Bruce Campbell Reveals His Top 5 Must-Watch Horror Films
Horror icon Bruce Campbell once shared his list of favorite horror films in an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting movies that left a lasting impact on him as a fan and actor.
His selections range from classic slashers to supernatural thrillers, each chosen for their unique style, storytelling, and ability to captivate audiences over decades.
Topping Campbell’s list is George A. Romero’s 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead. Widely considered a landmark in horror cinema, the film combines terrifying zombie action with a sharp social commentary on race and society.
Campbell praised the movie for its groundbreaking approach, saying, “The granddaddy of them all. A landmark achievement in technical innovation, social awareness, and sheer terror. The handheld look so many filmmakers use today was very new in the ’60s, when visual styles were very ‘locked down.’ It was my first experience watching someone get disemboweled, and you don’t easily forget that.”
The film was widely acclaimed at release for its stark realism and tension, and it continues to be studied for its influence on modern horror.
Next on Campbell’s list is Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), a slasher film that became a defining piece of the genre. The story follows a group of teenagers stalked by the infamous Leatherface and his family.
Campbell highlighted the film’s relentless tension, saying, “What I really like about this movie, in particular, is its relentlessness. Once the horror starts, it never lets up, and that’s something we kept in mind when shooting the original Evil Dead.”
Critics at the time praised the film for its shocking intensity and innovative style, while its influence is seen in countless horror films that followed.
Campbell also singled out William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973), calling it a masterclass in supernatural horror. The film, based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demon.
Campbell remarked, “Director William Friedkin cast strong actors, giving entirely credible performances. Linda Blair is a revelation. What’s cool is how the characters in the flick treat possession like it’s a clinical disorder.” The film was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, earning multiple Academy Award nominations and standing as one of the most terrifying films of its era.
For a more cerebral take on horror, Campbell chose M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense (1999). The psychological thriller follows a child who can see the dead, and the film is known for its famous twist ending.
Campbell noted, “This movie proves that horror can also be cerebral. You know a film is good if it messes with your mind, and this one does a great job of it. It’s virtually bloodless, which is also unique in horror, and the twist ending, for me, is easily top five.”
Critics praised the film for its intelligent storytelling, strong performances from Haley Joel Osment and Bruce Willis, and its ability to combine suspense with emotional depth.
Completing his list, Campbell also celebrated the horror genre’s innovation in mixing imagination and tension, noting films that push boundaries in storytelling and special effects. Each movie on his list has not only entertained audiences but has also shaped the landscape of horror cinema in important ways.
- Night of the Living Dead (George A. Romero, 1968)
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tobe Hooper, 1974)
- The Exorcist (William Friedkin, 1973)
- The Sixth Sense (M. Night Shyamalan, 1999)
- Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Chares Barton, 1948)
From Campbell’s selections, it’s clear that he values films that combine technical innovation, suspense, and strong character work. His choices reflect both personal taste and respect for films that have influenced generations of horror filmmakers.
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