10 Terrifying German Horror Movies You Probably Haven't Seen

10. The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari (1920)

An absolute timeless piece of cinema that has terrified audiences for over a hundred years now, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is one of the most influential and lauded German horror movies ever produced.

Considered the absolute quintessential piece of expressionist work to have emerged from the silent era of German cinema, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was directed by veteran filmmaker Robert Wiene and stars Werner Krauss and Conrad Veidt. Considered so terrifying for its time that it had female members of the audiences screaming in horror during its initial run, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari helped birth the film noir movement around the world and has become famous for its dark and twisted distinct style of art, as well as its unique take on reliable narratives and storytelling.

The script for the movie was written by Carl Mayer and Hans Janowitz, two pacifists during World War One that became distrustful of authority and figures of power, and this influence can be seriously felt in the story that revolves around the deranged hypnotist ordering his victim to kill for him.

One of the first true examples of dark and fantastical horror hitting the big screen, and dealing with so many unique and complex themes, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is an absolute go-to for any horror fan looking to pay homage to the genre's historical roots.