A killer on the loose, body count rising, and lots of blood — sounds like the premise of your average slasher movie. However, the list we have compiled for you today is anything but average. So, if you’re looking to spend your weekend watching a slasher horror, then here are the 15 best slasher movies of all time:
15. The Hills Have Eyes (2006)
The Hills Have Eyes is one of the top names in any horror genre. While it falls in the general horror category, this thriller’s growing body count and dark nature make it one of the most gruesome and unruly slasher movies.
The film begins when a family is kidnapped by psychotic cannibals. Things get tougher as this family looks to survive. However, the cannibals, who are the result of nuclear tests by the US government, are determined to make a meal out of this family.
14. Wrong Turn (2003)
Wrong Turn series is one of the most unsettling additions to horror cinema. However, the first installment surrounds psychos of cannibalistic nature—who are bent on protecting their ‘sacred land.’
But, if you wish to be unsettled a little bit more, then when you’re watching it, remember that some parts of this repulsive and gory film are based on true events. While there is neither a confirmation nor denial about it, this surely adds to the film’s already interesting trivia.
13. The Collector (2009)
The Collector is a series, but we’re talking about the original title from 2009. While the film starts with a very non-slasher motif, things turn quickly when Arkin (Josh Stewart) looks for ways out of his piling debt—by breaking into a wealthy family’s home.
Things go according to plan at first until he breaks in and finds out another masked man is already there. However, the other man isn’t there to steal valuables; he’s simply tied up the family and embellished the mansion with traps.
12. Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
The Rise Of Leslie Vernon is a unique film on this list. Its main and titular character, Leslie Vernon (Nathan Baesel), is an old-time junkie of slasher movies. He’s obsessed with slashers such as Jason, Freddy, and Michael Myers.
So, what does he do? He decides to become one like them and invites long a crew to document his experiences. The film is both interesting and gory, but the comedic elements make it worth your watch.
11. A Perfect Getaway (2009)
A Perfect Getaway begins in one of the most clichéd styles of horror films. The seemingly inseparable couple, everyone’s happy, and the sun couldn’t shine brighter. However, things take a bad turn when the primary couple decides to go to an island for their honeymoon.
As things begin to unfold, they find out that the island they’re on is owned by psychopaths—who kill tourists. While the story on paper sounds like a basic slasher film, the plot itself isn’t, by any means, ordinary.
10. You’re Next (2011)
You’re Next is one of the highest-rated slasher films on rotten tomatoes—and for good reasons. The film follows the story of Aubrey and Paul, as they send out invitations for their anniversary party.
It’s all in a bid by the main character Aubrey (Barbara Crampton) to bring together an estranged family. However, the revels soon turn into dismay when the party is attacked by a group of masked assassins.
9. Eden Lake (2008)
Eden Lake is the unsettling story surrounding a couple who only wish to spend a peaceful weekend. However, things turn awry real quick when a group of annoying, psychotic teenagers begins to prank the life out of them—quite literally.
At first, it will not seem like a slasher movie to you. However, as the story progresses and the teenage casts begin to unravel their murderous nature, you will remember this film as one of the most unsettling horrors of all time.
8. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
I Know What You Did Last Summer is the first edition of the three-part series. However, the original will always outshine the later sequels. It all begins when during a party on a summer night, a group of friends accidentally run over a man.
A year later, things begin to get dark and problematic for the friends involved in the crime scene, as things begin to unravel. This film will leave you on the edge of your seats, as besides being a top-notch slasher movie, it’s also a very good thriller.
7. Child’s Play (1988)
Child’s Play is the first installment in the dreaded series of Chucky (the evil doll). It begins when the main character’s mother buys him a doll for his birthday—naming it Chucky. It all seems to go well at first, as the kid enjoys his new doll friend.
However, it’s not a horror or slasher movie if things don’t take a turn for the worse. That’s exactly what happens here, too, as Andy finds out his beloved doll is possessed by a serial killer’s lingering spirit.
6. Happy Death Day (2017)
Happy Death Day is one-of-a-kind slasher movie. It has one of the most unique premises of all the other films on this list, as it follows the main character, Theresa Gelbman (Jessica Rothe). It begins when Gelbman wakes up on the morning of her birthday.
Then, she senses a bit of Deja vu as suddenly, a masked killer brutally attacks her and kills her. The trick of the plot? The college student continues to relive the day she was killed to discover the identity of her murderer.
5. Friday The 13th (1980)
Friday The 13th is one of the most famous horror films in the history of horror cinema. It’s the first thing that comes to mind whenever slasher movies are mentioned. While the other films in the franchise aren’t bad, the original from 1980 remains the best.
It tells the story of a group of counselors, as they’re picked off like cotton candies by a slasher. Years later, Steve Christie reopens the site of the deadly crime. It’s also the debut film of the renowned slasher Jason Voorhees.
4. American Psycho (2000)
American Psycho is one of the best modern-era slasher films. It follows the story of a wealthy banker who has a psychotic alter-ego. However, his madness escalates as the film progresses, and he commits unfathomable crimes.
Moreover, American Psycho is the first time Christian Bale stomped his foot in Hollywood, and he stomped quite hard. In this film, his remarkable performance as the slasher killer Patrick Bateman will forever be remembered.
3. Halloween (1978)
Halloween is perhaps the most renowned slasher film of all time. The first film debuted in 1978, but it has had many reiterations, reboots, and sequels since then.
So, if you’re looking for a few days’ fix of slasher films, then binge through this series.
2. A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984)
A Nightmare on Elm Street is yet another high-rated slasher horror. It’s also one of the best horror films in the entire history of the film industry. The story is that of a young girl who has to stay awake to avoid the butchering slasher in her nightmares.
So, if she wants to save her friends, she needs to stay awake, and that’s when things get interesting. So, if you haven’t seen this, you’re missing out. Moreover, it’s also the debut film of the infamous character Freddy Krueger.
1. Scream (1996)
Scream is one of the modern classics of horror cinemas and perhaps one of the highest-rated slasher movies on this list. It begins when Sidney notices that more people are beginning to die, right a year after her own mother’s murder.
She doesn’t let things remain a coincidence and investigates to see if the murders are somehow connected. That’s when this film picks up the pace and delivers what’s known today as one of the best slasher movies of all time.
Honorable Mentions
- Maniac (2012)
- The Hitcher (1986)
- Timber Falls (2007)
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