15 Great Italian Horror Films You Must See Before You Die

13. Inferno (Dario Argento, 1980)

"Have you ever heard of the Three Sisters?"

The second installment of Dario Argento's Three Mothers trilogy is often overlooked in favour of its iconic predecessor. Although it isn't quite as stylistically impressive as Suspiria, it comes pretty damn close. You will no doubt hear the word "dreamlike" associated with many of Argento's films, but for none is it more accurate than for Inferno. The famous underwater ballroom scene, in particular, is every bit as breath-taking as any scene in Suspiria. Like any other supernatural Italian horror film, don't go in expecting a compelling plot, or even remotely interesting characters. In a way, the protagonists being such blank slates works in the film's favour - it's the stunning sets that are the true stars of Inferno, so why on Earth do we need complex characters?

Also, if I may offer a quick word of warning: don't waste your time with the third installment, 2007's Mother of Tears. It's an insult and an abomination.