10 Best British Horror Movies Of All Time

Key Takeaways

• British horror movies have a long history and continue to thrive, with modern favorites like The Ritual and Saint Maud.
• Kill List, The Blood of Satan’s Claw, and Hellraiser are essential British horror classics that showcase different subgenres.
• The Wicker Man, 28 Days Later, and Shaun of the Dead are timeless British horror films that have made a significant impact on the genre.

Great Britain has enjoyed a long horror history, from classic literature such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to the beloved Hammer Horror movies of the 1950s and 60s. Horror movies have always been a part of the British landscape and are often the playground for up-and-coming directors to hone their craft.

From gothic ghost stories or bloodthirsty monsters to sinister cults, the British film industry has produced numerous classics that have pushed the genre into new terrifying places. Today, the British horror scene is as alive as ever, with films such as The Ritual (2017), Possum (2018), and Saint Maud (2019) becoming modern genre favorites.

1 Kill List

A Twisted Cult Gem

• Directed: Ben Wheatley
• Release Date: 2011
• Runtime: 1h 35

Ben Wheatley has consistently established himself as one of Britain’s best cult film directors, with such films as Sightseers (2012) and A Field in England (2013). His breakout movie, though, was the 2011 psychological horror Kill List. The movie revolves around two ex-soldiers turned hitmen tasked with tracking down and killing three targets.

Kill List is a low-budget classic that permeates with a creepy atmosphere. The film follows the same folk horror tradition as The Wicker Man (1973) where nothing is what it seems, and everyone is a suspect. Kill List is a must-watch for horror fans and a hidden gem of British cinema.

2 The Blood Of Satan’s Claw

Folk Horror at its Best

• Directed: Piers Haggard
• Release Date: 1971
• Runtime: 1h 37m

While not as well-known as The Wicker Man (1973), Blood of Satan’s Claw brought folk horror to the British public and largely helped to define the genre. Like many folk horror titles, the film revolves around a small rural community that has deep connections to nature and pagan beliefs. The film follows the story of local children who fall under the influence of demonic forces after deformed remains are found in the ground.

The film is a cult classic, with its fantastic soundtrack, coming-of-age themes, rural backdrop, and sinister undertone. Fans of folk horror will love this strange British horror tale that continues to influence horror movies today.

3 Hellraiser

The Start Of A Landmark Franchise

• Directed: Clive Barker
• Release Date: 1987
• Runtime: 1h 34m

Clive Barker is one of the all-time great horror writers. His numerous stories, often revolving around demonic entities and body horror, have captured fans’ imaginations since the 80s. As an artist, his work also includes stage plays, poems, paintings, and even video games. Based on his 1986 novella, The Hellbound Heart, Hellraiser was Barker’s film directorial debut.

The film follows Frank in his attempt to escape hell while his niece, Kirsty, tries to stop his resurrection. While only on-screen for a short time, the true star of Hellraiser is Doug Bradley’s hell priest, Pinhead. This terrifying horror creation has become a genre icon and is featured in numerous sequels. Hellraiser is a grim and visceral film and an all-time classic that is as shocking now as it was on release.

4 Don’t Look Know

A Controversial Classic

• Directed: Nicolas Roeg
• Release Date: 1973
• Runtime: 1h 50m

Don’t Look Now is a classic horror movie that caused a stir with censors on release due to its explicit sex scenes. Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, the film delves into the trauma and psychology of loss. The film revolves around two parents who travel to Venice after the death of their child.

While Don’t Look Now made waves among critics for its sexual nature, the film was generally well-received on release. However, it has since grown to become a well-regarded horror classic for its innovative editing, great performances, and unflinching honesty surrounding grief.

5 The Descent

A Claustrophobic Nightmare

• Directed: Neil Marshall
• Release Date: 2005
• Runtime: 1h 39m

Neil Marshall quickly established himself as a director to watch with his fun action werewolf horror film Dog Soldiers (2002). However, a few years later, Marshall would cement his name in British horror history with The Descent. This terrifying and gory horror film revolves around a group of women who become lost in an unmapped cave, only to discover they are not alone.

The Descent has become a genre classic, with fantastic performances from its central cast, a tragic and bleak tone, and horrific monsters. The film delivers more than jump scares as it delves into the broken mind of its central character. The Descent has only grown in popularity and is now firmly established as one of the best horror films Britain has produced.

6 Dead Of Night

An Influential Horror Anthology

• Directed: Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden, Robert Hamer
• Release Date: 1945
• Runtime: 1h 43m

This classic anthology film is highly influential and is often cited as one of the greatest horror movies of all time. Produced by Ealing Studios, the film brought horror back to British audiences after it was banned during the Second World War. While the film offers several stories, the most well-remembered is the final piece, The Ventriloquist’s Dummy.

This eerie tale of a malevolent dummy would influence everything from the Child’s Play film series and Goosebumps novels to Batman villains. Dead of Night is a classic black-and-white movie with creepy horror tales and a circular narrative. The film is a must-watch for horror aficionados and film buffs everywhere.

7 28 Days Later

A Game-Changing Horror Release

• Directed: Danny Boyle
• Release Date: 2002
• Runtime: 1h 53m

28 Days Later was an instant success and cemented Danny Boyle as one of Britain’s great directors. The film follows Cillian Murphy’s Jim, who wakes from a coma to find an abandoned hospital and an empty London. He soon discovers the country has been infected with a virus that turns the population into rage-fueled monsters.

28 Days Later blew audiences away with its stunning visuals, heart-pumping horror, and star-making performances. While Cillian Murphy proves his leading man charm, the spotlight firmly shines on the monsters. While not a traditional zombie movie, 28 Days Later helped revitalize the dying genre with its fast-running enemies and stylish cinematography.

8 The Wicker Man

A Timeless Classic

• Directed: Robin Hardy
• Release Date: 1973
• Runtime: 1h 28m

This classic and unique movie features a career-defining performance by Edward Woodward, who plays devout Christian Sergeant Howie. Called to a remote island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, the film follows his attempts to uncover the truth as he navigates the strange and ancient rituals of the pagan community.

The Wicker Man hides its horror from the viewer with joyous displays of music, dance, and singing. However, the smiles of Summerisle hide sinister intentions. The ending of the film is one of the most shocking moments in cinema history and places The Wicker Man as an all-time horror classic.

9 Peeping Tom

An Early Influence on Slasher Films

• Directed: Michael Powell
• Release Date: 1960
• Runtime: 1h 41m

On release, Peeping Tom shocked audiences with its dark subject matter. The film follows a serial killer, Mark Lewis, who stalks and kills his victims while using a portable film camera. He then creates morbid home movies of his killings. Peeping Tom received bad reviews on release due to its explicit and shocking nature. This reception was instrumental in ending the director’s career.

However, in later years, a cult following would grow, forcing a reappraisal of Peeping Tom. It is now considered an influential horror masterpiece and a forerunner of contemporary slasher movies.

10 Shaun Of The Dead

A Worldwide Hit

• Directed: Edgar Wright
• Release Date: 2004
• Runtime: 1h 39m

Shaun of the Dead, the first part of Edgar Wright’s classic Cornetto Trilogy, started a comedy horror trend and made stars of its central cast, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The film follows Shaun, a man without ambition, who has become stuck in a dreary life. As the zombie outbreak spreads, Shaun finally begins to take action and fight for what is important.

Shaun of the Dead perfectly blends horror and comedy. It features plenty of gore, action, clever character-driven moments, and hilarious set pieces. The movie is full of heart, with its central cast bringing great performances. Shaun of the Dead is a modern classic that became a worldwide hit and has become one of the greatest zombie films ever made.