The best of Wes Craven: five films every fan of horror movies should see this Halloween -.

Wes Craven, a true pioneer of the horror genre, created some of the most memorable and terrifying experiences in film history. Born in 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio, Craven made his mark by challenging conventions and reshaping the horror landscape through his innovative storytelling and compelling characters. From introducing iconic villains to exploring psychological terror, Craven’s films have left a lasting impact on audiences and filmmakers alike. With a career that spanned decades, his ability to blend fear with social commentary distinguished him as one of horror’s most influential figures.

Today we want to talk about five of Craven’s best films, ranked from fifth to first, that showcase the director’s skill and versatility in delivering chilling cinematic experiences. So let’s waste no more time. This is what we consider Wes Craven’s best.

5. Red Eyes (2005)

In Red Eye, a young woman named Lisa (Rachel McAdams) boards a red-eye flight and meets a charming but sinister stranger, Jackson (Cillian Murphy), who reveals a chilling plan to kill a VIP unless she helps him. Trapped in a small room, Lisa must use her wits and courage to outwit her captor before it’s too late.

Red Eye is a master class in psychological thriller, focusing on the tension that can arise in the most ordinary situations. The film deftly explores themes of fear, trust and survival and shows how quickly normality can turn into terror. Craven uses the limited setting of an airplane to heighten the sense of claustrophobia and urgency, reminding us that danger can lurk even in the most mundane circumstances. With strong performances and a tightly woven plot, Red Eye demonstrates Craven’s ability to evoke suspense while maintaining a relatable story.

4. The last house on the left (1972)

The Last House on the Left tells the gripping story of two teenage girls who are kidnapped, abused and eventually murdered by a group of criminals. When the perpetrators unknowingly take refuge in the home of one of the victim’s parents, the parents take gruesome revenge.

One of Craven’s earliest works, this film remains a controversial and impactful entry in the horror genre. It confronts the brutal reality of violence and the moral dilemmas that arise in the face of tragedy. Craven’s fearless depiction of human depravity and the primal instincts for revenge pushes boundaries and invites reflection on the nature of evil. Though disturbing, The Last House on the Left also serves as a commentary on society’s insensitivity to violence, exploring how ordinary people can be driven to monstrous acts when pushed to extremes. This film cemented Craven’s reputation for tackling dark and uncomfortable themes.

3. The hills have eyes (1977)

In The Hills Have Eyes, a family is stranded on a road trip in the desert, where they are stalked by a group of cannibalistic mutants living in the nearby hills. As they struggle to survive, the family must face their own darkest instincts.

The Hills Have Eyes is a gritty survival-horror film that reflects the primal fears of isolation and the unknown. Craven uses the desolate desert setting to reinforce the sense of vulnerability and hopelessness, depicting a world where civilization collapses and savagery reigns supreme. The film explores themes of survival, morality and the thin veneer of societal norms that can be stripped away in extreme circumstances. It challenges us to think about how ordinary people might react when faced with extreme threats, making it a thought-provoking entry in Craven’s oeuvre. The film’s commentary on the collapse of family dynamics under pressure adds a layer of emotional depth, making the horror all the more impactful.

2. Scream (Saga)

Scream reinvigorated the slasher genre with its self-aware characters and clever meta-commentary. The film follows high school student Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as she becomes the target of a masked killer known as Ghostface, who terrorizes her town while referencing classic horror films.

Scream is not only a master class in horror, but also a brilliant satire that critiques the genre itself. Mixing humor with real fears, Craven explores themes of fear, mortality and the impact of media on real-life violence. The film’s iconic opening scene and clever subversion of horror tropes set a new standard for slasher films and inspired a resurgence of the genre in the 1990s and beyond. Scream invites us to engage in a dialogue about our own expectations of horror, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. With its sharp writing and memorable characters, it remains a cultural touchstone, spawning a successful franchise that still resonates with fans today.

1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (Saga).

A Nightmare on Elm Street introduces the terrifying character of Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a deformed child killer who stalks and murders teenagers in their dreams, turning sleep into a deadly battlefield. The series follows several characters as they confront Freddy and his nightmarish realm.

A Nightmare on Elm Street revolutionized horror by transforming the concept of fear and dreams. Craven’s brilliant idea of a killer attacking victims in their sleep plays on the universal vulnerability of dreams and creates a unique sense of dread. The saga delves into themes of guilt, trauma and the consequences of past actions, reflecting the darker aspects of suburban life. Freddy Krueger became an iconic figure in horror, embodying our fears of childhood trauma and the loss of innocence. The series’ blend of supernatural horror with psychological depth has made it one of the most enduring franchises in horror history, cementing Craven’s legacy as a master of the genre.

And that’s all for today! Wes Craven’s contributions to horror are second to none, demonstrating his ability to combine fear with social commentary, psychological depth and sharp humor. Craven’s genius lies in his ability to tap into our deepest fears while challenging the conventions of the genre. His work not only entertains, but encourages thought and reflection, ensuring that his legacy as a master of horror will continue for generations to come.

Now we’d love to hear about your experiences with Wes Craven’s work! Which of his films do you think are the best? Would you rearrange the list or add others? We can’t wait to read your opinions in the comments!