Ten Black & White Horror Classics

If you are looking for an alternative to the same old slasher flicks, or just something a little more classic this Halloween, look no further. Here are ten frightening and fun black and white horror classics, most you've heard of and a couple you might not have:

Black & White Horror Classics: Nosferatu (1921)

The vampire in F.W. Murnau's German Expressionist classic Nosferatu isn't romantic, isn't suave, and absolutely doesn't sparkle. No, Max Schreck's Count Orlok is a monster, pure and simple. This silent film is completely frightening and unsettling the entire way through. The play of shadows and light, and some interesting (and disorienting) camera work, make Nosferatu an amazing classic horror film. This film unnerves me so much, I'd suggest that it is easily the creepiest of all vampire films.

Black & White Horror Classics: Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Though George Romero's black and white horror classic is not technically the first zombie film, it is the originator of the type of zombie survival-horror film popular in modern cinema. The zombie genre has been getting a lot of love lately, so it's a great time to see where it all began. Night of the Living Dead may not be as over-the-top gory as some of the current slate of zombie flicks, but is certainly delivers on scares.

Black & White Horror Classics: Psycho (1960)

What can be said about Psycho that hasn't been said a million times before? Yes, Psycho more or less invented the modern horror genre, and yes, it was amazingly shocking at the time. What's really amazing about this classic horror film is how well it holds up even today. This Halloween is the perfect time to revisit this Alfred Hitchcock classic, or even to see it for the first time.

Black & White Horror Classics: Frankenstein (1931)

James Whale's classic horror film shocked audiences on first release (the film was banned completely in Kansas), even though it seems quite tame by today's standards. Boris Karloff plays the monster as gentle and animalistic in his most iconic role. For a really entertaining Halloween, pair this film with Whale's superior sequel, Bride of Frankenstein, for a fun family-friendly black and white double-feature.

Black & White Horror Classics: Cat People (1942)

If you want something a little different this Halloween, look no further than the black and white horror film Cat People. This film is a B-movie through and through, and has attained cult status over the years. The plot revolves around a woman who believes herself the descendant of a Satanic village, and fears turning into a panther. If the plot sounds schlocky and weird, it is. But, Cat People is a lot of fun, and provides a scare or two in the process.

Black & White Horror Classics: A Bucket of Blood (1959)

Here's another cult film for your Halloween viewing. This Roger Corman film is darkly funny in addition to being a great black and white horror film. The visuals in this low-budget film are suitably creepy and the tone is light and satirical. The plot revolves around an awkward busboy-turned-sculptor and his all too lifelike artwork.

Black & White Horror Classics: The House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Vincent Price stars in this black and white horror classic. The premise is a simple one: a wealthy eccentric invites five people to stay the night in his haunted house, and offers a monetary reward for those who survive. The actual plot of the film is quite a bit more complex (and some might say gimmicky), but the film delivers on scares. You may have to suspend your disbelief a bit more for this one, but it is a lot of fun.

Black & White Horror Classics: Carnival of Souls (1962)

It's difficult to explain what makes this black and white horror film so unsettling and compelling, but I think the music plays a large role. This film is full of terrifying and creepy imagery and even creepier organ music, which makes up a great deal of the plot. Carnival of Souls is truly scary. After watching it you may find yourself avoiding reflective surfaces, carnival pavilions, and church organs.

Black & White Horror Classics: The Bad Seed (1956)

The idea of an evil child is well-worn territory in horror film nowadays; it has become so prevalent that it is something of a tired cliché. The Bad Seed not only pioneered that concept, but mastered it. This film is thoroughly creepy and is sure to frighten even the most cynical of horror fans.

Black & White Horror Classics: The Innocents (1961)

The Innocents is the big screen adaptation of one of my favorite ghost novels: Henry James' The Turn of the Screw. Arriving in theaters only a year after Psycho this classic black and white horror film is moody and creepy, definitely a grown-up thriller. Not only does the film deal with ghostly happenings, it also toys with the idea of possession. The cinematography and use of lighting and shadow elevate this black and white film to classic status, and it is a must see for this Halloween.