10 Best Horror Movie Directors, According To Reddit

The direction of a horror movie ultimately informs how scary the story is going to be. The audience’s reaction rests on a number of decisions, from whether the pacing is a nice slow burn or jam-packed action to how the characters interact. When a movie is really, really good, fans can thank the talented director who knew just what to do, from that perfect jump scare to camerawork that amps up the unnerving tone.

While picking favorites is always subjective, horror fans can agree on some of the most talented filmmakers who have worked in the genre over the past few decades. Fans are sharing their favorite directors of this scary genre on Reddit.

10 Sam Rami

For Reddit user K-ghuleh, “Sam Raimi” is a favorite horror director. The fan wrote, “He may have drifted away from horror, but the Evil Dead trilogy is my favorite.”

Fans love Sam Raimi’s memorable characters and it’s true that the Evil Dead movies have stayed in many fans’ minds. Horror fans see something special in the 1981 movie The Evil Dead as the movie was filmed in a cabin and it proved to be the perfect location.

9 Jordan Peele

Reddit user GummyZerg mentioned “Jordan Peele” among their list of favorite horror directors.

Get Out and Us are both considered some of the most compelling and well-crafted movies of recent years, and Peele’s directing style is intelligent and inventive. Fans are always excited to see what he’s going to do next and many agree that he’s a filmmaker to watch.

8 John Carpenter

John Carpenter won in a Reddit poll with 317 votes, and Reddit user highrisedrifter said, “I saw the original Halloween back in the early 80s and it hooked me on his work completely and utterly.”

While Halloween has countless fans, as horror lovers can’t get enough of the acting and music and scary storyline, fans also love The Thing. John Carpenter will always be included in discussions of the best directors working in this terrifying genre.

7 Mike Flanagan

Mike Flanagan’s most recent project Midnight Mass has some horrifying scenes, and the character development and setting on a tiny island make it an incredible watch.

One Redditor praised Mike Flanagan’s work, writing, “Any movie with Flanagan’s name attached to the writing and directing is guaranteed to be a quality movie so far.” Fans love his projects such as Oculus, Hush, Gerald’s Game, The Haunting Of Hill House, and Before I Wake. Whether fans are watching Flanagan’s movies or TV series, his clear style is always present. These stories are definitely character-driven horror.

6 James Wan

The Saw and The Conjuring franchises are staples of the horror genre and when it comes to a favorite horror movie director, Reddit user vm38 said, “I’m gonna go with James Wan on this one.”

While these franchises are both very different, as one is extremely dark and gory and the other is supernatural, both are incredibly scary. Fans praise James Van for directing stylish films that make people think.

5 Karyn Kusama

Reddit user lindawittgenstein loves “Karyn Kusama” for directing Jennifer’s Body. The 2009 movie might not be talked about as much as some others, but it’s a compelling story about two best friends who couldn’t be more different from each other and who become involved in a waking nightmare.

Needy and Jennifer go to see a band, hoping to get some excitement during their boring high school lives, and Jennifer becomes possessed. One Redditor also mentioned that Kusama directed The Invitation, a 2015 horror movie about people gathering for dinner who realize that a cult is behind the destruction that is about to take place.

4 Wes Craven

Whether tracing Sidney Prescott’s journey from the first movie tot he upcoming one, or comparing the surprising deaths in Scream, many horror fans love Wes Craven’s movies as his directing style works so well.

One Redditor praised Wes Craven’s work, writing, “he just knows how to make great horror. It can be cheesy but I love it.” It’s true that there are elements of Scream that are definitely corny, but the campy tone of the franchise is what makes it so special.

3 Ari Aster

After many horror fans absolutely loved the shocking movie Hereditary, everyone was excited for Ari Aster’s foll0w-up Midsommar. This movie was just as unexpected and surprising, making Ari Aster a fascinating director who is making compelling work.

Reddit user willtrent16 loves Ari Aster’s “attention to detail and the way he crafts his stories.” Several Reddit users said that they felt let down by Midsommar as they weren’t sure that it compared to the first one, with Reddit user TheKawValleyKid saying, “I LOVED Hereditary but was pretty underwhelmed by Midsommar.” But even those who aren’t sure that Ari Aster is their favorite are still interested in seeing his future movies.

2 David Cronenberg

Reddit user 6runtled said “Cronenberg is a genius” and mentioned Videodrome and The Fly. They called them “horror masterpieces” and said that the director has a “vision for the surreal and grotesque.”

David Cronenberg’s highly rated movies are considered “body horror” and while that’s not for everyone, fans appreciate his storytelling style and incredible talent.

1 Jennifer Kent

Reddit user mcubed1220 loves “Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook,” and the 2014 horror movie has definitely made a big impression.

When Sam reads a book called Mister Babadook, he’s totally convinced that this creature actually exists. While there are many movies about monsters, this one is actually horrifying and might be tough to watch with the lights off.

About The Author

Aya Tsintziras
(1730 Articles Published)

Aya Tsintziras is a freelance writer who writes about pop culture and TV. She has a Political Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Journalism from Ryerson University. She loves coffee, reading, working out, and watching TV. She lives in Toronto with her husband.

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