Contemporary horror films are all about the jump scares. Sometimes it’s nice to settle in with an old-fashioned fright film — and we’re here to offer a few picks for your viewing pleasure this Halloween. Take a break from the found footage genre and enjoy these old-school horror tales during the spookiest night of the year.
Black Moon (1934)
King Kong scream queen Fay Wray stars in this pre-code horror film about a voodoo sacrifice and female madness, set on a tropical island.
Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933)
A spunky reporter, a sinister sculptor, and the uncanny use of real actors as wax figures.
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
Expressionist and featuring a downbeat ending, Paul Leni’s 1928 film stars the creepy grimace of Conrad Veidt’s disfigured character.
Weird Woman (1944)
A supernatural story starring horror icon Lon Chaney, Jr., based on a tale from the old Inner Sanctum radio serials.
The Leopard Man (1943)
The Jacques Tourneur directed this 1943 film about a serial killer (featuring another cat theme!), set at a night club.
The Old Dark House (1932)
Frankenstein‘s James Whale directs horror legend Boris Karloff in an old-fashioned haunted house chiller
The Vampire Bat (1933)
A vampire, a frightened European village, and old-school scares.
Werewolf of London (1935)
Considered the first mainstream werewolf film, produced by Universal Pictures.