There’s something so beautiful about black and white movies, especially those in the horror genre. Some of the best horror films of all time were made at a time when technicolor wasn’t an option (or popular yet). I decided to put together a top 5r list of my personal favorite ones. You will find that many of them would probably make it on just about everyone’s list. But, you will also be surprised by at least one entry of mine. I hope this sheds a little light on who I am and what I love about black and white cinema.
1. Dracula (1931)
This may not be the best movie ever made, or even the best in this list, but it is my personal favorite. I have been fascinated by vampires my whole life, especially Dracula. In my eyes, Bela Lugosi perfectly embodied this legendary character. So many since have taken on this role in cinema, none have been able to do it quite the way he did.
2. House On Haunted Hill (1959)
Vincent Price is a horror genius! Everything he did, everything he said oozed creepy and amazing. I think it is fitting to say that he was a true master of horror! This movie is by far my favorite one of his. Having grown up watching the remake and actually thoroughly enjoying it, I was ecstatic when I found out that this version existed. I fell in love with it with only viewing. The best way I can describe it is that this is just Vincent Price at his best. That alone should be enough to convince anyone that hasn’t seen it (but knows him) to watch it!
3. Before I Hang (1940)
I might be the only person on the planet that would put this one in their top 5, especially in this position on the list. But hear me out. Boris Karloff (yes, another horror legend) is incredible in this film. I can't describe why I love it so much, I just do. Of course Karloff is most known for his role of Frankenstein’s monster, but something about this role speaks to me more. It’s highly underrated and I recommend it to anyone that loves Karloff and early horror.
4. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
This film broke so many barriers at the time of its release. Iit was the first film to have a black protagonist, specifically one that was portrayed as strong, capable, and really just normal. Up until this point, movies usually portrayed black characters with racial stereotypes. Let’s also not forget that famous scene with the child and her mother. I won’t go into detail for those that haven’t seen it, but that was also quite controversial at the time. And most importantly of all, this gem gave us zombies as we know them today! Personally, I love that. I love the controversies this film made. I love that it broke barriers and also opened up a whole new world of opportunities in horror for us to enjoy decades later.
5. Psycho (1960)
There’s not much that I need to say about this one. It is a masterpiece and it should be on every person’s list of not just the greatest black and white horror films, but the greatest horror films of all time. Hitchcock was a brilliant filmmaker. And it goes without saying that some of the credit should go to the incredible acting of Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh.
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