Many classic horror movies date back to the 1930s, their black-and-white photography creating expectations for what fright flicks should look like. That look was upended in the late 1950s, when Hammer Films reintroduced monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula in vibrant color.
The pendulum swung back in the 1970s and 1980s, as filmmakers sought to express their artistic vision in the most fitting presentation possible, occasionally opting with good reason for very stylish black-and-white photography.
A Field in England (2013)
This black-and-white movie eschews horror stereotypes, creating a world of terror out of a seemingly empty field during wartime in 17th century England. The horror is cumulative, preying on the mind and the emotions.
Frankenweenie (2012)
Tim Burton's delightful, stop-motion animated adaptation of his own 1984 short film pays tribute to the classic monster movies of the 1930s, yet it's also a stand-alone, smart and sharp story of the loving, unique relationship between a boy and his dog.
The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) (2011)
The sequel to one of the most disturbing horror movies in recent memory is itself even more revolting, but if you have an iron-cast stomach and a taste for extreme, gratuitous violence, help yourself. (Note: one aspect of one scene is presented in color, although we'd rather not discuss it here. Ugh! Potential viewers beware.)
The Mist (2007)
In the video below, director Frank Darabont explains why the black-and-white edition of his big-screen adaptation of Stephen King's novella is his preferred version of the film, which is set at a grocery store in a small town that becomes a refuge from deadly creatures.
BONUS MOVIE!
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Certainly not scary OR horrifying, we still love this classic black-and-white monster comedy so we're including it anyway. Mel Brooks made grand good fun of classic horror movies, but the humor comes from a place of great respect for the original fright flicks.
