Discover Guillermo del Toro's Many Fantasy Worlds

Dark. Twisted. Oddly moving. These words describe the cinema of Mexico-born filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. As his haunted-house movie 'Crimson Peak' opens, let's have a look at his fantastic visions, from past to present.

Del Toro made his name with the horror series 'Hora Marcada' (as did 'Gravity' director Alfonso Cuarón). His feature debut, about a scarab-like device that causes vampirism, kicked off an ongoing collaboration with actor Ron Perlman.

In del Toro's first Hollywood film, Mira Sorvino plays a scientist who genetically engineers a giant cockroach-killing insect. These insects, naturally, mutate into subway-dwelling humanoids -- a tribute to del Toro's fascination with monsters.

In del Toro's first Hollywood film, Mira Sorvino plays a scientist who genetically engineers a giant cockroach-killing insect. These insects, naturally, mutate into subway-dwelling humanoids -- a tribute to del Toro's fascination with monsters.

With this film, del Toro proved to the world that he was more than just a stylish horror director. He blended scares with pathos in this touching – and unnerving – ghost story set in a Spanish orphanage during the country's Civil War.

Leave it to del Toro to take a routine sequel assignment and make it his own. Still, this long-term comic book fan remained faithful to the film's source material, which helped the vampire-laden action flick be the most successful of the 'Blade' series.

A second cult comic came along for del Toro to adapt, and the decidedly eccentric 'Hellboy' allowed the director to run wild with his imagination. It also proved to be the perfect starring role for Ron Perlman.

This fantasy/drama – another grim tale set during the Spanish Civil War – established del Toro as a truly world-class director. The ultra-stylish film won Oscars for makeup, cinematography and art direction.

Del Toro could have done seemingly anything after the success of 'Pan's Labyrinth,' but he chose to go back into 'Hellboy' territory with this sequel that, if anything, is even nuttier and more inventive than its predecessor.

Watch out for that fireplace! Comic book artist Troy Nixey directed this screamfest about an old mansion filled with hideous creatures, but del Toro wrote and produced – and his influence shows. Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce star.

After del Toro reluctantly stepped down from directing the 'Hobbit' trilogy, he roared back with this dazzling blockbuster about giant human-piloted robots battling giant monsters. Pure fanboy fun.

Del Toro returned to vampires – and to TV – with this new horror series, based on his novel with co-creator Chuck Hogan. He'll soon be back in theaters with the 2015 haunted house chiller, 'Crimson Peak,' followed by a sequel to 'Pacific Rim.'

The director's latest centers on a young woman (Mia Wasikowska) who is escaping her past and ends up at a haunted mansion that -- literally -- breathes, bleeds, has a memory and is filled with terrifyingly wonderful spirits.