At the end of the 1950s, horror movies were looking to break out of the formulaic confines of creature features and alien invasions and start pushing the limits of what was possible in terms of storytelling. Well-known horror classics like Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and the films of Hammer Studios helped set the stage for horror in this decade, but there are also a number of overlooked gems from this era.

Numerous filmmakers experimented with horror’s various subgenres, resulting in a slew of unique and groundbreaking flicks that still hold up today. From splatter horror to psychological thrillers, these are ten underrated horror movies of the 1960s, ranked.

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10 The Ghastly Ones

     J.E.R. Pictures

The Ghastly Ones (also titled Blood Rites) is a B-movie from Andy Milligan and a controversial cult classic full of bizarre visuals and experimental camera techniques. It follows three sisters and their husbands who gather in a creepy old mansion to hear the reading of their father’s will. It doesn’t take long for the situation to devolve into a bloody and twisted nightmare.

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This film is often overlooked due to its low-budget production values, but its unique surrealistic vision sets it apart from others from this time. However, this isn’t enough for some viewers, as much criticism lies in the terrible audio quality and the film’s attempt at over-the-top gore. It’s been banned in the UK since 1984 due to its extreme violence, so it’s not a film for every horror fan.

9 The Premature Burial

     American International Pictures

Roger Corman’s film The Premature Burial is an eerie psychological horror flick based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story of the same name. The film follows Guy Carrell, a young man who is convinced that he is cursed to die from being prematurely buried alive. His fears completely consume him, leading him down a dark path of paranoia, obsession, and madness. Performances from Ray Milland, Hazel Court, and Heather Angel are all memorable, helping to elevate this story from its source material.

The Premature Burial is a must-watch for classic horror fans, as it continues to ripple throughout the genre even today. It’s an overlooked classic with a relentless narrative and haunting atmosphere. Plus, Corman’s direction and cinematography are top-notch and make this a unique experience. Unfortunately, it’s been overshadowed by bigger horror films of its time (including other Corman adaptations of Poe) and has since been largely forgotten by modern audiences.

8 Jigoku

     Shintoho

This 1960 Japanese horror classic from Nobuo Nakagawa is a stunning piece of work. Jigoku (which literally means ‘hell’) tells the story of Shiro, a young college student whose life spirals out of control after the accidental death of a man during a ride home. His spiral is exacerbated by the death of his fiancée, leading him to a horrifying underworld where he must confront the consequences of his actions. Many of the film’s themes and visuals still have a powerful effect today, making it one of the most unique movies from this decade.

The movie features impressive cinematography and touches on classic Japanese themes of karma and morality. Despite its age, Jigoku is still an incredibly strong horror film with incredible gore effects, given the time period. It’s all the more impressive when you consider that this flick was released during a time when Japanese horror was still relatively new to western audiences.

7 The Flesh Eaters

     Cinema Distributors of America

If you like gore, then you should definitely check out the 1964 science fiction horror movie The Flesh Eaters. This low-budget feature from director Jack Curtis follows an actress, her pilot, and her assistant after they are stranded on an island due to a storm. Unfortunately, the island’s water supply is contaminated with a mysterious substance that eats away at the flesh. They meet a scientist who’s been conducting suspicious experiments, leading to a wild and bloody ride.

There are some flaws here, such as the acting and the plot, but it still works well as a classic exploitation flick with some intense visuals. The monster elements are great, and the body horror is impressive, given the time. It’s a great example of classic B-movie horror that can still be enjoyed today despite its low production values. It’s a must-watch for fans of horror who can appreciate its campy charm.

6 Homicidal

     Columbia Pictures

Homicidal is a 1961 thriller by director William Castle and has been referred to as one of his best productions. Being released so close to Hitchcock’s Psycho, the movie has been somewhat overlooked and overshadowed by its more famous counterpart. However, Homicidal is a captivating psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and it still stands as one of the best horror films of its era.

The movie tells the story that begins with the murder of a local justice of the peace in a small town. The investigation leads to family secrets, another murder being planned, and a woman’s sanity all playing into the story. The movie keeps you guessing, and the performances from stars Glenn Corbett and Patricia Breslin are impressive. Many of the film’s scenes and suspenseful moments are still effective, making Homicidal a classic thriller that deserves to be rediscovered.

5 Blood and Black Lace

     Unidis

Released in 1964, Blood and Black Lace is considered to be one of the first Italian Giallo films, made by horror icon Mario Bava. It’s an exciting murder mystery that follows the investigation of a model’s death at a fashion salon. As the police search for clues, more people are targeted and killed in increasingly violent ways. Her boyfriend ends up as the prime suspect, and things grow intense as more and more secrets come out.

The cinematography and styling are unique, with a strong emphasis on bold colors and shadows to create an eerie atmosphere. The jazz soundtrack is great, too, giving the film a stylish yet suspenseful vibe. Bava’s direction is inventive and intense and creates a one-of-a-kind experience. Blood and Black Lace is a must-see for fans of classic horror that stands the test of time.

4 Peeping Tom

     Anglo-Amalgamated Film Distributors

A British psychological horror-thriller from 1960, Peeping Tom is one of the most revolutionary films of its era, but has been almost entirely overshadowed by Psycho, which was released the same year. Directed by Michael Powell, this movie tells the story of Mark, a disturbed young man who has an obsession with filming and observing people as he kills them. The movie was ahead of its time and is often credited with inspiring the slasher genre.

Peeping Tom was met with a lot of controversies upon its release, but it stands as a fascinating character study that still offers plenty of suspense and scares. Mark’s disturbed psychology is explored, and the voyeuristic camera work creates an effective and nerve-wracking atmosphere. It’s a remarkable film that deserves its status as a classic, and it’s essential viewing for fans of horror.

3 Kuroneko

     Toho

Kuroneko, or Black Cat, is an award-winning 1968 Japanese horror film written and directed by Kaneto Shindo. Taking place during a time of war in Medieval Japan, this movie tells the story of two women brutally murdered by a band of samurai. Their spirits are out for revenge, and they haunt the samurai passing through, causing terror and chaos in the village.

The movie is a slow-burn horror but is effective in its storytelling and atmosphere. The visceral violence was groundbreaking for its time, and the haunting score sets the tone flawlessly. Kuroneko is an underrated masterpiece of horror that touches so perfectly on the important themes in Japanese folklore. It’s an intense, haunting experience that will sit with you after viewing.

2 Carnival of Souls

     Herts-Lion International

Carnival of Souls is a 1962 independent horror movie directed by Herk Harvey, and it’s one of the most influential low-budget films of all time. It follows Mary, who is the only survivor of a car accident and finds herself being drawn to an abandoned carnival grounds. There, she begins experiencing strange visions and supernatural occurrences that lead her down a terrifying path. Even with a small budget, Carnival of Souls influenced generations of filmmakers with its DIY aesthetic, cheaply creating a unique atmosphere with its gorgeous cinematography and eerie score.

Mary’s descent into madness is just as haunting as it is intriguing, as we are taken on a psychological journey. There’s a strong focus on horror, but there are also elements of mystery and fantasy as well. Carnival of Souls is an iconic movie that is still highly regarded as a timeless classic of American horror.

1 Eyes Without a Face

     Lux Film

Eyes Without a Face is a 1960 French horror film directed by Georges Franju. It follows the story of Christiane, who has been disfigured in a car accident. Her father, a brilliant surgeon, is determined to restore her beauty and begins experimenting with transplants on kidnaped women. It doesn’t take long for things to start to unravel in a horrific way that brings unexpected consequences.

Eyes Without a Face is an unsettling experience, as the movie slowly builds its tension and horror in a very subtle way. It’s beautifully shot, with some amazing use of light and shadow to emphasize the bizarre atmosphere. The film had a US release in 1962 under the title The Horror Chamber of Dr. Faustus, and while it faced some controversy upon its debut, it has since been praised as an incredibly influential movie in the genre.