The Top 10 Acclaimed Directors Yet to Venture into Horror Filmmaking

Horror has always been a tremendously popular genre in the world of film. Audiences have been getting scared by movies since before there was even dialogue. Filmmakers have continuously provided on-screen frights, leading to innovative and creative films within the horror genre throughout the decades. Over time, viewers may have become desensitized to what was once terrifying.

Because of its enduring popularity, many filmmakers choose to explore horror. Some specialize in the genre, such as David Cronenberg or Wes Craven. Others, like Stanley Kubrick with The Shining or Peter Jackson with his earlier films, choose to dabble in horror occasionally. However, there are also filmmakers who have completely avoided the genre. The following list features some of the most notable ones, with the definition of horror being determined based on Letterboxd genre tags for consistency.

10. Quentin Tarantino

Image via Miramax Films

Quentin Tarantino's closest venture into the horror genre was likely seen in his film "The Hateful Eight" released in 2015. This can be attributed to its constant tension, isolated and wintry backdrop, and subtle influences from John Carpenter's "The Thing." Although his films often showcase intense violence and serve as thrilling experiences with characters constantly in jeopardy, Tarantino, a renowned director and avid film enthusiast, has yet to produce a film that can be classified as a full-fledged horror movie.

However, it must be noted that Tarantino's movies possess moments of humor, even though they can't be categorized as pure comedies. Works like "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" and "Pulp Fiction" stand out for their humorous elements, with the latter being a particularly dark comedic piece. Tarantino adeptly breaks down genre barriers and creates films that elicit a wide range of emotions, occasionally incorporating elements of terror without truly falling into the horror genre's conventional mold.

9. Wong Kar-wai

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Although Wong Kar-wai's style differs greatly from Tarantino's, he gained prominence around the same time and shares a similar willingness to delve into various genres within a single film. In his early works, he skillfully blended crime and action genres with arthouse elements, and even his most recent endeavor, The Grandmaster, can be described as an artful action film.

Wong Kar-wai's most esteemed movies often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and loneliness, as exemplified by Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love, and Happy Together. He has even ventured into the realm of science fiction with the ambitious 2046, which makes the prospect of him tackling a horror-related project not too far-fetched. His visually captivating and daring aesthetics could seamlessly merge with a horror-driven narrative, evoking the same captivating essence found in the finest Dario Argento films.

8. Hayao Miyazaki

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Hayao Miyazaki is renowned for his exceptional and consistent filmography spanning over 40 years. With a total of 12 movies under his direction, his most recent work is the 2023 release, The Boy and the Heron, marking his comeback after a decade. Although not all of his movies can be strictly categorized as fantasy, it is the genre he predominantly explores, with certain films exhibiting more fantastical themes and visuals than others.

While the anime medium has witnessed numerous remarkable horror stories, Miyazaki himself has not delved into this genre. With retirement potentially on the horizon (an idea he has entertained before but not yet pursued), it is unlikely that Miyazaki will ever venture into creating a horror film. Nonetheless, some of his films fearlessly explore darker and even nightmarish elements, creating sequences that can unsettle viewers, despite not being categorized as horror.

7. Christopher Nolan

Image via Warner Bros. 

Christopher Nolan's filmography can be characterized as predominantly featuring action scenes and science fiction elements, although not all of his films follow this pattern. His movies are intricately structured, occasionally challenging to comprehend, but they offer an exhilarating and gratifying experience upon revisiting. Moreover, a notable attribute is his tendency to frequently cast actors he has previously collaborated with, such as Michael Caine and Cillian Murphy.

While Christopher Nolan's movies deliver thrilling experiences, it is important to note that he has not ventured into the realm of horror films thus far. However, certain aspects of his films possess elements that invoke a sense of horror. The portrayal of The Joker in "The Dark Knight" rivals the fearsome villains of slasher movies, and the intensely psychological moments in "Oppenheimer," exploring the creation of the atomic bomb, evoke an appropriately nightmarish atmosphere.

6. The Coen Brothers

The filmmaking duo known as the Coen Brothers, consisting of Joel and Ethan Coen, are known for their unique blend of dark and quirky humor that is present in many of their films. They also have a penchant for creating crime-related movies, sometimes blurring the lines with comedy (as seen in Raising Arizona) and other times taking a more serious approach (such as No Country for Old Men).

Within their films, Anton Chigurh, the primary antagonist of No Country for Old Men, could easily be mistaken for a horror movie villain, while Barton Fink, their exploration of the dark side of Hollywood, dabbles into psychological horror in its final act. However, as of now, the Coen Brothers have not explicitly ventured into the horror genre, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.

5. John Ford

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John Ford, unlike some of the previously mentioned directors, never ventured into the realm of horror films. This may not come as a shock, considering Ford's strong association with Westerns and his successful collaborations with John Wayne. Ford's mastery of Westerns, war films, and dramedies solidifies the notion that it was perhaps for the best that he didn't veer into the horror genre.

However, it is surprising to discover that out of the extensive list of movies Ford directed throughout his career, not a single one falls into the horror category. From his early days in the silent era (though many of those films are sadly lost) to his final years as a filmmaker before his death in 1973, Ford amassed over 100 directorial credits. Given this prolific body of work, the absence of any horror-related projects is at least somewhat unexpected.

4. Martin Scorsese

Known primarily for his crime and gangster films, Martin Scorsese has also demonstrated his talent across various genres, including documentaries. With a career spanning over 50 years as a film director, Scorsese's filmography extends even further when accounting for his short films, the earliest of which was produced or released in 1963.

In terms of horror films, Scorsese has only made one according to Letterboxd, titled "The Big Shave." This unsettling short film lasts for six minutes and portrays a man shaving his face with disastrous consequences. Additionally, his intense thriller "Cape Fear" could be considered by some as a work of horror, although it is categorized by Letterboxd as a crime and thriller film, leaving room for interpretation.

3. Akira Kurosawa

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Akira Kurosawa, the renowned filmmaker, was known for his expertise in crafting historical dramas, action-packed samurai films, and the occasional crime thriller. However, there were a few notable exceptions in his filmography that defied these genres. For instance, in 1975, he directed the adventure film, Dersu Uzala, which takes place in Russia. Additionally, in 1990, he created Dreams, a mesmerizing yet unsettling exploration of his own dreams.

Dreams, in particular, contains sequences that might be considered nightmarish, making it Kurosawa's closest venture into the horror genre. Although his crime films were suspenseful and works like Ran presented powerful and violent imagery, the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker never fully delved into the realm of horror throughout his impressive five-decade-long directorial career.

2. Andrei Tarkovsky

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Andrei Tarkovsky's films, despite encompassing various genres, possess a distinctive style that is instantly recognizable. His unique approach creates a dreamlike and occasionally surreal atmosphere, characterized by extended shots and narratives that are deliberately enigmatic and unhurried.

Although he never ventured into the horror genre during his career, it would not have been surprising if he had. Tarkovsky had the ability to evoke the same eerie ambiance and sense of unease that is often found in the most captivating slow-paced horror films. Unfortunately, his untimely passing at the age of 54 in 1986 leaves us to wonder about the potential brilliance of a Tarkovsky-directed horror movie.

1. Wes Anderson

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Wes Anderson is known for his films centered around family drama, heartfelt coming-of-age narratives, and the inclusion of Bill Murray. He tends to steer clear of the horror genre, as his artistic style is better suited for emotionally driven, less suspenseful storytelling. Anderson's films often exude warmth and charm, showcasing endearing characters that resonate with audiences.

However, it is intriguing to imagine what a Wes Anderson horror film would look like. His meticulous attention to detail, vibrant use of color, love for symmetry, and captivating camera movements would certainly bring a unique perspective to the genre. While it may not necessarily be successful or impactful, an Anderson horror movie would undoubtedly be interesting. Given his esteemed status as an auteur filmmaker, it is likely that he would have little trouble securing funding for such a project. Although it is unlikely that Wes Anderson will ever venture into the realm of horror, the prospect of him doing so would certainly be quite remarkable to witness.