Cinemaos Favorite horror movies from the Rolling Stone Brasil Writing List prepared by Rolling Stone Brazil journalists has productions from different times and subgenres of the horror over writing

Terror has always occupied a special place in the history of cinema. From the first experiments with shadows and silhouettes in German expressionism to the great modern hits, the genre evolved by reinventing itself and challenging public expectations. Fear, after all, is one of the most universal feelings, and horror movies exploit this emotion in various ways – whether with supernatural monsters, masked psychopaths, or more subtle horrors, which are insinuated in everyday reality.

Over the decades, the genre has built a faithful fan base and an increasingly profitable market. The growth of streaming further expanded the scope of terror, allowing independent titles to gain space alongside millionaire franchises. Movies such as The Exorcist (1973), Halloween (1978) and The enlightened (1980) marked generations and helped shape the language of the genre. In recent years, directors as Ari Aster, Jordan Peele and Robert Eggers They brought new perspectives to terror, mixing psychological horror, social criticism and innovative aesthetic.

With so many styles and approaches, choosing a favorite movie is no easy task. Each viewer connects differently with fear, either by the visual impact, the construction of the suspense or the narrative subtext. Thinking about it, the team of Rolling Stone Brazil He gathered his favorite horror titles, forming a diverse list that walks through different eras and subgenres.

Next, see the films chosen by our journalists:

The others (2001) – Choice of Aline Carlin Cordaro

Choosing a single favorite horror movie is no easy task – specially when it comes to writing about your choice. For those who are undecided, the favorite list grows fast, and some titles deserve honorable mention: The substance, Bloody marriage, Panic, Halloween,The master key, Premonition, Psychosis, Carrie, the strange And so many other contemporary classics that mark the genre.

Among so many options, The others (2001), directed by Alejandro Amenábarstands out for the dark mood and the surrounding psychological narrative. The movie follows Grace Stewart (Nicole Kidman), an overprotective mother who lives with her children in an isolated mansion shortly after World War II. The plot unfolds amid mysterious phenomena, exploring the relationship between reality and illusion, with an outcome that has become one of the most impactful of modern terror (which plot twist, ein!?).

Mixing elements of Gothic horror with psychological suspense, The others was a great success of critic and box office, collecting more than US $ 200 million worldwide. The film received several awards, including the GOYA FOR BEST FILM“A rare feat for a horror production.” The performance of Nicole Kidman and the atmospheric direction of Amenabar consolidated the work as one of the great titles of the genre in the 2000s.

Premonition 3 (2006) and Us (2019) – Felipe Grutter choices

Two distinct approaches of terror, the same fascination with the unexpected. Felipe Grutter He chose two films that explore fear from different perspectives: the inevitable destiny and the horror of fragmented identity.

Launched in 2006, Premonition 3 It is directed by James Wong And follows the formula established by the franchise, in which a group of young people escape a fatal accident thanks to a premonition – but soon discovers that death has its own plans. Starred by Mary Elizabeth Winsteadthe film marked a generation with its elaborate deaths and impactful sequences, including the iconic amusement park scene. The film reinforced the success of the series, becoming one of the most popular chapters of the franchise.

Already Us (2019), Jordan Peelebet on a psychological and social terror. Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke and Elisabeth Mossthe film follows a family that comes across identical and disturbing versions of itself. The script brings metaphors about inequality, identity and collective trauma, transforming a home invasion into a terrifying and symbolism experience. With more than $ 250 million collected worldwide, Us consolidated Peele as one of the big names of contemporary terror.

Rosemary’s baby (1968) and Sustain (1977 and 2018) – Choices by Heloísa Lisboa

Terror can take different forms, but some works transcend time and become definitive references of the genre. Heloísa Lisboa He chose three iconic films, each with his own approach to the fear and aesthetics of horror.

Launched in 1968 and directed by Roman Polanski, Rosemary’s baby It is one of the most influential classics of psychological terror. Starring MIA FARROWthe movie accompanies a pregnant young woman who begins to suspect that a satanic conspiracy is linked to her baby. With an atmosphere of growing paranoia, the narrative turns terror into something subtle and disturbing, without depending on easy scares. The film received the critic’s acclaim and yielded a Oscar of Best Supporting Actress to Ruth Gordonbesides consolidating itself as one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

Already Sustain was originally launched in 1977, under the direction of Argento Dario. The story follows Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper), an American young woman who joins a prestigious dance gym in Germany and soon discovers that the place hides dark secrets. The film became a landmark of gialloItalian subgenre of horror and suspense, thanks to its stylized look, striking soundtrack Goblin and scenes of choreographed violence as surrealist nightmares.

Decades later, Luca Guadagnino released its version of Sustain in 2018reinterpreting history with a denser and more political tone. Starring Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton and Mia Goththe remake bets on a more atmospheric and visceral approach, exploring topics such as identity, power and sacrifice. With a distinct aesthetic and mesmerizing dance scenes, the film divided opinions, but stood out as a bold rereading of a cult classic.

Panic (1996) – Choice of Henrique Nascimento

Panic He redefined the slasher terror by mixing metalanguage and criticism of his own genre. Directed by WES CRAVENthe film presented an innovative approach to teenage horror, balancing tension and humor with a script that deconstructed the established clichés. The feature follows Sidney Prescott (Snow campbell), young man haunted by the past that becomes the target of the masked killer Ghostface. The cast also has Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Skeet Ulrich and Drew Barrymorewhose iconic opening scene became a landmark of horror cinema.

The script of Kevin Williamson It helped revitalize the genre by creating a cat and rat game full of film references. The success of Panic It boosted a new wave of slashers in the 1990s and generated a lasting franchise, with several sequences and a cultural impact that is still relevant to this day. In addition to its expressive performance at the ticket offices, raising more than $ 173 million worldwide, the film won the MTV Movie & TV Awards of Best Movie and consolidated Craven as one of the masters of terror.

The silence of the innocent (1991) and The Exorcist (1973) – Igor Miranda choices

Some horror films go beyond the barriers of the genre and become references in the cinema as a whole. Igor Miranda He chose two absolute classics, which marked the history of suspense and horror.

Launched in 1991, The silence of the innocent It is directed by Jonathan Demme and brings Jodie Foster in the role of Clarice Starlinga young agent of FBI that seeks help from the brilliant and dangerous Hannibal Lecterinterpreted by Anthony Hopkinsto capture a serial killer. The film stood out for the climate of constant tension and impeccable construction of its characters, winning a rare feat: it won the five main prizes of Oscar – Best Movie, Direction, Actor, Actress and Road mapAdapted – and raised Hannibal Lecter to the status of one of the most iconic villains in cinema.

Already The Exorcistlaunched in 1973 and directed by William FriedkinIt is one of the most impactful horror movies of all time. Based on the Book of William Peter Blattythe story accompanies the young woman ABRAN MACNEIL (Linda Blair), possessed by a demonic entity, and priests who try to exorcise it. The feature caused shock at the time of its release, with disturbing scenes and a realistic approach to the supernatural. It was one of the first horror films indicated to Oscar of Best Movieand won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best sound. Besides its legacy in the genre, The Exorcist It has influenced countless productions and remains a milestone of psychological and religious horror.

The lighthouse (2019) – Choice of Pedro Figueiredo

The lighthouse It is one of the most atmospheric and disturbing films of modern terror. Directed by Robert Eggersthe feature is starring Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinsonwho interpret two isolated lighters on a remote island, facing loneliness, madness and supernatural mysteries. Filmed in black and white, with an aesthetics that refers to expressionist cinema and maritime mythology, the film stands out for its immersive photography and claustrophobic tone.

Production mixes elements of psychological terror and folklore, creating an intense and ambiguous experience, where the sanity of the characters dissolves next to the inhospitable landscape. The script, written by Eggers and Max Eggersis inspired by historical records and the literature of HP Lovecraftexploring topics such as isolation, guilt and power. The performance of Dafoe and Pattinson received praise from the critics, and the film was nominated for Oscar of Best Photography.

Run! (2017) – Choice by Rodrigo Tammaro

Launched 2017, Run! marked the debut of Jordan Peele in the direction and redefined contemporary terror by mixing psychological horror and social criticism. Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keenerthe movie follows Chris Washingtona young black man who visits his white girlfriend’s family home and begins to realize that there is something deeply wrong in that environment.

The plot, which initially presents itself as a growing thriller, soon reveals a deeper terror, exploring structural racism and the fear of loss of identity. The ingenious script of Peelefull of symbolism and twists, transformed Run! in a cultural phenomenon, raising more than $ 250 million worldwide and receiving four nominations Oscar. The production won in the category of Best Original Screenplay.