In the 1950s, horror cinema held a mirror up to the fears of the public and reflected the unease of the times. Cold War paranoia and fears of nuclear war were widespread, and horror films around the world tapped into these anxieties. In the United States, movies used the public’s fear of communism and science-gone-wrong to build suspense, but international horror brought new fears to Western audiences. From nuclear disasters to monster invasions and vengeful ghosts, these are the best ’50s horror movies from around the world.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) United States
Allied Artists Pictures
Don Siegel’s science fiction masterpiece Invasion of the Body Snatchers follows a small town doctor (Kevin McCarthy) as he uncovers a terrifying conspiracy. Aliens are infiltrating the town, taking over the bodies of the inhabitants and wiping out their personalities. The buildup, suspense, and pacing are expertly done, making Invasion of the Body Snatchers a true classic.
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With several Invasion remakes and homages over the years, Invasion of the Body Snatchers has had a lasting impact on both sci-fi and horror. The film’s themes of conformity and paranoia still hold up today despite the simple special effects.
Mother Riley Meets the Vampire (1951) United Kingdom
Columbia Pictures
Mother Riley Meets the Vampire, also referred to as Vampire Over London and My Son, the Vampire, is a British comedy-horror film starring Arthur Lucan as Mrs. Riley, a working-class woman who gets tangled up with a vampire played by the iconic Bela Lugosi.
The last production of the Old Mother Riley series of silly films, Mother Riley Meets the Vampire, is also one of the quirkiest. Despite its low budget, the film is a hilarious send-up of the British working class and government during this period. There are few films like it, and the comedic timing of Lucan and Lugosi is perfect.
Les Diaboliques (1955) France
Vera Films
A tense and intense film, Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Les Diaboliques, sometimes referenced as Diabolique, is a French thriller about a vengeful wife (Vera Clouzot) and her aggressive husband (Paul Meurisse) who own a boarding school. When the wife and his former mistress conspire to murder him, they think they’ve gotten away with the perfect crime. But as the body disappears and strange occurrences start happening around the school, it becomes clear that something is very wrong.
With its unpredictable plot and masterful direction, Les Diaboliques is a classic of the thriller genre. The final moments are particularly chilling and contain some of the most iconic images in horror, with the mystery only deepening as the film closes.
The Head (1959) West Germany
Rapid Film
One of West Germany’s first horror films, The Head, is an odd and atmospheric take on the mad scientist trope. Professor Abel (Michel Simon) creates a serum that allows heads to live without bodies after experimenting with a severed dog head. After the professor’s death, his unhinged assistant Dr. Ood (Horst Frank), uses the serum to keep Abel’s head alive to obtain a new body for his nurse.
The movie combines Gothic horror and science fiction elements and is an interesting predecessor to later films like The Brain that Wouldn’t Die. There are some gruesome scenes, but the film’s real strength is its atmosphere and ideas.
I Vampiri (1957) Italy
Titanus
I Vampiri, also known as The Vampires or Lust of the Vampire, is an Italian horror film about a series of murders committed by vampire-like creatures. When journalist Pierre (Dario Michaelis) starts investigating the brutal murders of these four young women, he uncovers a much more sinister plot.
With its atmospheric cinematography and gothic setting, I Vampiri is a stylish and creepy film that helped set the stage for the Italian Giallo genre. The film’s themes are still relevant today, focusing on eternal youth and beauty.
La Casa Del Terror (1959) Mexico
Diana Films
A Mexican horror film that many viewers seem to love or hate, La Casa Del Terror touches on many genres, including comedy, drama, and horror. The classic monster trope is in full swing with mummies, werewolves, and a real-life house of wax. In its time, the film managed to captivate Spanish audiences, but many viewers debated whether it was truly a good movie.
While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, La Casa Del Terror is a fun and campy film worth checking out for fans of monster movies. Only Spanish versions of the movie are available, but it’s still an enjoyable watch for anyone.
The Ghost of Yotsuya (1959) Japan
Shintoho Film Distribution
A classic of Japanese horror, The Ghost of Yotsuya, is based on a kabuki play by Nanboku Tsuruya that was first performed in 1825. Titled Yotsuya Kaidan, the original story tells of a woman who is murdered by her husband and returns to haunt him as a ghost. The Ghost of Yotsuya is the first in-color adaptation of the play and highlights the gothic elements of the story.
Director Nobuo Nakagawa is an icon in Japanese cinema, producing nine horror movies in one four-year span. The Ghost of Yotsuya is an essential piece of Japanese horror history and an excellent example of Nakagawa’s work.
Godzilla (1954) Japan
Embassy Pictures
Who could forget the monster that started it all? Godzilla is a Japanese icon and one of the most famous monsters in movie history. The original film, directed by Ishiro Honda, follows a giant dinosaur-like creature that awakens from nuclear testing and terrorizes the city of Tokyo.
While the effects may not hold up today, Godzilla is still an entertaining watch and a must-see for any movie fan. The film’s success led to an entire franchise of sequels, spin-offs, and remakes. The most recent installment, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, was released in 2019, while an untitled movie is currently in production for 2024.
The Seventh Seal (1957) Sweden
AB Svensk Filmindustri
Directed by Ingmar Bergman, The Seventh Seal may not be a ‘horror’ film in the most explicit way (unlike Bergman’s later masterpiece Hour of the Wolf), but this Swedish film does focus on the Black Death and features a hypnotic, unsettling manifestation of death itself. Set in the 14th century, the movie follows a knight who returns home from the Crusades to find his country ravaged by the plague. Desperate, he makes a bargain with the Grim Reaper in the form of a game of chess. The winner will get his life.
The Seventh Seal is one of Bergman’s most famous films and is considered a classic in all cinema. It’s a thought-provoking movie that deals with themes of faith, death, and the meaning of life. With 10 awards and several nominations, it’s easy to see why it’s so highly regarded.
The White Reindeer (1952) Finland
Adams Filmi
A Finnish horror film based on a Scandinavian folk tale, The White Reindeer tells the story of a lonely woman who visits a Shaman for help but ends up being turned into a vampiric white reindeer. She must hunt and kill at each midnight sun to quench her thirst for blood.
The White Reindeer is a unique and atmospheric film unlike anything else on this list. Often compared to a silent film due to the minimal dialogue and emphasis on the visuals and haunting landscape, it is one of the few Finnish films ever to take home the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film.
These are just some of the best horror films from the 1950s. While each country has its unique take on the genre, these movies are essential viewing for any fan of classic horror.
