There are many respected filmmakers associated with the horror genre, and many classic films of terror forever linked to those directors. Horror films such as John Carpenter's Halloween, George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead, Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street gave each filmmaker fruitful genre film careers.
There are popular and classic horror films that were not helmed by genre filmmakers. Here are 10 talented non-horror filmmakers who stepped outside of their comfort zone, dipped their toes into the horror film pool, and created a successful and well-crafted film.
Updated on October 14th, 2020 by Theo Kogod: With Halloween around the corner, it the time of year when everyone can get in on the fun of a little bit of horror. As such, it feels like the perfect time to add a few entries to this list. These directors may not be known for their horror movies, but each of them has made a contribution to the genre that's sure to raise your hackles.
The Silence of the Lambs Directed by Jonathan Demme
Director Jonathan Demme is known for his culturally sophisticated dramas like Philadelphia and Beloved, as well as for his ability to make concert documentary films such as Neil Young: Heart of Gold and Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids.
Despite this, he directed one of the greatest psychological horror films of all time: The Silence of the Lambs. No one doubts Demme's success here, and indeed, the movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture, as well as the Awards for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and (of course) Best Director.
28 Days Later By Danny Boyle
Danny Boyle rose to prominence after his first film, Shallow Grave, was nominated for a BAFTA Award. He has since won eight BAFTAs, eight Academy Awards, and six Golder Globes. His biggest works include Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, Steve Jobs, and 28 Days Later, this last one being the only horror movie he ever made.
This film opens with its protagonist, Jim, waking in a hospital twenty-eight days after the outbreak of a zombie pandemic. He eventually meets up with other survivors trying to get to a military blockade where they will be safe. In the tradition of many great horror films, 28 Days Later frames humans as being equally monstrous to zombies. This film is credited with bringing the concept of fast-moving zombies into the mainstream.
Thirst By Park Chan-Wook
It was only a matter of time before Park Chan-wook made a traditional horror film. After all, most of his major films seemed to be leaning that way. He is best known for the Vengeance Trilogy (which is comprised of The Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and Lady Vengeance), The Handmaiden, and the English-language mystery-thriller Stoker. While each of these examples incorporate horror-inspired elements, they are technically all thrillers.
His vampire 2009 film Thirst is straightforward horror. Incorporating themes of viruses and faith common in vampire movies, the film masterfully uses a contrast of colors to build tension, while the tight cinematography conveys a sense of dread.
Dawn of the Dead - 2004 Remake By Zack Snyder
The very first film Zack Snyder ever directed was the 2004 remake of George Romero's 1978 classic Dawn of the Dead. Since then, Snyder has directed five superhero films, the historical action epic 300, and the psychological fantasy film Sucker Punch, but no other works of horror.
Today, Snyder is known for his work adapting comics onto the big screen, but his remake of Dawn of the Dead is a genuinely terrifying zombie movie. It also subverts many of the original themes of Romero's original, reveling in aspects of mall culture that the original version condemned. The shocking ending also hits like a blow to the guts.
Death Proof by Quentin Tarantino
Quentin Tarantino has consistently delivered some of the most horrifying moments in all of modern cinema. From the ear scene in Reservoir Dogs to the way Major Marquis Wallace tortured General Smithers's son in the snow in The Hateful Eight, Tarantino's movies consistently raise the hackles of his viewers.
In 2007, he released the slasher Death Proof, part of his double-feature Grindhouse collaboration with director Robert Rodriguez (who contributed the zombie film Planet Terror). Death Proof takes elements of 70s exploitation films to update the slasher genre in new ways, making the American open roads into the killer's hunting ground.
Invasion Of The Body Snatchers - 1956 Directed by Don Seigel/1978 Directed By Phillip Kauffman
1956's Invasion of the Body Snatchers is cemented as a horror/sci-fi classic, and the 1978 version is widely regarded as one of the most artistically successful remakes in all of cinema.
Don Siegel, who directed the 1956 original, was best known for hard-boiled crime films of the era and went on to helm the 70s cop-film classic Dirty Harry. Phillip Kauffman directed the critically acclaimed 1978 remake after directing only one Western, The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid, and a film about whalers, The White Dawn. These were the only times the two respected filmmakers made a horror film, and both are regarded as genre classics.
Near Dark Directed By Kathryn Bigelow
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow is known for her superior action film sensibilities (Point Break) and skill at mixing palpable suspense with powerful subject matter (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty).
One of Bigelow's most beloved films is 1987's Horror classic, Near Dark. This unique film has been described as a "Vampire Western" by its director and follows a small pack of Winnebego driving vampires across the Southwest. Bigelow's skill—and that of co-writer Eric Red—at blending the two genres led to something quite unique. Near Dark has become a classic of 80s horror films.
Nosferatu The Vampyre Directed By Werner Herzog
F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent film classic Nosferatu is considered the pinnacle of vampire films with its groundbreaking artistry. German filmmaker Werner Herzog took on the seemingly impossible task of directing a remake in 1979.
Known for his philosophically ambient style of filmmaking, Herzog twisted a few of Murnau's themes and presented the main vampire in a more sympathetic light, portraying his vampirism as more of an unshakeable disease rather than an inherent evil, and critics were impressed. The film made a solid profit on the foreign film circuit and found its way onto many of 1979's 10 best lists.
Dracula Directed By John Badham
John Badham is known for directing well-crafted and popular Hollywood entertainments such as Saturday Night Fever, War Games, and Stakeout. The filmmaker was far from an obvious choice to helm a remake of Bram Stoker's greatest creation.
Badham's only foray into the horror genre was 1979's Dracula, a film version of the Broadway hit starring Frank Langella. The director infused the film with an authentic Gothic atmosphere that gave it an old-school horror look. While the film wasn't a big box office success, it received praise from many critics and has developed a loyal following over the decades.
The Shining Directed By Stanley Kubrick
Already considered a master of cinema, Stanley Kubrick directed such masterpieces as Dr. Strangelove, 2001; A Space Odyssey, and A Clockwork Orange. Hopes were high when it was announced the filmmaker was bringing Stephen King's classic The Shining to the big screen.
Kubrick brought a death-tinged atmosphere of complete fear that frightened audiences around the world and gave star Jack Nicholson horror film cred. Although King wasn't happy with Kubrick's vision, critics were kind and audiences turned it into one of the most beloved and successful horror films ever made.
Alien Directed by Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott got his start in British commercials and made his first feature film, the Napoleanic War-set The Duelists in 1978. The positive critical response got Scott the job directing the sci-fi/horror film Alien.
Scott collaborated with H.R. Giger to create one of the most frightening and recognizable monsters in film history. The film became an instant classic thanks to Scott and Giger's groundbreaking visual styles, Jerry Goldsmith's unobtrusively creepy score and a top-shelf cast.
An American Werewolf In London Directed by John Landis
With his comedy classics National Lampoon's Animal House and The Blues Brothers, John Landis proved himself to be one of the best comedic filmmakers working. Landis would prove his worth as a horror director, as well, with 1981's An American Werewolf in London.
Bringing his fresh and funny comedic style to the humorous parts of the film, Landis teamed with FX legend Rick Baker to create visually stunning and gruesome special effects. The film was a hit and is highly regarded as the textbook example of the perfect blend of hilarious comedy and pure horror.
Jaws Directed By Steven Speilberg
There has always been debate about whether to call Jaws a proper horror film. A majority of horror fans do consider it horror, as it is technically a "monster movie."
Steven Spielberg changed both the meaning of "Hollywood Blockbuster" and the summer box office with his acclaimed masterpiece. Before this 1975 film scared the world, no one was terrified of going in the water.
The Innocents Directed By Jack Clayton
Jack Clayton was a director known for British drama. His 1961 Horror film The Innocents is considered one of the finest ghost stories ever put to film.
Based on characters from Henry James The Turn of the Screw, Clayton crafted a highly atmospheric ghost tale that scared audiences and was praised by critics as a horror masterpiece.
The Exorcist Directed By William Friedkin
Academy Award-winning director William Friedkin terrified the world with his 1973 adaptation of Willaim Peter Blatty's popular novel The Exorcist.
Immediately after winning an Oscar for directing 1971's Best Picture winner The French Connection, his follow-up was a groundbreaking Horror film that scared audiences worldwide. Using extreme directorial tactics that allowed his audience no reprieve from the terror, Friedkin cemented his place in Horror history. The Exorcist is almost universally considered to be the scariest film ever made.