Halloween is upon us! And while you could watch any number of spooky-ooky faves, we know you still want historical costumes at your fright fest (or, as I like to call it Amateur Night). So fire up the telly or your chosen streaming device with these five frock flicks that feature both fabulous costumes and spine-chilling thrills.
Crimson Peak (2015)
OBVIOUSLY the most gorgeous horror film recently created. Check out our podcast for an in-depth review, and for the High Holy Days of Goth, let’s drool over these fantastic pictures!
House of Usher (1960)
I limited myself to just one Vincent Price classic for this top five, and I do loves me some Edgar Allen Poe. All of the Roger Corman directed Poe series (The Raven, Pit and the Pendulum) have a decent historical vibe, despite some cheesy ’60s costumes.
Shadow of the Vampire (2000)
An odd, smart, macabre retelling of the making of the very first vampire movie, Nosferatu, in 1922. The story suggest that the actor was a real vampire, and chaos ensues.
Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
A beautiful blend of historical story with spooky, creepy action. Love, love, love the 18th-century costumes here!
Young Frankenstein (1974)
OK, I couldn’t resist including a comedy, because Halloween is as much about being silly as it is scary! Also, this Mel Brooks / Gene Wilder production is a wonderful homage to the Universal horror flicks of the 1930s, which gives this an historical costume style.
What are your favorite historical costume horror movies?
Interview with the Vampire, while not really scary, is on the top of my list.
The Countess was amazing…
Maybe not so historical, but my favorite scary film is The Haunting (1963) with Claire Bloom in all those marvelous Mary Quant outfits. Amazing.
Van Helsing! Not very historical, but huge fun [bugger the critics] and ohhh those brides!
I recently saw Young Frankenstein in the theater, and although I have seen it at home a million times over the past thirty years I spotted SO MANY gags that I had never seen before! Love that freakin’ movie.
I would have added Black Sunday, 1960, to that list.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula? How is that not on the list?!? :)
What about House of Wax from 1953? Vincent Price at his creepiest.
These would all be on my list too! Dear god Crimson Peak was beautiful!
I love Brotherhood of the Wolf. Love it love it.