This guest post from Lewis Sheller that lists five classic black and white horror movies is sure to delight film noir-loving cinephiles. Or provide a list of new films to watch to those who aren’t yet familiar with these. Either way, enjoy!
Top 5 Black & White Horror Films
By Lewis Sheller
5. The Bat [1959]
I’m willing to bet of all those on this list, this is probably the one that most will be scratching their heads over, but bear with me…. Like most horror movie fans, my enthusiasm for the entertainment industry isn’t limited solely to horror movies, or even movies in general. I also have a love for comic-book superheroes. One of the most popular comic-book superheroes of all time (and one I’m keen on myself) is DC Comics’ Batman.
But why am I now talking about Batman, in a horror-based article, I hear you ask? Well, what if I told you that DC Comics’ Batman was heavily inspired by a horror film? Yes, you guessed it, the film in question I’m referring to is none other than 1959’s silent movie, The Bat!
How exactly it inspired Batman, I won’t spoil it for you, but instead, encourage you to watch the movie for yourself to find out!
Good news: This film is a public domain film!
4. Night of the Living Dead [1968]
Coming in at #4 on my list is George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968). The movie helped put zombies on the map, and this classic black and white horror holds a special place in my heart. Romero, often regarded as the “Father of the Zombie Movie,” shows audiences just what is possible with a clear vision and keen creative eye. Transforming what could have been an all too basic premise into an intense, nail-biting night of survival, that will have even the most stolid of individuals, at the edge of their seats.
There will inevitably be arguments over which of Romero’s zombie movies stands above the rest, as the true king of the hill, but for me, Night of the Living Dead reigns supreme!
Good news: This film is a public domain film!
3. Creature from the Black Lagoon [1954]
Whilst Dracula and “The Monster” (Frankenstein is the name of the Dr.) are arguably the two most recognizable horror movie icons to come out of Universal Studios (or Universal Pictures, as the studio was called back then), there’s one Universal monster, that despite finding itself submerged among the murky depths of horror movies past, has nonetheless proven to be a timeless classic in its own right. I’m talking of course about my personal favourite, the Gill-man, who made his cinematic debut in 1954’s Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The Gill-man, a creature that predates man, certainly makes for an intriguing antagonist. Made even more so, by the way the movie toys with the notion that perhaps mankind, having wandered into an unfamiliar environment, seeking only to capture and remove this magnificent creature from its natural environment (at any cost), is in actuality the true antagonist of the story.
The untameable nature of the overgrown jungle surrounding the Amazon River, where the majority of the movie takes place, makes a wonderful metaphor for the Gill-man himself. Whilst the river, a character in itself, appears almost tranquil on the surface despite the dangers that lie below, creates an alluring false sense of security. One that inevitably backfires on our intrepid crew.
If you’re looking to travel the Amazon, from the comfort (and safety) of your own home, with a little bit of intrigue and mystery thrown into the mix, then this is undeniably the film for you! The film spawned two sequels, Revenge of the Creature (1955), and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956).
Both are certainly worth checking out (especially if you love diving deeper into lore). Though, admittedly, neither comes close to capturing the majestic tone of the original.
*For those of you looking for a more modern twist, I highly recommend The Shape of Water (2017). It’s a fantastic film, clearly heavily inspired by The Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Warning: These particular films are unfortunately NOT public domain films!
2. White Zombie [1932]
I know, I know….
Two zombie films on a top five list? Is it a little excessive?
Perhaps. But hey, it’s my list, so humour me a little okay?
Besides, I have a good reason for both of these zombie films to make this list. I’ve already explained my reasons for adding Romero’s Night of the Living Dead above, so feel free to reread that section, before reading on.
All caught up? Excellent!
So, why does White Zombie deserve a spot on this list too? Well, as mentioned above in my coverage of Night of the Living Dead, I’m a huge fan of zombies. Slow zombies, fast zombies, it doesn’t matter. I love it all. (Though I do have a preference for the slower kind). So, how could I not include what is considered by many to be the first feature-length zombie flick?
White Zombie stands apart from other zombie movies in more ways than just simply being considered the first of its kind. For example, its understanding of what constitutes a “zombie” is far more in-line with traditional Haitian voodoo zombies, whereby an individual is killed and buried, only to be resurrected and controlled by supernatural means, such as witchcraft.
If you’re as big of a fan of zombies too, then this movie is unequivocally a must-watch!
Good news: This film is a public domain film!
1. Nosferatu [1922]
For most horror fans, the mere mention of the name Dracula both simultaneously excites the senses and sends shivers down their spine. The 1931 smash hit, Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi became permanently etched in the zeitgeist.
But many aren’t aware that in 1922, nine years prior, there released an unofficial Dracula film, titled Nosferatu. This silent horror, celebrating German expressionism, was largely based around Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula.
However, the filmmakers did not have the rights to the novel and as such changed many aspects, including the names of the characters. Despite these changes, the story largely plays out the same way, which resulted in the filmmakers being sued by Bram Stoker’s widow for copyright infringement.
Fortunately, despite the court ruling in her favour and the filmmakers being ordered to destroy all copies of the movie, it had already made its way overseas and so some copies remained. Having entered the public domain in 2019, all are now free to watch this cult classic, however they choose to do so.
One of the most visually stunning movies of all time, with a gripping performance from Max Schreck as Count Orlok, that rivals even that of Bela Lugosi himself, the most frightening aspect of this horror is that this masterpiece of cinematic history very nearly never saw the light of day! *Quintessential Halloween!
Good news: This film is a public domain film!
Check-In
And there you have it. My top five black and white horror movies list. I encourage you to check out all of the movies that I’ve mentioned and let me know what you thought of them in the comments below.
Equally, I’d love to hear which black and white movies would make your list.
Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow horror fans and stay tuned for future articles like this one.
Until next time, keep your wolfsbane near and hold your loved ones tight, for who knows what’s out there, lurking….. in the shadows of the night!
Guest Contributor Info
A full-time freelance writer, Lewis loves all things horror, especially movies. Deeply passionate about movies in general, he can’t help but celebrate the films of the past, whilst also eagerly keeping up-to-date with news on projects currently in development.
Currently available for hire, Lewis can be reached on Twitter @WriteChoice4U. Like what you’ve read? Consider giving him a follow!
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Great list! Personally, I think it’s hard to top Night of the Living Dead. I’d also add Fiend Without a Face.
The Haunting. The Uninvited. Curse of the Cat People. So many good black and white horror films.
Nosferatu is a huge personal favorite. But also look up Vampyr. It’s so atmospheric. Carl Theodor Dreyer began filming it during that crossover period between silent and sound films.
Fiend Without a Face? Okay, I am positive I’ve never seen it because I’ve never even heard of it. Looking it up!
And Vampyr is another I’ll add to my list to look up. I never saw it either. LOVE your choices too. Curse of the Cat People! Been a loooooong time since I saw it but it used to come on quite frequently when I was a kid. For Saturday Scaries I think. (Or whatever they called. That’s what I called it. lol)
GREAT list, Lewis! Night of the Living Dead is an all-time fave but it’s tied right up there with Creature from the Black Lagoon, which forget about it. Like, seriously. When that used to come on when I was little, forget about moving me from out in front of the TV until it was over. I was cuckoo CRAZY about that movie!
Thank you for everyone’s welcoming comments. I love your suggestions too. I don’t believe I’ve seen Vampyr (1932) myself before, but I’m hoping to see it at my local cinema this October (they’re showing it along with Nosferatu and The Phantom of the Opera). The Phantom of the Opera (1925) is another movie I’d highly recommend! It could very easily have made my top 5 list. It’s definitely one I love to watch each year, during the Halloween period. I’m hoping to engage with you all a little more in the comments of my articles, so please keep an eye out. I would love for you to follow me on Twitter too (find my user tag at the end of each of my articles, in the contributor info section). Kind regards, Lewis.
I’ve just created a WordPress account, so this is the account I’ll be using when responding to you all, from now on. The previous post by Lewis Sheller is also me (before I created a WordPress account). Hope you like my new avatar pic (Count Orlok). I look forward to engaging with you all more often. Thanks again for all your support. Hope to see you over on my Twitter.