5. Mask Of Satan (1960)
Barbara Steele acquits herself admirably in a dual role as a beautiful but evil witch called Asa and then as her innocent, look a like descendent Katia. Asa is killed as a witch along with her evil lover Juvato. She has a horrible mask hammered into her face and she lies dormant for 200 years until some human blood revives her. She in turn revives Juvato and they are out to wreak vengeance upon their descendants which includes the gorgeous Katia. What will it take to break Asa's reign of terror? Mask of Satan is quite possibly the greatest Gothic Horror film ever made. The directorial debut of the master of Gothic Horror - Mario Bava, the film definitely benefits from being shot in black and white. Although he was a genius at using colour to set a certain mood in his films, Mask of Satan has a real feeling of dread and a stylish atmosphere - thanks to the black and white photography. It enables Bava to use lightings and shadows to their optimum effect. Decades after its release, Mask of Satan is still a chilling piece of horror cinema. Although it is light on plot and story, Mask of Satan is a potent piece of Gothic horror that was years ahead of its time.