Horror films are rarely referred to as works of art. They are overlooked by critics, rarely recognized for awards or recognition, and the general public often views horror movies as a sort of sub-par entertainment only enjoyed by those with a pension for violence and gore. One sub-genre of horror, sometimes referred to as art-house, challenges these negative stereotypes. Using a fresh approach to the genre, these kinds of movies turn horror into thoughtful and artistic masterpieces.
The following 13 films are some of the best art-house horror out there:
13. Eraserhead (1977):
Eraserhead is David Lynch’s 1977 surrealist work of art and easily one of the strangest movies of all time. The movie was shot in black and white and set in what can best be described as an industrial wasteland devoid of all things good and colorful. It tells the story of a worn down man left to care for his deformed infant son, who spends the bulk of the film in a constant state of distress, while his overburdened caretaker experiences hallucinations/visions while being visited by a lady that appears in his apartment’s radiator. While not terrifying in the traditional sense of the word “horror,” the movie has a way of evoking feelings of dread and terror. A definite must see for anyone who has a passion for the more “artsy” brand of the genre.
12. Kwaidan (1963):
This 1963 anthology horror film was directed by Misaki Kobayashi. Based on a collection on Japanese folk tales, Kwaidan isn’t going to be the movie that impresses you with the type of jump scares that you’ve come to expect from most supernatural horror films. Instead, in true art-house fashion, this film will impress you with its beautiful imagery. While the folk stories on display in this film may very well be common knowledge in Japan, here in America they are unheard of, which can definitely leave the viewer a bit confused at times. Imagine how confused the Japanese might have been watching Urban Legend… sometimes things just get lost in translation. That being said, this movie is certainly worth checking out if you are in the mood for going to an art gallery but just don’t feel like leaving your couch.
11. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013):
Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, this 2013 vampire film almost didn’t make this list, but I cannot blame the film just because this genre is overdone.. .and in horrible ways at that. This film tells the story of two married vampires who, each in their own ways, have tired of the vampire lifestyle. Feeding on blood bank blood to avoid contaminants, the two spend the movie doing things like contemplating suicide, finding out who really wrote all of Shakespeare’s works, and pondering the meaning of life. With an epic soundtrack and an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this film may seem like standard vampire fare but really ends up being so much more.
10. Under the Skin (2013):
This 2013 film directed by Johnathan Glazer and based on Michael Campbell’s 2000 novel could pass for a Kubrick masterpiece. In fact, the similarities are so striking you will either be impressed or irritated at the likeness. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it can also be just that… imitation. This dark and brooding film stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien who wears human skin and feeds off of the men she picks up at various locations during her travels. What most viewers would consider important details, such as why she’s here, where she is from, what her motives are, etc., are noticeably absent in this picture. However, what it does reveal proves to be much more artistic than what it is lacking. There is a definite focus on style over substance, and although it isn’t really all that scary, there is a certain creepy desolation and sadness to this alien’s experiences here on Earth that make the movie well worth the time you will spend watching it.
9. Repulsion (1965):
Easily one of the best art-house pictures of all time, this 1965 film directed by Roman Polanski is one of three films that make up his “Apartment Trilogy.” The psychological thriller centers on a woman who has been left alone in her apartment to slowly unravel into madness. As she revisits past traumas, she completely loses her mind with shocking and disastrous results. As in all of Polanski’s works, he manages to use a more subtle approach to building a sense of dread as opposed to relying on more obvious routes for achieving terror.
8. The Shining (1980):
What art-house horror list would be complete without Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 masterpiece, The Shining? Creepy twins, an elevator gushing blood, and Jack Nicholson playing an overly-stressed father slowly losing his mind in a haunted hotel that lies smack in the middle of a desolate landscape. All this movie needs is a creepy little kid with an imaginary friend. Any horror fan who hasn’t seen The Shining should probably turn in his/her membership to the “I Love Horror Club.” Since this movie could really be included on nearly every “best of” list, I have often considered no longer mentioning it since it’s sort of a given. Pure genius. Pure terror. Aside from Stephen King, who doesn’t love this movie?
7. Lost Highway (1997):
Ahhhh, David Lynch, the king of all things weird. I could have included just about any of his works, but since this one creeped me out more than all the others, it gets top billing. This 1997 psychological horror is done in the typical film noir style that Lynch is famous for. It focuses on professional musician Fred, who is in a strained relationship and begins receiving strange videotapes at his door that indicate someone is watching their house. Chaos… and confusion ensue when Fred starts to turn into other people after he is accused of murder. Describing the plot of this movie is about as difficult as it is to figure out, but don’t let that hold you back.
6. May (2002):
Lucky McKee’s 2002 film about a young girl with slight vision problems and major social issues brought his name to the forefront of indie horror. Becoming a cult classic almost instantly, this movie centers on May, a quiet and reclusive veterinary assistant who decides to “build” herself a friend when she realizes she cannot find one using normal methods. With a beautiful soundtrack and what can best be described as an often humorous approach to human interaction, this film offers a unique approach to the genre that cannot be missed.
5. Let the Right One In (2008):
Tomas Alfredson’s unique approach to the vampire/demon genre could easily be considered one of the greatest films of all time, not just one of the greatest horror films. This film is more beautiful than it is terrifying, and the fact the two main characters are children doesn’t mean that it is in any way juvenile. The movie centers on a young boy who is relentlessly bullied at school and his blossoming friendship with the new girl, an immortal vampire/demon, that has moved into the apartment next door. Part love story and part horror, this movie does an excellent job of utilizing the desolate, wintry landscape as an additional character in the film. If you are the type to avoid subtitles, you probably wouldn’t enjoy this slow-paced approach to the horror genre.
4. Eyes Without a Face (1960):
This 1960 black and white film directed by Georges Franju is a film noir classic. At the time of its release it was considered too graphic for most audiences, but it has since gained a cult following. The film tells the story of a deranged doctor who is obsessed with repairing his daughter’s disfigured face after she has an accident for which he was to blame. In order to surgically graft the faces of other young women onto his daughter’s, he must commit some horrific crimes. Like most all art-house horror films, the focus on style over substance is apparent; and instead of traditional jump scares, the movie relies more on atmosphere. A true classic that is definitely worth your time.
3. Suspiria (1977):
It was between this and Phantasm, but not because I loved either of those movies. There are moments in all of our lives when we must recognize that although WE do not like something, that doesn’t mean we cannot recognize its value. This is the case with Dario Argento’s 1977 Italian cult classic. Part of Argento’s “Three Mothers Trilogy,” this movie tells the story of a dancer who attends a dance academy that has much more going on than just dance. Murder, maggots, ritual killing, progressive rock soundtrack, and a dash of Argento’s textbook gore and weirdness are on full display; and thankfully this movie, unlike others, doesn’t feature his own daughter in sex scenes. It cannot be denied that Argento could be considered a pioneer of this sub-genre, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. At some point horror fans everywhere should make a list of “givens” so that we don’t have to keep including obvious choices on these lists.
2. Martyrs (2008):
Who didn’t love Martyrs? Probably anyone who hates artsy indie horror, but for those who eat this stuff up, it is the end-all, be-all of horror movies. Pascal Laugier’s 2008 masterpiece seems to include everything we love about horror, and unlike many other art-house classics, it has all the terror and edge-of-your-seat dread you could ask for. The film tells the story of Lucie; kidnapped as a young girl and suffering from a severe case of PTSD from the traumatic event, she convinces her friend Anna to come with her to exact revenge on those who took her as a young girl. What transpires is as terrifying as it is shocking… and it makes me concerned for the mental well being of its director. While a predictable remake has been made for American audiences, I would strongly suggest watching the original as it is a work of art that should not be avoided.
1. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920):
Choosing the number one spot is never very easy, but in this case it was a slam dunk. Robert Wiene’s 1920 silent, German expressionist film is considered the first horror movie ever made and is about as artistic as they come. It tells the story of an evil asylum director who uses his patient via hypnosis to commit all sorts of heinous murders. Also the first movie to employ a “twist” ending, Caligari stands up to most modern day horror and should not be overlooked just because it’s nearly 100 years old.