10 Visionary Directors Who Created a Single Terrifying Masterpiece & Moved On

Tobe Hooper – The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Tobe Hooper’s name echoes through the corridors of horror history with the iconic “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” 

Daniel Myrick And Eduardo Sánchez – The Blair Witch Project (1999)

“The Blair Witch Project” revolutionized horror filmmaking, introducing the found footage subgenre and redefining audience expectations. 

Robert Eggers – The Witch (2015)

Robert Eggers catapulted into the horror scene with the atmospheric and chilling “The Witch.” 

David Robert Mitchell – It Follows (2014)

“It Follows” emerged as a game-changer in the horror genre, blending supernatural elements with profound subtext. 

Jennifer Kent – The Babadook (2014)

“The Babadook” introduced Jennifer Kent as a force to be reckoned with in horror. 

William Friedkin – The Exorcist (1973)

A maestro in the world of cinema, William Friedkin directed what many consider the epitome of horror with “The Exorcist.” 

Oren Peli – Paranormal Activity (2007)

“Paranormal Activity” became a cultural phenomenon, redefining horror through its found footage simplicity.  

Mary Harron – American Psycho (2000)

Harron's "American Psycho" merged horror, satire, showcasing her directing prowess. 

Jonathan Demme – The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

“The Silence of the Lambs” is a horror masterpiece that etched Jonathan Demme’s name in cinematic history.  

M. Night Shyamalan – The Sixth Sense (1999)

M. Night Shyamalan burst onto the horror scene with “The Sixth Sense,” a film that redefined the twist ending.