10 Most Visually Stunning Horror Movies Ever
9. The Shining
The Shining is one of the most effective horror films ever made, and a huge reason for that is the cinematography by John Alcott. First of all, there are countless moments that are just fascinating to look at before we even get to the scares. Take a look at the opening shots where the Torrance's car becomes minuscule on the long, winding road stretching into the distance, for example. There's another breathtaking moment when the camera looks down on the maze from above, one of the most arresting sights in the Kubrick canon.
Additionally, some of the most bone chilling sequences are unsettling not only because of what's happening, but because of the eerie way they're depicted. For one, there's the shot where the camera is placed behind Danny's bike while the twins stand at the end of the hallway. They create almost an exact mirror image, the lighting is a bit off, and it's as if Danny is being lured into the pits of hell.
In general, wide shots showing the vast emptiness of the house illustrate Jack's isolation incredibly well, and it all culminates with the tense but oddly beautiful final chase in the snowy, dimly lit maze. Like most of Kubrick's work, every frame of The Shining is thoughtfully composed, and the end result is as alluring as it is terrifying.