World’s Oldest Horror Movies: Watch These 1800s Horror Films

I love new horror movies. But as a horror film enthusiast, I had to take some time to check out some of the world’s oldest horror movies.

Turns out, there were at least 17 notable horror films released in the 1800s. 

I wouldn’t say they’re “good” by today’s standards. But as you watch them, you’ll see the origins of the genre we all love so much. And that’s pretty cool to see.

Where possible below, I’ve embedded the full movie. Most of them are technically shorts, so we’re talking about a few minutes each. Trust me — it’s worth your time.

Check out these 1800s horror films, and please let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any.

1. ‘Le Manoir du diable’ (The House of the Devil)

Le Manoir du Diable (1896) is a silent horror short that feels like a spooky dream. Often called the first horror movie, it was created by Georges Méliès, a pioneer of cinema.

The film takes place in a strange, mysterious castle where odd and eerie things happen. Shadows move, objects appear out of nowhere, and surprises lurk around every corner.

It’s playful, creative, and packed with clever visual tricks. At just a few minutes long, it’s a quick dive into early horror that’s more charming than scary. If you love classic cinema or spooky tales, this is a must-watch.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1896
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès, Jeanne d’Alcy
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 3 minutes
• Ratings: IMDb (6.7)

2. ‘Une nuit terrible’ (A Terrible Night)

Une nuit terrible (1896) is a short silent film by Georges Méliès. It blends humor and a touch of spookiness in a quirky, dreamlike setting. The story follows a man who just wants a good night’s sleep, but strange and unexpected events turn his evening upside down. 

Clever special effects and Méliès’ playful imagination make it a fun watch. It’s perfect for fans of early cinema and visual trickery. At only about a minute long, it’s a quick glimpse into the magic of classic filmmaking.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1896
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 1 minute
• Ratings: IMDb (5.7)

3. ‘Escamotage d’une dame au théâtre Robert Houdin’ (The Vanishing Lady)

Escamotage d’une dame au théâtre Robert Houdin (1896) is an early magic film by Georges Méliès. It captures a fascinating stage trick where a woman vanishes in front of the audience. 

Using clever camera effects, Méliès brings the illusion to life. The film is short and full of charm, showing the roots of cinematic special effects. It’s perfect for anyone curious about the beginnings of movie magic.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1896
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 75 seconds
• Ratings: IMDb (5.9)

4. ‘The Haunted Castle’

The Haunted Castle (1897) is a silent film by George Albert Smith filled with mystery and whimsy. Set in a spooky castle, strange events unfold as guests encounter supernatural surprises. 

The film uses clever tricks and effects to create a magical atmosphere. It’s playful, creative, and a little spooky without being scary. At just a few minutes long, it’s a fun glimpse into early cinematic storytelling. Perfect for fans of classic film and imagination.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1897
• Director: George Albert Smith
• Cast: George Albert Smith
• Country of Origin: United Kingdom
• Runtime: 49 seconds
• Ratings: Rotten Tomatoes (40%), IMDb (5.7)

5. ‘The Bewitched Inn’

The Bewitched Inn (1897) is a silent short film by Georges Méliès. It’s one of the earliest examples of cinematic magic. 

The story follows a traveler staying at an inn where strange, spooky things happen. Objects move on their own, and the room seems alive. The film is playful and mysterious, using clever visual tricks to surprise the audience. 

It’s only a few minutes long, but it’s full of charm and creativity. Watch it for a fun glimpse into the early days of cinema.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1897
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 2 minutes
• Ratings: IMDb (6.4)

6. ‘The X-Rays’

The X-Rays (1897) is a short silent film by George Albert Smith. It’s a fun take on the then-new science of X-rays. 

The film shows a humorous scene where a couple is seen in a strange, skeleton-like way. Special effects create the illusion of seeing through their bodies. It’s lighthearted and clever, with a focus on visual tricks. 

The film is very short but captures the wonder and curiosity of its time. Watch it for a playful look at early filmmaking magic.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1897
• Director: George Albert Smith
• Cast: Laura Bayley, Tom Green
• Country of Origin: United Kingdom
• Runtime: 44 seconds
• Ratings: IMDb (6.0)

7. ‘The Alchemist’s Hallucination’

The Alchemist’s Hallucination (1897) is a silent short film by Georges Méliès. It’s a magical tale filled with plenty of surprises. 

The story follows an alchemist in his lab, performing experiments that lead to strange and unexpected visions. Visual tricks bring the action to life, showcasing Méliès’ creative use of special effects. 

It’s a mix of wonder, mystery, and a touch of humor. Lasting just over two minutes, this early work of cinema captures the magic of imagination and the unexpected. Perfect for fans of vintage film and visual storytelling.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1897
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 2 minutes
• Ratings: IMDb (6.2)

8. ‘Photographing a Ghost’

Photographing a Ghost (1898) is a clever and eerie silent film. It tells the story of photographers trying to capture a ghost on camera. Strange and funny moments unfold as the ghost refuses to cooperate. 

The film uses creative effects to bring the haunting to life. It’s a mix of humor, mystery, and early movie magic. 

At just a few minutes long, it’s a quick look at the playful side of supernatural stories. A must-watch for fans of vintage cinema and spooky fun.

I looked for this movie everywhere and couldn’t find it — I just saw clips here and there, so I pieced that together for this writeup. I imagine the movie is available in film archives somewhere, but sorry I can’t share it with you here.

• Year Released: 1898
• Director: George Albert Smith
• Cast: George Albert Smith
• Country of Origin: United Kingdom
• Runtime: N/A
• Ratings: IMDb (4.9)

9. ‘The Accursed Cavern’

The Accursed Cavern (1898) is a spooky silent film by Georges Méliès. It takes viewers deep into a mysterious cave. Strange figures and eerie events keep the tension high. 

The film is packed with magical effects and dramatic moments. It’s a mix of adventure and the supernatural, all told in just a few minutes. Perfect for fans of early cinema and ghostly tales.

Unfortunately, all that is publicly available for this film is a few clips here and there. I used those and the general description to piece this together, but please let me know if you find a copy!

• Year Released: 1898
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 20 meters (~40 seconds)
• Ratings: IMDb (4.8)

10. ‘The Astronomer’s Dream’

The Astronomer’s Dream (1898) is a whimsical silent film by Georges Méliès. It follows an astronomer as he explores the mysteries of the night sky. The line between dream and reality blurs, leading to strange and magical events. 

Stunning visual effects bring the cosmic adventure to life. It’s full of imagination, wonder, and surprises. A short but enchanting journey perfect for fans of early fantasy cinema.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1898
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 3 minutes
• Ratings: IMDb (7.4)

11. ‘Shinin No Sosei’ (Resurrection of a Corpse)

Shinin No Sosei (1898) is a Japanese short film with an intriguing twist. It explores the theme of life and death in a mysterious way. The story is both eerie and thought-provoking, filled with surprises. 

The film’s early special effects add a sense of wonder and curiosity. It’s a brief but memorable experience, blending drama and the supernatural. Perfect for fans of early Japanese cinema and stories that make you think.

Sadly, this one isn’t available in full anywhere I could see. If you find a copy, please let me know.

• Year Released: 1898
• Director: N/A
• Cast: N/A
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Runtime: N/A
• Ratings: IMDb (4.8)

12. ‘Bake Jizo’ (Jizo the Spook)

Bake Jizo (Jizo the Spook) (1898) is a spooky and playful Japanese short film. It centers on a mysterious Jizo statue that comes to life. Strange and eerie things happen as the statue causes trouble. 

The film mixes ghostly moments with some light-hearted humor. With its early special effects, it creates a sense of both wonder and fear. A short but fun watch for fans of supernatural stories and classic Japanese cinema.

These early Japanese horror movies are hard to find — little clips here and there, but nothing close to the full thing. If anyone can hook me up, please reach out.

• Year Released: 1898
• Director: N/A
• Cast: N/A
• Country of Origin: Japan
• Runtime: N/A
• Ratings: IMDb (4.6)

13. ‘The Cavalier’s Dream’

The Cavalier’s Dream (1898) is a charming and surreal silent film. It follows a cavalier who experiences a strange dream. As he sleeps, his imagination runs wild with magical and bizarre visions. 

The film uses creative effects to bring the dream world to life. Expect a mix of fantasy, humor, and unexpected twists. It’s a short, light-hearted escape into the fantastical, perfect for fans of early cinema and whimsical stories.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 
• Directors: Albert E. Smith, J. Stuart Blackton
• Cast: N/A
• Country of Origin: United States
• Runtime: 45 seconds
• Ratings: IMDb (5.2)

14. ‘Robbing Cleopatra’s Tomb’

Robbing Cleopatra’s Tomb (1899) is a silent horror film by Georges Méliès. It shows the mummy of Cleopatra being chopped up and transformed into a woman from a smoky brazier. 

This eerie short film helped launch Méliès’ career, catching the eye of producer Charles Urban, who brought it to the U.S.

Like several others in this list, Robbing Cleopatra’s Tomb is a lost film, so there’s very little to go on here.

• Year Released: 1899
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès, Jeanne d’Alcy
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: N/A
• Ratings: IMDb (6.2)

15. ‘The Miser’s Doom’

The Miser’s Doom (1899) is a short, silent film that tells a cautionary tale. It follows a miser who is consumed by his greed. Strange and unsettling things unfold as his obsession with money grows. 

The film uses dramatic effects to show the consequences of his actions. It’s a dark yet brief story about the dangers of greed. A must-watch for fans of moral tales and early cinema.

Watch clips here:

• Year Released: 1899
• Director: Walter R. Booth
• Cast: Walter R. Booth
• Country of Origin: United Kingdom
• Runtime: N/A
• Ratings: IMDb (4.2)

16. ‘Le Diable au couvent’ (The Devil in a Convent)

Le Diable au couvent (1899) is a dark and playful French silent film. The story centers around a devil who causes trouble in a convent. Mischief and unexpected events unfold as the devil interacts with the nuns. 

The film uses magical effects and humor to bring the fantasy to life. It’s a mix of the supernatural, comedy, and a touch of the macabre. A short and intriguing watch for fans of quirky tales and early cinema.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1899
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 3 minutes
• Ratings: N/A

17. Évocation spirite (Summoning the Spirits)

Raising Spirits (1899) is a magical short film by Georges Méliès. In just a few moments, a magician conjures surprising faces inside a floating wreath, each more unexpected than the last. 

With its clever illusions and playful style, this early silent film teases the wonders of transformation and the supernatural. Perfect for fans of Méliès’ enchanting tricks.

Watch the full movie:

• Year Released: 1899
• Director: Georges Méliès
• Cast: Georges Méliès
• Country of Origin: France
• Runtime: 1 minute
• Ratings: IMDb (5.7)

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