10 Best Horror Movies Of The 1990s

The 1990s weren’t the strongest decade for horror movies, but they still gave us some unforgettable classics that ultimately shaped the genre’s future. Struggling to match the creativity of earlier eras, the ’90s moved away from the gritty style of the ’70s and ’80s and tried new approaches. The decade leaned heavily into psychological horror and self-aware storytelling, with standout films like The Silence of the Lambs and Scream redefining the realm of horror.

While there was a fair share of uninspired sequels and repetitive slasher films, the 1990s marked a shift in how audiences experienced fear, giving way to suspense, atmosphere, and clever twists over pure shock value. During the ’90s, horror reached more people through mainstream hits, proving it could be both a box office success and win critical praise. Despite its challenges, the era proved to be a key turning point for horror movies, bridging the gap between the genre’s classic scares and the hits of today.

10

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

Directed by Jim Gillespie

Following the massive success of Wes Craven’s Scream a year earlier, I Know What You Did Last Summer capitalized on the revived popularity of slasher movies in the late ’90s. It was a box-office success, grossing over $125 million worldwide. The title almost instantly became a pop culture hit thanks to its compelling cast and the now-iconic murderer yielding a hook. Arguably, the Fisherman cemented his place as the hallmark of the slasher genre in the late ’90s, making him one of the top slasher villains of all time.

Despite some mixed reviews, I Know What You Did Last Summer lives on as one of the most iconic titles of its era. Along with Scream, it helped define the teen-centric slasher wave of the 1990s, remaining a nostalgic favorite for many horror fans. It led to two sequels (with a new I Know What You Did Last Summer happening), but neither had the same impact as the original.

9

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Directed by Eduardo Sánchez

Watching The Blair Witch Project in theaters was an unforgettable experience for many. Since it was not explicitly stated that the movie was scripted, given its untrained cast and obviously improvised dialogue, many viewers thought it was real. There were people who, for years to come, believed that the three film students actually vanished in the woods while searching for a witch.

The Blair Witch Project popularized the found-footage genre in filmmaking, ultimately changing how horror films were made and consumed.

The Blair Witch Project popularized the found-footage genre in filmmaking, ultimately changing how horror films were made and consumed. Its shaky-camera visuals and raw storytelling pulled audiences in, making the movie feel like a real-life documentary. Made on a budget of just $60,000, it became one of the most profitable films of the 1990s, grossing nearly $250 million worldwide. Its financial success solidified its legacy as a game-changer for indie horror and impacted several popular titles to come, including Paranormal Activity and Cloverfield.

8

Event Horizon (1997)

Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson

With its unique blend of science fiction and horror, Event Horizon continues to stand out as one of the most iconic horror movies of the 1990s. While it wasn’t exactly a pioneer of the sci-fi horror genre, this Paul W. S. Anderson title brought new elements to the table. By integrating themes of hell and the supernatural directly into its space narrative, it created a new movie world filled with dread of the unknown like we’ve never seen before.

The original cut of Event Horizon was 130 minutes long and disturbingly violent. Paul W. S. Anderson was forced to cut some of the graphic scenes, resulting in nearly 40 minutes of the movie getting booted.

Interestingly, unlike in similar sci-fi horrors, Event Horizon’s devil lies in something human — the spaceship — not aliens or space itself. Even though it takes place in space, the movie’s interiors are what made it disturbing. The ship’s creepy corridors and oppressive, decaying design effortlessly create a sense of dread that lingers long after the movie is over. Event Horizon only got a 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it remains one of the most notable works of the 1990s.

7

Candyman (1992)

Directed by Bernard Rose

Based on a short story by Clive Barker, Candyman took an urban legend and skillfully wove it into a terrifying and thought-provoking narrative. Unlike many traditional slasher movies, it dives into complex social issues, including racial tension, gentrification, and violence. Set in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects, the film highlights how society treats marginalized communities and spreads fear.

In addition to its social commentary, Candyman’s use of powerful visuals gave life to a constant sense of dread throughout the movie. The haunting imagery of Candyman himself (played by Tony Todd), his menacing presence, and the dark, decaying urban setting all contributed to the film’s eerie atmosphere that doesn’t quite go away after the credits roll. Its legacy was further cemented by its two sequels, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh and Candyman: Day of the Dead, as well as a Candyman 2021 remake.

6

Ringu (1998)

Directed by Hideo Nakata

Ringu is credited with kicking off the J-horror trend, a Japanese subgenre of horror that quickly became popular worldwide. Often referred to as one of the best Japanese horror movies ever made (if not the best), Ringu broke new ground in the 1990s with its mix of eerie atmosphere, supernatural elements, and psychological terror.

The film’s creepy imagery and chilling story continue to be iconic, with Sadako Yamamura remaining one of the most terrifying horror villains that will continue to haunt our dreams. Ringu was also one of the first modern horror movies that prioritized mood over gore, building tension by manipulating the atmosphere on screen. It uses haunting visuals, sound design, and the feeling of unease to create fear, rather than relying on graphic violence. The film was remade in the U.S. as The Ring in 2002, which became a huge success in its own right.

5

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is often praised for being one of the most faithful adaptations of the 1897 novel while also adding a stylish touch to the story. Francis Ford Coppola stayed close to the original narrative but gave it a stunning look with practical effects, costumes, and a dreamlike quality, making it stand out from other Dracula movies. The film feels like a living painting, filled with rich textures and creative details that greatly contribute to its eeriness.

Unlike many previous portrayals of Dracula, which focused heavily on his villainous traits, Coppola’s version delves into the character’s tragic past. This emotional complexity made him a more sympathetic character, offering a fresh take on the vampire legend. Additionally, Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Count Dracula was an unforgettable one, making Bram Stoker’s Dracula a standout example of gothic horror cinema.

4

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)

Directed by Adrian Lyne

Even though some might have forgotten this excellent psychological horror from the 1990s, Jacob’s Ladder represents the essence of the genre. Often regarded as one of the most unsettling horror films of the era, it blends psychological and surreal horror, challenging the viewer’s perception of reality. Adding to the terror, the movie’s complex plot and nightmarish visuals create a constant sense of unease that keeps viewers on their toes.

​​What set Jacob’s Ladder apart from other films of its kind at the time was its exploration of trauma and the afterlife. The story explores the psychological and emotional effects of war, showing how Jacob’s (played by Tim Robbins) past continues to haunt him. The title set the groundwork for some of the most iconic movies dabbling into inner turmoil and reality manipulation, like The Sixth Sense and Requiem for a Dream.

3

Scream (1996)

Directed by Wes Craven

Scream gave new life to the slasher realm in the 1990s, changing the horror genre forever. Directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, it cleverly made fun of slasher tropes while still delivering some major scares. Interestingly, one of the most uncommon aspects of Scream was its self-aware characters. The film is filled with references to classic horror films, such as Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street, with the characters fully aware of how they go down (not that it did them any favors).

Other than redefining the genre, Scream introduced one of the most iconic villains of all time, Ghostface. Decades later, the slasher’s recognizable mask is impossible to miss, making him a regular at every Halloween party. The movie’s charismatic blend of humor and horror made it stand out in the ’90s and beyond, resulting in one of the most beloved horror franchises.

2

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Directed by M. Night Shyamalan

The Sixth Sense stands out as one of the most iconic films of the late 90s, blending horror with psychological drama in a way that not many films had done. Best known for The Sixth Sense‘s shocking twist ending, the movie left audiences stunned and redefined the genre of psychological horror. Unlike typical horror films of the era, The Sixth Sense doesn’t rely on gore or jump scares but instead builds dread through its emotional intensity.

Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment delivered remarkable performances that substantially contributed to the film’s success, with Osment, at just 11 years old, earning an Academy Award nomination. Interestingly, The Sixth Sense also marked the breakout film for director M. Night Shyamalan, cementing him as one of the leading voices in the genre. The 1999 title set the stage for Shyamalan’s future works, including Unbreakable, Signs, and Split.

1

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Directed by Jonathan Demme

Arguably one of the best movies ever made, The Silence of the Lambs undoubtedly shines as one of the most influential films of its genre. With a story that still holds up today, the movie’s unique mix of horror, thriller, and crime resulted in a psychologically gripping masterpiece that will have you thinking about it decades after you’ve first seen it.

“The tone set by The Silence of the Lambs, both literally and culturally, is perhaps one of the biggest footprints in Hollywood today. Serial killers, dissecting their psychology, and the detectives who get in too deep with them are now all commonplace in not just horrors and thrillers, but also in crime movies.” – Screen Rant‘s The Silence of the Lambs review

The Silence of the Lambs created one of the most haunting atmospheres in film history, masterfully using sound, setting, and dialogue to evoke fear without relying on graphic violence. Additionally, Anthony Hopkins’ chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter became one of cinema’s most iconic performances, while Jodie Foster’s nuanced take on Clarice Starling brought emotional depth to the story. With unforgettable quotes, an unsettling tone, and a lasting cultural impact, the film scored five Academy Awards in 1992, solidifying its place in horror history.