Good Classic Horror Movies

When talking about good classic horror movies, it's a good idea to keep in mind that the definition of a "classic" is something that's stood the test of time. Since the actual art form of movies is so young relative to other art forms, it's almost impossible to predict which movies will be considered classics in the future. But we can make some educated guesses, and here are 10 suggestions from us as to what constitutes 10 good classic horror movies:

Halloween - I picked only movies that I've actually seen for this list, so my list of horror classics might lean toward the newer. But I think some of this is because horror movies didn't really come into their own until the 1960's and 1970's. That's why John Carpenter's Halloween, which was made in 1977, is the first movie on my list. It's only a 33 year old movie, but it shows every sign of being a movie that will still be watched 200 years from now.
The Exorcist - Anyone who's interested in movies about demonic possession will still be watching The Exorcist 100 years from now. The only movie that's come close to being as good as The Exorcist since then was the sequel, The Exorcist 3. Nothing else has even come close.
The Shining - This is the quintessential haunted house movie, even though it's about a haunted hotel rather than a house. Jack Nicholson's performance will keep you spellbound, and the cinematography is breathtaking. Worth seeing again and again.
Rosemary's Baby - I was torn between this one and The Omen. But in the final analysis, Rosemary's Baby is still the better film, and it's the one that's more likely to stand the test of time. Mia Farrow's performance is excellent. If you've never seen her in anything besides Woody Allen movies, then be sure to check it out.
The Wicker Man - I've seen this called "the Citizen Kane" of horror movies. I don't know that there's been a Citizen Kane of horror films yet, but The Wicker Man is likely to stand the test of time. (And obviously I'm writing about the original, not the awful remake with Nicholas Cage.)
Night of the Living Dead - This one set the standard for zombie movies, and it's not a film that ever seems to age. Few horror movies seem as timeless as Night of the Living Dead. (And it's a surprise how good it is, because some of George Romero's work from that same time period is just awful, like The Crazies.)
The Thing - John Carpenter's remake of The Thing is another example of a horror movie that doesn't seem to age. The ensemble cast in this movie is its real selling point: Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David all turn in timeless performances.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers - The original 1956 Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been remade several times, but the original is as powerful today as it was then. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is possibly the best pre-1960 horror movie of all.
The Birds - A lot of people will be surprised that I didn't include Psycho on the list, but I think it hasn't aged well. I think people will remember The Birds long after Psycho has been completely forgotten. The pacing and slow buildup of tension, and the stark, bleak ending make The Birds unforgettable. (The Birds was a major source of inspiration for Night of the Living Dead.)
An American Werewolf in London - I've never seen a werewolf movie before or since which could compare with An American Werewolf in London. The soundtrack is effective and clever, and the actors all turn in stellar performances. And it has one of the most interesting and engaging plots I've ever seen in a horror movie.

This list is missing so many movies, like David Cronenberg's horror movies, but I only have time to list so many movies per page. Consider this a good starting point.

Most people who write about good classic horror movies are going to have pretty dramatic differences in opinions from mine. Here are some other people's thoughts about classic horror films: