“Are they gonna drop the bomb or not?” This is the question at the heart of the anxiety that has marked the Atomic Age. The century-defining paranoia that inevitably followed the development of the nuclear bomb plagued a generation; and, while their descendants may have become distracted with more amusing technology, the theoretical threats of the ultimate weapon have not diminished. Rather, they have only grown more imminent, with the blade of this sword of Damocles growing sharper by the year.

Though many have grown numb to the fear of nuclear destruction, cinema has kept a watchful eye on the topic all along. With the dawn of the Atomic Era came an explosion of films which addressed the physical and psychological implications at the core of nuclear warfare, while reflecting on the terrifying capacity of humankind to destroy itself in the blink of an eye. These films examine the hubris, the humility, and the horror that are all triggered in some way by the very existence of such catastrophic weaponry. This dark, deadly shadow that has been cast by modern scientific enlightenment has inspired some profound cinematic musings on the topic of nuclear fear, and these are ten of the very best examples.

10. The China Syndrome (1979, James Bridges)

During a visit to a nuclear power plant in California, a news crew happens to catch an incident that reveals serious safety issues at the plant. Aware of the deadly nature of the risk, the reporters try to raise public awareness of the potential ticking time bomb in their midst. But can they counter public apathy and corporate indifference in time to prevent a catastrophe? This thriller by director James Bridges is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

With a blockbuster cast including Jane Fonda, Jack Lemmon, and Michael Douglas, The China Syndrome possesses enough starpower to light a small nuclear plant. Though set in a fictional world, it examines the very real steps that could potentially lead to a nuclear disaster. Less sci-fi than realistic thriller, The China Syndrome places the atomic danger squarely in our own backyard, and imagines how we might prevent it.

9. Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959, Alain Resnais)

This French New Wave classic isn’t concerned with action sequences or atomic explosion special effects, but the aftershocks of nuclear disaster are clear in every frame. Emmanuelle Riva plays a French actress and Eiji Okada plays a Japanese architect, and an extended conversation between them is the focus of this film. Set in Hiroshima soon after World War II, Hiroshima Mon Amour floats among the memories of its two main characters, examining how an entire lifetime of experiences can be colored by a single horrific, haunting event.

Hiroshima Mon Amour is a meditative exploration of the effects of humanity’s destructive impulses upon itself. While it dwells on the melancholy past, it pleads for a brighter future free of nuclear fear. All these years later, it still possesses a subtle emotional power.

8. The Miracle Mile (1988, Steve De Jarnatt)

After a Los Angeles everyman accidentally overhears a random phone call, he finds himself in the unenviable position of trying to save humanity from destruction. The voice on the phone warns of an impending nuclear attack within an hour, and our would-be hero has reason to believe the threat is real. With the aid of a waitress he just met that morning, he maximizes every remaining minute to try and thwart the looming catastrophe.

Often in the movies, the atomic strings are being pulled by faceless bureaucrats and politicians, but The Miracle Mile succeeds by placing part of the power in the hands of an average citizen. Anthony Edwards plays the protagonist upon whose shoulders the fate of Los Angeles rests, and his efforts to save lives without the aid of money or influence makes the anxiety immediate and personal. Check out this underrated classic for a chance to put yourself in the shoes of a civilian savior.

7. I Live In Fear (1955, Akira Kurosawa)

Legendary director Akira Kurosawa turned his attention to the topic of nuclear fear in this classic drama. He focuses especially on the psychological effects of atomic anxiety on one man whose life is upended by what he perceives as the looming threat of attack.

Frequent Kurosawa collaborator Toshiro Mifune plays Kiichi Nakajima, an aging businessman so paralyzed by fear of a nuclear war that he goes to extreme lengths to protect himself and his family. Determined to start a new life on a farm in Brazil, he faces numerous obstacles – including some family members who want him stopped by reason of incompetence. Even as his sanity and his life start to fall apart, his fear grows and his determination remains unabated. I Live In Fear zooms in from the worldwide carnage that atomic warfare can cause to show us how individual lives can also be laid waste.

6. When the Wind Blows (1986, Jimmy T. Murakami)

Here’s a unique and brilliant take on the topic of nuclear fear – When the Wind Blows is an animated film based on the comic books of Raymond Briggs with the same title. But its unconventional style only heightens the emotional impact left on the viewer, and it’s a story you’re not likely to forget.

The film focuses on an elderly couple living in the English countryside; when they hear of an impending nuclear attack, they try to prepare but are unequipped to truly mitigate the danger to themselves and their way of life. After the initial attack is over, the aftereffects begin to take a devastating toll on the simple couple, and the film examines it in heartbreaking detail.

Featuring a remarkable soundtrack by artists like David Bowie, Roger Waters, and Genesis, When the Wind Blows is destined to remain an unforgettable classic.

Though each passing decade has uniquely changed the face of film, the seventies undeniably sent shockwaves through the cinematic landscape. Movie screens still reverberate today from the aftershocks, and nowhere are the effects felt more profoundly than in the horror genre. The loosening of censorship restraints broke the mold for what could be shown on screen, while a growing audience tolerance for visceral terror unleashed new waves of creativity behind the camera.

These ten films are testaments to the impact that the decade had on movie history – both for individual movies and for broader trends within the industry. Several are timeless masterpieces, while some are better described as shockers which nevertheless left an outsized influence on future films. But by now they’re all classics worthy of your attention, so let’s take a closer look at the ten most influential horror movies of the 1970s.

10. The Wicker Man (1973, Robin Hardy)

Few films in history have achieved such a massive return on investment as the cult horror classic The Wicker Man. This perfect marriage of artistic integrity and a shockingly low budget has gone on to incredible acclaim from its humble origins. Its success is largely attributable to the tireless advocacy of actor Christopher Lee, who threw himself into both the creation and promotion of this passion project of director Robin Hardy. The Wicker Man remains the seminal example of folk horror, and no modern example of the subgenre can escape its long shadow.

When a devout Christian cop, played by Edward Woodward, is summoned to a remote island to help search for a missing child, he stumbles into a tight-knit group of self-described pagans with drastically different beliefs than his own. His moral sensibilities are repeatedly shocked by the pagan practices of the island’s inhabitants, and his search for the lost girl becomes hopelessly complex as it appears that his hosts have much to hide. It’s difficult to root against the stalwart detective, but watching his potential ruin at the hands of the islanders sure makes for fantastic viewing. Cinema will never outgrow the awful horror of The Wicker Man.

9. Alien (1979, Ridley Scott)

One of Alien’s most important achievements was to take a popular movie theme and transport it to an exciting new setting – namely outer space. The claustrophobic tension created by the threat of a mysterious killer only grows in the remote, lonely regions of a dark universe. Ridley Scott’s skillful direction helps make this a genuine artistic and stylistic achievement, and part of his genius here is the film’s simplicity. Without a variety of settings, and without the debilitating crutch of modern CGI, Alien accomplishes what few films since have – an endlessly engaging, terrifying experience that has yet to age.

The members of a space crew are lightyears away from the nearest humans, and all alone with each other – or so they think. When they realize that a malevolent alien creature is also on board with them, eliminating them one by one, panic sets in. Not knowing how to fight a monster about which they know nothing, the crew must find a solution or die in anonymity. The isolation of the characters in Alien is as terrifying as the alien itself, and these elements combine to make an unforgettable horror classic.

8. Dawn of the Dead (1978, George A. Romero)

Other zombie movies had come and gone before 1978’s Dawn of the Dead, but few would leave such a lasting impact on the future of the horror genre. This unmitigated slaughter session of a film left no zombie standing, and opened the flood gates for new waves of deadly undead horror. If these sound like the ingredients of a cheap shocker to you, you’re not too far from the truth; but, veteran director George A. Romero also brought enough artistry and creativity to the proceedings to ensure that Dawn of the Dead would be the dawn of a reinvigorated subgenre.

Set primarily in a shopping mall, Dawn of the Dead seems to have a few critical things to say about American consumerism, but the prevailing theme is definitely zombies, and the killing of zombies. It’s admittedly a one-note kind of movie, but that one note is unquestionably an exciting one. An army of zombies is taking over the entire United States, and the number of the fully living is shrinking on a daily basis. A small group of survivors find themselves cornered in the relative safety of a shopping center, where they engage in a battle on behalf of humanity. Brace yourself for the violence, but prepare to be entertained.

7. Carrie (1976, Brian De Palma)

Not only did 1976’s Carrie show the world how effective a quality adaptation of a Stephen King story could be, it also basically set the gold standard for horror adaptations of any kind. This classic perfectly captures the spirit of a novel filled with intense emotional energy, and translates that energy through pitch perfect performances. Anchored by the brilliant acting of Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, Carrie is everything that a film adaptation of a great book should be, and it has left many imitators in its wake.

Featuring the most famous prom night in history, Carrie continues to be an instructive parable to mean girls everywhere. The movie is named after its protagonist, a socially awkward high school girl who is mocked at school while being humiliated at home by her religious bully of a mother. But soon after discovering her extraordinary mental powers, Carrie starts to lose patience with the escalating mistreatment she receives from everyone around her. The results of her retribution aren’t pretty, but this film remains a great classic of the horror genre, and a perennially influential horror film.

6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974, Tobe Hooper)

Here’s a shocker of a film that would have been simply unthinkable to make in any prior decade in Hollywood. The very nature of the grotesque horror on display made this movie both a disruptor and a trendsetter. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a nightmarish descent into exaggerated, impossible horror, which set new standards for what film audiences could tolerate and be scared by. Nevertheless, the deft directing of Tobe Hooper rescues this movie from being relegated to the trash heap of exploitative garbage, and it continues to reveal its staying power year after year.

When a group of friends run out of gas on a short road trip together, they think that will be the worst of their problems… but the trouble is only starting. They find the local gas station empty, and while visiting a nearby home, they encounter the infamous Leatherface – a chainsaw-wielding maniac wearing a mask made of skin. Thus begins the group’s horrific encounter with a relentless killer who won’t stop until they’re all dead. Buckle up for a wild ride.

In an age when people are justly cynical about the character of their heroes and celebrities, we still like to harbour a secret hope that some of them might actually be decent people. Well, by some glitch in the matrix, history handed us at least two gentlemen in the movies who showcased ultimate class, erudition, and charisma; and, as if that wasn’t enough, they happened to be quite close friends. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing made some twenty-two films together, many of which have become classics as irreplaceable as the two masters of the macabre themselves. On screen they were often adversaries, occasional allies, and sometimes just in the general vicinity of each other; but they were always classy and they remain unforgettable.

We can’t help but love how two guys famous for playing terrifying characters seem to have been genuinely nice in real life, and we’re here to celebrate ten of their greatest film collaborations. It will be difficult to discuss these movies without mentioning the great filmmaker Terence Fisher, who directed so many of them that he deserves to be an honorary member of this discussion; Fisher helped to pioneer a new wave of horror films that have held up remarkably well over the years. But here’s to Cushing and Lee, two heroes of horror – giants of the genre – and ten of the best movies they made together.

10. The Skull (1965) – Freddie Francis

The always reliable trio of Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and director Freddie Francis join forces once again in this delightfully devilish tale of horror. The plot is taken from a short story by Robert Bloch, titled “The Skull of the Marquis de Sade,” and it’s every bit as fun as you’d expect. With a musical score by avant-garde composer Elisabeth Lutyens, The Skull is equipped with the perfect skeletal structure to build a great film around.

In London, the actual skull of the infamous Marquis de Sade is being passed among collectors of occult memorabilia, with disastrous results. The problem is that victims of the apparent curse on the skull can’t stick around long enough to warn the next owner. Christopher Lee plays a collector who wants to be rid of the dangerous object, and Peter Cushing plays one who is eager to obtain it. Can the two work together quickly enough to escape untimely ends, or will their passion for this twisted piece of history destroy them both? The Skull’s allure is undeniable.

9. Scream and Scream Again (1970) – Gordon Hessler

Look, we can’t possibly imagine anyone growing tired of the Lee and Cushing combo, but just in case you need an extra incentive to check out this little cinematic gem, you should know that it is also graced with the presence of the great Vincent Price. Yes, all three titans of terror appear here, making Scream and Scream Again an easy recommendation for that reason alone; but a strong script and an intriguing story also make this British sci-fi an all-around winner.

Based on Peter Saxon’s science fiction novel “The Disorientated Man,” Scream and Scream Again is an intriguing piece of sci-fi horror. Weaving three different story lines into one compelling tale, this is a unique film with a stellar cast. Lee plays an intelligence agent, Price is an eccentric transplant surgeon, and Cushing is a victim of a serial killer roaming London. Give this one a watch to discover the common thread that ties them all together and solves the mystery.

8. I, Monster (1971) – Stephen Weeks

Not only are we treated to performances by both Lee and Cushing in I, Monster, we’re given a double-dose of Sir Christopher, whose character takes a potion which turns him into an entirely different person. But that’s a prescription we’re all too happy to take, and by the end of the film you’re sure to be feeling fine until your next Cushing/Lee fix comes along.

I, Monster is a retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – a story so rich in imagination that perennial retellings never dim its shine. When a psychologist concocts a drug meant to free the inhibitions of his patients, he decides to perform a trial run on himself; but the results are disastrous, as his freed alter ego runs wild in violence in crime. Peter Cushing plays his lawyer, who begins to have suspicions and may soon be in danger of knowing too much. You won’t want to miss a minute of this thrilling classic.

7. Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965) – Freddie Francis

This anthology is blessed with a cast to die for, two members of which are Lee and Cushing; add a young Donald Sutherland, and it’s going to be hard to go wrong. Thankfully, the film is also blessed with an intelligent and intriguing script, making it a real treat to watch. Packing five story segments into a film of average length, Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors ensures that the viewer won’t experience a moment of boredom!

When five strangers become neighbors in a train car, they’re surprised to see a mysterious sixth figure joining them. This sixth guest is Peter Cushing, and he plays a Tarot card reader with important messages for each of his new companions. One by one, Cushing foretells the doom of each man in the train car, but also offers them a slim hope that their fortunes might yet be reversed. One of the unfortunate passengers is Christopher Lee, and for a change he is the skeptic of the group, with a strong hostility toward the supernatural; Lee turns in a dynamic performance as an insufferable art critic whose arrogance might be his undoing. This is one cinematic trip you’ll want a ticket for.

6. The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) – Terence Fisher

It was inevitable that a legendary horror studio like Hammer would want to put their unique stamp on the Frankenstein story, and they did so in legendary fashion. The first in a series of films featuring Peter Cushing as Dr. Frankenstein, The Curse of Frankenstein is a classic of the horror genre. Though Cushing and Lee are antagonists in this outing, and Lee is barely recognizable, a distinct magic is still palpable for fans of these two legends of the genre.

This initial installment in the Frankenstein series is the closest to the original literary story. In it, Peter Cushing is Victor Frankenstein, who becomes obsessed with creating new life from various parts from dead bodies. When his monstrous creation (played by Christopher Lee) comes to life, Frankenstein loses all control over it, and the newborn monster discovers its power to kill and destroy. The horror is handled with restraint and class, making this a classic worthy of frequent resurrections.

When it comes to horror movies, it’s all too easy to fall into a deep rut. For the casual film fan, Halloween might be the only time of year when the cobwebs get dusted off the scary stuff, and annual traditions are popular and fun to create. But, once those routines form, the effort to discover new options inevitably fades, leaving scores of quality movies buried in obscurity.

We understand that it’s tempting to become a little lazy when your favorite movies are already pretty good, but it’s our business to expand your cinematic boundaries, and we’ve dug up some bloody brilliant gems that are frightfully underrated. So if your Halloween party is in need of some new blood, one of these classics might just make you the hero of next year’s festivities.

10. Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971) – John D. Hancock

A movie with a title this unorthodox deserves an equally quirky story to match, and Let’s Scare Jessica to Death delivers. This wonderfully distinctive cult classic perennially flies under the radar, but once discovered it’s not easily forgotten. Loose comparisons to Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s classic novella Carmilla have added an extra layer of intrigue to the film, which still possesses the power to unnerve and terrify.

After leaving a mental institution, Jessica (played by Zohra Lampert) travels with some friends to stay in their newly-purchased old farmhouse. They’re puzzled to find a strange girl already living in the house, but decide to invite the drifter to stay a little longer. But soon, Jessica starts seeing strange apparitions, and the newcomer seems to be the source of increasing tension in the group. Are the troubles related to their new friend, or is Jessica suffering a relapse of mental instability? Let’s Scare Jessica to Death is a memorable head trip of a film.

9. Inland Empire (2006) – David Lynch

Most people either love or hate David Lynch’s films, but you owe it to yourself to at least give his entire body of work a fair hearing. Of all his full-length movies, Inland Empire is perhaps the least known, and it could be argued that it’s the most challenging. Clocking in at more than three hours, and with a plot sure to twist your brain in knots, you’ll want to approach this one with a fully charged emotional battery.

Let’s start with just a sampling of the cast here – Laura Dern, Justin Theroux, Jeremy Irons, Harry Dean Stanton, Naomi Watts, Julia Ormond, Nastassja Kinski, Wiliam H. Macy… shall we go on? It’s obviously an impressive group, and they deliver impressive results in Inland Empire. The story follows Nikki (played by Laura Dern), an actress who’s taken on a new film role. But she soon learns that the film is the continuation of an unfinished project which witnessed the murders of its leading actors. As we know, David Lynch can conjure horror from the most innocuous material, and Inland Empire is sure to haunt you.

8. Dead of Night (1945) – Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden and Robert Hamer

This British horror anthology remains an influential classic of the genre, even while being criminally underseen by the public at large. Perhaps that’s due to its difficulty to find on home video, but true film fans know better than to be told what to watch by distribution companies. Dead of Night deserves to be sought out, and it promises to reward those willing to put in the effort.

The four individual segments here are directed by four different directors: Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden and Robert Hamer. There’s not a weak story in the group, but the most iconic one features an unstable ventriloquist who develops a disturbing fascination with his dummy, which he thinks is really alive. Dead of Night is a uniformly excellent early anthology that holds up well to this day.

7. The Wailing (2016) – Na Hong-jin

When a Japanese man comes to live in a South Korean town, he keeps to himself and lives a quiet life. But, coinciding with his arrival, a strange sickness breaks out in the village, and the stranger comes under immediate suspicion. A police investigator tackles the case with an open mind, but is quickly deluged with wild stories about the mysterious newcomer. As the body count increases, paranoia and fear threaten the sanity and the lives of all involved.

This South Korean film delivers its terror with a double-edged sword: not only does it depict genuinely frightening physical events, it also dives into the dangerous psychological realms of paranoia and suspicion. Delving into themes of Eastern mythology, The Wailing shows itself to be a supremely literate movie while still unleashing plenty of frights upon those who dare to undertake a viewing.

6. Eye of the Devil (1966) – J. Lee Thompson

J. Lee Thompson’s Eye of the Devil has one of the best casts in horror history. With Deborah Kerr, David Niven, Sharon Tate, David Hemmings, and Donald Pleasence on the screen, the quality of the script almost wouldn’t matter. Thankfully, Eye of the Devil is blessed with an intriguing story in addition to its dynamic performances that holds our interest throughout.

David Niven plays a wealthy landowner who is called to one of the estates where he owns a vineyard which has been failing. He is quite secretive about his trip, and refuses to bring his wife along or discuss his family heritage through which he acquired the estate.

When his wife and children arrive to visit in spite of his wishes, they find an unwelcoming atmosphere and hostile hosts. A witch and her brother who live on the estate seem especially intent on ruining their experience and driving them away. Eye of the Devil is a classic, underrated shocker.

Ok movie buffs – If you had to choose a single year in horror film history to put into a time capsule for future generations, what year would it be? The task is a daunting one, and for some film fans it may set the scene for their own personal horror show. Ever since 1896’s The House of the Devil, horror films have only grown in number and sophistication, and now the catalogue is terrifyingly deep. But, as opposed to the more difficult proposition of choosing the single greatest horror movie of all time, the best year for the genre is a fairly clear pick in our eyes. We’ve plumbed the depths of the winding crypt that is horror film history to present you with 10 classic examples of scare fare certifying that 1960 is the year that had it all.

In many ways, 1960 was a year of transition; besides opening the door to a new decade of film, it also blazed a trail into a new cinematic era. Almost symbolically, both black-and-white and color movies feature prominently in this list, just as the films themselves were bridging the gap between a more heavily censored past and an age of more artistic freedom still to come.

A great cinematic awakening was underway, and these films were the laboratories for experimentation and growth which tested the boundaries of tradition. In our view, 1960 was the perfect sweet spot between conservative horror and effective horror – the ideal balance of intellectual, imaginative terror and visceral, accessible terror. Here are the 10 films which prove that 1960 was the greatest single year in horror film history.

1. Psycho – directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Having Psycho in its corner already gave 1960 a huge advantage in this contest. Many consider this to be the greatest horror film of all time, and for good reason – in Psycho we find the ideal combination of all the best ingredients that make up a beloved horror movie. A perfect storm of artistry and popularity merge here to create a film that transcends its own genre and its own era. Psycho barely feels like a Hitchcock movie; it lacks any dated features of the 1960’s; it confidently overthrows the popular plot formula; and it features a villain who would influence cinema for decades. Hitchcock’s masterpiece proves that quality art can also be universally loved.

The Bates Motel is by now an iconic part of cinematic history, but in 1960 it was still a mysterious little stop off the highway, full of secrets. When Marion Crane stopped there for the night, carrying secrets of her own, it felt like some kind of karmic alignment. She soon discovered the secrets of the motel and of its eccentric owner, and movie fans were blessed with a timeless classic as a result. Psycho proves year after year that it richly deserves to be one of the most popular films of all time.

2. Eyes Without a Face – directed by Georges Franju

Eyes Without a Face is a gothic horror classic that’s as unforgettable as its title. It features a brilliantly mad doctor whose experiments have (unsurprisingly) led him into morally questionable territory, with a bit of a twist – his main subject is his daughter.

After causing a car accident that led to the disfigurement of her face, the father is consumed with guilt. He becomes possessed by the notion that he can make his daughter beautiful again by means of a face transplant – and thus begins his experimentations with innocent victims.

Eyes Without a Face takes a look at the well-intentioned but ultimately superficial motives of the doctor and their effects on his daughter, who begins to feel that she is valued less as his child than as his experimental subject. It’s a beautifully made film, treating its horrific topic with elegance. The atmosphere is as surreal and dreamlike as the life of the poor girl must feel to her. With its poetic artistry and escapist flourishes, it’s a moody masterpiece that welcomes regular revisits.

3. The Housemaid – directed by Kim Ki-young

This South Korean gem is one of the greatest horror films you may have never heard of. But, now that you’ve heard of it, you’ll be doing yourself a major disservice not to seek it out. Featuring flawless performances which enhance the effect of a film already far ahead of its time, The Housemaid subtly expresses everything which 1960 censors tried to suppress.

When a pregnant and weary wife realizes that her housework has become too great of a burden, her husband starts the search for a housemaid. He finds a candidate without too much trouble, but the young woman is about to bring unimaginable chaos into their quiet home.

The horror of The Housemaid is the fear of an enemy in your own house – a terror that can’t be escaped or even acknowledged. Hounded day and night by a psychotic femme fatale, our husband hero is sure to wish he had taken up doing the dishes himself.

4. The Virgin Spring – directed by Ingmar Bergman

Famously inspiring Wes Craven’s later horror classic The Last House of the Left, The Virgin Spring is no less terrifying of a film – and a superior one, at that. Ingmar Bergman’s masterpiece of medieval horror is an intense tale of heartbreak and revenge. Featuring a towering and intense performance by the great Max von Sydow, The Virgin Spring sears itself into our memories on an almost archetypal level.

Adapted from a 13th-century Swedish ballad, this landmark classic continues to influence filmmaking today. Max von Sydow plays a loving father whose daughter is brutally murdered by three ruffians, who then unknowingly seek shelter in the father’s own home. As the circumstances slowly dawn on the man, a coldly calculated and efficient revenge strategy soon takes shape. The single-minded focus of the vengeful father is chilling to watch, and Bergman presents it with similar procedural objectivity. The beauty of The Virgin Spring is its mix of cinematic elegance and gritty terror. It’s truly one of the greats.

5. Peeping Tom – directed by Michael Powell

This is one of those late-blooming masterpieces which sadly suffered in popular obscurity at the time of its release. In an era of pushing boundaries, viewers stubbornly decided that Peeping Tom went just a little too far. Though the film is held in high esteem today, that is little consolation for director Michael Powell, whose celebrated career was dealt a mortal blow with the cold reception that Peeping Tom received. But alas, that is the fate of certain works of art, and today at least we see this one for the masterwork that it is.

The plot, which so offended critics and audiences at the time, is indeed a dark one – it follows a disturbed filmmaker who murders women while filming their deaths for his later viewing. But when one of his female neighbors starts spending time with him and becomes suspicious, his secret film life comes under threat of exposure. Peeping Tom is a brave movie ahead of its time, and it still has the power to chill audiences today.

An inherently subjective premise deserves to be acknowledged as such – one person’s “profound” is another person’s “pretentious”… and it’s sure to be someone’s “petty.” But in our view, the topic is of relatively little importance when qualifying something as profound; rather, the effectiveness with which that subject is examined is of primary concern.

Movies have a unique way of revealing ourselves to ourselves… of providing a bird’s-eye view of the human condition in a way that has always made the art form a powerful vehicle for big ideas. Films have professed profundity for as long as the medium has existed, but only an elite few have fully succeeded. And it’s usually not difficult to differentiate the pros from the posers – plenty of movies simply try too hard, screaming “look at me, I’m profound… notice all the navel-gazing on display before you.”

But here we hope to celebrate a collection of modern films that have effortlessly won our respect by piercing directly to the heart of whatever subject they considered. The approaches are diverse, but each considers elements of the human condition thoroughly, honestly, and intelligently. Here are 10 emotionally mature modern films that can properly be called profound.

10. The Turin Horse (2011) – Béla Tarr

What it examines: Endurance

Searching for the profound in the mundane is an exercise reserved for the bravest artists, and finding it is a reward preserved for the greatest of them. Béla Tarr achieves this goal with the cinematic masterclass that is The Turin Horse. If one cannot find wisdom by observing life within the same four walls, it is sometimes said, then one could never find it by exploring every corner of the world. In this film, Tarr places the viewer in a strictly limited setting and asks us to see what he sees – meaning in the mundane.

The plot is as simple as they come: a farmer lives with his daughter and their horse, and they all perform the same tasks every single day. There isn’t much in the way of variety or catalysts here, but in the repetitive simplicity the director aims to show us another level of significance. The film is beautiful to behold; Tarr’s experienced hand guides the camera through long tracking shots, lingering close-ups, and meditative observance. The Turin Horse is one of the greats, by one of the greats.

9. Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds (2012) – Daniel Schmidt

What it examines: The connection between mind and matter

Examining the relation between mind and matter is often a speculative effort, but science and experience together provide us with enough tools to undertake a little informed speculation. This four-part documentary mixes educated conjecture with elements of established spiritual tradition to create a truly unique cinematic exploration of that shadowy realm where science and the metaphysical intersect. There are four segments: “Akasha,” “The Spiral,” “The Serpent and the Lotus,” and “Beyond Thinking.”

Inner Worlds, Outer Worlds certainly does venture into the realm of the mystical, but it makes no apologies for doing so. With fearless vision, the director creates a vividly inspiring world which commands our attention, delights our senses, and challenges our preconceptions. The filmmaker, also a meditation teacher, decided to release the film for free, a decision which serves its purpose perfectly. It points us to a higher, better world, and does its best to show us the path to achieving it from the inside out.

8. Mulholland Drive (2001) – David Lynch

What it examines: The subconscious

How can we possibly discuss the profundity of the bafflingly enigmatic Mulholland Drive when no sentient being has the first clue what it’s about? Well, in this case, the film’s opacity serves our purpose perfectly. Director David Lynch is masterfully fluent in the language of the subconscious, and Mulholland Drive is the purest expression of his skill. While acknowledging that we may not fully understand its meaning, it’s impossible to deny that the film hits us in an unnervingly effective way. Some trigger in our minds goes off which allows us to relate deeply to the events on screen despite our best efforts… and that’s a big part of what makes watching it a profound experience. Is Mulholland Drive explicable? No. But is life explicable? Of course not. The film hits us deeply, and hints at big ideas just beyond our grasp – as in a dream. And its ambition packs an unforgettable punch.

As for the plot – well, a woman gets into a car accident, loses her memory, and slowly starts to morph into another woman she just met… You have to see it to get it.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – Denis Villeneuve

What it examines: The nature of consciousness

The topics that were tackled in the original Blade Runner are further explored in this updated reboot. The nature of consciousness and the identity of the individual ego are examined through the lens of a futuristic sci-fi landscape. Big questions are asked – What does it mean to have a soul? Is it a soul that makes us human? Is the idea of having a soul just an invention that helps give us meaning? Obviously these are perennially unanswerable questions, but Blade Runner takes a refreshingly intelligent look at them.

Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford star in what has already been dubbed a modern masterpiece, with Villeneuve calling the shots and Roger Deakins wielding the camera. Gosling plays “K,” an agent hunting down replicants in 2049 Los Angeles. It’s important to not give away too many details about the plot, but we’re gifted with a gorgeous, thoughtful sci-fi epic which spares no expense and compromises none of its message. It’s a worthy heir to the 1982 original classic.

6. Into Great Silence (2005) – Philip Gröning

What it examines: Silence

Into Great Silence provides the modern viewer with an experience that many may never have in real life – nearly three hours of total calm, which represents six months of actual meditative silence experienced by the filmmaker… which represents the entire lives of monks in the Grande Chartreuse monastery. Hidden in the French Alps, the monastery is home to a group of Carthusian monks who welcomed the film director into their world for half a year; now, the viewer can also be initiated into the mystery.

This unique film is, above all, a celebration of silence, and for the viewer it’s the cinematic equivalent of a guided meditation. By observing the monks during their daily disciplines without the addition of subjective commentary, Into Great Silence lets the quietude speak for itself. Romanticizing the austere practices of the brothers is avoided, but it’s hard not to admire the simplicity of their lives. The idea of silence itself is somewhat idealized though, and rightly so; the filmmaker selected this topic for a reason, and he presents it in lavish, loving fasion.

Bonnie and Clyde, move over – there’s a new sheriff in town. Great partnerships are hard to come by, but we’ve tracked down one of the most criminally underrated from the world of film, and rounded up 10 great examples of the hybrid genre. The case at hand – Noir Western, where the iconic, rugged landscape of the Wild West is populated by hard-boiled, cynical cowboys battling their own consciences as much as they fight outlaws.

Classic Westerns are typically associated with a cheery, heroic motif which so sanitizes historical reality that they often elicit little more than groans from savvy film viewers. So the marriage of the Western with the gritty world of Film Noir is perhaps a welcome one, and its divorce from charming naivety a necessary one. And on that note, John Wayne symbolically rides off into the colorful sunset while Robert Mitchum sits tall in the saddle, sneering slightly as deep shadows threaten to engulf the scene. Here are 10 great Noir Western films worth your time.

10. Track of the Cat (1954) – William A. Wellman

Maintaining the essential Noir ingredient of the moody loner (reliably played by Robert Mitchum), but transposing the setting from the concrete jungle to a Western winter wasteland, Track of the Cat blends the two iconic genres seamlessly. And if you’re a bit tired of Westerns filled with dusty streets, raucous saloons, and rolling tumbleweeds, you’ll welcome the snow-soaked backdrop of this little gem. The tension remains high though, and the mood is dark and suspenseful.

Mitchum and Teresa Wright help populate the cast of a dysfunctional family in snowbound Northern California. The isolation and close quarters are a recipe for disaster in this contentious clan, and their internal turmoil is soon complicated by external circumstances. A panther kills one of the younger brothers, and Curt (played by Mitchum) is determined to brave the elements and exterminate the predator. Will his quest also help to slay the demons tormenting his own family? Track of the Cat is engaging and memorable viewing.

9. The Furies (1950) – Anthony Mann

Brimming with melodrama and adventure, and featuring a strong, savvy female protagonist, Anthony Mann’s The Furies is an essential addition to this list. If that isn’t enough to grab your attention, are you really going to miss the chance to watch the great Barbara Stanwyck in a classic Western? Well, you shouldn’t. This is a uniquely great Noir Western which Criterion found worthy of their collection, and which deserves a chance to be in yours.

Walter Huston (in his last film) plays a tough-as-nails ranch owner whose daughter (Stanwyck) is the only person willing to stand up to him. But, their relationship is also a loving one, until both of them become entangled in romances that threaten to split the family. Watching the two go head to head on screen is a treat, and this edgy drama easily earns its place as a great Noir Western.

8. 3:10 to Yuma (1957) – Delmer Daves

A brilliant character study like this couldn’t be better suited to the unique watermark that signifies the Noir Western. A claustrophobic psychological duel, constantly threatening to blossom into a physical duel, lies at the heart of this tense classic. Glenn Ford and Van Heflin perfectly play the lead characters in this classic which inspired the 2007 remake starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale. They breathe life into a brilliant adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s 1953 short story of the same name.

When a desperately poor farmer accepts a freelance job from the local sheriff, he little realizes the drama it will bring. His mission is to escort a prisoner from the town and safely put him on the 3:10 train to Yuma. A tense story with more twists and turns than a railroad track follows, and both men learn much about themselves and each other. Featuring two great actors at the top of their games, 3:10 to Yuma is the definition of a can’t-miss Noir Western.

7. Johnny Guitar (1954) – Nicholas Ray

Movie fans may not have had many chances to watch the legendary Joan Crawford act in Western attire, but she made the most of her visit to the Old West with a brilliant performance in 1954’s Johnny Guitar. Most Noir films are associated with black and white cinematography, but this one breaks the trend with its bright, vivid colors. Along with the saturation increase, Johnny Guitar cranks up the melodrama to make a true cinema classic, and an essential Noir Western.

Crawford plays a tough saloonkeeper named Vienna who is viewed with hostility and suspicion by the neighboring townspeople. In addition to having a mysterious past, Vienna also supports a railroad being built near the town; this is enough to incite the townspeople to drive her away by any means necessary. But Vienna won’t give up that easily, and with help from some formidable old friends, she makes a determined final stand. Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden light up the screen in the unforgettable Johnny Guitar.

6. Forty Guns (1957) – Samuel Fuller

Any Western by director Samuel Fuller always had a better than average chance of also becoming a Noir film, and the resulting Forty Guns more than confirms those suspicions. Fuller’s trademark moody, sullen style takes a trip to the Old West for a film that’s as memorable as it is unconventional. Barbara Stanwyck lends her considerable star power to this one of a kind film helmed by the maverick director.

Stanwyck plays a tough-as-nails rancher who is the undisputed ruler of her domain, supported by a regiment of cowboys ready and willing to do her bidding. But when one of her group goes too far and shoots a local lawman, the entire town erupts in chaos and violence. Melodrama flies with the flurry of bullets, and unpredictability defines the plot. Forty Guns is a great film by a legendary director, and it’s the perfect vehicle for another towering performance by Barbara Stanwyck.

Exactly when did Brad Pitt become one of our veteran actors? It seems like only yesterday that he popped up in Thelma & Louise, before casually proceeding to become a reliable box office draw and a household name. But now, we can’t deny that Pitt is not only one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but also one of its most important talents. It’s clear that he’s seeking out more experimental roles which continue to push his boundaries and establish him as a real Hollywood heavyweight.

So how to rank his movies? Pitt is such a big star that no matter how effectively he immerses himself in a role, something about his characters is never quite divorced from the persona of the man playing them. For that reason, combined with his intuitive ability to select the right projects, there’s usually little difference between his best films and his best performances. So here are some of his very finest outings, showcased in 10 great movies.

10. 12 Monkeys (1995) – Terry Gilliam

It shouldn’t be surprising that a Terry Gilliam film was the arena where Pitt pushed the boundaries of his acting abilities to the max. Attacking this eccentric role with relish, he assured movie fans forever that his range comfortably included the capacity to act downright crazy. Letting go of the restraint and discipline that some may have previously mistaken for lack of versatility, he delivered a carefully unhinged performance to remember.

Terry Gilliam’s time-bending sci-fi is his best effort to please mainstream audiences with his patented brand of weirdness. Featuring a time-traveling hero who travels back to the year 1996 to try and prevent a worldwide pandemic, 12 Monkeys is as fun as it is unconventional. The leader of a group of anarchists who unleashed the virus is the unlikely antagonist, and Brad Pitt handles the role wonderfully. We meet his character in an insane asylum, and his behavior never normalizes for a moment throughout the film. A rare instance of artistic authenticity meeting commercial success, 12 Monkeys is one of a kind.

9. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) – Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino and Brad Pitt may not have been the most predictable partnership we could have imagined, but it seems to be working. This director has apparently found a knack for matching this star with the right kind of role in his unorthodox films. Here, Pitt plays the stunt double and wingman to Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie star; but his performance doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone, and this is some of his very best acting.

On the surface, this movie seems very different from Tarantino’s other work, but upon closer inspection it’s very much a creature of his creation. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is as much a celebration of the mythic, bygone days of Hollywood as its title suggests. Blending real historical characters (like Sharon Tate) with fictional ones (like Cliff, the stunt double played by Pitt), Tarantino fashions an impressive, if romanticized, tribute to the glory days of movie history. Tarantino stirs up no less controversy than usual with his latest film, but it’s also his most mature work to date.

8. Snatch (2000) – Guy Ritchie

Along with 12 Monkeys, this was Pitt’s other best opportunity to cut loose and completely divorce performance from persona. Sure, his accent is unintelligible to most ears, but it’s meant to be that way; and with that kind of freedom, an actor can have a lot of fun. And he certainly does, delivering a freewheeling performance that’s guaranteed to stick with you.

Snatch is a fast-paced, frenetic crime comedy that never slows down long enough for the viewer to fully understand what’s going on. But, that’s the intent, and the film’s execution manages to match its ambition. Pitt plays a rough street fighter who inadvertently gets drawn into the high-stakes world of fixed boxing matches. Meanwhile, the theft of a giant diamond forms an entirely separate plot which constantly threatens the viewer with whiplash; but this is organized chaos, and it’s undeniably fun to watch.

7. Meet Joe Black (1998) – Martin Brest

On the surface, this might seem like Brad Pitt’s easiest role – an emotionally restricted, socially ignorant newcomer to the human race who’s learning as he goes. But Pitt resists the temptation to phone in his performance, however catatonic his acting may appear at times. There’s always an important level of emotionally intelligent nuance lurking just beneath the surface of his measured delivery, and by the end of the film the character must display a depth of feeling that’s unique because of its novelty.

Death Takes a Holiday is the name of the 1934 film that this one was was inspired by, and its title reveals much about its plot. Brad Pitt plays the Grim Reaper himself, who comes to claim the life of a wealthy tycoon with a beautiful daughter. As the figure of Death helps to prepare his new victim, he also starts to fall for the daughter – an experience which introduces him to a whole new world of human emotion. Meet Joe Black is a uniquely touching film, with Anthony Hopkins delivering a brilliant performance to match Pitt’s.

6. Legends of the Fall (1994) – Edward Zwick

Pitt’s role in Legends of the Fall perfectly captures the mid-90’s phase of his career. Cast as a misunderstood rebel who is perennially favored and loved by all (in no small part due to his dashing good looks), his physical presence was a huge selling point that made him a fit for the role. But in this romantic tear-jerker, Pitt also displayed impressive emotional range which foreshadowed the blossoming that his career was about to experience.

Legends of the Fall is a sweeping, multi-generational epic centering on the lives of one family living in early 20th century Montana. Anthony Hopkins plays a retired colonel, jaded and mistrustful of government, who moves his family far away from the madness of “civilized” society. But trouble eventually finds them when one of the three sons brings his fiancée home from college with him. All three brothers fall in love with the same girl, with division and heartbreak soon following. The story escalates into a moving tragedy which director Zwick handles with class.

Let’s be honest – we’ve collectively tried our best to forget a lot of things about the 1990s. The questionable fashion choices speak for themselves, and before the internet stole our attention, many millions of dollars were improbably spent amassing such oddities as Beanie Babies and Troll Dolls.

But a few relics of the 1990s have been unjustly collecting layers of dust, and these 10 movies are among them. We think it’s high time that these forgotten gems receive a piece of the spotlight, along with the respect they richly deserve. Thanks to an abundance of streaming options, added to advances in the home video market, they’re easier than ever to rediscover for yourself. So take a walk down memory lane with these 10 products of the 1990s which prove that the decade wasn’t completely cringeworthy.

10. The Limey (1999) – Steven Soderbergh

When a retired “professional” – whether it’s an assassin, a cop, or some other kind of ultra-cool character – comes out of retirement to pursue a personal vendetta, it usually makes for a good movie. The Limey is one of the better entries in that film tradition, with Terence Stamp filling the shoes of the anti-hero with calm but unstoppable determination. The quiet authority of Stamp’s voice alone could carry the role, and his vast acting experience makes him the perfect choice for Soderbergh’s film.

He plays a former criminal from England whose daughter dies in Los Angeles under mysterious circumstances. The ex-con travels to America to find answers, but when the L.A. crime scene violently interrupts his search for clues, Stamp shifts into full revenge mode. With cool precision on both sides of the camera, The Limey tells its story with maximum impact.

9. Great Expectations (1998) – Alfonso Cuarón

This 1990s adaptation of the classic novel Great Expectations transplants the perennially beloved story from Victorian England to the lush green landscapes of modern Florida. Cuarón’s entire film is bathed in a beautiful green color palette, which makes it a real pleasure to watch. This timeless tale of frustrated love flourishes in its modern setting with the aid of wonderful performances by Gwyneth Paltrow, Ethan Hawke, Anne Bancroft, and Robert De Niro; the always underrated Hank Azaria and Chris Cooper are no less impressive in their supporting roles in this star-studded cast.

Great Expectations is about the cycle of unrequited love, passed from one generation to another. Bancroft plays a bitter recluse who was deserted by her fiancé in her youth, and who teaches her niece how to gain the affections of men before breaking their hearts in return. Enter Finn, played by Hawke, who falls for the girl and spends the rest of his life paying for it. Finn’s journey to become a successful artist while pursuing his elusive crush is at the heart of this excellent adaptation.

8. The Indian Runner (1991) – Sean Penn

Over the years, Sean Penn has proved his talents in front of the camera, but fewer people are familiar with his work behind the camera. Penn’s directorial career began in 1991 with The Indian Runner, an exceptional film about two brothers and the family dynamics that play out between them. Viggo Mortensen and David Morse are perfectly cast as the siblings, with Charles Bronson, Patricia Arquette, and Dennis Hopper among the supporting cast members.

Penn took his inspiration for this story from Bruce Springsteen’s song “Highway Patrolman.” Mortensen and Morse play brothers with contrasting personalities – one is a criminal and the other a small-town deputy. When fate causes their paths to cross after several years, the character of each is tested by the presence of the other. Family loyalty collides with personal principles, and neither of their lives will be the same afterward.

7. Nell (1994) – Michael Apted

Before Liam Neeson was busy playing wise mentors and vengeful fathers, he was paying his dues in the shoes of ordinary, vulnerable citizens like the rest of us. Alongside his soon-to-be (and now, tragically, his late) wife Natasha Richardson, Neeson delivers a heartfelt and emotional performance; watching the two of them together in the same film is a genuine pleasure.

Jodie Foster turns in an unforgettable performance in one of her most unexpected roles – a young woman who has lived in remote isolation in the North Carolina mountains with her mother. Growing up with little to no contact with the outside world, Nell has developed her own language and possesses few social skills. After the girl’s mother dies, a local doctor and a caring psychologist take over her care, and try to prepare her for life in a society she doesn’t understand. It’s a moving, well-made film by Michael Apted.

6. Mr. and Mrs. Bridge (1990) – James Ivory

Though a couple of films by James Ivory (namely The Remains of the Day and Howard’s End) are almost universally famous, his catalogue runs much deeper for those willing to explore it. Each Ivory movie oozes class, with the technical restraint and polish of the upper class that he frequently profiled. Mr. and Mrs. Bridge is one of the very best of these lesser known works, and with a cast to die for (Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward), it simply can’t be missed by film fans.

Real-life partners Newman and Woodward play a couple living in 1930s Missouri, and the film is a wonderful study of the subtle dynamics of an average family. Mr. and Mrs. Bridge maintain a successful marriage despite hints of growing emotional strain, while their children push the boundaries set by their more conservative parents. As with many James Ivory films, this story is simple, but loaded with keen insight into human nature; it’s also remarkably beautiful to watch, and deserves a spot on your to-see list.

Getting movie fans to agree on much of anything is rare, but on occasion even the most opinionated will cross the theater aisle to make peace. Over time, film fans have even found common ground in a few select titles offering that most peculiar form of voluntary self-torture – the horror movie.

Films like these that become widely loved are a strange lot, and not easily categorized – while they don’t all reach the pinnacle of artistic accomplishment, their popularity doesn’t automatically imply creative compromise. And these favorites aren’t all shiny, whitewashed PG-13 fare either – some are borderline traumatizing, and would normally be much more polarizing under other circumstances. But, we’re not here to explain why everyone likes these horror movies, we’re just here to list them.

10. It (2017) – Andres Muschietti

The newest entry on this list, It has quickly amassed a respectable fanbase of its own. Building on the legacy of a beloved miniseries which was effective but constrained by its television format, 2017’s film pulled out all the stops and delivered an edgy, truly terrifying experience. And this connection to the older It seems to contribute to the new one’s popularity – on some level, it feels like being treated to a grown-up version of a beloved show that you could only watch a sanitized version of as a kid.

King’s classic novel may have done more to spread a fear of clowns than any other book in history, but the film adaptations made certain that our collective cinematic psyche would remain forever scarred. Pennywise the Dancing Clown, the shape-shifting villain of the story, lives in the sewers of a small town and terrorizes the local children. But seven local kids decide they’ve had enough of the clown’s scare tactics, and band together to take back their psyches and their lives from this nebulous menace. Their camaraderie is the emotional heart of a story that triggers the deepest fears inside all of us.

9. Ringu (1998) – Hideo Nakata

Ringu did as much as any movie to help usher in a new wave of J-horror popularity, which in turn provided the inspiration for many films to follow. With a plot only possible its own digital age, Ringu was perfectly positioned to engage a new generation of movie fans with a horror hook specially designed for their tastes. Though it quickly spawned a Hollywood remake, the Japanese original remains the preferred choice for students of cinema.

This story centers around a video tape which, once watched, curses the viewer with a certain, though slightly delayed, death. When a news reporter’s niece becomes one of the victims, she sets out to unravel the mysterious video’s secret. As she races against her own ticking clock, the reporter’s life hangs in the balance and drives her to find an answer. Ringu is a modern classic guaranteed to similarly haunt those viewers brave enough to watch it.

8. The Thing (1982) – John Carpenter

An updated reinterpretation of 1951’s The Thing from Another World, Carpenter’s film keeps the skeletal plot of the original while boldly staking out its own identity. Additional on-screen violence is an obvious evolution resulting from the passing years, but The Thing also amplifies the tension and the terror to great effect. Kurt Russell anchors a uniformly excellent cast, whose performances help to keep this a perennial favorite.

A group of research scientists living in icy Antarctica fall under threat from a deadly, shape-shifting creature who begins systematically killing the members of their team. Far away from any potential help, the victims begin turning on each other, each suspecting that the evil presence may have taken over the body of a fellow scientist. The paranoia and tension escalate to an inevitable climax which is as entertaining as it is terrifying. This is one of John Carpenter’s very best movies.

7. Let the Right One In (2008) – Tomas Alfredson

This modern Swedish classic is beloved for its unconventional approach to its horror topic. You could call it “vampirism unplugged” – Let the Right One In sucks away the Victorian-style romanticism often applied by Hollywood to the vampire theme in favor of a more realistic treatment. And horror fans loved it, welcoming this much-needed reset to a genre in danger of permanently descending into self-parody.

At the center of the story is a lonely, bullied 12-year-old boy who strikes up a close friendship with and finds an emotional refuge in his new neighbor – a girl who only makes her appearances at night. As the two kids grow closer, it becomes apparent that the girl has something to hide; her oddly specific rules about when and where she can go begin to annoy her new friend who thought he had found a kindred spirit. Let Me In is an intelligent movie that takes an honest look at the concept of vampirism, and follows its implications through to their logical conclusions. It’s also a touching story about human loneliness and connection, viewed through the eyes of two characters at sensitive stages in their lives.

6. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) – Roman Polanski

This trailblazing classic still serves as a kind of bridge between classic and modern horror. Its style, its themes, and its 1968 release date all help it feel quite modern even while it deals with the business of witches and covens. Rosemary’s Baby has dynamic performances, stylish direction, and an engaging story that still hasn’t lost a step after all these decades.

Rosemary is the central figure of the film, and the baby she is expecting is the catalyst for the drama. While delighted about the news of her pregnancy, Rosemary becomes deeply suspicious of her husband’s friendship with the neighbors – an older couple who seem to take an excessive interest in her well-being. Rosemary’s investigations reveal mounting evidence that the friendly neighbors might belong to a coven of witches with evil designs on her child. But could her suspicions just be the result of the taxing physical conditions of her pregnancy? That is the question which creates the horror of Rosemary’s Baby.