As recommended by: artoffiction and declan2112
Robert Mitchum is the embodiment of evil as a child-hunting preacher in Charles Laughton's chilling masterpiece. Overlooked on initial release, the film is now widely regarded as one of American cinema's very best. Decclan2112 agrees, describing the film as “superbly atmospheric” Photograph: BFI
As recommended by: Mirosel and MERidley
Jacques Tourneur directs a subtle exploration of belief and scepticism that uses minimal special effects for maximum tension and genuine scares. Dr Holden is the man of science intent on exposing Julian Karswell as the leader of a satanic cult. The comfortable English backdrop provides the perfect hiding place for the unexpected horror Photograph: Everett Collection/Rex Features
As recommended by: bootsyjam, ID8665572 and mikedow
The classic one-night-in-a-haunted-house set-up is expertly employed by Robert Wise to produce a surprisingly subtle chiller. Dr John Markaway invites a motley cast of sceptics and mystics to spend the night in Hill House in order to prove the existence of ghosts. The house proves to be somewhat unwelcoming and the group battles against demons real and imaginary Photograph: Ronald Grant Archive
As recommended by: zibibbo, DrGiggles, CreatureAdam and marosc
Deborah Kerr is brilliant in what Zibibbo describes as “one of the best British films of all time”. Adapted from Henry James's classic ghost story The Turn of the Screw, the film proves to be just as frightening as the source material. Kerr plays a Victorian governess (Miss Giddens) charged with looking after some creepy children in a big house. What could possibly go wrong? Photograph: BFI
As recommended by: VaughnParadis and ZombiShinigami
Peter Cushing plays against type in this entertaining gothic romp from the stalwart of British horror, Hammer Films. Cushing is stern Uncle Gustav to some buxom twins who get themselves involved with a sinister count (is there any other type?). VaughnParadis definitely would have chosen this film for his list Photograph: Rex Features
As recommended by: izzythedram and stayontheroofs
An old-fashioned horror movie that uses mood instead of money to terrify the audience. Nicole Kidman is the glassy matriarch struggling to keep a grip on things while waiting for her husband to come back from the war. A beautifully crafted film, by Spanish director Alejandro Amenábar, that leaves a real chill Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar
As recommended by: JFBridge and ID8665572
Vincent Price is perfectly cast as the witchfinder general of 17th-century England in this classic British production. Price rampages around East Anglia brutally torturing suspected witches in a puritanical crusade during the civil war. JFBridge thinks the film is “a supreme example of gothic horror” Photograph: Alamy
As recommended by: declan2112 and vascopereira
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford slug it out as two dysfunctional sisters trapped together in a crumbling house and a ruined relationship. Davis is the grownup child star consumed by jealousy of her more successful sister, who she puts in a wheelchair in one insane act of violence. Vascopereira thinks the film is “a superb exercise in tension” Photograph: Cinetext /Allstar
As recommended by: ZombiShinigami and ZetaReticuli
The film is “a great mix of horror and humour” according to ZombiShinigam. A teenager who loves horror films is surprised to discover that he is living next to a vampire. Roddy McDowall also puts in a great performance as the over-the-top actor Photograph: Moviestore Collection/Rex Features
As recommended by: holdingahighline and montecristo
Vincent Price looms large once again as Roderick Usher in this Edgar Allen Poe adaptation. Roderick tries to keep away his sister's suitor by telling him about a terrible family curse. Roger Corman directs this strange and claustrophobic thriller Photograph: Everett Collection/Rex Features
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