The direction of a horror movie ultimately informs how scary the story is going to be. The audience's reaction rests on a number of decisions, from whether the pacing is a nice slow burn or jam-packed action to how the characters interact. When a movie is really, really good, fans can thank the talented director who knew just what to do, from that perfect jump scare to camerawork that amps up the unnerving tone.
While picking favorites is always subjective, horror fans can agree on some of the most talented filmmakers who have worked in the genre over the past few decades. Fans are sharing their favorite directors of this scary genre on Reddit.
Sam Rami
For Evil Dead trilogy is my favorite."
Fans love the movie was filmed in a cabin and it proved to be the perfect location.
Jordan Peele
Reddit GummyZerg mentioned "Jordan Peele" among their list of favorite horror directors.
Us are both considered some of the most compelling and well-crafted movies of recent years, and Peele's directing style is intelligent and inventive. Fans are always excited to see what he's going to do next and many agree that he's a filmmaker to watch.
John Carpenter
John Carpenter won in a Reddit poll with 317 votes, and Halloween back in the early 80s and it hooked me on his work completely and utterly."
While Halloween has countless fans, as horror lovers can't get enough of the acting and music and scary storyline, fans also love The Thing. John Carpenter will always be included in discussions of the best directors working in this terrifying genre.
Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan's most recent project Midnight Mass has some horrifying scenes, and the character development and setting on a tiny island make it an incredible watch.
Before I Wake. Whether fans are watching Flanagan's movies or TV series, his clear style is always present. These stories are definitely character-driven horror.
James Wan
The The Conjuring franchises are staples of the horror genre and when it comes to a favorite horror movie director, Reddit vm38 said, "I’m gonna go with James Wan on this one."
While these franchises are both very different, as one is extremely dark and gory and the other is supernatural, both are incredibly scary. Fans praise James Van for directing stylish films that make people think.
Karyn Kusama
Jennifer’s Body. The 2009 movie might not be talked about as much as some others, but it's a compelling story about two best friends who couldn't be more different from each other and who become involved in a waking nightmare.
Needy and Jennifer go to see a band, hoping to get some excitement during their boring high school lives, and Jennifer becomes possessed. The Invitation, a 2015 horror movie about people gathering for dinner who realize that a cult is behind the destruction that is about to take place.
Wes Craven
Whether tracing Sidney Prescott's journey from the first movie tot he one, or comparing the surprising deaths in Scream, many horror fans love Wes Craven's movies as his directing style works so well.
Scream that are definitely corny, but the campy tone of the franchise is what makes it so special.
Ari Aster
After many horror fans absolutely loved the shocking movie Midsommar. This movie was just as unexpected and surprising, making Ari Aster a fascinating director who is making compelling work.
Reddit willtrent16 loves Ari Aster's "attention to detail and the way he crafts his stories." Several Reddit s said that they felt let down by Midsommar as they weren't sure that it compared to the first one, with Reddit TheKawValleyKid saying, "I LOVED Hereditary but was pretty underwhelmed by Midsommar." But even those who aren't sure that Ari Aster is their favorite are still interested in seeing his future movies.
David Cronenberg
Reddit 6runtled said "Cronenberg is a genius" and mentioned Videodrome and The Fly. They called them "horror masterpieces" and said that the director has a "vision for the surreal and grotesque."
David Cronenberg's highly rated movies are considered "body horror" and while that's not for everyone, fans appreciate his storytelling style and incredible talent.
Jennifer Kent
The Babadook," and the 2014 horror movie has definitely made a big impression.
When Sam reads a book called Mister Babadook, he's totally convinced that this creature actually exists. While there are many movies about monsters, this one is actually horrifying and might be tough to watch with the lights off.