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The initial impression one forms about a film is frequently derived from its poster, a significance amplified during the pre-internet era when access to trailers or reviews was limited. In those times, one heavily relied on the excitement generated by promotional materials. Crafting an attention-grabbing poster remains an art, particularly in the horror genre, where the objective is to promise thrills and chills. These posters often utilize provocative imagery, complemented by captivating taglines to entice viewers.
Compiling a list of the finest horror movie posters is a daunting task, given the myriad styles and charms across different eras. Nevertheless, we’ve narrowed it down to twenty posters that epitomize excellence in the horror genre.
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20 Best Horror Movie Posters of All Time
Sadako 3D (2012)
The infamous ghost from The Ring series makes a menacing return, utilizing the internet to seek a new host and revive her curse. This leads her to cross paths with Akane, a high school teacher, who must confront Sadako to protect herself and her boyfriend from the video-induced curse. The poster, while reflecting a dated 3D trend, effectively captures the horror with Sadako reaching out from the darkness, reminiscent of her iconic emergence from a TV. The black background enhances the ghostly image’s impact, standing out starkly. Alternative poster ideas include featuring the cast around Sadako or changing the background, but this version, with its focused portrayal of the terrifying ghost, remains the most compelling.
TerrorVision (1986)
Ted Nicolaou’s TerrorVision immerses viewers in 80s nostalgia with its blend of cheesy charm. The film follows the Puttermans, a typical nuclear family embracing modernity with a cutting-edge TV satellite. However, the seemingly innocent waves from the dish unleash a ravenous alien force with a taste for human flesh.
The poster, adorned with semi-realistic artwork, is instantly attention-grabbing. The unsettling image of an eye protruding from a satellite dish serves as a visual snapshot of the movie’s premise—evil extraterrestrial forces entering Earth through satellite TV. Despite being a somewhat overlooked 80s horror gem, TerrorVision’s poster is undeniably memorable.
The Lift
The elevator, now exhibiting a sentient and deadly nature, becomes the cause of numerous fatalities among the building’s residents and visitors. Unaware of the lift’s newfound consciousness, a technician is assigned the task of repairing it. However, as he delves into the job, he discovers that the situation is far more complex and ominous than a mere malfunction. The poster for “The Lift” draws inspiration from “The Poltergeist” with a blonde child and a doll facing an ominous light source. Despite the resemblance, the image exudes a more sinister and daunting aura, featuring a hand hanging out, hinting at potential murder or horrifying entities emerging from the elevator. The poster is recognized as a captivating representation of the underrated Dutch film directed by Dick Maas. Notably, the tagline adds a touch of entertainment with its somewhat silly yet engaging message: “Take the Stairs, Take the Stairs. For God’s Sake, Take the Stairs!!!”
The Damned (1962)
An American tourist faces harassment from a group of British juvenile delinquents, prompting him to flee as tensions escalate. The confrontation leads them to a remote location where the government is conducting experiments to create children capable of surviving nuclear fallout. Now, they must collaborate to escape the island, with both the government and the experimental children in pursuit. Reflecting on horror posters of the 60s, The Damned, a British film, stands out with its captivating aesthetic. The eerie child at the center and the chilling text, “Children of Ice and Darkness,” make it a standout poster of the era. Interestingly, the punk rock band ‘The Damned’ drew inspiration from the film for their name, adding an extra layer of coolness to the poster.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Nancy Thompson and her companion find themselves haunted by nightmares featuring a charred figure, coinciding with a series of mysterious deaths in their community. Delving deeper into the mystery, Nancy discovers that the deceased killer, Freddy Krueger, is orchestrating these deadly dreams. Now, she must battle to stay awake and devise a plan to eliminate the claw-wielding monster before he claims more lives.
The design of Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street poster possesses a certain rawness, with Freddy’s image slightly obscured and distorted. Yet, this imperfection adds a layer of intrigue to the artwork, sparking the imagination. The poster’s standout feature lies in the fearful expression skillfully depicted on the face of the young woman in bed, crafted by artist Matthew Peak. Additionally, the accompanying tagline contributes to the overall design, with the words “If Nancy doesn’t wake up screaming, she won’t wake up at all” hanging over the terrified girl.
Dead and Buried (1981)
In the quiet town of Potter’s Bluff, unsuspecting tourists find themselves ensnared in a deadly trap, as the locals band together to ruthlessly eliminate anyone who enters. The town’s sheriff initiates an investigation into the unsettling transformations occurring in his community, uncovering dark secrets that involve a peculiar ritual—resurrecting the dead. The promotional artwork for the film “Dead and Buried” is both straightforward and unforgettable, featuring a massive face resembling a monolith against a barren backdrop, leaving viewers uncertain whether it’s a statue or something more sinister. The poster effectively captures the eerie atmosphere that hangs over the town, where the deceased are revived as unsettling marionette-like figures. Renowned Italian painter Dario Campanile, known for his lifelike portraits and observational art, contributes to the poster’s realism by skillfully depicting the stone face and the cracked surroundings.
Demons (1985)
In Dario Argento’s horror film “Demons,” a masked man distributes free flyers for a new movie premiere, attracting a small crowd seeking entertainment. As the film unfolds, violence erupts in the theater, with demons taking over the patrons’ bodies. Trapped inside, the survivors must battle the evil force for their lives. The poster captures the essence of ’70s Italian horror, featuring demonic figures approaching the overwhelmed theatergoers. Created by artist Enzio Sciotti, known for iconic posters of the era, the artwork evokes a haunting atmosphere, complemented by the tagline, “They will make cemeteries their cathedrals, and the cities will be your tombs.” Sciotti’s work on other films like Maximum Overdrive, Bloody Birthday, and The Beyond is also noteworthy.
The Thing (1982)
A team of American researchers stationed in Antarctica rescues a dog being pursued by a Soviet helicopter, only to discover that the canine is a host for an alien entity capable of mimicking its prey. As paranoia grips the crew, they must swiftly unravel the mystery and prevent the extraterrestrial threat from escaping the isolated location. John Carpenter’s The Thing has left an indelible mark on filmmakers and creature effects artists, influencing works like the Dead Space horror game series. Numerous reinterpretations of The Thing’s poster exist, but the original by artist Drew Struzan, completed hastily in a single day without having seen the film, remains unparalleled. Despite its rushed creation, the poster captures the essence of the movie’s unknown horrors with stunning impact.
Mandy (2018)
Red Miller and Mandy Bloom’s tranquil life is shattered when a drug-crazed cult invades their remote home, resulting in Mandy’s death. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, Red embarks on a surreal and metaphysical journey to confront the evil cult. The poster for Panos Cosmatos’ nightmarish film, Mandy, effectively captures the film’s neon atmosphere. It skillfully incorporates minor details, featuring eerie monsters surrounding a bloodied Nicolas Cage. Notably, the poster highlights shadows resembling two figures engaged in a chainsaw battle, adding a unique and cool element. Although it employs digital art, the execution is so seamless that it almost resembles a painting.
The Burning (1981)
A notorious legend is born when a caretaker at a summer camp is horrifically burned in a prank gone awry. Following years of intensive treatment, he is released back into society and returns to the scene of the accident, unleashing a spree of violent murders in pursuit of revenge.
Regarded as one of the standout horror posters from the 80s, The Burning’s visual impact is undeniable. Featuring the ominous silhouette of the film’s killer, Cropsy, brandishing shears against a backdrop of a tender young couple, the poster masterfully encapsulates the quintessential slasher genre aesthetic. While the original poster’s taglines may not be particularly memorable, the overall artistry speaks volumes, making it a compelling and visceral representation of the film.
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The Birds (1963)
The poster for “The Birds,” approved by Alfred Hitchcock himself, may seem somewhat comical and crowded by today’s standards. Hitchcock is pictured on the side, endorsing his own film, while a small image of Tippi Hedren in the corner is accompanied by the phrase “a fascinating new personality.” Despite the awkward layout typical of 1960s poster design, it possesses a unique charm. However, what truly makes it stand out is the iconic illustration of the menacing bird swarm targeting an unsuspecting woman. This simple yet powerful image effectively communicates the film’s deceptively straightforward premise, making it one of the most memorable posters of its era.
The Fly (1986)
The captivating poster for David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” is the work of Richard Mahon, featuring an eye-catching image of scientist Seth Brundle emerging from a teleportation pod with grotesque leg transformation. While the tagline, “Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid,” simplifies the film’s body horror, Mahon’s design not only entices viewers with the horrifying transformation but also effectively communicates the core concept. Notably, Mahon’s talent extends to the equally well-executed poster for “The Fly 2,” maintaining a similar theme while delivering visual impact.
Suspiria (1977)
In Suspiria, an iconic film by Dario Argento, the story revolves around Susie Bannion, an American aspiring ballerina who joins a prestigious dance academy in Berlin. Her arrival coincides with a mysterious incident where a girl flees from the academy during a storm, shouting something ominous. Intrigued by the strange occurrences, Susie delves into the enigmatic world of the dance academy, uncovering dark secrets and the true origins of the family behind the institution.
The film’s title, “Suspiria,” displayed above a pool of blood from a distressed dancer in the corner, is widely recognized in the horror genre. Renowned artist Mario de Berardinis, known for his poster designs, takes a more restrained approach in this particular artwork, capturing the atmospheric horror of the film. The original English release poster features a memorable tagline in peculiar veiny text for the title, stating, “The only thing more terrifying than the last 12 minutes of this film are the first 80.” Nevertheless, the Italian poster’s instantly recognizable text for “Suspiria” remains truly iconic, contributing to the film’s lasting impact.
Paganini Horror (1989)
Paganini Horror may be a lesser-known entry in 70s Italian cinema, but its true gem lies in its original poster. Enzo Sciotti, the artist behind the iconic Demons poster, once again works his magic, creating a haunting visual. The poster depicts the legendary composer Niccolò Paganini playing his violin against the backdrop of a mansion engulfed in bloody sheet notes. This artistic masterpiece not only captures the film’s expected flair, absurdity, and gore but also sets a ghastly tone, making it a standout in the realm of horror movie posters.
Bay of Blood (1971)
Following the demise of a prominent countess, a string of murders unfolds in the vicinity of a bay and its surroundings. The initial killing, motivated by the lust for the countess’s wealth, sets off a chain of events where those vying for control of the valuable property suspect that subsequent murders are also rooted in the coveting of the fortunes tied to the land.
Although not as universally recognized as directors like Dario Argento or Lucio Fulci, Italian filmmaker Mario Bava is often considered the father of horror in his country. Despite the lack of widespread acclaim, Bava’s horror films boast compelling posters, such as the iconic Black Sunday poster featuring an artistically rendered depiction of Barbara Steele’s intense gaze from the 1960s. However, the most striking and attention-grabbing artwork is found in the Bay of Blood poster, underscoring Bava’s pioneering role in the horror genre. The image, with its visceral impact, serves as a visual invitation into a narrative of brutality and chaos.
Re-Animator (1985)
Dr. Herbert West, an eccentric and outspoken character, believes he has discovered a way to cheat death by creating a substance that revives the recently deceased. However, his experiments take a horrifying turn, and together with fellow student Dan Cain, they become targets of a reanimated teacher who seeks to steal the research for his own army of the undead.
Stuart Gordon’s “Re-Animator” is considered one of the most entertaining Lovecraft adaptations and a beloved horror film from the ’80s. The movie’s popularity is attributed to its excessive gore, dark humor, and standout performances, particularly Jeffrey Combs’ portrayal of Herbert West. Combs’ presence on the poster adds to its significance, along with the depiction of a ‘mad scientist’ lab and a severed head on the table.
The Exorcist (1973)
Regan MacNeil, a young girl, undergoes mysterious and severe symptoms. Despite her mother’s efforts with medical treatments, she turns to the church for help. Father Karras and Father Merrin, two Catholic priests, conduct an exorcism to battle a demonic force clinging to Regan. The iconic poster for “The Exorcist,” created by legendary designer Bill Gold, maintains a sense of mystery to avoid spoilers. Gold chose a powerful image of Father Merrin arriving at the MacNeil home, contributing to the film’s reputation as one of the scariest ever. The poster’s ominous image has become iconic in the world of horror.
The Evil Dead (1981)
The impact of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell’s collaboration on “The Evil Dead” is undeniable, creating a lasting legacy. The narrative revolves around a group of friends who accidentally unleash an evil force by reading from ‘The Book of The Dead.’ Ash Williams becomes the lone survivor, confronting possessed friends and other malevolent entities in the woods. The film, groundbreaking for its time, spawned a dedicated cult following that endures today.
Among the iconic elements associated with the franchise, the classic poster stands out as a masterpiece. Crafted by the then-20-year-old Graham Humphreys, the design is both captivating and legendary. Widely embraced by horror enthusiasts, the image of the undead emerging from the ground strikes a perfect balance between shock value and coolness. Graham Humphreys, later renowned for his work on posters for films like “Santa Sangre” and “Basket Case,” solidified his reputation with this striking creation.
Halloween (1978)
The tale of Michael Myers, a young boy who murdered his sister on Halloween and later escapes from a sanitarium to haunt his hometown of Haddonfield, became a legendary horror story. John Carpenter’s Halloween, though not the first slasher film, defined the genre for many horror enthusiasts. The film follows Myers as he stalks babysitter Laurie Strode and her friends 15 years after his initial crime.
In terms of Halloween movies and their essence, John Carpenter’s Halloween stands out as a defining example. The iconic poster, despite not featuring Michael Myers, captures the seasonal horror vibe with a pumpkin and knife, hinting at a sinister presence behind the festive decorations. The designer, Bob Gleason, had to advocate for this design against producers who wanted Michael Myers on the poster. While including the Myers mask might have made it memorable for its influence, fans universally appreciate the original pumpkin design, often considering it as a great tattoo option.
Jaws (1975)
Partially inspired by real incidents, Steven Spielberg’s iconic film Jaws depicts a seaside community thrown into chaos by a series of shark attacks claiming multiple lives. The responsibility to restore safety falls on police chief Martin Brody, who enlists a marine biologist and a seasoned shark hunter in the pursuit of the menacing creature. As the trio embarks on their mission, they discover that the shark is an exceptional and lethal specimen, surpassing anything they had imagined.
When considering the list, it’s not surprising that Jaws claims the top spot. Beyond its widespread popularity, the movie’s poster has been endlessly repurposed and reimagined. Whether you’re in search of a new blanket, rug, or shower curtain featuring horror film art, Jaws is a recurring choice. Rather than diminishing the original artwork by Roger Kastel, this ubiquity has transformed it into a horror icon, a visually striking image recognized globally. Given the universal fear of the deep (thalassophobia), the poster induces terror with its depiction of a colossal shark lurking beneath an otherwise serene swimmer. Unforgettable and iconic, Jaws unquestionably stands out as the ultimate choice for the best horror movie poster ever.
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