Top 10 Legendary Horror Films to Watch

Description: Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" redefined the horror genre with its shocking plot twists and the infamous shower scene. Its exploration of madness and voyeurism has influenced countless films that followed.

Fact: Hitchcock bought up copies of the novel to keep the ending a secret, and he insisted that no one be admitted to the theater once the film had started.

Description: George A. Romero's film about a group of people trapped in a farmhouse surrounded by flesh-eating ghouls redefined the zombie genre and introduced social commentary into horror.

Fact: Due to a copyright oversight, the film entered the public domain, allowing it to be widely distributed and copied.

Description: Often cited as one of the scariest films ever made, "The Exorcist" delves into the demonic possession of a young girl and the subsequent exorcism. Its realistic portrayal of possession and the psychological horror it induces make it a cornerstone of horror cinema.

Fact: The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning two, and its release was accompanied by reports of audience members fainting or leaving the theater in distress.

Description: Tobe Hooper's film about a group of friends encountering a family of cannibals, including the infamous Leatherface, is known for its raw intensity and minimal gore, relying on atmosphere and suggestion.

Fact: Despite its title, the film has very little actual chainsaw violence, focusing instead on psychological horror.

Description: This film about the Antichrist's upbringing in a wealthy family mixes religious horror with suspense, delivering a chilling narrative that has spawned sequels and a remake.

Fact: Several bizarre incidents occurred during filming, leading to the belief that the set was cursed.

Description: John Carpenter's "Halloween" introduced the world to Michael Myers, the silent, masked killer, and established many tropes of the slasher genre, including the final girl.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $300,000 and grossed over $70 million, making it one of the most profitable independent films ever.

Description: Ridley Scott's "Alien" combines horror with science fiction, delivering a terrifying creature that has become iconic. Its claustrophobic setting and the unknown terror of the alien make it a standout film.

Fact: The film's tagline, "In space no one can hear you scream," became one of the most famous in cinema history.

Description: Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel about a writer's descent into madness in an isolated hotel. Its eerie atmosphere and Jack Nicholson's iconic performance make it a horror classic.

Fact: The film was shot in the Timberline Lodge, but the interior scenes were filmed on sets in England, and the hedge maze was added for the film.

Description: Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger, who kills teenagers in their dreams, brought a new level of psychological horror to the genre. Its inventive premise and memorable villain have made it a horror staple.

Fact: The idea for the film came to Craven from reports of Cambodian refugees dying in their sleep from nightmares.

Description: Roman Polanski's film about a young woman who suspects her neighbors are part of a Satanic cult and that her unborn child is the Antichrist. Its psychological depth and subtle horror have made it a classic.

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