The 1999 film Ravenous, directed by Antonia Bird, takes the top spot as one of the best period horror movies in history. The film expertly blends Algonquian folklore with historical accounts of desperate people resorting to cannibalism, creating a unique and terrifying experience. The film’s satirical angle and stunning locations make it an underrated period horror gem. The blend of folklore and history is exceptional, with the movie’s protagonist, Captain John Boyd, struggling to maintain his humanity amidst the chaos.
Bone Tomahawk, released in 2015, comes in close second, striking a perfect balance between the Western and horror genres. The intelligent screenplay by S. Craig Zahler and gruesome horror scenes make it a standout film. The movie features a strong cast, including Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins, amid the eerie atmosphere of the wilderness. The film’s exploration of the savagery of human nature, set against the backdrop of the 19th-century American West, is both charming and terrifying.
Crimson Peak, also released in 2015, stands out for its stunning visuals and atmospheric setting. Director Guillermo del Toro’s gothic romance supernatural horror film expertly utilizes the period setting to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The film’s unique ghost design and dark conspiracy involving the siblings add to its unsettling nature. The visuals, production design, and cinematography are unparalleled, transporting the audience to a dark and haunting mansion.
Witchfinder General, released in 1968, is a chilling exploration of the consequences of religious fundamentalism and paranoia about the occult. The film, starring Vincent Price, delves into the devastating effects of the witch hunt on the town of 17th-century England. The movie’s slow-burning tension and atmospheric setting create a sense of unease, as the villagers’ fear and superstition lead to chaos and destruction.
Crimson Peak 2015 (Image via Getty)
A Field in England, released in 2013, is a surreal and disorienting psychological horror film. The strong performances by the cast, including Michael Smiley and Reece Shearsmith, add to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The movie’s darkly funny screenplay, written by Amy Jump, expertly pokes fun at its own mystifying plot, creating a sense of confusion and unease.
Onibaba, released in 1964, is an underrated classic horror film that explores themes of gender, jealousy, and aging. The black-and-white visuals, combined with the film’s use of shadows and light, create an eerie and haunting atmosphere. The movie’s exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of societal norms is both charming and terrifying.
The Lighthouse, released in 2019, is an experimental and psychedelicarthouse psychological horror film. Director Robert Eggers’ use of the period setting to heighten the surreal atmosphere creates a sense of unease and disorientation. The performances by the cast, including Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, add to the film’s unsettling nature.
The Devil’s Bath, released in 2024, draws inspiration from historical records about the tragic phenomenon of “suicide-by-proxy” in 17th and 18th century Europe. The heartbreaking performance by the lead actor adds to the film’s emotional impact, making it a standout period horror film.
The Others, released in 2001, is a supernatural and psychological horror film that expertly blends beauty and terror. The film’s use of atmosphere and suspense creates a sense of unease, as the protagonist, Grace, uncovers the dark secrets of the mansion she has inherited. The film’s exploration of themes such as grief, loss, and trauma makes it one of the scariest horror films of the 2000s.
Finally, The Witch, released in 2015, is a modern classic of period horror. The film’s highly eerie atmosphere and provocative feminist themes about the status of women and teenage girls throughout history make it a standout film. The performances by the cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Ineson, add to the film’s unsettling nature, creating a sense of unease and fear.
