10 MORE Scariest Opening Horror Movie Scenes Ever

What appears to be particular inspiration for the Evil Dead opening, Black Sunday is the old but gold 1960s horror that sees a witch return from the dead to seek revenge on her descendents. But of course, first things first, to return from the dead means that one must have died.

The opening of Black Sunday sees this happen to Asa, tied up to a stake as her own brother condemns her to death. Understandably unhappy with this outcome, Asa curses him, but it does nothing to stop the 'Mask of Satan' - a barbaric piece of metal for the face with nails pointing inwards like an iron maiden - being applied, and then hammered into her skull for good measure. You can even see the blood spurt out from around the edges. Grim.

Considering the time period of this one, Black Sunday is an unusually grisly movie, depicting some horrible turns of fate that managed to get the movie banned in the UK upon release and for a good few years afterwards. Recognised as an Italian classic now, the film has done the crimes and done it's time - making for some seriously spooky watching for those after a terrifying throwback.