10 Best Horrible Movies Recommended by Horror Mike Flanagan

 10 Best Horrible Movies Recommended by Horror Mike Flanagan

Mike Flanagan, the mastermind behind chilling works like The Haunting of Hill House and Doctor Sleep, has become a respected name in the horror genre. Known for his atmospheric storytelling and deep character development, Flanagan is also an ardent fan of the genre. Over the years, he has shared his admiration for several classic and modern horror films that have influenced his craft. Here's a list of 10 great horror movies recommended by Mike Flanagan and why they deserve a place on every horror fan’s watchlist.

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1. The Shining (1980)

Mike Flanagan has openly expressed his love for Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, calling it one of the most influential films in his career. Based on Stephen King’s novel, this psychological horror classic showcases the terrifying descent of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) into madness while staying in the haunted Overlook Hotel.

Why It's Great:

Masterful direction by Stanley Kubrick.

Unforgettable performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall.

Iconic moments, like “Here’s Johnny!” and the eerie twins in the hallway.

Flanagan even directed Doctor Sleep (2019), a sequel to The Shining, seamlessly merging Kubrick’s vision with King’s narrative style.

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2. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby is a haunting tale about paranoia and betrayal. The story revolves around Rosemary, a pregnant woman who begins to suspect that her neighbors have sinister plans for her unborn child.

Why It's Great:

The slow-burning tension keeps viewers on edge.

Mia Farrow’s chilling performance.

A perfect blend of psychological horror and supernatural dread.

Flanagan has praised this film for its atmosphere and ability to unnerve audiences without relying on jump scares.

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3. The Exorcist (1973)

Often regarded as one of the scariest films ever made, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist is a horror masterpiece that delves into the terrifying possession of a young girl and the subsequent exorcism.

Why It's Great:

Groundbreaking practical effects for its time.

A powerful exploration of faith and evil.

The performance of Linda Blair as the possessed Regan is unforgettable.

Mike Flanagan admires how The Exorcist combines emotional depth with visceral horror, a hallmark of his own storytelling.

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4. Hereditary (2018)

Ari Aster’s debut film Hereditary redefined modern horror with its emotionally raw and deeply disturbing narrative. It’s a tale of grief, family secrets, and supernatural forces that escalate into pure terror.

Why It's Great:

Toni Collette’s harrowing performance.

Expert use of atmosphere and symbolism.

A shocking and unforgettable climax.

Flanagan has noted how Hereditary demonstrates that horror can be as emotionally complex as any other genre.

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5. The Innocents (1961)

This black-and-white classic, based on Henry James’s novella The Turn of the Screw, is a haunting tale about a governess who believes the children under her care are being tormented by ghosts.

Why It's Great:

Evocative cinematography that enhances the eerie atmosphere.

Subtle and psychological approach to horror.

A narrative that leaves the audience questioning reality.

Mike Flanagan was so inspired by The Innocents that he adapted The Turn of the Screw in his Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor.

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6. Jaws (1975)

While Jaws may not seem like a traditional horror movie, Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece instills fear of the unknown lurking beneath the waves. This iconic film about a killer shark terrorizing a small town remains a benchmark in suspense.

Why It's Great:

Incredible use of tension and suspense.

John Williams’s legendary score.

Characters that resonate beyond the scares.

Flanagan admires Jaws for its ability to terrify audiences without relying on excessive gore, proving that sometimes, less is more.

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7. Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a genre-defining thriller that changed the landscape of horror cinema. The story of Norman Bates and his creepy motel is as disturbing today as it was in 1960.

Why It's Great:

Hitchcock’s masterful direction.

The shocking twist that still surprises first-time viewers.

The iconic shower scene and Bernard Herrmann’s chilling score.

Flanagan has credited Hitchcock’s ability to build suspense as a major influence on his own work.

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8. The Thing (1982)

John Carpenter’s The Thing is a sci-fi horror masterpiece about a group of researchers in Antarctica who encounter a shape-shifting alien.

Why It's Great:

Outstanding practical effects that still hold up today.

A sense of paranoia that permeates the entire film.

Kurt Russell’s strong performance as MacReady.

Flanagan often praises Carpenter’s ability to create dread and tension, elements he incorporates into his own projects.

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9. Don’t Look Now (1973)

Nicolas Roeg’s Don’t Look Now is a psychological horror film about a grieving couple who begin to experience strange occurrences while in Venice.

Why It's Great:

A gripping exploration of grief and loss.

Stunning visuals that contribute to the eerie mood.

A shocking ending that stays with you.

Mike Flanagan appreciates the film’s ability to weave emotional depth with psychological terror, something he strives to achieve in his storytelling.

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10. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a raw and unrelenting horror film that introduced audiences to Leatherface and his terrifying family.

Why It's Great:

Gritty and realistic tone that makes the horror feel immediate.

An intense atmosphere of dread and chaos.

Minimalist yet effective storytelling.

Flanagan has spoken about the film’s relentless pacing and ability to create a visceral reaction in viewers, making it a landmark in horror cinema.

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How These Films Inspire Mike Flanagan

Mike Flanagan’s work often reflects the elements he admires in these horror masterpieces:

Emotional Depth: Like Hereditary and Don’t Look Now, his stories focus on the psychological and emotional struggles of his characters.

Atmosphere Over Jump Scares: Inspired by films like The Innocents and Rosemary’s Baby, Flanagan emphasizes mood and tension over cheap thrills.

Exploring Fear in Unique Ways: Films like The Thing and The Shining demonstrate how horror can explore paranoia, isolation, and psychological breakdowns—concepts Flanagan frequently incorporates.

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Final Thoughts

Mike Flanagan’s recommendations are a treasure trove for any horror enthusiast. Each of these films has left an indelible mark on the genre and continues to inspire filmmakers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, these movies offer a mix of psychological depth, atmospheric tension, and unforgettable scares.

Start your horror marathon today, and see how these classics have shaped the work of one of today’s most celebrated horror creators!