Buzz
Choosing the ideal horror film can be a daunting task. If you're unsure what to watch to get into the Halloween spirit, consider taking suggestions from renowned horror filmmakers. From timeless cult favorites to personal childhood picks—and even a music video—we’ve gathered a selection of movies that terrify the icons of horror. Discover the dark inspirations of these directors and get some excellent recommendations for your next scare fest.
1. JOHN CARPENTER’S TAKE ON NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968)
Ahead of Halloween, John Carpenter shared his top eight horror films with Fader. Leading his list was George Romero’s iconic Night of the Living Dead. Carpenter, the visionary behind films like Escape from New York (1981), The Thing (1982), and the legendary Halloween (1978), highlighted Romero’s profound influence on the zombie genre over the past 50 years.
"The idea that someone you love could become a zombie is absolutely chilling," Carpenter remarked to Fader. "Just look at all the films that have borrowed from it! Take The Walking Dead, for instance. It’s undeniable."
2. EDUARDO SÁNCHEZ’S PICK: THE EXORCIST (1973)
Eduardo Sánchez, co-director of the groundbreaking and spine-chilling found footage film The Blair Witch Project (1999), was deeply terrified by The Exorcist as a child.
"Growing up Catholic, I was taught that everything in the faith was real—Satan, God, the eternal battle between good and evil," Sánchez shared with Mytour. "When The Exorcist came out, my parents didn’t take me to see it in theaters, but we watched it together on TV. It felt like we were witnessing something real, almost like a documentary. As a kid, it felt entirely believable, and it terrified me. Even now, though my beliefs have changed, the film still gives me chills."
3. WES CRAVEN’S CHOICE: DON’T LOOK NOW (1973)
For almost 40 years, Wes Craven redefined the horror genre, directing a wide range of films from gritty exploitation horrors like The Last House on the Left (1972) to iconic slashers such as A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and the meta-horror satire Scream (1996). In 2010, Craven revealed his top 10 horror films to The Daily Beast. Reflecting on Nicolas Roeg’s masterpiece Don’t Look Now, Craven said, "This film captivated and terrified me simultaneously, blending artistry with sheer terror." Based on Daphne du Maurier’s short story, the movie follows a grieving couple in Venice who encounter what they believe to be the ghost of their late daughter. Craven admired Roeg’s ability to evoke fear without relying on graphic violence, noting, "The ambiguity of whether the child is a ghost or tormenting them by vanishing is a masterclass in suspense without gore."
4. ANDRÉ ØVREDAL’S FAVORITE: POLTERGEIST (1982)
Norwegian director André Øvredal, known for the mockumentary-style creature feature Trollhunter (2010) and the claustrophobic supernatural thriller The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016), cites Poltergeist as his top horror pick. He praises it for "its blend of awe, wonder, and human emotion amidst the terror."
"The film embraces its themes with depth and philosophy, not just aiming for cheap scares," Øvredal explains. "It’s deeply character-driven, making you care about the family and fear for their safety. The direction is brilliant, visually engaging, and infused with humor that enhances the horror and realism."
5. TOBE HOOPER’S CHOICE: THE HAUNTING (1963)
Tobe Hooper’s iconic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) is a chaotic, gory masterpiece made on a minimal budget. However, the late director’s favorite horror film is a stark contrast: Robert Wise’s subtle haunted house movie, adapted from Shirley Jackson’s renowned short story “The Haunting of Hill House.”
"It was the first horror film that truly captivated me," Hooper shared with Filmmaker Magazine in 2000. "I deeply connected with the characters’ experiences. There’s a scene where they lock themselves in a room, and the walls begin to shift with eerie sounds. My imagination went wild, and it left a lasting impact on me."
6. PATRICK BRICE’S PICK: JACOB’S LADDER (1990)
Patrick Brice made waves with his 2014 debut Creep, crafting a tense thriller with minimal elements: a secluded cabin, a disturbing wolf mask, and Mark Duplass’s unnerving performance. The low-budget found footage film’s success led to a sequel, Creep 2, released recently. Brice’s favorite horror film is Jacob’s Ladder, Adrian Lyne’s surreal tale of a Vietnam veteran’s haunting visions.
"Jacob’s Ladder is an underappreciated gem, blending experimental storytelling, relentless terror, and emotional depth," Brice tells Mytour. "The film’s use of practical effects creates moments so shocking, I had to rewind to understand how Lyne achieved them. It’s his only horror film, yet it’s a masterpiece."
7. DANIEL MYRICK’S CHOICE: JACOB’S LADDER
Patrick Brice isn’t the only filmmaker captivated by Jacob’s Ladder. Daniel Myrick, co-director of The Blair Witch Project, also praised Adrian Lyne’s psychological horror masterpiece.
"It’s tough to pick a single favorite, but Jacob’s Ladder is definitely near the top for me," Myrick shared with Mytour. "It leans more toward psychological thriller than outright horror, but those are often the most terrifying. Adrian Lyne’s manipulation of the senses was brilliant, and the ending remains one of the most powerful in film history."
8. GEORGE ROMERO’S FAVORITE: PAN’S LABYRINTH (2006)
In a 2010 interview with TIME, George Romero, the legendary director behind Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Creepshow (1982), expressed his dislike for modern horror trends. "I’m not a fan of the current torture-heavy horror films," he said. "They lack humor and allegory." However, Romero admired Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, a dark fantasy set in post-Civil War Spain. "Guillermo del Toro is a genius," Romero added. "I’d love to create something like Pan’s Labyrinth."
9. BABAK ANVARI’S PICK: THRILLER (1983)
Babak Anvari’s debut film, Under the Shadow (2016), explores the dual horrors of war and the supernatural in 1980s Tehran. However, the work that terrified him as a child wasn’t a movie—it was a music video by the King of Pop.
"I have many favorite horror films," Babak told Mytour. "But the one that scared me most as a child, almost to the point of trauma, was Michael Jackson’s Thriller, directed by John Landis. I saw it too young—my older brother introduced it to me—and it left me deeply frightened. I was even scared of the VHS tape it was recorded on. I avoided it, fearing zombies would emerge from the tape to attack me."
10. MICHAEL DOUGHERTY’S FAVORITE: HALLOWEEN (1978)
Michael Dougherty, known for his 2007 anthology film Trick ‘r Treat, holds Halloween in high regard. "It’s a masterclass in simplicity, defining the slasher genre with elegance," Dougherty shared with Mytour. "The film is exquisitely crafted and shot. As a kid, it was the first time I experienced true, spine-tingling suspense."
Dougherty believes Halloween is the perfect occasion to indulge in more than just one horror film. "It’s an ideal time to revisit your favorites or explore classics you might have missed," he says. "Dive into a marathon of iconic films like Halloween, The Exorcist, The Omen (1976), Poltergeist, and even It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966). These timeless picks truly capture the spirit of the season."
