Over time, with the rise of exciting new directors and peculiar A24 productions, the horror genre has evidently become one of the most favored among global audiences — it’s not difficult to see why. Horror films provide audiences with adrenaline through their terrifying stories and haunt them in their sleep by illustrating haunting scenarios in their heads. Naturally, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for the categories' disturbing imagery, which plays a crucial role in the matter.
While the horror genre thoroughly succeeds in scaring audiences, some earn extra points for being stylish while doing it, relying on beautiful production design and meticulously planned, carefully shot scenes, and making the viewing experience even more interesting and memorable. FromThe Neon Demonto the originalSuspiria,we rank the most stylized horror movies of all time(so far).
10’The Neon Demon' (2016)
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Despite not ranking high among the best movies of its genre,Nicolas Winding Refn’s feature is undeniably stylishlike other movies by the filmmaker (Drive, for example).The Neon DemonstarsElle Fanningand follows an aspiring model who moves to Los Angeles to pursue her dream career. However, Jesse’s beauty and youth create a disturbing fascination and jealousy in the fashion industry with twisted consequences.
The Neon Demonmay not be a flawless picture. However, it sends out valuable messages about the dangers and toxicity of the fashion scene, especially as a young, somewhat naive girl, and narcissism. Still,the aspect that stands out the most in Winding Refn’s psychological horror movie filmed in downtown Los Angeles is Natasha Braier’s cinematography, which fully immerses audiences in its neon-colored atmosphere.
Watch on Amazon Prime
9’Crimson Peak' (2015)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Torois known for his astounding creations, and when it comes to the visuals,Crimson Peakdoes not disappoint. Although an overlooked movie, this 2015 horror is spell-binding, providing audiences with enchanting aesthetics. The story centers around an aspiring author (Mia Wasikowska) who travels to a remote mansion in Cumberland, England, where she ends up meeting a mysterious outsider (Tom Hiddleston) with a dark past.
A Gothic love tale that meditates on one’s past and how defining (or not) it can be and includes a house that bleeds and remembers,Crimson Peakis the right pick for readers looking to watch a stylishhorror movie with romantic aspects. Sure, it is not Guillermo’s objectively best movie. However, this underrated ghost story is still worthwhile if only for its eerie, stunning imagery and production design.
Crimson Peak
Watch on Netflix
8’Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me' (1992)
Director: David Lynch
David Lynchhas proven to be one ofthe most visually recognizable directors, with films likeEraserheadandMulholland Driveamong his most popular;Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Meis no exception. The 1992 film, which serves as a spin-off to his beloved show of the same name, chronicles Laura Palmer’s (Sheryl Lee) harrowing final days one year after the murder of Teresa Banks (Pamela Gidley).
Shot on film and on location in the state of WashingtonFire Walk With Me’s stunning imagery is nothing short of breathtaking, as expected from the director. Its gripping narrative combined with the one-of-a-kind atmosphere keeps audiences invested and on the edge of their seat. We must warn readers who feel tempted to watch this movie, though, that despite being a prequel, watching the show before Lynch’s film is crucial to get some references.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me
Watch on Max
7’The Witch' (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Robert Eggers— set to direct the goth horror filmNosferatu— is one of the most promising and exciting filmmakers working today, andThe Witchis a prime example of how good his body of work is, even though he hasn’t put much out yet. Set in 1630s New England and led by Thomasin (played by the talentedAnya Taylor-Joy) the film follows a Puritan family who encounter forces of evil in the woods beyond their farm after the youngest child’s mysterious disappearance.
The Witch’s quiet but terrifying storyline is captivating on its own. However, the movie’s incredible execution and masterful direction, whichincludes bizarre visuals that help make it all the more of an immersive, atmospheric watch, evidently elevatesThe Witchto higher levels. Eggers' film focuses on faith, female agency, repression, religion, generational trauma, and dysfunctional families.
6’The Love Witch' (2016)
Director: Anna Biller
StarringSamantha Robinsonas a beautiful modern-day witch named Elaine Parks who uses spells and magic to get men to fall in love with her with deadly consequences,The Love Witchworks as particularly well as a beautiful homage to technicolor movies, which, as many know, were really popular back in the 1930s through the mid-1950s.
Thanks to its somewhat weak premise,Anna Biller’smust-see horror comedywas released to polarizing reviews, with some critics arguing that it is more style than substance. Be that as it may,The Love Witch’s visuals are seemingly the film’s real strength; the cinematography is undeniably great(it is particularly impressive how the film looks like it came out of the 1960s despite being filmed in the 21st century) and maintains viewers' interest throughout.
The Love Witch
Watch on Peacock
5’Mandy' (2018)
Director: Panos Cosmatos
The highly atmospheric fan-favoriteNicolas Cagesteps foot into the lead role inPanos Cosmatos’Mandy, amust-watch psychedelic horror filmthat centers around a man who unleashes a relentless and unstoppable rampage of vengeance against the nightmarish hippie cult and their demon-biker henchmen after they shattered his peaceful life in a secluded forest.
Filmed in Lynch’s style, Cosmatos’s trippy, avant-garde movie may not be fit for everyone’s liking. Still,Mandyis a great visual achievement, featuring well-crafted shots that will have audiences hypnotized. Its most complimented aspects are undoubtedly the satisfying cinematography and Cage’s tour de force, the over-the-top central performance that anchors it. No doubt, audiences who are into surrealist films will likely enjoy Cosmatos’s 2018 film.
Watch on Hulu
4’Midsommar' (2019)
Director: Ari Aster
Like Eggers,Ari Asterhas established himself as one of the most talented contemporary horror filmmakers. His 2019 filmMidsommarrevolves around a traumatized young girl’s (Florence Pughin one of her most memorable roles) journey to rural Sweden (though the film was actually shot in Hungary) along with her boyfriend and a group of friends for a midsummer festival. Tables turn when they get there and soon realize that they’re trapped in the clutches of a sinister cult.
This colorfulhorror movie set in broad daylightis refreshing and innovative, hence why it quickly gathered a large fanbase when it was released. Despite the mixed reviews (some viewers argue that it is way too overrated),Midsommaris a breeze of fresh air in the genre, with its stunning visuals — often referencing Nordic folklore — doing a great job of maintaining audiences' curiosity.
3’House' (1977)
Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi
Although it was originally released to negative reviews, the experimental Japanese horror movie byNobuhiko Obayashiis now regarded as an essential classic that is nothing short of groundbreaking, paving the way for other horror comedies that captured the attention of international moviegoers. The story follows a group of schoolgirls who head to visit an old auntie’s creepy manor in the countryside.
Houseis trippy, bizarre, and unlike anything readers have probably ever seen, featuring hallucinogenic visuals that will leave a strong impression on audiences. On top of the entertaining narrative, two major reasons whyHouseis so memorable are undoubtedly its uniqueness and creativity, which clearly reflected in its beautiful visuals and production design. Haunted house horror movie fans may enjoy this singular piece of filmmaking.
2’The Shining' (1980)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Stanley Kubrick’sThe Shiningendures as a popular, treasured horror movie for several reasons: not only is it a great adaptation ofStephen King’s novel, but it is also masterfully directed by the filmmaking legend himself.Jack Nicholsonis the lead in this story that centers around a family who heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister spirit influences the father into violence.
The Shining’s symmetrical and wide-angle shots are trademarks of this unforgettable horror and are responsible for creating the unsettling atmosphere it features, ultimately making Kubick’s feature a stylish one in the horror genre,especially when combined with its colorful visual aesthetics. Thispsychological horror is a must-watchfor fans of the genre, and the incredible performances inThe Shiningare also worth noting.
The Shining
Watch on Apple TV
1’Suspiria' (1977)
Director: Dario Argento
Partially based onThomas De Quincey’s 1845 essaySuspiria de Profundis,Dario Argento’sSuspiriaeasily takes first place when the topic is the most stylish horror movies. This trailblazing Italian supernatural film stands the test of time today, whether that is thanks to its engrossing premise or stunning imagery.Jessica Harperstars as an American newcomer to a prestigious German ballet academy, who realizes things are going south when she learns that the school is a front of something sinister.
Chilling and suspenseful with a good amount of nightmarish imagery, the witchySuspiria’s cinematography, wonderfully shot on film by Luciano Tovoli (who also edited the film with incredible results), is one of the main reasons why it endures such an iconic watch— and a highly influential one — these days. A fun fact is that Argento’s movie was one of the final feature films to be processed in technicolor.
NEXT:The 9 Best New Horror Movies To Watch in April 2024
