8 black-and-white horror movies perfect for spooky season

As a film enthusiast who’s been haunted by the silver screen for as long as I can remember, I must say that these classics are more than just movies – they’re experiences that linger in one’s mind long after the credits roll.

With the arrival of September, it’s now appropriate to begin organizing your chilling movie marathons. I enjoy all eras and origins of horror films, whether they’re from abroad or domestic, but there’s a special charm about old-school black-and-white horror movies during this season as the days gradually become cooler and shorter.

If you’re seeking some chilling monochrome films to enjoy during the current season, let me share with you a selection of top picks that range from contemporary to classic titles.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Reference to George A. Romero’s work, particularly his contributions to the zombie genre while filming in Pittsburgh, holds a special place for me, being a fellow Pennsylvanian. Originally, “They’re coming to get you, Barbara!” from his iconic movie “Night of the Living Dead” marked the beginning of Romero’s zombie trilogy (which includes “Night of the Living Dead”, “Dawn of the Dead”, and “Day of the Dead”), setting the stage for modern zombies as we know them today.

A multitude of essays have been penned about the significance of this particular film. I’d like to emphasize that Duane Jones was chosen as Ben, a strong Black protagonist. This was quite daring for the late 1960s. The movie struck a chord both socially and politically because, despite surviving the zombies, Ben is fatally shot by a vengeful white mob at the end.

1968 saw the release of “Night of the Living Dead”, a year marked by the tragic assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on a Memphis balcony and Malcolm X in New York City three years prior. The film’s climax is one of the most impactful in horror movie history, and it lays the foundation for George A. Romero’s recurring theme: humans can be more monstrous than the creatures they fear, as we argue, squabble, and ultimately bring about our own destruction.

You can stream “Night of the Living Dead” for free on platforms like Crackle, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Additionally, it can be found on Max, Amazon Prime Video, Shudder, and Peacock if you’re willing to pay.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

To put it another way, one of my favorite films from the past ten years is “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night“. This unique vampire film by Ana Lily Amirpour has a distinct style that sets it apart. The protagonist, Girl (played by Shelia Vand), rides a skateboard and happens to be a vampire. In the fictional, decaying Iranian town of Bad City, she preys on unsavory men.

This movie combines various genres such as Western, Drama, Romance, and Horror. Its impressive soundtrack and striking scenes make it truly standout. I wholeheartedly suggest giving it a watch!

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is available on Prime Video.

Frankenstein (1931)

Choosing a favorite Universal Monster movie is quite a challenge for me. Yet, when I’m undecided, I often find myself drawn back to James Whale’s classic “Frankenstein.” This film boasts an exceptional cast, but Boris Karloff as the Monster and Colin Clive as Dr. Frankenstein truly shine.

8 black-and-white horror movies perfect for spooky season

2024, I stumbled upon a movie that wasn’t overly spooky but held a darker past. There were moments that had been censored for years, such as when the Monster brutally tossed Maria (Marilyn Harris) into the pond and she tragically drowned. A line that sent chills down my spine was Dr. Frankenstein’s, “Now I finally understand what it feels like to be a god,” during the infamous creation scene. It seems those scenes were too intense for viewers back then.

This film adaptation by Whale significantly contributes to cinematic history overall. Although Whale altered some elements from Mary Shelley’s 19th-century novel, his direction alongside Karloff’s acting skillfully elicits our empathy for the Monster, aligning with the central theme of Shelley’s classic work.

Frankenstein is currently streaming on Peacock.

The Lighthouse (2019)

The 2019 movie directed by Robert Eggers, titled “The Lighthouse,” offers a hauntingly memorable experience through its striking visuals and dramatically intense performances by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Their on-screen chemistry is simply outstanding.

In the 1890s, the story of “The Lighthouse” revolves around two lighthouse caretakers as they struggle to keep their minds stable on a mysterious New England island. Among Eggers’ films, this is the one I tend to revisit most often, primarily because of the captivating performances by Dafoe and Pattinson. Eggers does an exceptional job in creating the atmosphere for this film, making viewers feel chilled and damp afterwards. The seagull from the movie also leaves a lasting impression.

The Lighthouse is currently streaming on Max.

Carnival of Souls (1962)

I’ve watched “Carnival of Souls” multiple times, and I’m still puzzled about its meaning. It’s incredibly strange yet strangely captivating. Directed by Herk Harvey, the unsettling and surreal film features Candace Hilligoss as Mary. After a harrowing car accident, she finds employment as an organist in Utah. Before long, she becomes fascinated with an abandoned fairground.

This character, portrayed by Harvey, significantly impacted “Night of the Living Dead,” particularly the intensely eerie pale-faced man who pursues Mary. He’s a figure straight out of nightmares and bears a striking resemblance to Romero’s original “undead.” The movie has an otherworldly feel that often leaves me questioning if the entire events transpired are a premonition of Mary’s impending death in that accident. Perhaps she’s not truly alive at all. This film invites numerous possible interpretations, as I mentioned earlier.

You can watch “Carnival of Souls” without charge on Crackle, Pluto TV, and Tubi. Alternatively, it is accessible for viewing on Shudder, Max, and Amazon Prime Video as well.

Nosferatu (1922)

F.W. Murnau’s German Expressionist masterpiece, titled simply as “Nosferatu,” is loosely based on Bram Stoker’s late 19th-century novel, “Dracula.” Due to rights issues, Murnau couldn’t directly adapt the original work, so he slightly altered some aspects such as character names and certain plot details. However, the overall narrative remains consistent with the original story.

Max Schreck’s captivating portrayal as Count Orlok continues to send shivers down spines. The makeup and Schreck’s unsettling gestures, such as his stealthy pursuit of victims and silent approach up a corridor or staircase, often depicted as a shadow, continue to haunt the annals of cinema. A remake of this classic was produced in 1979 by Werner Herzog, a must-see for any horror enthusiast. Robert Eggers’ adaptation of the story is set to premiere on Christmas day. Given Murnau’s impact on Eggers’ filmography, he seems an ideal candidate for this remake.

If you’re a fan of German Expressionism, don’t forget to explore the films “The Golem” and “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari“.

Nosferatu is available to watch for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Crackle.

Diabolique (1955)

It wasn’t until recently, after years of hearing about it, that I finally watched Diabolique. I’m genuinely pleased I did as it turned out to be an exceptional suspenseful film with a surprising finale.

This film encompasses various elements, one of which is a narrative centered around female retribution. It features Paul Meurisse in the role of Michel, a domineering headmaster at a boarding school who has an affair with his wife’s (Vera Clouzot) colleague, Simone Signoret, while flaunting her openly. The women devise what they believe to be the flawless alibi. However, complicating matters is the disappearance of Michel’s body.

The ending of this movie might be among the most shocking conclusions across all films featured here. Additionally, both Clouzot and Signoret deliver remarkable acting performances, particularly as their characters grow progressively disturbed, constantly worrying about the disappearing corpse.

Right now, you can watch “Diabolique” for free on The Roku Channel and Plex. It’s also accessible on Max and Amazon Prime Video.

Psycho (1960)

It’s hard to find new ways to discuss Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” at this stage, given its profound impact on pop culture and the numerous horror films it has inspired. However, when it premiered in 1960, it truly shattered conventions. From the iconic shower scene to the daring move of killing off its leading actress, Janet Leigh, early on, and then centering the narrative around Norman Bates, portrayed by Anthony Perkins, the film was groundbreaking indeed.

This film only gets better with age. No matter how many times I’ve watched it, I still enjoy it. It’s a perfect film for the season, enhanced by Bernard Herrmann’s hair-raising score.

Currently, Psycho is available on Prime Video.

2024-09-08 20:25