- James Wan:
Okay, here me out. I know he’s a weird choice but growing up I was a big fan of the Saw franchise. I know they aren’t as revolutionary or distinct as other films, but if you can tell me you’d want to be stuck in any of the Saw contraptions you’re a liar.
While his other films vary in quality, he’s known for terrifying works such as The Conjuring and Insidious.
- John Carpenter:
Carpenter has without a doubt made many incredible contributions to the horror genre, from Halloween to The Fog. One of the most influential horror directors of all time, his works gained a cult following despite, initially, often being commercial failures.
- George Romero:
It’s hard to forget one of horror’s finest: George Romero. Known for his camp and use of gore, Romero is best known for creating classics like Night of the Living Dead and its subsequent sequels. His zombies invoked terror in audiences for generations, with their terrifying voices and their haunting desire for human brains.
Romero also directed one of my favorite horror movies to watch during Halloween, Creepshow, and you can check out my review here:
- Wes Craven:
Craven has been called a “master of horror”, and it’s easy to see why. His influence upon the slasher subgenre and on the greater horror genre has been immense. Director of classics such as Scream and A Nightmare on Elm Street, Craven has provided us with a plethora of excellent horror films.
A Nightmare on Elm Street freaked me out for years, particularly with the ending. I had never been that scared watching a movie before, and to this day that final scene gives me the shivers.
- Stanley Kubrick:
Kubrick is not just one of the best horror directors of all time, but also one of the best film directors of all time. Creators of such classics as The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Kubrick was known for utilizing the concept of the uncanny valley, where something almost feels normal but is just a little off.
While Kubrick hasn’t just done horror films, the ones he’s done have been some of the best of all time, which is why he’s at the top of the list.