now Cinema

William Friedkin’s unsettling horror film about demonic possession caused a stir when it came out and received an incredible 10 Academy Award nominations – a remarkable achievement for a horror movie. Ellen Burstyn delivers a powerful performance as the mother of a young girl tormented by a terrifying demonic presence.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974; 5*, 15) — Available on Shudder

Once considered too shocking for British audiences and banned as a “video nasty,” Tobe Hooper’s film is now recognized as a landmark achievement in horror. Its realistic and gruesome depiction of cannibalism remains deeply unsettling.

Jaws (1975; 5*, 12) — Available on Now Cinema

As a huge movie fan, I always think about how Jaws completely changed everything. It took this simple, kind of cheesy idea – a shark attacking people – and turned it into something truly terrifying and suspenseful. Seriously, it basically invented the summer blockbuster! And let’s be real, it definitely made a lot of us kids afraid to go in the ocean – myself included!

Halloween (1978; 5*, 15) — Available on BBC iPlayer

John Carpenter’s Halloween practically invented the slasher film, and it’s still incredibly effective at building suspense, thanks to its creepy atmosphere and iconic synth music. Also worth checking out: Alien (1979, 5 stars, rated 15) is available to stream on Disney+.

Ridley Scott’s classic sci-fi thriller creates a tense, confined atmosphere as Sigourney Weaver battles a terrifying creature that enters her spaceship through a gruesome and unexpected route – inside John Hurt’s body. CB

The Shining (1980; 5*, 15) — Available on Now Cinema

Stanley Kubrick’s take on Stephen King’s novel is a truly frightening experience. It’s much more than just spooky twins and bloody hallways; it’s a story about an author (played by Jack Nicholson) who gradually loses his mind while isolated in a remote location. CB

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984; 4*, 15) — Available to buy/rent

Wes Craven’s classic horror film introduces Freddy Krueger, a terrifying villain with razor-sharp claws who haunts and torments teenagers in their dreams. It’s one of the most successful and iconic horror movies of the 1980s.

Evil Dead II (1987; 5*, 15) — Available on StudioCanal Presents

In Sam Raimi’s delightfully chaotic and low-budget horror-comedy, Bruce Campbell’s character loses a hand—but replaces it with a chainsaw! The film is a wild mix of gore and slapstick comedy, made with obvious care and a loving nod to the Three Stooges.

Candyman (1992; 4*, 15) — Available to buy/rent

This scary movie blends current social concerns with a creepy local legend about the son of a murdered slave. When a film student, played by Virginia Madsen, investigates the myth, she unleashes a terrifying truth. Tony Todd delivers a chilling performance as a ghost that will stay with you long after the credits roll. – Tom Folley

Scream (1996; 5*, 18) — Available on BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

I think when people ask about the best scary movies, a lot of them immediately think of this one! It’s a really clever slasher film from 1996 where a killer in a mask doesn’t just attack people – they quiz them on horror movie trivia first! And, you know, with a knife… It’s just brilliant, honestly. CB really nailed it.

Ring (1997; 4*, 15) — Available on Amazon Prime Video

This acclaimed Japanese film centers around a cursed VHS tape that dooms anyone who watches it to a horrifying death. It’s considered a landmark movie that hints at the unsettling possibility of hidden dangers lurking within our everyday digital world.

Let the Right One In (2008; 4*, 15) — Available on BFI Player

This Swedish film is a darkly romantic and violent story. It centers on a young boy who is bullied and finds an unlikely friend in a vampire girl. She wants to help him get revenge on those who have hurt him.

The Babadook (2013; 4*, 15) — Available on ITVX and Amazon Prime Video

This gripping Australian story follows a grieving mother who begins to suspect the frightening character from her son’s pop-up book is real. Essie Davis delivers a powerful and unforgettable performance as the distraught mother.

Get Out (2017; 5*, 15) — Available on BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Now Cinema

This 2017 film takes the concept of empathy to a shocking level. It’s a consistently creative and successful horror movie that helped launch the trend of ‘elevated horror’ – meaning it combines strong political themes, clever storytelling, and sharp satire.

Sinners (2025; 4*, 15) — Available on Now Cinema

Ryan Coogler’s film has become the most Oscar-nominated movie ever, brilliantly combining a historical drama with intense horror elements. It demonstrates how much the horror genre has evolved over the past century and beyond.

5 horror movies coming up in 2026

The Bride! (March)

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s new film offers a fresh and imaginative take on the classic Frankenstein story. Starring Christian Bale as the Creature, it’s set in 1930s Chicago and centers around his desire to create a companion (played by Jessie Buckley). The movie blends horror and comedy, and surprisingly includes elaborate dance sequences. (Reviewer initials: CB)

Ready or Not: Here I Come (March)

Okay, so I absolutely loved the first ‘Ready or Not’ – it was such a wild, fun ride! And now, Grace, played by Samara Weaving, is back with her sister, and they’re getting thrown into another seriously twisted game. From what I’ve heard, this sequel is going to be just as clever and chaotic as the original, which is exactly what I want!

Evil Dead Burn (July)

2023’s Evil Dead Rise is a fantastic addition to the revived Evil Dead series. Sam Raimi, the creative force behind the original films, returns as a producer, and details about the plot are currently being kept secret.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom (October)

I’m a big fan of Aardman, especially their funny takes on horror – anyone who loved Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit knows what I mean! Their newest movie follows Shaun the Sheep and his friends, and things get chaotic when an experiment doesn’t quite go as planned. It looks hilarious!

Werwulf (December)

Robert Eggers, the director behind films like The Witch and the upcoming Nosferatu remake, delivers a new, carefully crafted horror film set in 13th-century England. The story follows a small village terrorized by a frightening presence.

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Best horror TV shows of all time

Kolchak: The Night Stalker, 1974 (Buy on Amazon Prime Video)

Though it’s a bit of a hidden gem, this thrilling 1970s show about reporter Carl Kolchak investigating strange creatures in Los Angeles had a huge impact on television. It’s essentially the show that inspired The X-Files. While it didn’t last long, its short run may be a key reason why it’s still so well-remembered. – David Brown

Tales From the Crypt, 1989 (YouTube)

From 1989 to 1996, each episode of this fun, spooky anthology series began with an introduction from the Crypt Keeper – a famously laughing, joke-telling character voiced by John Kassir. The show featured darkly funny stories inspired by comic books and became known for appearances by famous actors like Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Tim Curry, and Daniel Craig. Laura Rutkowski contributed to the series.

Twin Peaks, 1990 (Paramount+)

David Lynch finds evil not in typical haunted houses, but hidden within the seemingly normal world of suburbia. His monsters aren’t terrifying creatures, but rather unsettling elements woven into the picture-perfect facade of small-town America. Don’t let the charming coffee and pie fool you, though. What seems like harmless quirkiness quickly reveals a deeply sinister undercurrent, especially as the investigation into Laura Palmer’s murder uncovers truly dark secrets. DB

Ghostwatch, 1992 (Buy on Amazon Prime Video)

This chilling drama, originally presented as a live broadcast, famously tricked viewers into thinking Michael Parkinson was possessed and Sarah Greene had been killed by a ghost. After its broadcast on Halloween 1992, the BBC’s phone lines were overwhelmed, and the program has never been re-aired. – DB

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 1997 (ITVX/Paramount+/Disney+)

Many teen dramas portray high school as a difficult time, but for Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar), it’s even tougher – she also has to fight vampires! This witty show from the ’90s is still a great introduction to the horror genre, using scares to represent the challenges of being a teenager.

Dead Set, 2008 (TUBI)

Before shows like Black Mirror explored the dark side of technology, Charlie Brooker’s Dead Set offered a scary and often silly take on a zombie outbreak – but with a twist. The horror unfolded within the confines of the Big Brother house, trapping the housemates inside. The series was an early role for Riz Ahmed and a unique experience for Big Brother host Davina McCall, who played herself. – David Craig

The Walking Dead, 2010 (Disney+/NOW/Prime Video)

The show’s first season completely changed zombie and horror television, turning it from something for a small audience into a mainstream hit that everyone talked about. While the zombies themselves (‘walkers’) are a constant danger in this bleak, post-apocalyptic world, it’s the complex and relatable characters – like Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, and the villainous Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan – and their struggle to survive that truly make the show compelling and frightening.

American Horror Story, 2011 (Disney+)

Ryan Murphy’s horror anthology series is known for its constantly evolving, daring, and over-the-top style, and has launched the careers of actors like Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters. With seasons ranging from the glamorous ‘Hotel’ to the iconic ‘Murder House,’ there’s something for every horror enthusiast. Lewis Knight

Hannibal, 2013 (Amazon Prime Video)

Imagine if Hannibal Lecter, the notorious cannibalistic serial killer, had been the therapist of FBI criminal profiler Will Graham (played by Hugh Dancy) before his capture. This visually striking series offers a unique and unsettling take on Thomas Harris’s novels, filled with both disturbing violence and surprisingly refined culinary scenes. Fans, known as “Fannibals,” are eagerly hoping for a fourth season with the original cast.

Penny Dreadful, 2014 (Buy on Amazon Prime)

As a huge fan of classic literature, I immediately noticed the nods to characters like Dorian Gray, Victor Frankenstein, and Dracula. But honestly, the biggest reason to watch this is Eva Green. She’s absolutely captivating as Vanessa Ives, a woman with psychic abilities who finds herself hunted by some seriously sinister forces. She truly carries the show!

Stranger Things, 2016 (Netflix)

The Duffer Brothers’ hit sci-fi horror series, Stranger Things, quickly became a global phenomenon, drawing inspiration from the popular game Dungeons & Dragons. It began with the mysterious disappearance of Will Byers and the introduction of a terrifying alternate dimension called the Upside Down. Now, nearly a decade later, the show has launched its young actors to stardom and cemented its status as one of the most important TV series of our time. Louise Griffin

Channel Zero, 2016 (Prime Video)

Channel Zero is a horror series that thrives on bizarre and unsettling visuals, like monsters made of teeth and creepy, classic horror elements. Each season draws on childhood anxieties and online myths to create genuinely frightening and thought-provoking stories, featuring everything from haunted houses to disturbing puppets and sinister hidden spaces. It’s a truly inventive anthology that stays with you long after you’ve watched. – Alex Berry

The Haunting of Hill House, 2018 (Netflix)

Okay, so I have to say, Mike Flanagan really revitalized TV horror with his first Netflix series. It’s inspired by Shirley Jackson’s classic, but he takes the core idea – a family haunted by their history – and really runs with it. The story centers on five adult siblings who are forced to confront the traumas of their childhood when they return to the house they grew up in, and let me tell you, it’s genuinely creepy and emotionally resonant. It’s a fantastic watch if you’re looking for something that’s both scary and smart.

The Terror, 2018 (ITVX)

This anthology series delivers chilling historical tales. The first season focuses on British naval officers facing the consequences of their arrogance during a 19th-century Arctic expedition. The second delves into Japanese folklore and its connection to the experiences of people interned during World War II. Though distinct stories, both use horror to confront difficult pasts. DB

Marianne, 2019 (Netflix)

Stephen King has given his stamp of approval to the French horror series Marianne, suggesting fans who enjoy being frightened will love it. He notes the show’s storyline—a horror author haunted by a terrifying witch she created—strongly resembles his own work. Apparently, the witch from the author’s books starts to manifest and cause real-world terror in her hometown.

Evil, 2020 (NOW)

A forensic psychologist, a future Catholic priest, and a tech specialist team up to investigate seemingly supernatural events – things like miracles and possessions. They try to find logical explanations, but also consider the possibility that some things simply can’t be explained, all within a format similar to classic episodic monster stories. (Jamie Windust)

From, 2022 (NOW)

Harold Perrineau stars in ‘From,’ a surprisingly captivating series about a town where anyone who enters is unable to escape. Filled with terrifying creatures and shrouded in mystery, it’s a thrilling and unforgettable show. – LG

Interview with the Vampire, 2022 (BBC iPlayer/Netflix)

Inspired by Anne Rice’s books, this lavish and spooky horror series follows Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), a vampire over a century old, as he remembers the violent beginning of his life as an undead being—and his complicated love affair with the vampire who turned him, Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid). The upcoming third season will tell the story from Lestat’s point of view and will be called The Vampire Lestat.

Alien: Earth, 2025 (Disney+)

Taking place two years before the events of Alien, this exciting prequel both pays tribute to the original film and offers a new perspective on the story. The series follows Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler, and others like her as they confront a massive threat to Earth in a thrilling and emotional journey.

It: Welcome to Derry, 2025 (NOW)

From the creators of the hit movies It and It Chapter Two – siblings Andy and Barbara Muschietti, along with Jason Fuchs – comes a new series that explores the terrifying origins of Pennywise. Set in Derry, Maine, in the early 1960s, this prequel stars Bill Skarsgård returning as the horrifying clown, and features a talented young cast. It offers a fresh and frightening take on Stephen King’s beloved story.

5 horror TV series coming up in 2026

Crystal Lake (Later this year, Sky/NOW)

Following the current wave of horror franchises being adapted for television, “Crystal Lake” is a prequel to “Friday the 13th,” telling the story of a young Jason Voorhees. Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s mother. Interestingly, the series was filmed at the same location as the original 1980 film – Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco in Blairstown, New Jersey.

Carrie (Coming soon, Prime Video)

Stephen King’s stories are frequently adapted for television and film, and director Mike Flanagan is a frequent contributor, having already brought titles like Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, and The Life of Chuck to the screen. He recently shared that working on an adaptation of Carrie was a particularly enjoyable experience, as he was able to create a faithful version of the story about the troubled teenager with telekinetic powers.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen (26 March, Netflix)

Don’t miss this suspenseful story from the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers. It’s a chilling exploration of the fear of marrying the wrong person, set against the backdrop of a wedding that’s destined to fail. LG

Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 (23 April, Netflix)

The world of Stranger Things will expand with a new animated spin-off series, taking inspiration from the cartoons of the 1980s. Set between seasons 2 and 3, the show will follow our favorite characters as they face fresh monsters and investigate a strange, supernatural mystery in Hawkins.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (Coming soon, Hulu)

Horror often finds a way to come back, reinvented, much like the villains in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That’s why the story is continuing with Sarah Michelle Gellar returning, alongside Ryan Kiera Armstrong (known for her role in the 2022 film Firestarter), who will play the new lead character, Nova.

Authors

Laura Rutkowski

2026-02-16 18:40