8 best horror movies of the 1990s

As a lifelong movie enthusiast who has spent countless nights huddled under blankets while watching these cinematic gems, I must say that each of these films holds a special place in my horror-loving heart. From the chilling suspense of “The Silence of the Lambs” to the campy fun of “The Craft”, there’s something for every kind of horror fan.

In the 1990s, several terrifying horror movie franchises were born. One of my personal favorites from this era is the “Scream” series, which now includes six movies (and more to come), a TV show, and an iconic masked character known as Ghostface. It’s worth noting that I carefully reviewed all the horror films released during the ’90s and managed to whittle down my selection to what I consider to be the eight finest of the decade.

Over time, the concept of “horror” has been debated extensively and passionately. For instance, films such as “It” feature a terrifying clown character that genuinely sends shivers down your spine, or there’s a movie like “Seven“, which induces fear by making the audience confront their own reality. Regardless of the approach, horror movies have had the power to scare children, teenagers, and adults alike for numerous generations.

Scream (1996)

Director – Wes Craven

Wes Craven’s masterful Scream is one of the greatest slashers of all time. It brought an extra layer of super-aware horror films that keep you on the edge of your seat while you laugh. Of course, this sparked many sequels, a TV show (that’s underrated), spoof films, and much more. While the entire cast is great, Skeet Ulrich and Matthew Lillard as Billy Loomis and Stu Macher, deliver some of the best work in any horror movie ever.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Film Directors: Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick

Back in the day, I couldn’t imagine a list of horror games without including “The Blair Witch Project” experience. However, it didn’t quite scare me as intended. But boy, did that movie shake up the film industry! The whole ‘found footage’ concept was groundbreaking for its era and paved the way for countless chilling horror productions we’ve enjoyed since then. On a shoestring budget of just $60,000, this little indie project managed to rake in an astonishing $240 million at the box office, making it one of the biggest blockbusters ever!

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Director: Jim Gillespie

“I Know What You Did Last Summer often gets overlooked for its true quality. While some argue it’s a typical horror film following a formula, I found it incredibly enjoyable. The script’s relatable elements allow viewers to feel as if they’re part of the movie itself. Moreover, the acting was top-notch.”

Blade (1998)

Role: Stephen Norrington (Director)

How great is Blade? They’ve been trying to replicate it to introduce it into the world of the MCU for years and have failed to bring it to the big screen. Wesley Snipes as Blade ranks amongst one of the greatest comic book castings ever. Snipes made a reappearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, which was one of the biggest highlights of the film.

The Crow (1994)

Leads: Alex Proyas

Every year, “The Crow” captivates a fresh group of viewers, solidifying its status as a timeless cult favorite. The film carries an enigmatic allure due to the tragic events that unfolded during filming, involving Brandon Lee who made the ultimate sacrifice for his role. It’s a chilling, exhilarating, gory spectacle that delivers everything you could hope for in a horror movie.

It (1990)

Role of Director: Tommy Lee Wallace

Look, I know It is a horror miniseries instead of a horror movie, but I just had to include it on the list. Pennywise sparked a generation of kids who were scared to even look at the sewers. After all the years getting cozy with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pennywise still haunts us to this day. The film has sparked many sequels, spin-offs, and TV shows. This child-killing clown even ranks among the scariest horror villains of all time.

The Craft (1996)

Main Character

The Film, titled “The Craft,” embodies the essence of camp. I have an unwavering affection for this motion picture and make it a point to revisit it annually during Halloween due to its delightful camp factor. Each actress, including Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Robin Tunney, and Rachel True, brings their unique charm to the screen throughout the movie.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Title Role: Jonathan Demme

There’s often a gray area between what constitutes a horror movie and what doesn’t. While “The Silence of the Lambs” might not fit your traditional idea of a horror film, Anthony Hopkins’ chilling portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter is incredibly terrifying in its realistic depiction. In fact, during his limited screen time, Lecter manages to scare you more than most horror movie characters that are released. This film undeniably deserves a spot on the horror list and is one of the greatest movies ever produced.

2024-08-13 20:25