Top 10 Iconic Horror Films

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece redefined the horror genre with its shocking plot twists and the infamous shower scene. Its influence on suspense and horror filmmaking is unparalleled.

Fact: The film was shot with a low budget, and Hitchcock bought the rights to the novel to prevent spoilers, insisting that no one be admitted into the theater once the film had started.

Description: Roman Polanski's psychological horror about a woman who suspects her neighbors are part of a satanic cult is chilling for its slow build-up of paranoia and dread.

Fact: The film was shot in the Dakota building in New York, where John Lennon would later be murdered.

Description: Often hailed as one of the scariest movies ever made, "The Exorcist" explores the demonic possession of a young girl and the subsequent exorcism. Its realistic portrayal of evil and its psychological depth make it a cornerstone of horror cinema.

Fact: The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning two. It was also the first horror film ever to be nominated for Best Picture.

Description: This film's gritty realism and the introduction of Leatherface as a horror icon made it a landmark in the genre. Its influence on horror cinema is profound, despite its low budget.

Fact: The film was marketed as being based on true events, although it was largely fictional.

Description: John Carpenter's "Halloween" set the template for the slasher film with its relentless killer, Michael Myers, and its suspenseful, minimalist score. It's a film that has spawned numerous sequels and remakes.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of less than $300,000 and grossed over $70 million worldwide.

Description: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is a study in isolation, madness, and the supernatural. Jack Nicholson's performance as the deranged Jack Torrance is both terrifying and iconic.

Fact: Kubrick famously shot over 100 takes of the scene where Danny rides his tricycle through the hotel.

Description: Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger introduced the world to a villain who could kill you in your dreams. The film's concept of dream-induced terror was both novel and deeply unsettling.

Fact: Johnny Depp made his film debut in this movie, playing one of the teenagers targeted by Freddy.

Description: This film blends psychological horror with thriller elements, featuring the unforgettable character of Hannibal Lecter. Its chilling portrayal of evil and the cat-and-mouse game between Clarice Starling and Lecter is unforgettable.

Fact: It is one of only three films to win the "Big Five" Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: This found-footage horror film revolutionized the genre by presenting itself as real footage from a doomed documentary project, creating a sense of realism and terror that was unprecedented.

Fact: Made on a budget of about $60,000, it grossed over $248 million worldwide.

Description: Jordan Peele's directorial debut combines social commentary with horror, exploring themes of race, identity, and control in a way that's both terrifying and thought-provoking.

Fact: The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.