Movies - TV
The 15 Best Directors In Horror Movie History
By LIAM GAUGHAN
George Romero
George Romero defined cinematic zombies with groundbreaking gore effects. He saw zombies as a reflection of what humanity left behind and represented societal fears.
Although the quality of his "Living Dead" franchise has varied, each entry was unique. Romero's films are terrifying, but they also address the current social climate.
"Night of the Living Dead" reflected '60s America’s anxieties, "Dawn of the Dead" attacked consumer culture, and "Day of the Dead" satirized the refusal to listen to scientists.
John Carpenter
Creating Halloween’s Michael Myers alone is impressive, but John Carpenter has crafted many horror classics like "The Fog" and "The Thing."
"Christine" stands as one of the strongest Stephen King adaptations, although not all of Carpenter's films were immediately hailed as hits.
Films like "In the Mouth of Madness," "Prince of Darkness," "Village of the Damned," and "Vampires" have garnered cult appreciation that improved their reputation.
Wes Craven
Freddy Krueger was a unique character. The concept of a killer that could invade dreams stole any sense of security and gave Craven a unique way to execute his kills.
The tension in the original "A Nightmare on Elm Street" doesn't falter for its entire 91 minutes. Craven made sequels and branched into the satirical horror franchise, “Scream.”
Craven also explored different elements of horror with "The Last House on the Left" and "The Hills Have Eyes," and examined family strife with "The People Under The Stairs."
Sam Raimi
Sam Raimi’ inventive use of effects and makeup helped craft the splatter horror subgenre. In 1978, he made "Within the Woods" with his friend, Bruce Campbell.
Raimi landed a larger budget to create the feature film "The Evil Dead" in 1981 and would continue to heighten the absurd humor with later installments in the franchise.
While best known for "Evil Dead," Raimi's other horror credits include the underrated "Crimewave," supernatural thriller "The Gift," and a return to splatter in "Drag Me To Hell."
James Whale
In the 1930s, Universal Pictures began creating monster movies that adapted classic literary characters. Universal Classic Monsters launched many sequels and reboots.
British director James Whale was integral in defining the Universal Classic Monsters, such as 1931's "Frankenstein" and 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."
He also helmed 1933's adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel "The Invisible Man." Whale crafted the film while using the famed author’s surprisingly humorous, insightful story.