It was in the 1990s that the horror genre evolved to include films other than the stereotypical haunted house or some ghost-like entity going after protagonists. In this decade, horror movies grew to include thrillers whose storylines could very well be true in real life.
However, the classic style of the genre also lived on in the 90s, which led to fans receiving a nice variety of movies to enjoy. A select collection of these are still terrifying even almost two to three decades later. So, how about you put this claim to the test by watching these 10 horror films from the 1990s that remain scarier than ever.
Ring (1998)
A mysterious tape is sent to people at random, containing a demonic spirit who kills any person that views the tape within seven days. A reporter hurries to uncover the mystery behind these events to avoid more deaths.
The film that sparked a franchise that stretched across borders, Ring’s specialty was in creating an atmosphere that brought the scares through causing anxiety in the viewer. It’s more about when the ghost might strike that brings the fear than the actual sighting, although even that remains terrifying.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Three students head out to uncover the secret behind a legend of “Blair Witch” to use in the documentary they’re producing. Unfortunately for them, not only does the legend turn out to be true, the three are then stalked by a mysterious entity that has their deaths in mind.
The Blair Witch Project inspired a number of similar movies in the ensuing years, yet none of them have been able to scare us the way this film did. That’s due to the movie making it appear as if the victims were real, as every small speck of fear looks completely authentic.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
A highly unethical genetic research on sharks goes haywire when the dangerously intelligent predators break free, trapping the crew in an underwater facility. Their attempts to escape are repeatedly interrupted by the sharks who stop at nothing to feast on these people.
Monster films had seen many entries by this point, but Deep Blue Sea’s everlasting quality has been due to the deaths coming in when you least expect them to. Even today, you can’t watch help but flinch when a character is brutally devoured by a shark. The bloodbath that follows never fails in giving the viewer chills.
Se7en (1995)
An insane killer leaves out clues to the police when he murders people using the seven deadly sins as his M.O. The hunt becomes increasingly dangerous as the killer begins targeting the heroes as they get closer.
You need a really firm stomach to process the gore that follows in Se7en. It’s hardly a slasher, being a film that demands fear out of the viewer with the use of an extremely unsettling villain and the number of deaths that are carried out in gruesome fashion.
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Ichabod Crane, a constable from New York, is sent to investigate a series of killings in the Sleepy Hollow village. After arriving, he learns that a headless ghost is responsible for these grisly murders and has to figure out a way to survive.
Sleepy Hollow is one of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s finest works, and their eccentric style fit perfectly here as the deaths featured really are hard to take in. While there’s some dark comedy, it’s still hard not to be scared by the brutal killings, where even children weren’t spared.
Cape Fear (1991)
A convicted offender seeks vengeance on his defense lawyer after deducing that the latter had purposefully orchestrated his incarceration. As part of his revenge, the man stalks his target’s life with twisted plans in store.
Cape Fear was one of Martin Scorcese and Robert De Niro’s more creative ventures, as this time around the actor terrified audiences with a chilling portrayal of a felon who uses clever tactics. The uneasiness one feels every time De Niro’s character appears onscreen - especially when he flashes those eyes filled with wrath - is something we hope no-one has to experience in real life.
Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
The ghostly serial killer Freddy Krueger emerges from the fictional world into the real world, whereupon he begins to pursue the actress who portrayed his most relentless target. As it is revealed that Freddy is actually a demonic entity, he begins a bloody pursuit where many are killed.
Easily the most meta-horror film that’s ever been made, New Nightmare is considered genuinely scary because it had Freddy Krueger actually be menacing rather than acting like a villain from a bad video game. The meta elements contribute to the film’s scares, as it feels as if Freddy might just reach out of the screen and slash you.
The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)
A young FBI recruit is tasked with locating a serial killer notorious for skinning the bodies of his victims. In order to find this man, she has to seek guidance from the cannibalistic killer Hannibal Lecter, who has his own plans.
Silence of the Lambs proved that even horror films can be Oscar-worthy, with the character of Hannibal being one of the main reasons for this. Even though he’s not the main villain, every Lecter scene has you feeling a chill down your spine. Buffalo Bill himself is capable of turning your dreams in nightmares.
It (1990)
A supernatural entity takes the form of a murderous clown to haunt the citizens of Derry every 27 years. After making his latest kill, “It” begins pursuing a group of teenagers, who make an oath to destroy this monster, however long it might take.
Although this is now classified as a mini-series, It actually aired back then as a two-part television film at a stretch. While the latest films did a good job, they couldn’t replicate the horrors of the 1990 version, as Pennywise the Clown here comes across as extremely lifelike. So much so, that even the tiniest ounce of creepiness makes you fear for yourself.
Misery (1990)
A famed author meets with an accident, only to be rescued by an insane fan who has no intention of ever letting him go. When he attempts to escape, the man realizes that his captor is willing to kill to keep him there.
With social media making people out to be even crazier fans than before, Misery is one scenario that is even more relevant than when it was released. For this reason, people can relate very easily how terrifying it would be if this came true. With the incredible lead performance of Kathy Bates as the psychotic Misery, this is one story we dearly want to stay in the fictional world.
