A classic movie genre that has survived the test of time, slasher films provide an unforgettable blend of suspense, horror, and dark humor. Although the genre has evolved significantly over the years, with everything from slasher comedy films to slashers that take a more psychological approach, the basic premise of these films remains the same.
Slasher films are typically centered around a villain, often known as the villain or “slasher”, who uses various weapons and methods to kill their victims. The victims typically represent moral violations, and the films often deal with themes of revenge and justice. Despite their often violent themes, slasher films are among the most popular movie genres and have spawned a massive following of dedicated fans.
With so many slasher films being released each year, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth watching. To make it easier for you, this article will list the very best slasher films, along with where to stream them. Keep reading to find out which slasher films you need to check out.
Top 10 Slasher Movies of All Time
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Psycho (1960): Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic slasher movie, Psycho is widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. Centering around a motel run by Norman Bates and his domineering mother, the film follows Marion Crane as she makes a fateful decision to stay at the motel. With its iconic score and performances, Psycho is a must-watch. You can stream the film on HBO Max.
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Halloween (1978): Director John Carpenter’s classic slasher film, Halloween has spawned a massive franchise of sequels and spin-offs. Set on Halloween night, the film follows the malevolent Michael Myers as he escapes from a psychiatric hospital and sets out on a mission to murder teenage babysitters. The film has become an iconic horror classic and can be streamed on HBO Max.
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Friday the 13th (1980): Another incredibly popular franchise, Friday the 13th is one of the most well-known slasher films of all time. The movie follows a group of high school teens as they spend the weekend in an abandoned summer camp, only to discover that the camp is being terrorized by a violent killer. You can stream the film on Netflix.
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A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): One of the most iconic horror films of all time, A Nightmare on Elm Street follows the spooky Freddy Krueger as he terrorizes a group of teenage friends in their dreams. Known for its creative special effects and one-liners, the film is a must-watch for horror fans. You can stream it on HBO Max.
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Child’s Play (1988): The first installment in the Chucky franchise, Child’s Play follows the lives of two kids who are terrorized by a possessed doll. Featuring inventive kills and a genuinely creepy atmosphere, Child’s Play is one of the most influential slasher films of all time. You can find the film on Hulu.
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Scream (1996): Starring many iconic actors, Scream has become one of the most popular slasher films in recent memory. Following the exploits of a group of friends who become the target of a serial killer, the film blends humor, horror, and suspense in a way that nobody had seen before. You can watch Scream on Hulu.
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I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997): Taking its title from the classic urban legend, I Know What You Did Last Summer follows the lives of four teenagers who are being stalked by a mysterious killer. With its intense suspense and iconic soundtrack, the film is perfect for a night in of scary movies. You can watch I Know What You Did Last Summer on STARZ.
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The Strangers (2008): Credited as helping to reignite the slasher genre in the 2000s, The Strangers follows a married couple who are terrorized by three masked assailants. Mysterious and tension-filled, the film is a must-see for slasher fans. You can watch The Strangers on Hulu.
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You’re Next (2011): Known for its dark humor and creative kills, You’re Next follows a family who are attacked by a group of assailants during a weekend getaway. Considered by many to be one of the most innovative slasher films in recent memory, You’re Next is a great choice for a night of horror. You can stream the film on Amazon Prime Video.
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Get Out (2017): A box-office sensation, Get Out is a psychological thriller about a young African-American man who visits his white girlfriend’s family and discovers their terrifying secrets. Thrilling and thought-provoking, the film was one of the most talked-about films of the year and is essential viewing for all horror fans. You can watch it on Hulu.
Rounding Out the List: Other Recommended Slasher Movies
The films listed above are undoubtedly some of the best slasher movies ever made. However, there are also plenty of other great films that deserve recognition. Here are a few more slasher films that are highly recommended:
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974): Regarded as a cult classic, this film follows a group of teens as they battle a family of cannibalistic killers. Stream it on HBO Max.
• Prom Night (1980): Another classic slasher with one of the most iconic masked killers, Prom Night is a must-watch for fans of the genre. Stream it on Hulu.
• The Burning (1981): One of the most overlooked slasher films of the 80s, The Burning follows a group of summer campers as they battle a campground killer. Stream it on TubiTV.
• The Blair Witch Project (1999): A unique tale of three friends who attempt to uncover the secrets of an infamous witch in the woods. Stream it on STARZ.
• Final Destination (2000): The first installment in the classic franchise, Final Destination is absolute must-watch for horror fans. Stream it on HBO Max.
• IT (2017): One of the biggest blockbusters in recent memory, IT follows a group of kids battling a terrifying monster. Stream it on HBO Max.
• Ready or Not (2019): When a couple plays a mysterious game, little do they know that it will turn deadly. Stream it on Hulu.
Slasher films have been around for decades, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newbie to the genre, there are plenty of great slasher movies out there that you need to check out.
For the very best slasher movies, start with the ones listed above, and then check out the recommended films. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be scared!