One of the most beloved subgenres in the realm of horror is the period-horror film, haunting or frightening narratives that take place away from the modern era. Seeing relatable characters dealing with supernatural or frightening circumstances is one thing, but there's something gripping about seeing these events happen in another timeline.
The rules of the genre are different in another era, and sometimes that makes the threat the characters face even more daunting and dangerous. There are plenty of different flavors and fears to explore with these films, the only question is where to begin? Thanks to Rotten Tomatoes, fans already have a splendid sampling of period horror.
The Awakening (62%)
It might be low on the list, but don't let the rating mislead you. one of the most chilling and unsettling gothic horror films out there. It definitely ticks a lot of boxes for standard gothic imagery, with its boarding school setting, ghost children, and evil secrets lurking beneath the surface, but that doesn't mean it's not effective.
It might not elicit any proper, ear-piercing screams, but it has some seriously unnerving imagery and eerie undertones that will give anyone a case of the shivers.
Interview With The Vampire (63%)
Simply put, Interview With The Vampire is a classic vampire flick through and through. Based on the Anne Rice novel of the same name, the film romanticizes the vampire mythos without taking away from any of its monstrous elements.
Lestat might be one of the most charming and cherished vampires in literature, but he's also a predator who can't hide the beast beneath his benevolent appearance. It follows the tropes but doesn't become a parody. Plus, it has one of the most underrated performances in Antonio Banderas's career.
The Woman In Black (67%)
Based on the play and the novel by Susan Hill, The Woman In Black is a gothic period film with a bit more bite than most of its peers. It's certainly more disturbing than the run-of-the-mill haunted house flick, and the period setting only enhances those elements.
A vengeful ghost, child suicides, and cursed houses are just a few of the threats lurking in this eerie nightmare. And despite Daniel Radcliffe's underrated performance, he might have been safer facing off Dementors at Hogwarts.
Sleepy Hollow (69%)
Tim Burton knew exactly what he was doing when he cranked out this 1999 horror icon. With its setting, story, and set pieces, Sleepy Hollow has been described as a modern Hammer Horror film. It's gruesome and over-the-top, but it's also a gothic fairytale only the prolific director could deliver.
It's more spooky than outright scary, but there's definitely a reason for this adaptation of Washington Irving's famous tale has amassed so much appeal.
Crimson Peak (73%)
Honestly, it's a crime and a shame that this film didn't receive the love and attention it so clearly deserved. Though more of a gothic romance than a pure horror flick, Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak is an underappreciated gem in the period horror genre.
Simply a victim of poor marketing, the film has ghosts, grisly murders, and a tragically haunting story that will break viewer's hearts as well as tingle their spines. Those looking for an alternative haunted house flick should definitely visit Crimson Peak.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (75%)
Also known as Coppola's Dracula, this adaptation of the famous Bram Stoker novel is practically the quintessential modern monster movie. Although Keanu Reeve's performance as Johnathan Harker has received some jabs in recent years, the rest of the film is practically a work of art.
The monster makeup is magnificent, the performances from the cast are absolutely brilliant, and Gary Oldman deserves some sort of award for his portrayal as Count Dracula. In fact, he did win the Best Actor award in 1992 by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, not to mention, Rotten Tomatoes has ranked it as Certified Fresh, as well.
The Others (83%)
If there's one thing it's its twist ending that will throw any first-time viewer for a loop. It's a haunted house flick that turns the perspective on its head to spectacular and shocking results.
Without going into some serious spoiler territory, this movie will definitely mess with viewers' heads more than a few times before the credits roll. Let's just say sometimes the ghosts aren't the ones haunting the house.
Masque Of The Red Death (88%)
Vincent Price might be a horror icon known for his campier work, but this film in Roger Corman's Poe cycle is perhaps the most frightening feature in his filmography. An adaptation of Poe's short story, this bloody flick centers around the cruel Prince Prospero and the evil acts that go on inside his castle while a plague rages outside.
There are satanic rituals, human sacrifices, and some seriously startling gore for a movie made in 1964. Those looking for a throwback with a little extra fear factor will definitely want to give this one a watch.
The Witch (90%)
The Witch is one of those horror movies many will only want to see once, but there's a reason it comes with a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Robert Eggers essentially created the perfect period horror flick with this New England nightmare. It's a slow burn with a frightening payoff that will leave many viewers more than a little disturbed.
If viewers can get through the slow start, they will be rewarded with one of the most disturbing dark fantasy flicks in recent years. Just be prepared to see some unsettling imagery.
The Lighthouse (90%)
The Lighthouse is scary, that much is certain. And Eggers does come back with a triumphant period-horror flick, but it only works to the full effect if viewers can follow the language and downright confusing plotline.
Isolation and paranoia can do awful things to the psyche, and this movie exploits that idea to the max. The main issue with it is that it's awfully difficult to tell what's real and what isn't. Then again, that's pretty much the point.
