My Favorite “Beautiful” Horror Movies

As my passion for movies continues to grow, I’ve increasingly appreciated the art of cinematography more and more. There’s just something about clever camera angles and perfect color palettes that draw me into a film, and if it’s also accompanied by good writing and a clever plot? Instant favorite. Even though people usually think of beautiful cinematography more in the context of emotional dramas or rousing, big-budget sci-fi, I’ve also come to appreciate the beauty of horror films just as much. 

Though nobody doubts the professional craft of horror cinematography, not everyone gives scary movies credit for their aesthetic beauty. While the genre is certainly characterized by darkness, gore, and jumpscares, horror movies also contain tons of tiny little technical decisions that will awe you if you’re the type to appreciate them. Horror would never work without the camera showing you precisely what you need to see…while still hiding what lies beneath. Cinematography is actually what elevates great horror films to another level.  So allow me to recommend a few horror films for your ReSee watchlist that I found both spooky and spectacular!

1. Crimson Peak

Dir: Guillermo del Toro

DoP: Dan Laustsen

Crimson Peak is a ghost story that primarily takes place in a beautiful, snow-capped gothic mansion. A simple yet powerful color palette of bold reds and soft whites (hence the name) creates a beautiful contrast between the house’s darkness and the story. Even the ghosts that haunt the house are uniquely mesmerizing. Lovers of architecture and pre-war design will not be disappointed.

Some might say that this movie is more romance than horror, but any film that the legendary Stephen King calls “gorgeous and just f*cking terrifying” has to be worth watching. The King of Horror would not mislead you.

2. Midsommar

Dir: Ari Aster

DoP: Pawel Pogorzelski

You probably knew this one was coming, as this A24 folk-horror film set a new standard for beauty within the genre. A scary movie rarely takes place in broad daylight, which is only one of the several elements I love about this film, given that most horror flicks are associated with dark, eerie locations. To be honest, I’m still trying to compile my thoughts about the film itself; there’s so much to unpack. But as far as visuals go, Midsommar is undeniably special. 

The natural light and pristine “Swedish” nature (which was mostly actually filmed in Hungary – that’s movie magic for ya!) provides a gorgeous setting that almost makes you forget about the horrific and unexpected events taking place…almost. Again, I was utterly captivated by perfectly designed shots that immediately tell you how to feel.

3. Psycho

Dir: Alfred Hitchcock

DoP: John L. Russell

Now you know I’ll never miss an opportunity to bring up my favorite movie of all time. I could talk about the beauty of this movie for days on end!

Fans of black and white films will always point to the classic aesthetic and textures of the era when film stock was the only option, and movies couldn’t rely on shocking colors to wow audiences. Of course, this means that cinematographer John Russell had to try to woo the audience in other ways. Well, time has told us that he passed with (er, without) flying colors.

I’m sure you’re already thinking of several iconic shots that were nothing short of revolutionary for the 1960s and that are still imitated by cinematographers today. If not, queue this one up again and prepare to notice its DNA in many modern classics.  The Bates mansion is a work of art, which is why a replica of it was once installed atop the MoMA! From the gas station to the shower curtain, Psycho looks stunning on screen. 

4. It Follows

Dir: David Robert Mitchell

DoP: Mike Gioulakis

Last but not least, we have to discuss It Follows, which flashes gorgeous, haunting cinematography from its very first incredible shot. The interchanging of wide, tracking shots and claustrophobic close-ups perfectly convey the terror of being stalked by a supernatural force. Talk about immersive films – the cinematography of this one makes it inescapable. It Follows is filmed in a truly unique way, using nature’s beauty to lure you in even while the terror makes you want to run for the exit.

Many people tend to get so wrapped up in the entertainment that they fail to notice a film’s stunning cinematography, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But if you’re one of those movie lovers who appreciates the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking, and if you can manage to avoid closing your eyes during scary movies, you’ll absolutely find that same level of professionalism in horror films. Don’t be afraid to keep a light on if it helps you see the beauty in them.