We all like a good scare from time to time whether it is an accidental scare from family or friends, a spooky haunted house, or a spine-tingling horror movie. Horror movies have been a staple of film for decades, from 1922's 'Nosferatu' to 2018's 'Hereditary', they have survived the test of time, and throughout those times iconic horror films were born. Here are five of the most iconic horror movies you should definitely watch.

5. Hellraiser

Starting with the 80s: an extremely graphic and disgusting movie rose from the depths of hell in 1987 called 'Hellraiser'. A movie filled with disturbing scenes, characters, and visual effects. In Hellraiser, we follow a young girl living with her father and annoying stepmother. After the girl's father cuts his hand in the attic, he unknowingly brings back his dead brother from a hell-like dimension with mysterious figures on the hunt to drag him back to the dimension.

If you are looking for something that is both drama & horror, then this is an excellent pick for you. This movie is very gory and overall is very disturbing, but that’s what you're looking for in a horror is it not?

4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Going back in time to one of the most classic eras of horror, the 70s, we have 1974's 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the most iconic slashers of all time up there with 'Halloween', 'Scream', and 'Friday the 13th'. The plot is simple. A group of teenagers on a road trip accidentally come across a cannibalistic family in Texas, one of which is a large man with a mask on wielding a chainsaw.

Slashers are some of the more thrilling and jumpy types of horror films meaning they are very engaging, so if you are looking for something more like that then this is a great film for you. The chainsaw-wielding man called Bubba (hilarious I know) is extremely terrifying and will always keep you on your toes.

3. Scream

Going forward in time we have a slasher that is guaranteed to make you scream, this movie being 1995's 'Scream'. Most likely the film with the most iconic-looking killer, Scream follows a group of teens targeted by someone in a ghost costume killing them all off one by one in ridiculous, funny, and messed up ways.

The film achieves a more horror/comedy feel because it makes fun of all the classic horror tropes that have been done countless times before over the years, while also brutally killing off the cast. Think 'Velma' if it was good and had likeable characters with consistent and impactful character development.

Horrible TV shows aside. Scream is an amazing film that everybody should watch at least once because of its well-mixed, self-aware comedy into horror. It also has an amazing cast and story such as Courtney Cox and Matthew Lillard, you just can’t beat them two being in a horror movie.

2. The Thing

Going back to the 80s we have the film that came from the weird mind of John Carpenter, 'The Thing'. A movie based in the middle of Antarctica; a team of researchers come across a shapeshifting killer alien that can be anyone at any moment. Watch them become more and more paranoid as the alien slowly kills off each crew member disguised as another.

If you are looking for a David Cronenberg gore experience with a thrilling plot, then look no further than this film. Its disgusting practical effects live up to this day.

1. ALIEN

One of the most influential movies of the past. A horrifying hunter-versus-prey movie. Nowhere to run from it, and nowhere to hide from it, we have the terrifying 70s film, 'ALIEN'. Watch as a small group of people fend against a murderous jet-black alien that came aboard their space station.

This movie was directed by Ridley Scott, known for films such as 'Blade Runner', 'Hannibal', and 'Gladiator'. This movie is a horrifying watch from the moment you see the alien arrive. If you are looking for a movie with more of a slow burn, then this is the movie for you.

Horror is one of the best genres out there that has shown it can stand the test of time through these iconic movies with recognisable killers. Horror movies today still get a lot of attraction spawning modern classics and a new sub-genre called elevated horror which is worth looking into. Even though a few classics were named, there are plenty more out there such as 'Friday the 13th' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', so it's encouraged you look more up if you enjoy any of these titles.

5 classic horror movies you should definitely watch!