10 Best Horror Movies from the 1990s

A lot of major horror fans talk about the 1990s as though they were the Medieval period. Admittedly, it was a lower quality time for horror movies. There were more sequels than original work and there was a sense of needed change in the genre. There are still some good movies that should definitely be seen, so check them out!

10. The Craft (1996).

The Plot: A troubled teen moves to a new school. She makes friends with a group of three outcasts. They are practicing witchcraft and they believe she will make them complete and able to work magic. Especially since the teen already showed signs of natural magic. To their surprise, their deep wishes do come true and things seem perfect until one of them gets obsessed with power and puts everyone in danger.

Why You Should See It: This movie is the 1990s version of Heathers. Only the girls aren't as popular, they're witches, and the boy is an angry female goth. This movie tackles racism, abuse, and toxic dynamics between teenage girls.

9. Scream (1996).

The Plot: A year after her mother's murder, Sydney's life starts to go to hell all over again. There's a killer in their little town and he seems to be targeting Sydney and her friends. She can't even trust her boyfriend.

Why You Should See It: Wes Craven is poking fun at the entire genre, especially himself. There's plenty of references to excite horror fans. That being said, this movie is a lot of fun. The kills are entertaining and there are so many awesome female characters. Yes, I am mostly talking about Gail Weathers played by Courtney Cox.

8. Cure (1997).

The Plot: A police defective is confused by a recent string of murders. This victims always have an 'x' cut into their throats. But it's not by the same person, the perpetrator is often found near the murder scene. He's trying to figure things out in a very confusing case, as these people don't seem to be connected.

Why You Should See It: This is a solid psychological horror movie. This is also a movie that doesn't outright tell you what's happening. The atmosphere is frightening and expertly crafted. I'm also going to mention that the director is not related to Akira Kurosawa.

7. It (1990).

The Plot: A group of childhood friends must return to their hometown Derry in Maine. Through the movie we learn the horrors of what happened to them as children. A monster clown terrorized them and was causing children to disappear. And the clown is back and causing problems.

Why You Should See It: You should mostly see it for Tim Curry as Pennywise. It's both goofy and frightening. It's a very long movie but it's also a lot of fun. I still prefer this to the recent movies, which is my hot take.

6. The Mummy (1999).

The Plot: An aspiring Egyptologist, her brother, and an adventurer enter a pyramid... And awaken a very angry priest, Imhotep after reading an ancient text. Now they have to try and stop her from killing her to get his long gone love.

Why You Should See It: It's a fun action horror movie with some fun humor. The special effects are admittedly pretty rough by modern standards, but they are still successful in making you jump. Brendan Fraiser and Rachel Weisz also have great chemistry and are really fun to watch.

5. Candyman (1992).

The Plot: A graduate student is researching urban legends when she learns of a local one: The Candyman. She focuses on him and the connection to the lower-income areas. She links a gang member to the deaths linked to the legend. But she's going to learn the hard way of his presence.

Why You Should See It: Wow, this is an unsettling and trippy movie. Tony Todd is so good in this role. Candyman's story is also sympathetic so it gives the story layers.

4. Ring (1998).

The Plot: A reporter learns about a cursed video after the death of her niece. She hunts it down and watches it. Only, unexpectedly, she gets a call telling her she will die in seven days. After enlisting her ex-husband, she tries to get rid of the curse.

Why You Should See It: This is so much better than the American remake. It makes sense and the kid isn't as creepy. The visuals are super unsettling and Sadako is just so ready to take people down.

3. Tremors (1990).

The Plot: Val and Earl are handymen in an impoverished town. Things start to get weird when they find a resident stuck up a pole. It soon becomes clear that something is hunting them from below.

Why You Should See It: I'll admit to my bias here. I grew up loving this movie. It's not that scary but it is a lot of fun. Michael Gross and Reba were the best parts of the movie. This movie had a lot of humor that never got old for me.

2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

The Plot: A FBI trainee is sent to question a psychologist cannibal, Hannibal Lecter. He offers to help with the case of a serial killer dubbed 'Buffalo Bill'. She agrees and ends up chasing danger throughout the country.

Why You Should See It: This movie is the only horror movie to win an Oscar. It's also the best role Anthony Hopkins has ever had. This movie is scary and so realistic in the content. I also have no problem calling this movie a horror movie although some people argue it's a thriller.

1. Audition (1999).

The Plot: A widower decides to get back into the dating scene. He gets some help from a friend and they create an audition for him to get a girlfriend. And it works!

Why You Should See It: Other than some scenes half of the movie just seems like romance. The end of the movie is when everything goes entirely off the rails. It is so intense. This is definitely not a horror movie for the beginners. There is a lot of good gore and some animal cruelty (not real).

The 1990s are often not looked at as a great time for horror movies. But there are certainly plenty of movies (and a miniseries) that are really entertaining and a lot of fun to watch.