Horror movies are some of the most influential and memorable movies in the world. While they may not get the recognition they deserve in of awards, there is always that horror movie we saw as a child that traumatized us, leading to countless sleepless nights and nightmares. While American horror movies may not always get the most recognition due to their wide reach, horror movies from Europe and Asia often explore far more disturbing concepts.
European horror movies have been incredibly influential in the horror movie genre, with many of the early releases inspiring countless horror movie directors around the world. This article will list 10 of the best European horror movies.
The Orphanage
While The Orphanage really ought to be a contender for this. The film tells the story of a young family who arrive at a former Orphanage, with plans to turn the building into a home for disabled children. However, their adopted son goes missing, and they are visited by a creepy boy in a mask.
In addition to being incredibly unsettling, the film is also very emotional and balances the horror themes with poignant, touching elements.
Eyes Without A Face
Even if you haven't seen the movie, there is a good chance the above image will unnerve you. Eyes Without a Face follows Dr. Génnesier, a brilliant plastic surgeon who painstakingly attempts to give his daughter a face transplant after she is left disfigured by an accident he caused.
The film truly relies on visual horror and imagery to deliver its scares, not only scaring you during the run time of the movie, but also disturbing you after the credits have rolled.
Suspiria
While this film was remade in 2018, the film did not manage to top the original. Directed by Dario Argento, the original 1977 movie follows an American student who travels to a prestigious German ballet school, only to find a sinister cult is behind some grisly murders.
The film is notorious as being one of the most horrifying movies ever made, with the movie developing a cult following and becoming highly influential in the horror genre.
Nosferatu
Dracula, Nosferatu borrows many of the plot points from the horror novel, using them to introduce the world to, what would become, cliches in the vampire genre.
The film uses iconic and fresh (at the time) imagery to deliver scares that would become universally recognizable, even for those who have not watched the movie. It is interesting to note that, despite the iconic nature of this movie, Bram Stoker's family sued the filmmakers, which lead to all copies of the film being destroyed.
The Cabinet Of Doctor Caligari
Much like Nosferatu in this list, The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari is one of the most influential horror movies of all time. The film follows a hypnotist known as Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist in order to commit murders on his behalf.
The film is a marvel of early German expressionist cinema and not only introduced the world to the wonders of German cinema, but also helped greatly influence the horror genre with its unique and visually innovative filmmaking. The film has recently ed into the public domain and is available to watch for free on YouTube, so there is no excuse to avoid watching this iconic horror movie.
28 Days Later
For many, 28 Days Later follows a man who wakes from a coma to discover that an apocalypse has hit the UK, showing an eerily deserted London in the process.
The film spawned several sequels and received almost universal critical acclaim, with many critics praising the strong performances of the cast and the masterful way that Danny Boyle balances the themes of the film.
Les Diaboliques
Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and starring Paul Meurisse and Vera Clouzot, Les Diaboliques is based around a murder plot from a jealous wife of a boarding school heaster. The film is incredibly tense throughout, and masterfully builds to a satisfying and shocking conclusion.
Many describe the film as a Hitchcock film not directed by Hitchcock due to the incredible and thrilling nature of the film that gives no resting time for the audience.
Them
Directed by David Moreau and Xavier Palud, Them follows a young couple who live in the countryside as they eventually come to learn that they're being hunted. They don't know what is surrounding and watching them, but they do know that they are everywhere, even in their house.
The film is masterful in how it builds tension, demonstrating that sometimes not showing something is far more terrifying than showing something.
Let The Right One In
Directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on the book of the same name, Let the Right One In is a breath of fresh air for the vampire genre. The film follows a 12-year-old boy as he befriends a mysterious young girl just as his local town begins to endure spates of murders.
The film received almost universal acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the film for its intelligent plot and its ability to bring new life to the vampire genre.
Goodnight Mommy
Goodnight Mommy is an Austrian horror movie directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. The film follows two young boys called Elias and Lukas as they come to believe that their mother has been replaced, a thought that is furthered by her recent surgeries and strange behavior.
The film combines elements from both supernatural horror and psychological horror, creating a mysterious and unique atmosphere that causes a persistent and unerring sense of unease that does not end until the credits begin to roll on the movie.
