1. Nosferatu (1922)
Nosferatu is the most influential horror film ever made for several reasons. It set the template for every horror film that came after it. It set the visual style for horror by creating a distorted world out of the style of German Expressionist Cinema, whilst also giving the genre its first and greatest monster in Count Dracula (or Count Orlok depending on which version you watch). Never before had any film dared to be as frightening or as disturbing as Nosferatu. Director F.W. Murnau had no interest in depicting reality - instead he opted to portray one of the greatest tales of horror (Dracula) ever written which, at the time, no one had tried, or dared, to do. If films are dreams, as George Milies said, then Nosferatu is a nightmare and the first film of its kind. Horror would look completely different without Nosferatu ,and there is not one horror movie in the history of the genre that isn't influenced by this silent classic.
Did I miss any of your favorites? Is the list out of order? I'd love to hear your opinions in the comments and, as always, thanks for reading!