Not Gangsters, But Still Great: Martin Scorsese’s Top 5 Favorite Horror Films to Add to Your Watchlist

Martin Scorsese may be best known for his gangster epics, but his love for horror runs deep. He’s never directed a horror film himself, yet he’s often spoken about the genre with admiration. I’ve seen most of these picks — and trust me, if Scorsese recommends a horror movie, it’s worth watching. Here's a quick rundown of his favorites.

Nosferatu (2024)

Robert Eggers’ remake of the 1922 classic is as eerie and atmospheric as you’d hope. The vampire Count Orlok lures Thomas Hutter to Transylvania, but his real target is Hutter’s wife, Ellen. It’s a slow-burn gothic horror that really gets under your skin.

Midsommar (2019)

I’ll admit it: this one stayed with me for days. Scorsese is a fan of Ari Aster, and Midsommar is one of his favorites. It’s bright, disturbing, and full of dread — a breakup horror movie that takes place under the Swedish sun. Not your typical scare-fest, but that’s what makes it so haunting.

The Shining (1980)

Scorsese has praised Kubrick’s masterpiece, even though Stephen King famously dislikes it. Watching Jack Nicholson unravel in isolation is a terrifying slow descent into madness. And that hotel? It’s basically a character in itself.

The Exorcist (1973)

An obvious classic, but for good reason. It still works. Scorsese once noted how the film’s use of silence and tension created unbearable suspense. Plus, it was the first horror film ever nominated for Best Picture — and it shows.

Psycho (1960)

Hitchcock at his most iconic. I remember the first time I saw it — I was completely thrown by the twist. Scorsese has called Hitchcock one of his biggest influences, and Psycho is proof of how far ahead of his time he was.