5 Classic Horror Movies That Were Far Ahead of Their Time, Ranked by IMDb

The history of horror is full of films that were considered too strange, too dark, or simply incomprehensible by audiences at the time of their release – but time is the best judge.

Decades later, these movies have achieved cult status, spawned imitators, and become part of film studies textbooks.

5. 'Don't Look Now', 1973

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

John and Laura Baxter lost their daughter. In an attempt to cope, they moved to Venice, where John works as an art restorer.

However, a serial killer is on the loose in the city, and the bodies of his victims are a constant reminder of their tragedy. They soon meet two strange sisters, one of whom claims to be a medium.

Through abrupt editing and unusual visual inserts, director Nicolas Roeg adds suspense to Daphne du Maurier's psychological thriller, transforming it into something approaching horror.

4. 'Santa Sangre', 1989

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

Fénix was raised by a circus performer and a religious fanatic. One day, his mother caught his father with a lover and doused him with acid. In response, his father cut off the woman's hands and then committed suicide.

Fénix spent many years in a psychiatric hospital. When he was released, he reunited with his mother and replaced her hands. Together, they decided to get even with everyone who had caused them trouble.

Alejandro Jodorowsky is known for his unusual movies. Santa Sangre is the director's attempt at a slasher film mixed with religious references.

3. 'Repulsion', 1965

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

Carol lives with her sister and is dating Colin. However, she is terrified of intimacy and even brushes her teeth after kissing. When her sister leaves, Carol is alone in the house and completely gives in to her fears.

Repulsion is the first film in Roman Polanski's unofficial trilogy, which also includes Rosemary's Baby and The Tenant. These movies focus on the inner states of the characters and show how they gradually become obsessed.

Repulsion explores the theme of aversion to anything carnal, a fear that frightens Carol so much she begins to have visions.

2. 'Hour of the Wolf', 1968

IMDb Score: 7.5/10

The movie is ostensibly an adaptation of the diary of a missing artist. Johan Borg and his wife, Alma, once moved to the island of Baltrum. He suffers from insomnia and shares with his wife his terrifying visions.

Perhaps all of this is connected to Johan's obsession with his former lover. Or are the visions real?

Throughout his career, Ingmar Bergman made a wide variety of films, but not everyone knows that he also made a mark in the psychological horror genre. Hour of the Wolf is a leisurely and enigmatic movie that doesn't provide all the answers.

1. 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?', 1962

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

As children, Jane was a popular vaudeville performer while her sister, Blanche, remained in the shadows. Years later, the situation has changed: Blanche is now shining in Hollywood, while Jane is descending into alcoholism.

However, an accident leaves the star bedridden. Embittered and forgotten by everyone, Jane begins to take revenge on her sister.

Based on Henry Farrell's novel of the same name, this film gave birth to the horror subgenre known as psycho-biddy. These are stories about aging, once-popular stars who go mad.