The Only Horror Movies With A Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

In today’s diverse cultural world, where horror flicks have moved beyond being labeled as genre movies and are widely accepted as mainstream, it can be challenging for truly terrifying films to receive their deserved recognition. All too frequently, these spine-chilling productions get brushed off as mere jump scares or unoriginal efforts aimed at inducing fear. It’s important to acknowledge that numerous mediocre horror films make their way onto our screens (think about the disasters like “The Devil Inside” and “One Missed Call,” two of the worst horror movies ever made). However, it’s crucial to remember that this is a common issue across all genres.

Exceptional horror films, when pitted against the crème de la crème of any other cinematic genre, hold their own. Fortunately, astute film critics are usually quick to remind us of the extraordinary qualities and creative achievements of the finest horror films. Nevertheless, it’s uncommon for a horror movie to garner universal acclaim: on Rotten Tomatoes, only nine horror films (as of now) have managed a perfect 100% rating on the Tomatometer. As a passionate fan, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate the day when more of these masterpieces are recognized and celebrated for their unique brilliance.

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself utterly captivated by these nine extraordinary motion pictures. Unlike a collection of films from the same director or a specific subgenre of horror, these masterpieces represent diverse epochs of cinema history and employ a myriad of distinct artistic approaches. From chilling found footage productions to spine-tingling silent cinema horrors, these unique movies traverse uncharted territories to deliver pulse-pounding experiences. Ultimately, the essence of horror lies not only in its ability to evoke fear but also in its capacity to extract terror from the ordinary. These nine exceptional titles beautifully embody this reality, serving as a testament to both the singular power of the horror genre and its unparalleled potential to enthrall and inspire in equal measure.

Frankenstein (2015)

In the 2010s decade, “Frankenstein” adaptations did not experience their golden age. The year 2014 saw the release of the critically panned film “I, Frankenstein,” which was considered a dull retelling of Mary Shelley’s work. Following closely was the Thanksgiving 2015 box office bomb “Victor Frankenstein,” which squandered the talent of James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe on mediocre cinema. Nevertheless, not all mid-2010s “Frankenstein” adaptations wound up in the bargain bin at DVD stores. Just before “Victor Frankenstein” premiered, writer/director Bernard Rose’s “Frankenstein” made its way onto the horror landscape. This version introduced a new character, Adam (Xavier Samuel), who was brought to life by a pair of mad scientist spouses in this film. The screenplay by Rose primarily revolved around Adam exploring the darker aspects of humanity with an innocent perspective.

Despite receiving fewer positive reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, this unique interpretation of “Frankenstein” has garnered much praise for its innovative portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in today’s world. Critics have singled out the film’s blend of intellectual and schlocky elements, a trait that earned the director acclaim when he directed the original “Candyman” in 1992. Among many movie adaptations of Frankenstein’s monster, this specific portrayal stands out as particularly noteworthy. This film has become a cult favorite and offers an intriguing contrast to the subpar films based on the same material that were prevalent in the mid-2010s. It is highly recommended for fans of Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking novel.

Slumber Party Massacre (2021)

In the hall of fame for ’80s slasher films, “The Slumber Party Massacre” didn’t quite reach the same level of popularity as “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13th.” Yet, it maintained a dedicated following, ensuring that a contemporary film capitalizing on its title was only a matter of time. This revival project surfaced in 2021, led by Danishka Esterhazy – the creative force behind the quirky horror comedy “The Banana Splits Movie.

Similar to numerous contemporary horror films revisiting series from the past, “Slumber Party Massacre” creatively explored its own history. In this instance, a fresh character named Dana (played by Hannah Gonera) along with her friends, found themselves trapped in a town that was once terrorized by the original “Massacre’s” villain, the Driller Killer. Notably, this character’s mother had also been his victim. The blending of the past and present was lauded by critics who particularly enjoyed how “Slumber Party Massacre” wasn’t shy about being amusing and absurd, a trait characteristic of Esterhazy’s style.

Despite the iconic status of the initial film, a too somber approach to this material wouldn’t have served anyone well. Instead, this follow-up maintains a lively spirit that earned it high praise from critics. The script was commended for its unforeseen twists, and there were numerous grotesque, bloodcurdling scenes. It easily could have devolved into yet another odd slasher film, but Esterhazy masterfully balances the tacky and terrifying elements. It’s no surprise that “Slumber Party Massacre” (2021) outshone the critical acclaim of numerous other horror legacy sequels.

The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

Throughout his diverse filmmaking journey, Irving Pichel found himself working on numerous genres such as westerns, war films, dramas, and science fiction. His skillset was versatile, much like an archer with many arrows at his disposal. Remarkably, his first directorial venture was also his initial foray into the realm of horror. “The Most Dangerous Game,” a film adaptation from the Richard Connell short story, revolves around a man arriving on an island only to discover that a wealthy individual derives pleasure from hunting human beings as his ideal quarry. This sets the stage for a nerve-wracking game of cat and mouse, where Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), a stranded big game hunter, tries to elude Count Zaroff (Leslie Banks), a cunning antagonist.

For over nine decades since its initial release, the critical acclaim for “The Most Dangerous Game” has remained undiminished. Both old and new reviews express admiration for Pichel’s compelling directorial debut, noting his ability to create a palpable sense of tension on screen. The film’s masterful construction of suspense is often cited as a key factor contributing to the intense engagement that “The Most Dangerous Game” provides. Moreover, the performances of McCrea and his co-star Fay Wray, portraying shipwreck survivors Eve Trowbridge, are consistently praised for their depth and realism – qualities that would be expected in leading roles from this period’s most notable dramas. It is clear that these actors did not phone in their performances; instead, they delivered memorable, nuanced portrayals that have stood the test of time.

Creep 2 (2017)

In an unexpected turn of events, the film “Creep”, released in 2014, gained cult status. A significant factor contributing to its success was its unique approach to horror, focusing on a terrifying antagonist that was unconventional – a serial killer portrayed by the screenwriter and leading actor Mark Duplass. While Duplass is typically associated with mumblecore indie films, his chilling performance as a horror villain left a lasting impact. The film’s portrayal of a seemingly ordinary man casually involved in violence and stalking women was shockingly realistic, making “Creep” a film that lingers in the mind.

After the character “Creep” portrayed by Aaron (Duplass) was firmly established, it wasn’t suitable to only present him as a single villain. So, Duplass and director Patrick Brice wrote a script for “Creep 2”. In this sequel, Aaron entices YouTuber Sara (Desiree Akhavan) to his home under the pretense of documenting his life on camera continuously for 24 hours (failing which she would be instantly killed). This unique idea for a horror film, brimming with tension derived from whether or not Aaron could maintain his composure around Sara, was well-received by critics.

Aaron and Sara’s captivating connection drew praise from viewers across the globe, while the eerie ambiance of “Creep 2” was met with similar admiration. Most notably, “Creep 2” was considered a brilliant expansion and progression of the initial movie, rather than a repetitive rehash. In essence, Duplass once again demonstrated his ability to captivate as an iconic horror figure that viewers didn’t realize they craved for. According to The Hollywood Reporter, who gave it a glowing review, “The character created by Duplass and Brice is consistently intriguing and humorous.” Aaron is portrayed as both amusing and unnerving due to his moments of self-importance, sudden self-criticism, and mysterious neuroses that he may or may not be revealing truthfully.

The Golem: How He Came Into the World (1920)

Due to pioneers such as George Méliès, storytelling of horror has been a significant part of cinema since its early days. The potential for creating truly unique frightening moments within this visual medium was evident from the outset, making the silent film era brimming with horror productions. A noteworthy title that every horror enthusiast should watch is “The Golem: How He Came into the World,” which was a groundbreaking work by directors Paul Wegener and Carl Boese in the German Expressionism movement, as well as being an eerie film on its own.

Based on Gustav Meyrink’s 1915 novel “The Golem,” the movie tells the story of Rabbi Loew (Albert Steinruck) in 16th-century Prague, who creates and brings to life a Golem (Paul Wegener), meant to safeguard the Jewish community. Yet, troubles ensue when Astaroth, an evil spirit, takes control of the Golem. This plot has been highly acclaimed by critics even over a century since its initial release in theaters. Unlike some movies that may lose their luster with time after being deemed classics, “The Golem” has instead gained more respect over the years as audiences come to understand its profound impact on various aspects of horror cinema.

The remarkable design and visuals, along with Wegener’s chilling and diverse portrayal as the main character, have frequently earned high praise. “The Golem” serves as a testament to how compelling horror storytelling has been an integral part of cinema since its inception. In 1921, The New York Times reviewed the German film, describing it as “Thought-provoking, stimulating one’s imagination, and yet so unique and distant in every aspect that it often seems mysterious and hard to grasp when trying to understand its essence.

One Cut of the Dead (2017)

If you’re searching for a zombie film that will catch you off guard, give “One Cut of the Dead” a try. It’s one of the most terrifying Japanese horror movies from the last decade and it’s better if you watch it without knowing much about it. However, if you’re curious, read on, but beware, we warned you! Essentially, this low-budget horror-comedy directed by Shin’ichirō Ueda is a clever twist on the found-footage genre. The story starts with a disorganized group attempting to film a zombie movie. As happens on many sets, things don’t go as planned. To get the desired outcome, director Takayuki Higurashi (played by Takayuki Hamatsu) unwittingly releases real zombies onto the cast, who must now switch from memorizing lines to fighting for their survival.

One Cut of the Dead” is a thought-provoking critique on the ruthless attitude of some filmmakers towards people, considering them disposable for financial gain. However, what truly impressed critics about this movie was not just the chilling scares and dark humor it offered, but also its ingenious use of uninterrupted takes during the zombie chaos (hence the title).

Moreover, Ueda’s screenplay cleverly keeps audiences guessing with its multiple layers of meta-narrative, making “One Cut of the Dead” an even more intriguing and unpredictable piece. The Los Angeles Times described the film as “A masterclass in endless narrative creativity and a tribute to the innovative and collaborative spirit of hands-on filmmaking.

His House (2020)

One consistent element found in highly-rated horror films is their daring exploration of complex and contemporary socio-political issues. By tackling subjects that many other films shy away from, these horror productions achieve a surprising level of thematic richness, adding significant weight to chilling experiences that linger in the memory. A notable instance of this can be seen in the 2020 film “His House,” which uses a haunting tale as a backdrop for the struggles faced by South Sudanese refugees as they try to adapt to an unfriendly town near London. The scares in this movie do not stem from masked killers, but rather from the characters’ encounters with apathetic racists like Mark (Matt Smith), who are portrayed as social workers.

Remi Weekes, the writer-director, skillfully crafts the human story in “His House” to be captivating on its own merit, without needing supernatural elements. Later, it’s revealed that Rial and Bol are haunted by spectral visions, but even before this revelation, the characters are engrossing due to Weekes’ exceptional direction, with particular praise going to Mosaku for her powerful portrayal of Rial. Despite numerous films exploring tormented immigrant experiences, including those in the horror genre, the visuals of “His House” set it apart as a unique and artistic achievement. In a glowing review, the Los Angeles Times noted that the script effectively blurs the lines between what kind of movie we’re watching – a thriller about a haunted house or a poignant depiction of the dehumanization faced by refugees?

Where the Devil Roams (2023)

Where the Evil Wanders”, a Depression-era horror film follows a band of carnival workers from a traveling sideshow. However, these workers are not your ordinary folk; they’re serial killers on the loose. As their group dwindles and casualties rise among those unfortunate enough to encounter them, the film leaves no doubt about its brutal nature. Despite its modest budget, “Where the Evil Wanders” garnered critical acclaim, with particular praise for the creative trio responsible – Toby Poser, John Adams, and their daughter Zelda Adams, collectively known as the Adams Family, who both wrote and directed the film.

Zelda’s sibling, Lulu Adams, is also part of the filmmaking clan. The entire quartet collaborated on the 2021 independent success “Hellbender,” which narrowly missed making this list with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97%. The movie “Where the Devil Roams” improved upon that by 3%, boasting a perfect score on the Tomatometer. The Adams Family elevated their game with this suspenseful film, enhancing their gory practical effects and creating gloomy environments. Some reviewers even appreciated the challenging tone that invited viewers to empathize with the carnival serial killers.

In reviews, it’s consistently noted that the Adams Family maintains a distinctive style and stays true to their vision. As Nick Allen from RogerEbert.com puts it, their approach to filmmaking remains intentionally captivating and rich in depth. They excel at depicting melancholic Americana, showing decay, gloomy weather, and decomposing hands, either through a desaturated color scheme or later in black and white.

Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror (2021)

The title “Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror” stands out among the other films on this list because it’s a documentary, yet one that horror enthusiasts should not overlook. This captivating documentary delves into the intricacies of folk horror cinema, a genre brimming with potential for chilling storytelling. It examines how folk horror gained prominence in popular culture, tracing its roots to its contemporary resurgence in films such as “The Witch” and “Midsommar.

Instead of merely referencing popular horror films casually, this 193-minute journey delves into distinctive cultural milestones from the folklore of horror, offering a nuanced exploration of how these narratives manifest uniquely in various contexts. It also highlights the common elements that continue to draw audiences towards folk horror. This project is a passionate endeavor for its creators, and their dedication shines through.

In simple terms, Director Kier-La Janisse skillfully managed the tempo throughout this extensive documentary. Furthermore, the film uncovers fresh dimensions of thematic significance in well-known movies such as “The Wicker Man,” which earned it praise from numerous critics. Writing for RogerEbert.com, Kristy Puchko highlighted the palpable excitement of everyone involved before labeling the documentary a “resplendent gem” for horror enthusiasts, promising to captivate, motivate, and astonish.

2025-07-27 22:31