Top 20 Horror Films of the 90s

Description: Based on Stephen King's novel, this film captures the terrifying ordeal of a writer held captive by his "number one fan." Its intense portrayal of obsession and isolation has made it a classic in psychological horror.

Fact: Kathy Bates won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Annie Wilkes, marking her as the first actress to win an Academy Award for a horror film performance.

Description: A psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a cannibalistic serial killer, Hannibal Lecter, and his interaction with a young FBI agent. Its chilling narrative and unforgettable performances make it a cornerstone of 90s horror.

Fact: Jodie Foster won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Clarice Starling. The film also won Best Picture, making it one of only three horror films to achieve this honor.

Description: A chilling tale of urban legends coming to life, where saying the name "Candyman" five times in front of a mirror summons a vengeful spirit. Its blend of folklore and horror has made it a cult classic.

Fact: The film was inspired by Clive Barker's short story "The Forbidden." The character of Candyman was influenced by the real-life urban legend of "Bloody Mary."

Description: A genre-bending film that starts as a crime thriller before morphing into a vampire horror. Its unexpected shift and over-the-top action make it a unique entry in 90s horror.

Fact: The screenplay was written by Quentin Tarantino, who also stars in the film alongside George Clooney.

Description: Wes Craven's meta-horror film that both parodies and pays homage to the slasher genre, introducing the iconic Ghostface killer. Its clever script and self-awareness revitalized the horror genre in the 90s.

Fact: The opening scene with Drew Barrymore was originally intended for a different actress, but Barrymore's involvement helped secure the film's financing.

Description: A sci-fi horror film about a spaceship that returns from a black hole with something malevolent on board. Its blend of cosmic horror and psychological terror makes it a cult favorite.

Fact: The film was heavily edited before release, with many scenes cut for being too graphic or disturbing.

Description: A teen horror film where students discover that their teachers are being taken over by alien parasites. Its mix of horror, sci-fi, and high school drama has made it a memorable entry in the genre.

Fact: The film features a young cast including Josh Hartnett, Elijah Wood, and Clea DuVall, many of whom went on to have successful careers.

Description: A supernatural thriller about a boy who communicates with spirits, leading to a twist ending that shocked audiences worldwide. Its storytelling and emotional depth make it a standout in horror cinema.

Fact: The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for M. Night Shyamalan.

Description: A found-footage horror that redefined the genre, creating a sense of realism and terror through its minimalistic approach. Its marketing campaign and storytelling technique were revolutionary.

Fact: The film was made with a budget of around $60,000 but grossed over $248 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films ever made.

Description: A sequel that focuses on a detective investigating a series of murders linked to demonic possession. Its atmospheric tension and surprising plot twists make it a worthy successor to the original.

Fact: The film was directed by William Peter Blatty, who wrote the novel "The Exorcist" and the screenplay for the original film.