Shudder is a fantastic streaming platform for horror lovers. Essentially Netflix for horror content, it exclusively streams horror movies and television shows, and many cannot be found on other services. As such, it is a fantastic resource for those looking to delve deeper into the genre.
Shudder contains a slew of films from different decades, and while it tends to veer towards the newer, it still has many prominent older films that are well worth watching. The '60s were a revolutionary time for horror, and Shudder has a fair share of great '60s films that can be streamed and enjoyed today.
Night Of The Living Dead (1968)
The zombie movie that revolutionized the genre, George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead is an all-time classic. Of course, being an independent, low-budget movie from the late '60s, it is undeniably dated. Furthermore, those used to the blood-filled scenes of modern zombie films may find themselves somewhat bored.
But it's a historic film that laid the groundwork for all future zombie movies, and its social commentary proves an exceptionally interesting glimpse into late '60s America. Watching this is an absolute must.
Carnival Of Souls (1962)
Shot for just $30,000, director Herk Harvey worked some filmmaking magic while crafting the legendary Carnival of Souls. The movie was released as a double feature and did not find immediate commercial success. However, its unique style eventually helped it become a horror movie cult classic.
It's obvious that the movie was shot on a shoestring budget with inexperienced actors, but it's a delightful fever dream with bizarre visuals and a nightmarish storyline. It was a huge influence on future horror filmmakers, and it still has the capability to creep viewers out.
Black Sunday (1960)
A deceptively simple film, Black Sunday tells the story of an executed witch who seeks vengeance for her own death centuries after it occurred. An Italian film, Black Sunday was both a critical and commercial disappointment in its original Italian release, but it found greeter success abroad thanks to a wildly altered American release.
It is now regarded as a revolutionary and hugely influential film, especially for its on-screen depictions of sexuality and graphic violence and for launching the gothic Italian genre.
The Little Shop Of Horrors (1960)
A delectable blend of horror and comedy, The Little Shop of Horrors is obviously hugely popular. Directed by Roger Corman, the film launched a franchise that now includes a beloved remake and a Broadway production.
The movie was actually packaged as a double feature alongside Black Sunday, which must have delighted horror fans in the early '60s. It has all the bizarre hallmarks of a Roger Corman movie, and many of its elements have become iconic pieces of popular culture.
The City Of The Dead (1960)
Despite what its title suggests, The City of the Dead is actually a horror movie about witchcraft. Filmed on a budget by director John Llewellyn Moxey, it has an abundance of style.
The movie's setting, lighting, and set design all combine to make for an extremely atmospheric and creepy viewing experience. On top of that is a great star turn by the legendary Christopher Lee, who plays a mysterious history teacher named Alan Driscoll.
The Flesh And The Fiends (1960)
The Flesh and the Fiends is a wonderful British film that dramatizes the horrifying events of the famous Burke and Hare true story. The Burke and Hare killings spanned 10 months in 1828 and saw William Burke and William Hare killing 16 people and selling their corpses to a local doctor for anatomical research.
In the film, Burke and Hare are portrayed by George Rose and the always lovely Donald Pleasance, respectively. Foregoing outright violence and bloodshed, The Flesh and the Fiends gets by largely on strong performances, a stellar atmosphere, and a tantalizing true story.
Black Sabbath (1963)
Black Sabbath is an underrated horror anthology movie containing three separate stories - all of which are directed by famed Italian director, Mario Bava. The movie was both a critical and commercial failure upon release, but it has attained the status of a cult film over the proceeding decades.
It's a quality anthology, as all three short films are exceptional and well worth watching in their own ways. The movie is also filled with some surprisingly good acting and the welcomed presence of narrator/segment introducer, Boris Karloff.
The Girl Who Knew Too Much (1963)
A hugely influential film, Mario Bava's The Girl Who Knew Too Much is generally regarded as the first Italian Giallo film. A very unique genre, Giallo is defined by Wonderful Cinema as "Italian-produced murder-mystery thrillers which feature scenes of excessive violence ... [that] blur the lines between art and exploitation cinema."
This particular film is about a mysterious killer who disposes of their victims in alphabetical order. While a little dated today, The Girl Who Knew Too Much is both incredibly stylish and revolutionary.
Night Tide (1961)
Night Tide wonderfully blurs the line between fantasy and horror cinema. Today, the movie is mostly remembered for containing Dennis Hopper's first starring role. He plays a sailor named Johnny Drake who falls in love with a supposedly fake mermaid from the nearby carnival.
Aside from Hopper's presence, the movie also has a great sense of style, some delectable and tantalizing mystery elements, and some great set design in the seedy amusement park.
Kill, Baby, Kill (1966)
Widely regarded as one of Mario Bava's greatest accomplishments, Kill, Baby, Kill tells the story of a murderous ghost who terrorizes a small village in the early 20th century. The movie has a lot of personality and a wonderful atmosphere in the small village, making it the perfect type of old-school Halloween story.
While the acting may be a bit middling, at times, Kill, Baby, Kill is a great film from Bava and would serve as a great, mainstream introduction to the director's legendary work.