The Best Period Horror Movies, Ranked

In a spine-chilling tale set in post-World War II England, an isolated family finds themselves haunted by the ghosts of their past. With the mother struggling to keep her sanity and protect her children, this eerie film creates an atmosphere thick with suspense and dread. Mesmerizing performances coupled with expert cinematography make for a tightly wound narrative that's guaranteed to make hairs stand on end. This unnerving tale is as hauntingly beautiful as it is deeply unsettling.

Set in 17th-century New England, this haunting story follows a deeply devout family as they grapple with unseen evil forces lurking within their home in the wilderness. As paranoia and religious fervor run rampant, personal demons threaten to tear the family apart from within. With unparalleled attention to historical accuracy and a slow-burning sense of impending doom, The Witch will stay with you long after the final credits roll.

This masterful adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic gothic novel has everything a horror aficionado could ask for: atmosphere, romance, tragedy, and a blood-curdling portrayal of the infamous Count Dracula. The film's late 19th-century setting provides a rich backdrop for the tale of eternal love, lust, and the terror that unfolds when darkness descends upon Victorian London. With captivating performances, lavish visuals, and a brilliant score, this enduring horror classic is an absolute must-see.

Inspired by real-life ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, this chilling movie takes us back to the 1970s, where a family is haunted by dark forces on their new rural property. With its atmospheric storytelling, tension builds until each horrifying reveal leaves viewers biting their nails in terror. The film masterfully blends genuine scares with human drama, making it one of the most terrifying yet compelling supernatural thrillers of modern times.

This spellbinding retelling of the famous Washington Irving short story is both a visual feast and a spine-tingling thriller. Director Tim Burton transports us back to 1799, where crime-solving constable Ichabod Crane faces the legendary Headless Horseman in a fog-shrouded village. With its macabre charm, this film forays into the realm of gothic horror with style and wit, leaving viewers breathless until the end.

In this atmospheric adaptation of Anne Rice's popular novel, we're introduced to a world where vampires dwell among humans during the late 18th-century New Orleans. Through captivating flashbacks and an intense character-driven narrative, this film explores themes of immortality, guilt, and forbidden desires. With powerful performances from Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst, this stylish vampire tale remains a timeless classic.