The best horror film posters of all time

The best horror movie posters do a number of things. Firstly, like all the best movie posters, they grab your attention. Secondly, they instantly summon up a sinister and spooky atmosphere. And thirdly, they encapsulate the essence of the story, often becoming iconic symbols of the films in their own right.

None of that, of course, is easy to do because horror cinema is anything but a simple or straightforward genre. A realm where the grotesque meets the profound, where fears are both confronted and sublimated, it can do everything from making us jump to instilling a more profound sense of dread. Bringing all that to bear on a single design is an enormous challenge.

To curate this article, we've spoken to experts across the industry, who explain both why the posters we've chosen work so well, and the design principles behind them. Finally, if you're looking for more poster inspiration, don't miss our roundup of the best movie posters of 2024 so far and our guide to the best and worst movie posters of 2023.

10. Get Out (2017)

Throughout the 21st century, horror films have felt like cover versions of the old hits. There have been some great movies, no doubt, but few that felt truly innovative or original. Until, that is, Get Out.

In this modern classic, director Jordan Peele's screenplay deftly used the framework of a horror narrative to explore pressing issues of racial injustice, systemic racism, and the insidious nature of liberal racism. This integration of thought-provoking themes with a compelling, suspenseful plot resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, elevating the film beyond the confines of a standard horror movie.

Aaron Taylor, associate creative director at Amplify, brought this unofficial poster for Get Out, designed by Jay Shaw for movie poster outfit Mondo, to our attention, and we have to say we love it too. "Its simple composition tells you so much about the plot of the film without giving anything away," he explains. "The high contrast use of black and white not only focuses the eye but alludes to one of the movie's central themes: race.

"Daniel Kaluuya’s horrified face perfectly aligns with the face of the teacup: squint and its handle could easily be mistaken for his ear. And the spoon! A seemingly random touch that wonderfully reflects its role in the film where it scrambles his brain, sending him into a frenzy."

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