2/11
Halloween (1978) – 7.7


One of the most influential horror films of all time and one of the most important in the development of the slasher genre, Halloween not only started a franchise but a host of copycats with long-lasting franchises of their own.

The simple story about an escaped criminal, Michael Myers, and his murder spree through his old hometown has fascinated audiences since its release thanks to its haunting ambiance and its enigmatic killer. Sequels and remakes have been consistent since the early 80s, with a new trilogy of sequels starring the original film's lead, Jamie Lee Curtis, finishing in 2022 with Halloween Ends. As is often the case with horror franchises though, none are as highly ranked as the first movie.

1/11
The Thing (1982) – 8.2


Critically panned upon release, John Carpenter's The Thing has since been extensively reappraised and is now widely considered to be one of the best horror movies of all time.

The story follows a group of men in a research station in Antarctica as they are slowly picked off by an alien capable of transforming itself into any living creature. Grotesque effects and a tone as cold as the weather contributed to the film's initial failure but are now considered characteristics of a genre masterpiece.