Theater of Blood: 10 Best Horror Trailers of All Time

Some horror movie trailers are absolutely horrifying, whether or not the movie itself actually is. Today, we’re looking at the top 10 best examples.

While my partner and I were doing our latest podcast we got onto the subject of horror movie trailers and the subject of which films had the best trailers. I decided for the 1428 Elm Horror Family to attempt to find the top 10 best horror trailers.

So let’s take a look back on memory lane and see what we can dig up.

10. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The trailer and film gave birth to the found footage genre. The trailer is a mish-mash of noise, darkness and running camera people. The viral marketing that went into it was very well done, to the point that some audiences believed it was a true story. And for that we here at 1428 Elm salute you.

9. The Strangers (2009)

The film The Strangers leads us into a cabin while being stalked homicidal maniacs. The only reason for the three killers’ madness is that the couple was home. The trailer starts out slow and then hits you at 100 mph and doesn’t let up. We catch glimpses of the masked “Strangers” attacking the couple and holding them hostage. We also see a very unsettling scene in which one of the masked men is standing in the same room as Liv Tyler. A supposed sequel has been rumored for years.

8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Any list including  the greatest and most terrifying film trailers has to include A Nightmare on Elm Street.  This film terrified me as a youngster and I know many others. This trailer sets the scene for the tone of the film. Dark, violent, haphazard and almost a feeling of hopeless.

7. The Exorcist (1973)

The fact that a populace could be frightened by a trailer should be a statement to the power of the film. The Exorcist tells the story of the battle between two priests battling for the immortal soul of an innocent girl. Will they be successful? The trailer starts out coy enough but then segues into satanic glory. Check it out.

6. Halloween (1978)

John Carpenter has been scaring us with this film since the 1970’s. We all know the story but as you watch the trailer you are transferred to the front row of the action. The atmosphere, music and suspense make the trailer almost as good as the film.

5. Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

This one is a little different. It starts out nice and with views of New York City as you see a lone person standing at a waterfront. An almost Muzak version of Sinatra’s New York, New York is playing. The figure spins around and we come face to face with Jason Voorhees in a bad ass trailer preview. You knew this one had to make the list.

4. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III  (1990)

The trailer campaign for this one was fun. You envision a beautiful lake and a gentleman standing solemnly by it. But as we quickly learn, all hell is about to break loose.

3. Hellraiser (1987)

Hellraiser introduced the world to the box and Pinhead. The trailer gives little away but it accents its dark story content, isolation and pain. Anyone waiting for their feature presentation in a movie theater would most uncertainly be uncomfortable.

2. Alien (1979)

The Ridley Scott classic Alien, was a monster film in space. The short trailer that premiered before the release of the film shocked audiences. With lightning fast visuals, unearthly sounds, and not quite sure what has happened the audience was left terrified and intrigued to see this new film.

1. The Texas Chansaw Massacre (1974)

No introduction or explanation is needed.

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Well folks that’s the list. If you agree with me let me know in the comments and if you disagree definitely reach and let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading and malicious wishes my friends.