Wondering what the best horror movies are that start with B? Here are some of my favorites!
The Babadook (2014)
In 2014, I watched “The Babadook,” a psychological horror film from Australia and man was this movie awesome. Jennifer Kent directed and wrote this, marking her feature directorial debut. It begins when a widowed single mother, played by Essie Davis, and her son discover a creepy children’s book called “Mister Babadook.”
The film adeptly mixes real and psychological horror. The sinister entity in their home becomes a metaphor for their personal struggles. This movie is a chilling portrayal of the difficulties of single parenting wrapped in a horror package. It lingered in my thoughts long after the credits rolled. You can also check out these movies like The Babadook for more!
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
In “The Blair Witch Project,” you follow three student filmmakers who venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland. They aim to document a local myth, the Blair Witch. This movie is renowned for its “found footage” style, making you feel like you’re discovering the horror along with the characters.
Nothing extravagant here—just raw footage capturing genuine terror. The shaky camerawork and real-time reactions create an immersive experience. It’s like you’re right there with them, feeling every moment of their fear.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Beetlejuice is a 1988 comedy horror directed by Tim Burton. It’s about a deceased couple, played by Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, who become ghosts in their own home. They try to scare away the new family living there but need the help of a troublesome ghost named Beetlejuice, portrayed by Michael Keaton.
The film features a unique blend of horror and humor. Tim Burton’s distinct visual style makes the movie especially memorable. The cast includes Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeffrey Jones, who all contribute to the film’s quirky charm.
The Belko Experiment (2016)
In The Belko Experiment, an ordinary office environment in Bogotá, Colombia, turns into a horrifying struggle for survival. The movie, directed by Greg McLean and written by James Gunn, features eighty Americans working at Belko Industries. They’re unexpectedly locked in and forced to engage in a brutal life-or-death game, executed by an unknown voice.
The cast includes John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, John C. McGinley, and Michael Rooker. Watching the characters grapple with moral decisions in a dire situation adds a chilling depth to the film. The tension builds as alliances form and collapse.
It’s an intense psychological horror that poses thought-provoking questions about human nature.
Black Swan (2010)
Black Swan takes you into the intense world of ballet. The story follows Nina, played by Natalie Portman, a ballerina striving for perfection in a production of Swan Lake. As she contends with the pressures from her artistic director and a rival, her grasp on reality begins to falter.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this film blends psychological horror elements with dramatic dynamics. You see Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder in significant supporting roles, each adding complexity to the plot.
The movie earned critical acclaim and several Academy Award nominations. Portman’s performance stood out, earning her the Best Actress award. Through chilling scenes and powerful storytelling, Black Swan leaves you questioning what’s real.
Black Christmas (1974)
Black Christmas (1974), directed by Bob Clark, is a Canadian slasher film that many consider a classic. It stars Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon.
During the Christmas break, a group of sorority sisters receives mysterious and threatening phone calls. The tension builds as one by one, the girls find themselves in terrifying situations.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to keep you on the edge of your seat without relying on excessive gore. The focus on suspense and atmosphere makes it a staple in the horror genre.
Despite being released in the ’70s, it has stood the test of time. Its influence can be seen in many modern horror films. Watching Black Christmas, you’ll notice the innovative techniques that set the groundwork for future slashers.
The Birds (1963)
One of Hitchcock’s most famous works, The Birds, focuses on unexplained bird attacks in the quiet town of Bodega Bay. You follow a San Francisco socialite who finds herself in the middle of these bizarre events while visiting.
Rod Taylor and Tippi Hedren star in this chilling film. The story is loosely inspired by a Daphne du Maurier short story. Watching it, you’ll notice how the suspense builds slowly, escalating with each bird attack. The tension is palpable throughout making it a great watch.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Bone Tomahawk is a unique blend of horror and western, set in the dying days of the old west. Directed by S. Craig Zahler, the story follows an elderly sheriff and his posse as they venture into a desolate region to rescue their town’s doctor from cannibalistic cave dwellers. With a runtime that drags a bit in places, the film’s gruesome and bloody scenes keep you on edge. Kurt Russell leads a strong cast, including Patrick Wilson and Matthew Fox.
The Brood (1979)
In The Brood, directed by David Cronenberg, you’re pulled into a chilling world where experimental therapy techniques take a terrifying turn. The story centers on a man trying to uncover these methods used by a controversial psychologist on his institutionalized wife.
There are strange and brutal murders happening, and you quickly realize they’re connected to this psychological horror. Cronenberg’s unique take on body horror is evident, offering a disturbing yet fascinating experience. The film becomes even more compelling with strong performances from Oliver Reed and Samantha Eggar.
With its psychological depth and unsettling visuals, The Brood stands out as a remarkable entry in the horror genre and is an awesome horror movie that starts with B.
Burn Witch Burn (1962)
Burn Witch Burn (1962) really pulls you in with its blend of supernatural elements and drama. The plot follows a professor who learns that his wife may be practicing witchcraft.
It stars Peter Wyngarde and Janet Blair. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and slow-building suspense. An adaptation of Fritz Leiber’s novel Conjure Wife, it’s a unique take on witchcraft in a modern setting.
Blood Simple (1984)
Blood Simple, directed by the Coen brothers, is a dark, neo-noir crime film from 1984. It stars John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, and M. Emmet Walsh. The story centers around a Texas bartender involved in a love affair with his boss’s wife.
When the boss finds out, he hires a private detective to kill the couple. Things don’t go as planned. Tension rises as mistrust and vengeance take over.
Set in a bleak Texan landscape, the movie combines elements of thriller and horror, making it a unique entry in the genre. Check it out if you appreciate intricate plots and suspenseful atmospheres.
The Beyond (1981)
In this 1981 supernatural horror film directed by Lucio Fulci, the story revolves around a young woman who inherits an old hotel in Louisiana. She soon discovers it’s built over one of the entrances to Hell.
As the 1927 murder of an artist opens the gates of Hell beneath the hotel, eerie events start to unfold. Ghostly and demonic occurrences begin to plague the residents and workers.
Catriona MacColl and David Warbeck star in this Southern Gothic horror film, which combines a spooky storyline with creepy atmospheres typical of Fulci’s work. The Beyond delivers a mix of suspense and supernatural elements. Combining eerie visuals and a chilling plot, this cult classic captures the essence of 80s horror.
Braindead (1992)
“Braindead,” also known as “Dead Alive” in North America, comes from director Peter Jackson. This 1992 New Zealand zombie comedy splatter film features an outlandish plot that revolves around Lionel, a young man in South Wellington.
When Lionel’s mother is bitten by a Sumatran rat-monkey, she transforms into a zombie. The film becomes a wild ride as she wreaks havoc, killing and eating everything in her path. Fans often highlight the over-the-top gore and slapstick humor.
This film is widely considered one of the goriest movies ever made. The first scene introduces the danger of the rat-monkey, and the chaos ramps up from there. From watching it, the unique, sometimes absurd special effects will likely stay with you.
The Burning (1981)
The Burning (1981), directed by Tony Maylam, is a classic American slasher film. You follow the story of a summer camp caretaker named Cropsy, who is horribly burned from a prank gone wrong. Years later, he returns to a nearby summer camp seeking revenge.
You witness Cropsy as he lurks around the camp, wielding garden shears, and targets the teenagers. With notable debuts from Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, and Holly Hunter, the movie stands out for its intense and shocking scenes.
For fans of horror films from the early 80s, The Burning delivers a mix of suspense and horror as you journey through this unsettling tale.
Blue Velvet (1986)
“Blue Velvet,” released in 1986, is a David Lynch classic. It’s a neo-noir mystery thriller that mixes psychological horror with film noir elements.
The movie stars Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper, and Laura Dern. It begins with the unsettling discovery of a severed human ear in a field. This leads a young man into a dark, complicated investigation involving a beautiful nightclub singer and a group of psychopathic criminals.
If you like eerie and mysterious stories, this is a must-watch. Dennis Hopper’s performance is memorable, adding to the film’s intense atmosphere.
It’s a compelling movie that keeps you engaged from start to finish, showcasing Lynch’s unique storytelling style.
The Bay (2012)
In “The Bay,” a small town in Maryland faces an ecological nightmare. Directed by Barry Levinson, this 2012 horror film presents a terrifying scenario where a parasitic outbreak wreaks havoc.
You’ll find yourself caught up in the chaos as the story unfolds through found footage and mockumentary style, creating a sense of realism.
The cast includes Nansi Aluka, Christopher Denham, and Kristen Connolly. The narrative keeps you on edge, revealing the horrifying impact of environmental negligence.
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
Imagine you’re watching a documentary about an aspiring serial killer named Leslie Vernon. This 2006 mockumentary black comedy slasher film takes you behind the scenes of his preparation. Leslie models himself after iconic slasher villains like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees.
You follow a journalist and her crew as they document Leslie’s journey. The film provides a satirical take on the slasher genre, blending horror and comedy. Nathan Baesel, Angela Goethals, and Robert Englund deliver memorable performances. Leslie’s enthusiasm and meticulous planning create a unique viewing experience.
Final Thoughts
There are tons of great horror movies that start woth B. Do you have any favorites? Comment them below!